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Hope’s Debt Update – October, 2026

My only remaining debt is my Student Loan. I had hoped to have it paid off this year. But as I mentioned in my last post, my continued goal with the lower income and ultimate goal of being self sufficient again when the need arises is driving me to focus on savings instead of paying off this final debt.

Below you can see a screenshot of the status as of 10/3/2026.

Screenshot of Hope's student loan debt as of Oct, 2026 — Screenshot of my Student Loan Dashboard

The interest rate is 2.875% so it just makes sense to pay the minimum right now and continue to feed my high interest savings account which will eventually be my land/housing. And my ROTH IRA which will be my retirement.

Increasing Income

I’m continuing to grow my side hustle of watching dogs which has become a pretty steady income source. I keep my service area small and my rates on the lower end to keep myself booked. And I thoroughly enjoy it which is the best part.

In fact, I’m almost completely booked for the month of November when I return from this next roadtrip with my dad. Have I mentioned that here? I can’t remember. And some weeks I’m actually triple booked. Woot!!

Still praying for new recent interviews to turn into jobs. And if I get both of those, I will consider myself fully book for the time being. I’m quite excited about the prospect and more importantly thoroughly enjoying the work.

When I hit $6,000 in monthly income, I plan to increase the rate that I am paying off my debt.

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.

How Home Maintenance Costs Can Disrupt Your Household Budget

by Semify

Homeownership comes with expenses that extend far beyond the mortgage payment. Routine maintenance, unexpected repairs, replacements, and property improvements can all affect how much a household spends each month. When an expensive problem appears without warning, it can quickly force homeowners to adjust their budgets and postpone other financial priorities.

Planning for maintenance can make these expenses easier to manage. Understanding which household problems may require professional attention and recognizing early warning signs can also help homeowners address concerns before they become more expensive. In this article, we’ll explore how home maintenance costs can disrupt household budgets and what homeowners can do to prepare.

Small Pest Problems Can Become Expensive

Pest infestations are one example of how a relatively small household concern can develop quickly. A few signs of rodent activity may be easy to dismiss, but delaying action can allow a population to grow and create additional cleaning, repair, and removal costs.

Each female mouse can produce up to ten litters a year with up to 14 baby mice per litter. She is also immediately ready to mate again, making it possible for her to produce another litter in just 25 days.

Because rodents can reproduce so quickly, homeowners should pay attention to early warning signs. Droppings, gnaw marks, nesting materials, scratching sounds, or unexplained damage may indicate that mice have entered the property. Sealing gaps, storing food properly, and addressing activity promptly can help limit potential problems.

Water Damage Can Change the Budget

Water-related problems can also create significant unexpected expenses. A leaking pipe, damaged roof, overflowing appliance, or other source of moisture may affect flooring, walls, insulation, and personal belongings. What begins as a relatively simple repair can become considerably more involved if water remains undetected.

According to Restoration and Remediation, a research report on restoration contractors found that half of respondents focused on remodeling, while around 20% specialized in water damage restoration. This illustrates how closely property improvements and restoration work can overlap when homes require significant repairs.

Homeowners can help protect their budgets by responding quickly to visible leaks and investigating water stains, musty odors, or unexplained moisture. Regularly checking plumbing connections, appliances, roofs, gutters, and basements can also help identify potential problems before they cause extensive damage.

Major Systems Eventually Need Attention

Heating and cooling systems are another long-term expense homeowners need to consider. Although routine maintenance can help systems operate properly, mechanical equipment does not last forever. When a major component fails, replacement costs can put considerable pressure on a household budget.

According to This Old House, HVAC systems typically last between 15 and 20 years with proper maintenance. Knowing the approximate age of a system allows homeowners to anticipate when replacement may eventually become necessary rather than treating the expense as a complete surprise.

Setting aside money for major home systems can make these costs easier to absorb. Homeowners can also schedule regular professional inspections and maintenance to identify potential issues and keep equipment operating as efficiently as possible.

Build Maintenance Into Your Financial Plan

A household budget should account for both predictable and unexpected property expenses. Homeowners can create separate savings categories for routine maintenance, major replacements, emergencies, and planned improvements. Even small, consistent contributions can gradually build a reserve.

It may also help to keep a running list of the home’s major systems and their approximate ages. This can provide a clearer picture of which expenses may need attention in the coming years.

Home maintenance costs can disrupt a household budget when they arrive unexpectedly or when small problems become larger ones. Pest activity, water damage, and aging HVAC equipment are just a few examples of expenses that homeowners may eventually encounter. By monitoring the property, addressing warning signs promptly, maintaining major systems, and setting aside money for future repairs, households can make homeownership expenses more predictable and manageable.