Blogging Away Debt Our Journeys to a Debt-Free Life

by Hope

Boy, it seems like kids’ birthdays are a hot topic around here. I think at least 3 of us have written about them. If you will remember, I asked for some frugal birthday ideas back in April and then I subsequently decided to cancel birthday parties this year due to budget and stress. I have not regretted that decision AND my two little ones took the news surprisingly well!

So what did we do…

Princess turned 10 in May, and it was the day of her choir concert, so other than lunch out it was a pretty low key. She did get a new dress and her first “high heels” as surprise and a few little things.

Princess in her new dress and “high heels”

I was so glad that right after her choir concert she chose to take off here “heels” because they were hurting her feet. I knew she was old enough to make the decision to get them and had prayed she was wise enough to let the experience teach her. Sometimes us parents just need to get out of their way!

Little Gymnast turned 9 recently. He is such a car freak that I knew the best thing I could do for him was car centered…so I borrowed a really cool car! We had the car for the day and he was so surprised and thrilled. (I’ve got a video of him walking up to the car and then another bonus, I’m going to post them on my personal site. I’ll link here in case you want to see them, they will crack you up.)

Gymnast and History Buff in our car for the day!

Of course, he thinks he’s going to drive.

Their birthdays were really economical but very memorable as well and while they have both said “Mom, can we please have a party next year?” I am patting myself on the back for a job well done both stress, budget and experience wise!

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.