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No Self Control – Have to Do Something Different

I failed last month. And I’ve failed even more this month. I was so, so close to paying off my Amazon CC. And then I maxed it out again. I’ve got to do something different.

I had my Amazon CC down to $750 last month, had paid off half of it. And now, it’s back to $1,450. I had debated the wisdom of prioritizing this card, knowing my propensity to use it if there was available credit.

As a result, I’ve changed the order of CC priority for paying things off. And moved my Wander card up the list. I have destroyed that card, cannot use it in Apple pay, and it’s not tied to any of my reoccurring bills. There is absolutely no way I can run up the balance any further. So when it’s paid off, it’s gone.

What to do?

I’ve been trying to figure out what to do about the Sam’s Club CC and Amazon CC. The Sams card is paid off, and I’m not tempted to use it very often. Plus the benefits of cheaper gas when I do get near a Club, free delivery on Sam’s Club purchases with my Plus membership, and that the kids use the membership too, I am planning to keep this card open. But be very diligent of either not using it or paying it off every month. Both, really.

But my Amazon CC…just too temping. Those emotional scrolls via the app. The shopping urge at my fingertips. It’s too much. I was really proud of myself when I got rid of Prime a couple years back. It definitely curbed me some. But after finding out about free shipping on orders over $35…well, it’s still a problem. And having my Amazon CC just compounds that.

So I am cancelling my Amazon CC this week. I’m going to make it as difficult as I can to shop there. And to be honest, it’s not like I need anything that I can’t get locally.

Sidenote: I believe this move will hurt my credit score as this is my second oldest card. But that’s okay, I don’t really need or want any more credit at this point. 🙂

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.

Let the Summer of Focus Begin

by Hope

The coming months stretch out before me – no adventures planned. A focus on work, my home, and my finances. All the kids have stable work, chasing their dreams. Two of the dogs should be moving in with different kids next month, taking me from 5 to 3. Woot, woot!

This month I will begin negotiations to take my now part time COO job and make it full time. I believe there’s pretty high chance of this happening before fall. And I am so excited.

Me at dinner with Gymnast when I was in Texas a couple of weeks ago. He took me out for Mother’s Day!

I plan to continue my part time job at the local fast food restaurant. My duties have expanded from just catering coordinator to running their social media and doing a good bit of strategic marketing for them. It’s the perfect fit for my lifestyle and works nicely with my other job.

Reset and Refocus

With these two jobs keeping me plenty busy, I’ve let my personal consulting firm lag quite a bit. I haven’t had a web presence up for over two years now. But as of this week, that ends! I’ve negotiated with my primary role to take advantage of the new CRM we are launching and set up my own funnel and email marketing campaigns.

To be honest, I have no idea what I am going to sell, but the goal is to make is relatively passive with minimal day to day interaction. I’ve been brainstorming different courses I could offer, memberships, or even some sort of DIY guidance in setting up a digital presence.

I’ve got hundreds of emails from past clients and people who have expressed interest in my talents over the years, just trying to think through the best way to capitalize on that.

So we shall see. I don’t have to rush it, but I’m excited to let my creative juices flow without the pressure of “needing” this income stream right now.

Hope