Blogging Away Debt Our Journeys to a Debt-Free Life

by Hope

I’m now 99.9% sure that I have updated all my auto-pays both personally and professionally to use either my personal or business debit card or my Apple Cash account (secondary to that is my personal debit.) I’ve worked up a system this past month that feels both manageable and secure to me.

I know someone commented on my post about this process asking why it would take the month to make this transition.

Because of my business, I actually have a pretty large number of auto-pays set up. While I pay most annually to take advantage of discounts, there are still quite a few monthly ones. Sorting those out took some time.

I have 5 monthly auto pay bills set up for my business and about triple that in annual charges. None are not significant individually, but when added up, it could quickly get me in trouble. (The largest one time charge I pay is $394.)

In addition, I have 8 monthly auto pay bills personally. These include things like health insurance premium, auto insurance premium (although I’ve been trying to pay this every 6 months), etc.

It definitely took some time and attention to make sure everything was set up correctly. But I’m pretty confident I’m ready for this clean break! And pretty proud of this step as well.

Sharing the Why

At the same time, I’ve been communicating what I’m doing with the kiddos. Taking the Dave Ramsey class, getting rid of all my credit cards, what I’m learning each week. (Tomorrow’s class is about Investing, I know I’ll learn alot there.)

I’ve had the 3 youngest watch some of the class snippets that I thought were really good. Especially his definition of the credit score or rather debt score.

Life is calm now. For probably the first time in 20 years. Lots of time in my head and to process and think through next steps. And look at my screw ups with some perspective and distance without feeling like I’m drinking out of a firehose.

Hope

Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.

Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.

Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.