Blogging Away Debt Our Journeys to a Debt-Free Life

by Hope

This post is long overdue. Over a year overdue, to be honest.

For more than twelve months now, some of you—kindly, curiously, and occasionally a bit relentlessly—have asked why my mortgage increased from $650 to $1,015 a month. I’ve read every message, every comment, every quiet nudge that said, “Hey… what’s the deal?”

And I get it. I’ve shared the highs, the lows, the “what was I thinking?” moments. And lots of my personal life. But this one… this one’s been harder to talk about.

So here it is: Yes, the increase was the result of a financial decision I made. It wasn’t because of insurance premiums, or property taxes, or a banking glitch. It was a choice. A deliberate, strategic one that let me clean up a part of my financial life that had been tangled up for far too long.

Without diving into the personal weeds—because those weeds are mine to handle—the decision was tied to the final chapter of a past relationship. One that, emotionally and financially, needed to be put to rest. This was the simplest, cleanest, and most peaceful way to do it.

And that’s all I’ll be saying about that.

Subject Closed

Sometimes, moving forward means closing a door and locking it without letting everyone peek inside. This blog has always been a place for honesty, but also boundaries. I hope you’ll understand that this decision, while it came with a higher monthly payment, came with a priceless sense of relief.

So yes, the mortgage went up. A cash out refinance where I did not receive any of the cash other than to close out an old chapter of life. But peace of mind? That went up too.

Thanks for being here—especially when the full story isn’t always up for discussion.

And thank you for the very graceful comment by Emilie which gave me the courage to address this ongoing question once and for all.

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.