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Tomorrow, I sign the closing documents and hand over the keys. This 8 year chapter of my life here in tiny town Georgia is coming to an end. This week has been full of emotions.

We will spend the next week together in Atlanta. All the kids will be here. And some of my Texas family too. We are celebrating. Princess graduates from college. Princess turns 21. Mother’s Day. And probably our last family adventure here. Well, outside of Beauty’s wedding next fall.

I got to thinking…years ago, I decided that if I did decided to move, I would not leave the state until Princess graduated. And here its, the house is sold as of this week and I’m leaving the state the week she graduates. Isn’t it funny how something we think about, pray for, just kind of works out? Not that it’s been without doubts and effort.

And I never even got to use the professional pictures that I have paid for.

I am proud of buying my first home, all the updates we did together as a family, and the stability this home gave us. Selling it was a tough decision. But I am confident it is the right one for me.

What about the money?

Before you ask, I am not certain when the proceeds from the house will hit my bank account. I will know how much as of tomorrow. The funds will be wired since I will be influx for several weeks after closing. I’ve already scheduled all the debt payments for mid-month. And I opened my high yield savings account so it’s ready to receive my EF and savings transfers.

I won’t be touching house money for the trip to Texas, it’s already been planned for, out of May’s income. I know I will be receiving enough to cover the CCs, painter, and my dad. Once I get settled in Texas, I will address the rest. I just need to not think about it for a while.

What’s Next

This month is going to be a bit of everywhere. I’ll be here in Georgia through the middle of the month. We are attending Princess college graduation and have invited extended family and close friends to meet us for lunch afterwards. No big party, and I’ve been clear that everyone will have to cover their own meal. I am buying a cake at a local grocery store. I’m not sure what we will do for Mother’s Day and Princess’ birthday, there will just be four of us in town then. I’m voting to eat Jimmy John’s, my favorite subs. (And I have a $15 gift card from Christmas.)

When the boys leave, I’ll head to Texas where I plan to spend a long weekend in my old hometown reconnecting with old friends and networking for possible jobs. (Staying with a friend so no hotel costs but most likely so meals out-at least a couple.)

And finally, I will land in the Austin area at my parents. And my next chapter begins.

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.

Zero Debt. Zero Regrets.

by Hope

Every once in a while, you reach a milestone in your financial journey that doesn’t just feel good—it feels right.

Here’s mine: None of my children have student debt. Not a single one. Not now, not looming around the corner. They’ve each walked into adulthood on their own terms, without the weight of tuition bills and loan balances chained to their ankles. I couldn’t be more proud.

Now, I know not everyone in the BAD community has cheered this decision. (And I promise, I see your point especially with my crazy rollercoaster of a job history the last several years.) Some have questioned my choice to financially support my kids through their post-high school education paths. I’ve seen the side-eyes, the subtle digs, the “they are going to have to support you!” And to all of that, I say: I hear you. But I also stand by my choice 100%.

The Kids’ Paths

Because here’s the truth: giving my kids a launchpad, without debt, is a gift I chose to give with my eyes wide open. And yes, each of their paths has looked different.

Beauty and History Buff both explored college and post-secondary education for several years. Neither ended up completing a degree, but they each walked away with invaluable life experience and no financial burden trailing them. That matters.
Sea Cadet pursued a more vocational route, becoming a certified firefighter and EMT. These accomplishments that would make anyone proud. Now, he’s back in school, working toward a bachelor’s degree with the ultimate goal of becoming a Physician Assistant. The man has a plan, and he’s working it, step by step. (Americorp and his current employer are covering his tuition 100% so no mom support needed now.)
Princess, ever the go-getter, is just a week away from graduating with her Bachelor’s in Finance. She already has a post-grad job lined up, and yes, I will be crying at her graduation, likely while calculating how much money I’m not spending on her living expenses and tuition anymore.
And then there’s Gymnast-still figuring out what comes next, and that’s completely okay. I’ve told him I’ll support whatever path he chooses, if and when he decides to pursue higher education. Personally, I think he’d make a fantastic realtor. He’s charming, smart, and doesn’t blink under pressure. But I’m staying in my lane. Well, mostly.

This Chapter is Closing for Me

Each of my children has chosen their own direction. Some have zigged, some have zagged. And not one of them has to start their adult lives under a mountain of educational debt. That’s not luck. That’s a decision I made, a priority I stuck to, and a burden I carried…gladly.

And now, with Princess’s four-year degree chapter coming to a close, I’ll admit: I’m breathing a little easier. I’m deeply grateful that this season of paying for tuition, books, housing, meal plans, surprise fees, and everything in between… is over.

I’m proud of my kids. I’m proud of the support I gave. And yes, I’m proud of me, too.

This blog is about debt, but it’s also about values. And I’ll always believe that setting your kids up for a debt-free start in life, whatever their path may be, is a value worth investing in.