by Hope
Over the years as I have read about different people’s get out of debt journeys, there are always those little changes that make a big impact. For many it’s been giving up their daily Starbucks stop, for some it’s taking lunch to work every day and many more.
After I gave up soda a few years ago, I didn’t really have any of those little steady expenditures to give up. But I continue to monitor me spending on a daily basis and watch to make sure I’m not starting any new bad habits. And thankfully, thusfar, I haven’t noticed any “leaks.”
I Have a Problem
However, there is one area that I have a long history of being terrible about spending unnecessarily…and don’t laugh. It’s LIBRARY LATE FEES. Now don’t get me wrong, it’s not a regular issue, but it has definitely been a habitual failure over the last few years…okay, more than a few years.
We have always been regulars at the library…both for our homeschooling years and since for our pleasure reading. But my notoriety at returning books let has caused me to often comment that I should “own stock in the library” as often as I have had to pay fines.
Started a New Streak
BUT…in continuing to make better financial decisions, I have been extremely diligent about 1) returning my stacks of books on time and 2) renewing my check out period when I want to keep a book longer. In fact, I’ve now gone two whole months with NO LATE FEES!
Ok, now before you jump down my throat, my fees over the years are typically no more than $1-3 each time. But I do know how that adds up. And I’m happy to report that I have finally broken my late fee streak. Go me!
I know it’s a small win, but it is a win. What little bad habits do you have that you need to break? No shame how silly they sound…I mean, seriously, mine is library later fees. That is pretty pathetic.
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.
