Blogging Away Debt Blogging Away Debt follows real people on their journey to debt freedom — with tips on the debt snowball, budgeting, cutting expenses, and staying motivated.

by Hope

I’ve been noodling 2025. I’m not much for resolutions. Sticking to them is not my strong suit. We all know this. Here’s my first draft of my 2025 Quarter 1 thoughts…

1. Savings to Handle the Ups and Downs of My Income
   The recent roller coaster with my full-time contract has taken a toll—not just financially, but mentally too. I’ve felt the stress of juggling variable income and the uncertainty of what’s next. That’s why rebuilding my savings is my top priority for Q1. My goal is to save a minimum of 3months’ worth of living expenses, but I’ll do it in a way that still allows me to make progress on debt. Small, consistent savings transfers will keep me moving forward without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Plan (and Fund) one more Home Renovation
   Refinishing the hardwood floors has been lingering on my “to-do” list for too long. And it is the second larger item that the real estate agent suggested I complete. It’s the one final project I want to outsource to get the house ready for a future sale. In January, I’ll focus on getting three solid quotes, creating a realistic budget, and saving for it in cash. The goal here is simple: no new debt. I’ll time the project around a stronger income month and fund it intentionally, so I’m not playing catch-up later.
3. Keep Chipping Away at Consumer Debt
   Paying off consumer debt is still one of my biggest priorities, but I’m being kinder to myself this time around. While I’ll keep throwing any “extra” income—like a strong contract month, small freelance gigs, or unexpected savings—at my debt, I won’t do it at the expense of rebuilding my savings. Balance is key.

Why Savings Comes First (But Not Only)

The instability of the last few months has been a wake-up call…again. I’ve felt the emotional weight of not knowing what’s next, and I don’t want to live in that cycle anymore. Having a cushion in savings will help me breathe easier, but I know I can’t lose sight of my other goals. So this quarter, I’m committed to finding the balance: saving for security, funding the last big house project, and continuing to chip away at debt—one dollar, one decision at a time.

Here’s to starting 2025 stronger, calmer, and more in control.

Hope

Hope is a resourceful, solutions-driven online business manager with over two decades of experience helping clients streamline operations, manage projects, and grow their businesses through digital marketing and technology.

But life has a way of rewriting your plans.

A year ago, Hope made the decision to move in with her aging parents full time – a season she wouldn’t trade, even as it came with its own financial and emotional weight. Earlier this year, she lost her mother, and is now walking the tender, disorienting path of grief while learning what “forward” looks like from here.

Hope came to the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015 as a single mom raising five foster and adoptive children. She’s written through job changes, financial setbacks, and the bittersweet transition to an empty nest. Her kids are finding their footing in the world now – and so is she.

Rooted in faith and fueled by the same perseverance she’s brought to every hard season, Hope is ready to face her finances with fresh eyes and an honest pen. She believes that clarity, courage, and community can change the trajectory of anyone’s story including her own.

She lives in Austin, TX with her dad, loves adventures with her dog Addie, and is figuring out, one step at a time, what this next chapter is meant to be.