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I wake up really, really early these days. My alarm is set for 5:30am, but I’m typically wide awake by 4:45am. A few days ago, it was even earlier. My mind just starts running…work stuff, plans for the day, plans for the month, etc. (I’m at the lake by 5:45/6am to walk my mileage every single day.)

Anyways, this particular morning, I got the urge to discard my savings plan for this month – travel and personal (not my Stash and Roth contributions). They are on automatic transfers, so the monies had already been moved to the respective savings account.

Now I know what you are thinking. OMG, what did she do this time?!

So here’s what I did…

I impulsively paid off another credit card. So instead of $790 to personal savings + $500 to travel savings, I ended up with $188 to travel savings and $1,101.88 to debt.

Wise move or too impulsive?

Accounts Closed

The other account you see listed in this screenshot is the CC I paid off back in February when I first got this job. It’s remained a $0 balance since.

And now that they are both paid off…I am making the call to close both accounts as soon as the payment is done being processed! Woot, woot!

What’s Next

This puts my Amazon CC at the top of the list to get paid off next. But then I got to thinking that my largest balance is my Frontier CC (outside of USAA) and thus it costs me the most every month in interest. So what do you think? Should I pay off my Amazon CC in September? I believe I can pay it in full next month. Or should I focus on the larger balance Frontier CC which would take at least two and possibly three months to pay in full?

I wish I could add a poll to this post. Because whatever the votes tally in the comments, that’s the direction I’m going. So tell me, which CC should I focus on next?

Sidenote: The reason I am focusing on these instead of my USAA CC is that I intend to close out all these accounts as they are paid off. My USAA CC, the longest standing CC will not be closed. I am also leaving my Sam’s Club and Apple CC open. But all other credit accounts will be closed.

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.

How to Add More Value to Your Home Before You Sell

by Semify

Selling a home can be a challenging process, but by making strategic improvements, you can significantly increase its value and appeal to potential buyers. Here are some effective ways to add more value to your home before putting it on the market.

Upgrade Your Garage Door

One of the simplest yet most impactful upgrades you can make is replacing your garage door. According to Bob Vila, 70% of Realtors believe that a new garage door can help sell a house faster and for a higher price. A new garage door enhances curb appeal, giving your home a fresh and well-maintained appearance. It also improves security and energy efficiency, which are key selling points for buyers. Consider choosing a style that complements the overall design of your home for a cohesive look.

Enhance Landscaping

First impressions are crucial when selling a home, and landscaping plays a significant role in creating an inviting exterior. Quality landscaping can boost your home’s resale value by as much as 14%. This can include simple tasks like mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, and adding colorful plants and flowers. For a more substantial impact, consider adding features such as a new walkway, outdoor lighting, or a water feature. A well-maintained garden not only makes your home more attractive but also suggests to potential buyers that the property has been well cared for.

Focus on Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is a vital aspect of attracting buyers, and the roof is a major component of your home’s exterior. Depending on the architecture, the roof can make up 40% of the visible exterior, significantly influencing the home’s overall look. Ensure your roof is in good condition and free from visible damage. If necessary, invest in repairs or a replacement. A clean, well-maintained roof can enhance the aesthetic appeal and suggest reliability, reducing concerns about potential future repairs.

Update the Kitchen

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home and is a major factor in homebuying decisions. Simple updates, such as replacing outdated appliances, updating cabinetry hardware, and installing new countertops, can make a big difference. A fresh coat of paint and modern lighting fixtures can also brighten up the space. By creating a modern and functional kitchen, you can attract buyers who are looking for a home that doesn’t require immediate renovations.

Refresh Bathrooms

Bathrooms are another area where small updates can yield significant returns. Replacing old fixtures, adding new lighting, and updating the vanity can give the bathroom a fresh, modern look. Consider regrouting tiles, replacing worn-out caulk, and adding a fresh coat of paint to make the space feel clean and inviting. These improvements can make a big difference in how buyers perceive the overall condition of your home.

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

A new coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh your home’s interior and exterior. Choose neutral colors that appeal to a wide range of buyers and make spaces feel larger and brighter. Painting can hide minor imperfections and give your home a well-maintained appearance. Don’t forget to paint the front door, as this small detail can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal.

Improve Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important to homebuyers. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows, adding insulation, and installing a programmable thermostat can make your home more appealing. These improvements can reduce utility bills and improve comfort, which are attractive features for buyers. Highlighting these energy-efficient features in your listing can set your home apart from others on the market.

Declutter and Depersonalize

Before showing your home, take the time to declutter and depersonalize each room. Removing personal items, excess furniture, and unnecessary decor can make your home feel more spacious and allow potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Consider renting a storage unit to store items that are not essential for daily living. A clean, organized home creates a positive impression and helps buyers focus on the features of the property rather than the clutter.

Stage Your Home

Staging your home can enhance its appeal and help buyers see its full potential. This can involve rearranging furniture, adding decorative elements, and highlighting the home’s best features. Professional staging can make a significant difference, but even simple DIY staging efforts can be effective. The goal is to create an inviting, functional space that appeals to a wide range of buyers.

Making strategic improvements before selling your home can significantly increase its value and attract more potential buyers. By upgrading your garage door, enhancing landscaping, focusing on curb appeal, updating key areas like the kitchen and bathrooms, and improving energy efficiency, you can create a more appealing and valuable property. These efforts, combined with decluttering, depersonalizing, and staging, will help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.

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Emotional Spending or Smart Move?