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I appreciate all the helpful comments on my post last week. I have cut as much discretionary spending out as I can including regular landscaping, etc. Although I can’t eliminate it completely as my yard does have to be maintained, it does not have to be done as often. So that is the route I have gone with that. (No, I am still not going to buy a lawnmower and cut it myself. I’ve gone the math and reviewed the mental health affect of that option and it is not worth it on any front.)

As for having the kids pay…

I am doing my absolute best to continue to protect my kids and honor my commitments to them. I realize that financially that may not be the smart move. But I have always been driven by my heart first.

Princess has been covering all her college and living expenses for going on two years now. It is taking everything she is making to do that. And I couldn’t be more proud. I will not put more pressure on her. She did pick up paying for her phone. But I will continue to cover her car insurance. At the end of this, one and a half more years, Princess will receive her bachelor’s degree in finance and have NO DEBT. That is what all this is for, to give her and each of my kids the best start I possibly can.

I gave Gymnast 6 months when he moved out. This includes covering his phone and insurance for 6 months to allow him to get on his feet in Texas. I am going to do my absolute best to honor that. That is January for him. He’s gotten a job serving tables in a high end restaurant and is very focused on making good financial decisions.

Setting up my kids for success is my and always has been my #1 goal. Protecting their mental health, preparing them to make good decisions, and making sure they DO NOT follow my footsteps into debt as much as I can…I will do anything to meet these goals. Even carry this weight alone a little bit longer. Mama’s prerogative.

girls night out — Princess came home for the weekend a couple of weeks ago. We enjoyed a low key girl’s night out wandering around Greenville, SC

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.

Debt update loading

by Hope

I am working on my debt update. I promise. It’s been months since I really sat down and looked at my finances. It’s terrifying and disheartening. But it’s also one of those situations where I have to think, there’s not much lower I can go. Don’t get me wrong, I know there is, things could be much, much worse. This is a 1st world problem. I am grateful for my privilege. very.

Let’s start with the positive

I needed to take a break from the hard. Let’s start with some positivity on the financial front.

My car is completely paid for and in good working order.
My home is in good working order. We have not had any issues with the HVAC or rain or electricity, etc. I am SO GRATEFUL for that, especially the air conditioning!
As of the date of this post, all bills are paid and in good standing.
While I have been late on A LOT of bills lately, really almost everything. I have not been more than 30 days late on anything. (I mean, one day shy, yes, but I haven’t hit that 30 day mark.)
I have discovered donating plasma which has paid for food for the house and the dogs for last couple of months. I absolutely hate it though.
To date, I have not had to sell my jewelry. But that will most likely happen in the next month if something doesn’t give. I have checked with Princess and Gymnast as these are items their dad gave me when we were married. Neither of them care at all about it. I’m the sentimental one.
I have lots of solid antique furniture. And I have checked with all the kids to see if there is anything they are dying to inherit someday. While I hope to not have to sell, I know I could get several hundred dollars for some of the pieces. They have mentioned a few items that are meaningful to them. I am very glad I asked.
Houses are still selling very well here. And I have quite a bit of equity in my home. This again, is a situation where I do not want to sell my home. But if it comes down to it, I could most likely sell it quickly and have $$ in my pocket.

my house, my car — This was my house during COVID times. There have been lots of changes since then. But I am so grateful for my house and my car. Those who have been here for a while will understand just how deeply I feel that gratitude.

That’s all I can think of right now. But I’m going to keep holding on to the glass half full outlook. No matter what. (Now I’m going back to work on my debt update.)