Blogging Away Debt Our Journeys to a Debt-Free Life

by Hope

I think I have mentioned that while Princes was accepted into college as an engineering major, she changed her major to economics before she registered for classes. She took an economics class the last semester of her senior year and fell in love, specifically with the investing side of things. I was just baffled, am still baffled by it all.

So now we are two years in and she is going strong, showing no signs of changing her major or her mind to dive headfirst into all things money. She just finished her second college economics class with a 100! And investing is still really fascinating to her.

As I was mentioned all this to my bestie a few weeks ago over dinner, she immediately picked up her phone and texts her hubby. Evidently, they had recently been a discussion about what he wishes someone had told him when he first started investing and he had a list of books to share.

I got home and ordered her a set to be delivered to school and me a set. I want to be somewhat informed once she starts digging in. He gave me a list of three books, these are the ones we are starting with. (The 3rd was $42 each, so we are going to start with these two that were right around $10-15 each.)

Anyone else have a “must have” book for beginner investors?

Speaking of Princess

She and her roommate of last year are not big fans of their living arrangements this year. (They are living in a 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom apartment with strangers.) It’s off campus, student housing. So discussions are already being had about making another move next summer when their lease is up.

I am super proud of how she is handling her “adulting” but I think adding additional expenses might tip the scales and be too much. But I suppose this is one of those times when I can advise when she asks, but must ultimately respect her decision.

Just for fun…this is a text I received last week after she was down sick for a couple of days. I thought you all might get a giggle out of it like I did. We all have had those “bad roommate” experiences at one time or another. At least this has been the worst of it…at least, as far as I know.

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.