by Hope
I was so proud to be prepared for Princess college tuition this month. It is due at the end of this week, January 14th to be exact. Since I knew what last semester cost (almost $4,000), I saved all last fall to be ready for this semester. Go me! I am ready.
Then she mentioned, “oh, mom, for this class, they give us first day access for my online access for this cost? should i just take that or do you still want me to check the bookstore and amazon?” Ugh! I completely forgot to add some extra for the cost of books. And she’s taking 16 hours again so the price of books will probably be about the same as last semester…several hundred dollars.
Can’t believe I forgot about this expense. *slaps forehead
Anyways, we are going to pursue renting the textbooks again from Amazon which saved us a ton of money for books she wouldn’t need again. But it’s going to throw off my plan for this month by a few hundred dollars. And took my pride down a notch or two at being so prepared. But thankfully, unlike past times, it doesn’t cause a financial scramble and anxiety because I can cover it.
I guess I needed this lesson to remind me of how far I’ve come and also how the details matter.
If her dad kicks in for tuition, it might alleviate this mishap. He did pay $700 toward that semester’s tuition. But he’s been silent and inactive in contributing for this semester thusfar. But I’m prepared either way. Thank God!
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.
At this point you should have a line item called “unexpected expenses” Hope. *sigh*
You have $100 buffer to use, cancel the gym membership since you’re already considering it and any extra comes from the $300 savings line item.
$300 a month and Princess can’t cover textbooks? Unless she’s a STEM major and/or needs every book on the first day of class, that should go a long way.