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For those that have been following all these years, I thought it would be fun to share a brief update on how all the kiddos are doing. It was so good to be together for Thanksgiving.

Sea Cadet

Sea Cadet continues to work in the medical field and is actually returning to college this spring to study respiratory therapy. His end goal is still to become a PA, but he knows it’s a long road. Between grant money from his time in Americorp and monies from the hospital he works at, we believe he will get through this Bachelors/possible masters program with no debt. Goals!

History Buff

History Buff is still working at the first job he got when he moved to Vegas. He is in his sweet spot, sales and interacting with people. Right now, he’s settled and enjoying life. But does know that Vegas isn’t his forever…time will tell. He is considering buying a newer car soon. Up until now, he’s only had cash cars. He’s taking it slow and doing his best to make wise financial decisions. He and his roommate, ie best friend that he moved out there with just moved to a new apartment that is within walking distance of work.

Beauty

Beauty no longer dreams of cosmetology and prefers not to braid hair anymore. She just started a new job working at with a cabinet maker (larger company) and while it’s significant learning curve, it’s decent money and steady hours. This is important to her as she’s just gotten engaged and they moved into their first rental house this past weekend. She and her fiancé plan to travel over New Years for him to meet her biological mom.

Princess

Princess is entering her final semester of her Bachelor’s degree. She is working part time in events at a large chain Italian restaurant, has just been selected to be COO of the university investment fund, and of course, full time school. She is hyper busy and super stressed. But she knows she’s on the final leg of this chapter. And she’s so excited!

Gymnast

Gymnast continues to work as a waiter at the first job he got when he moved to Texas just about a year and a half ago. He will pay off his car this month!! (Update: He actually paid it off on 12/17. My sister filmed him making the final payment and the whole family celebrated his huge accomplishment via family text). While I was in Texas this time, he signed a leased on an apartment. He will move in January. Up until now, he’s been living with my sister and paying her a nominal rent. We are so grateful for her. But it is time for his next chapter…

Proud Mom

I couldn’t be more incredibly proud of each of my kids. They are all choosing their own paths suited to their dreams and desires. And continue to show maturity and wisdom far beyond their years with their decisions. I have done something right.

Hope

Hope is a creative, solutions-focused business manager helping clients grow their business and work more efficiently by leveraging expertise in project management, digital marketing, & tech solutions. She’s recently become an empty nester as her 5 foster/adoptive kids have spread their wings. She lives with her 3 dogs in a small town in NE Georgia and prefers the mountains to the beaches any day. She struggles with the travel bug and is doing her best to help each of her kids as their finish schooling and become independent (but it’s hard!) She has run her own consulting company for almost twenty years! Hope began sharing her journey with the BAD community in the Spring of 2015 and feels like she has finally in a place to really focus on making wise financial decisions.

Hope’s Q1 2025 Financial Goals

by Hope

I’ve been noodling 2025. I’m not much for resolutions. Sticking to them is not my strong suit. We all know this. Here’s my first draft of my 2025 Quarter 1 thoughts…

Savings to Handle the Ups and Downs of My Income
The recent roller coaster with my full-time contract has taken a toll—not just financially, but mentally too. I’ve felt the stress of juggling variable income and the uncertainty of what’s next. That’s why rebuilding my savings is my top priority for Q1. My goal is to save a minimum of 3months’ worth of living expenses, but I’ll do it in a way that still allows me to make progress on debt. Small, consistent savings transfers will keep me moving forward without feeling overwhelmed.
Plan (and Fund) one more Home Renovation
Refinishing the hardwood floors has been lingering on my “to-do” list for too long. And it is the second larger item that the real estate agent suggested I complete. It’s the one final project I want to outsource to get the house ready for a future sale. In January, I’ll focus on getting three solid quotes, creating a realistic budget, and saving for it in cash. The goal here is simple: no new debt. I’ll time the project around a stronger income month and fund it intentionally, so I’m not playing catch-up later.
Keep Chipping Away at Consumer Debt
Paying off consumer debt is still one of my biggest priorities, but I’m being kinder to myself this time around. While I’ll keep throwing any “extra” income—like a strong contract month, small freelance gigs, or unexpected savings—at my debt, I won’t do it at the expense of rebuilding my savings. Balance is key.

Why Savings Comes First (But Not Only)

The instability of the last few months has been a wake-up call…again. I’ve felt the emotional weight of not knowing what’s next, and I don’t want to live in that cycle anymore. Having a cushion in savings will help me breathe easier, but I know I can’t lose sight of my other goals. So this quarter, I’m committed to finding the balance: saving for security, funding the last big house project, and continuing to chip away at debt—one dollar, one decision at a time.

Here’s to starting 2025 stronger, calmer, and more in control.