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by Hope

We had a quick overnight trip to Atlanta this weekend. It was scheduled around a college visit for Princess – Spelman College. What a beautiful campus and a step into a different culture for myself and Princess’ friend who accompanied us.

I was very sad to hear that they did away with their sports programs in their entirety. Otherwise, I believe it would have made Princess’ short list. I was very impressed with their campus and offerings. And I’m very glad we visited.

A Night Away

I used points for an overnight stay downtown, it was nice that using points also covers the cost of parking! And the girls’ had a blast scootering around downtown Atlanta and taking hundreds (literally, hundreds) of pictures. (They each paid for their own scooter. Mine cost $11, they were out a bit longer then me.)

We didn’t go outside of our budget for this trip at all. I had set aside monies from our weekly cash budget for food and entertainment. (I scheduled her college visits several months ago around her school breaks.)

It was a really great way to enjoy her fall break from school. And visit with a friend from her old school.

We walked for miles, enjoyed free Cokes from the World of Coke and tried out an amazing restaurant that I found on Yelp – Poor Calvins! The restaurant was a bit pricey, but we all shared an appetizer and the special of the day. It was a great way to enjoy the experience without breaking the bank!

Because we didn’t have reservations (didn’t realize I had picked somewhere that required them,) they let us eat outside. It was a wonderful adventure, especially after a 2 mile scooter ride from our hotel Friday night.

Next weekend, Princess is off on a retreat with some girls from school. (Sponsored by another family, so no cost to us.) I have plans to finish my Christmas shopping/making for our Texas family. And to do a purge of my bedroom and living room.

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.