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by Hope

It’s the last day of the first month of 2025. I completed my first No Spend Month of the calendar year without going over my “budget” although it didn’t get spent the way I had planned.

Instead of groceries, I purchase meds and flowers. I was so sick for the majority of the month, that the food I did have, well, it’s most all still here.

That being said, despite being sick, this has been one of the most pleasant months I have had in a very long time. I had a lot of down time. I read a lot. I thought about what I want a lot. I slept a lot.

And I didn’t have to worry about anyone else.

The Plan

I have decided to sell my house. But I have also decided to do the work that I need to do to sell it myself. This includes touch up paint through out and refinishing the hardwood floors.

I will use a real estate agent. And my goal is to complete the work and be out of the house be the end of February.

For now, my things will remain in storage here in Georgia. I will head to my parents while the house goes on the market. All of the realtors I have interview are confident based on market, comps, and condition of house that it should be under contract the first couple of weeks.

If that’s the case, I will return from my parents before closing, complete the clearing of the house. And then decide where to go based on timing.

If it’s not under contract in the 2-3 weeks I plan to be at my parents, I will re-evaluate the plan.

Full transparency, I am still on the fence as to whether I am to stay here or go somewhere. I know the job market will be better elsewhere, there is no doubt about that. But the cost of living will be higher and the chances of me being able to afford to purchase again…iffy unless I get back into the corporate world.

This plan is 100% taking a step in faith and asking God to direct my steps. I’ve been praying for several years for clear direction, and frankly, I do not have it. So rather than waiting on God to appear in a dream. Boy, wouldn’t that be nice. I am taking steps and praying he will guide them as he did with Paul and Barnabas in Acts.

If the house doesn’t sell quickly and for the amount we are anticipating, I stay. If it does, I go. Just not sure where yet…

Dogs

I am down to two dogs, that will remain with me. I will share Opie’s story at a later date, but rest assured it’s a God story all the way through. (Jake will be moving to Texas with Gymnast next time I go.)

Work

I am working very hard to rebuild my reputation online as a digital marketing/technologist and have secured 3 contracts already with several others looking like they will close in February.

I am also on round two for a full time corporate job – pray for that. My 2nd interview is tonight.

I realize the house sale is not the best financial decision. But it will take an enormous burden off as far as debt goes. And I am truly, truly open to going wherever and doing pretty much whatever at this point. So leaning in and trusting God’s plan because I do not have one.

And I always love a good adventure!

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.