getting out of debt Archives - Blogging Away Debt Blogging Away Debt

by Hope

I mentioned in December that I had plans to join a gym starting in January. The same day we returned from New York, I made good on that commitment. I joined Planet Fitness.

And I have been going consistently since. I am so freaking proud of myself.

Even more than that, I have been walking almost daily around a local lake. (This is something I started last fall.) Now it’s super intentional and I’ve gone from walking 3/4 of a mile there daily to a minimum of 2.25 miles and sometimes double that. Several days a week, I am getting 6 miles walked plus weight training.

This isn’t completely accurate because unless I’m carrying my phone, I don’t have any way to track my steps. And my treadmill walking doesn’t get picked up either. But I’m really doing this and it’s week 4. Go me for consistency.

Cost of workout

I chose the more expensive Planet Fitness option because I hope to road trip some later this year and use it as I travel to not only workout but shower as I will car camp. And I love the added benefits of the massage chairs at the end of my workout. As the commercial says…it’s like a reward.

The cost is $28 monthly and there is no commitment. For me, at this time in my life, this is an excellent investment. And I am committed to keeping it up.

Towards the end of February I plan to have bloodwork done to see if this significant and consistent change to my activity level helps more with my diabetes, etc.

The biggest benefit though and much needed, is that this regular movement has really helped me stay focused and moving. While I am not back to my old self, it has certainly helped me get through each day more focused than I have been.

I would say that for the first time, maybe ever, I have made a commitment to my physical health and stuck to it. (At least far longer than I ever have before.) And long term, this will surely have some financial implications as far as my health goes. Go me!

Hope

Hope is a digital marketing manager and foster/adoptive single mom to five kids. She has run her own consulting company for over 15 years and took a leap of faith returning to the corporate world in 2021 to a job and team she loves! Hope began sharing her journey with the BAD community in the Spring of 2015 and feels like she has finally mastered the balance between family first and wise financial decisions.

by Hope

If you’ve read BAD for more than a few years, you know that my life has been a roller coaster to say the least. Not what I wished for, planned for, or always my fault. I have to own that some of the challenges are due to my poor planning and preparation. But, ugh, I just feel like I never get a break.

So once again, everything in my life is up in the air…

I’ve been told that my contact job will end in February at latest. (I actually have a call with my boss today unexpectedly so that doesn’t bode well.)
While my mom’s health continues to decline, my dad must now start some treatment of his own which puts a greater burden on my 3 (of the 4) siblings who are supporting my dad as primary caretaker for my mom. They will now also need to step up more for my dad.
My adopted/not really adopted daughter has been arrested and it does not look good. Her bond was set at $19,400 (no property bond allowed). I just can’t swallow putting down almost $3,000 to get her out for what would be temporary since she did and admitted to doing what she is charged with. And I feel like a terrible person for that. Just terrible.
Gymnast has been unable to find another job. Because of his age his options are really limited here. That really puts a damper on his delays to move and have several months of expenses saved. I know this is not my problem and, of course, he is welcome to stay here. But he doesn’t need to stay here. He needs to be in a bigger city with more opportunity.

Decisions, decisions, decisions

And probably the worst of it…the absolute worst, is that my mental health is really suffering. All the upheaval of last year with the loss of my dream job/team, failure of my new contract to permanent position to materialize, failure of my relationship, and the unexpected overwhelming sense of loss I am experiencing as I face empty nesting, I just can’t seem to get my head on straight. I have always been a see what I want and go get it kind of person, decisive, and never wavering in my confidence. All that…yeah, like poof gone!

chaos going on in the brain

Work

First priority, securing work. I’m putting in applications like it’s going out of style. I have opened up the possibility of relocating, working onsite, hybrid or continuing remote. This is huge for me as I have been remote for almost 20 years. But with no kids to care for anymore, there is really no reason to not be open to anything out there.

I am super proud of my newly revised resume. But I am floundering big time in my career path. The other day I googled “jobs that let me love people.” I know, crazy. Purpose and passion – this is what I need. I suppose this stems from the empty nest and not having anyone to care take for anymore. Who knew that would be such a big loss versus freeing as I expected?!? I’ve also got and had several calls with recruiters so I am doing what I am supposed to.

In addition, I am considering revitalizing my business, but it’s not my first choice and what I would do…still very fuzzy.

Texas Bound

My family has certainly mentioned on a couple of occasions that I should think about moving there. And I did add it as an optional location for relocation in my job search. I know my siblings could use the help with my parents, but they also understand why it’s been important for me to be here with my kids. I am certainly applying down in the Texas area.

Frankly, though, the thought of a move to a higher cost of living area, housing insecurity, and all, just scares the crap out of me. (Pardon my french there.)

Kids

I would really prefer not to leave Georgia until Princess finishes school. I’m sure that’s just me, but I feel like she does still need me, at least sometimes. And History Buff is just getting back on his feet – good job, back in school. And Beauty may be going to prison for a while but would need somewhere to go after.

One day at a time

Can you tell I’m just feeling overwhelmed by everything? The pressure of the unknown is hitting me from every angle. Needless to say, I’m making minimum debt payments until the job situation is resolved. And hunkering down as best I can, this job market is tough with all the layoff of super talented people.