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Ok, I’ve officially said Goodbye to 2025 and it feels so good. Although there were so, so many good things last year, the heavy is not something I want to ever revisit. Therefore, I am 100% fully focused on this year.

And for the first, or what I consider the real first time…I really am looking at this year as a New Year, New Me kind of era. My personal goals for this year fall neatly into two main categories. (This does not include my debt free journey which is a given at this point.)

Healthwise

First, my health. In October/November, my diabetes really took over my life. I started a new medication upon my return from Georgia (prescribed by my dr) and my numbers went completely wacko. We are still not sure what happened. It took several weeks of very intentional monitoring and eating to get things back under control. It was not a pleasant experience.

For my birthday, I gifted myself a 3 month subscription to Pilates. I attended a free trial class and determined, it was not only an exercise program I can do being as out of shape as I am, but the schedule of classes is perfect for my life of caretaking and working. So for the next 3 months, I will be attending a workout class 2x week at 6am.

At the same time, one of my mom’s hospice aids is helping me create a workout plan I can do at my parents neighborhood gym. So my commitment for Q1 is 4 times a week, I work out. Hopefully, this starts a precedent that carries on through the year.

Work

Work has been very steady since last spring. I’m grateful for that. But I’ve been drawn to another type of business for the past 5 months. And in November, I decided to bite the bullet and launch a brand new business.

No, I’m not shutting down my now 20 year old business. This is a brand new endeavor. Still digital, maximizing the skills I’ve developed helping people set up and grow their businesses, but this time, doing it for me.

The last two months, I’ve spent countless hours actually developing the products. And had a plan to launch the last week of December. But time got away from me and I just didn’t get it done.

It will launch this month though. And I’m feeling super confident and excited that it will do well. I’ve done the research, created products that solve a need, and created a solid launch plan. Now I just need to complete the digital footprint and launch.

That’s all I will say for now. But that is what is keeping me super busy these days.

What are your 2026 goals?

Hope

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.

Money You Didn’t Know You Were Losing And How to Get It Back

by Semify

If you ever feel like your money disappears faster than you can earn it, you’re definitely not alone. Most of us are juggling bills, unexpected expenses, and the goal of getting ahead—even if it feels impossible some months. The good news? You’re probably losing money in places you don’t even realize, and with a few small changes, you can start putting more back into your pocket. Think of this as a friendly chat about the everyday ways we accidentally drain our wallets and how some simple fixes can make life a whole lot easier—and a little less stressful.

We’ve all had those moments where we check our bank accounts and wonder how our paycheck vanished so quickly. Sometimes it feels like financial leaks are hiding everywhere. And honestly, they kind of are. But the encouraging part is that a lot of these money drains are totally fixable once you know where to look.

The Reality of Rising Daily Expenses

One of the biggest reasons people feel like they’re constantly behind financially is simple: life is expensive. Groceries cost more, utilities cost more, and emergencies always seem to show up at the worst possible time. And it helps to remember you’re not the only one feeling squeezed. According to StudyFinds, seven out of 10 Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, which means the majority of people are struggling to get ahead even if they’re working hard and doing everything “right.” Knowing that can take some pressure off—you’re not failing. The system is just tough. But even in a tough system, there are little wins that can make a big difference.

Hidden Savings Inside Your Home

One of those “little wins” sits quietly in your home, and most people never think about it: your air ducts. It sounds random, but stick with me. Over time, dust, debris, and all kinds of gunk build up in your ductwork. That buildup forces your HVAC system to work harder, which leads to higher energy bills. And here’s the part people don’t expect: According to the EPA, homeowners can save 10–15% on energy bills by cleaning their air ducts. That’s real money—without changing anything about your daily habits. It’s one of those “set it and forget it” savings opportunities that can free up cash in your budget each month. Imagine trimming your power bill without turning off lights or raising the thermostat. Not a bad deal.

Money Many People Overlook After an Accident

Another place where people unknowingly lose money is after a car accident. Most of us think, “Well, insurance will cover the basics,” and move on. But the truth is, many people leave a lot of money on the table simply because they don’t realize what they’re legally allowed to claim. Even minor accidents can create ripple effects—doctor visits, time off work, or just the hassle of dealing with daily pain. And according to HG.org, three types of damages you can recover after an auto accident include, but aren’t limited to, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. That means you might have money owed to you that you never even knew to ask for. It’s not about being “sue-happy.” It’s about not financially paying for something that wasn’t your fault in the first place.

At the end of the day, you deserve to keep more of the money you work so hard for. And the truth is, a lot of it slips away simply because no one ever told you where to look. From unexpected savings at home to better understanding what you’re owed after an accident, there are real opportunities to take back control. You don’t need to be perfect or totally overhaul your life—just make a few smart moves that put money back in your pocket. Little changes really can make a big difference, and you’re more capable than you think.

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