Blogging Away Debt Our Journeys to a Debt-Free Life

by Hope

We have completed the checklist created in the Spring of summer yard projects. And I am so pleased!

The culmination was last week when we power washed (borrowed a power washer from my Uncle) and sealed the deck. The cost of supplies was $187. And the labor cost was ____ (still waiting for my daughter’s friend to send me his hours). But it looks so good…see for yourself!

As I walked around the property, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for all that we got done. The end result is a yard that is:

• Full of edible plants…blueberries, salad fixings, herbs, and so on.
• Less than 1/2 now needs to be maintained on a regular basis. We’ve been able to decrease the grassy area by about half.
• Dealt with the flooding issue caused by an overgrown culvert.
• Leveled and landscaped pathway from my carport to the back deck which significantly cut down on the tripping hazards (especially for me) and the mud the dogs will track into the house.
• Huge shade bed landscaped and with a significant weed barrier.

The final spend was $56 which was 10 bags of mulch, 4 bags of white marble rocks, and some landscape stakes.

What do you think of the results? It’s been lots and lots of sweat equity, lots and lots of cardboard collected (with permission) from my part time job to use as weed barrier, pallets from a friends job, and constantly watching Facebook marketplace for supplies for free or cheap.

But I am so please and proud of myself! And grateful. Now if only the cooler weather would hurry along so I can enjoy my outdoor living space.

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.