by Hope
I moved to Chicago in 1996. I had just completed by Bachelor’s degree and was moving to Chicago to save the world. Ha! My plan was to work with gangland kids as a licensed social worker.
My rent was $350. I didn’t have any debt. I didn’t have any credit cards. And I didn’t have a car. In fact, I left my car in Texas for my parents to sell.
I was completely ignorant of finances. I mean, I had grown up with a checking account. But credit score, no clue. Credit cards, no clue. Loans, no clue. I was really ignorant about the bigger world of money and debt and such.
And then I walked by a table somewhere and I’m sure they were offering something for free. And I signed up for my very first credit card.
This was my first purchase… (There was one more that I remember…a Coach backpack purse. I loved that bag! But I had no idea what Coach was. I had never been a name brand girl. And frankly, I’m still not, even though I do know what they are now.)
If memory serves, this watch cost me $300? Don’t quote me, it has been almost three decades since I made this purchase.
During my continuous clean out and purge, I found it a few weeks ago. Along with a couple of other nice watches I obtained since then.
I went to Walmart to try to get new batteries in all three. But they wouldn’t do anything with them due to the price point, I guess. They referred me to a jeweler to replace them. For $42, I got three new watch batteries. And now, I’m wearing my 28 year old purchase, and my daughter’s will each have a nice watch.
Several months ago, I was able to sell my engagement ring. (I couldn’t find the post about it.) But I had tried pawn shops, jewelers, and finally Facebook Marketplace to sell my “real” jewelry. I was shocked at how little these supposed valuable pieces were worth. But for now, I will keep this watch. I haven’t worn a watch for years. And I will enjoy it. It brings back the memories of some of the best times of my early adult life. I LOVE Chicago.
But it will also be a reminder of what not to do financially ever, ever again! No MORE CREDIT CARD debt!
Sidenote: Before you bring up unexpected spending, etc. this money came from my Christmas saving – cash bucket. I figured these are perfect gifts for the girls.
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.
That’s odd WalMart wouldn’t just replace the batteries but what do I know! This is a gift for the girls that I hope they cherish.
That was my thought too, but I guess they don’t want the liability should something go wrong.
Years ago I had a Fossil watch, and had to have the battery replaced at a jeweler or at a Fossil retailer. I was told at the time it was because Fossil watches were opened using a tool unique to that brand, and not all places had the tool. The watch also had a rubber gasket that needed to be replaced every time the watch was opened. So maybe the watch in question required some tool that Walmart didn’t have?
That watch is available for $29 on eBay.
Yes, no surprise there. But what was surprising is that Wal-mart wouldn’t change the battery.