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It’s the last day of the first month of 2025. I completed my first No Spend Month of the calendar year without going over my “budget” although it didn’t get spent the way I had planned.

Instead of groceries, I purchase meds and flowers. I was so sick for the majority of the month, that the food I did have, well, it’s most all still here.

That being said, despite being sick, this has been one of the most pleasant months I have had in a very long time. I had a lot of down time. I read a lot. I thought about what I want a lot. I slept a lot.

And I didn’t have to worry about anyone else.

The Plan

I have decided to sell my house. But I have also decided to do the work that I need to do to sell it myself. This includes touch up paint through out and refinishing the hardwood floors.

I will use a real estate agent. And my goal is to complete the work and be out of the house be the end of February.

For now, my things will remain in storage here in Georgia. I will head to my parents while the house goes on the market. All of the realtors I have interview are confident based on market, comps, and condition of house that it should be under contract the first couple of weeks.

If that’s the case, I will return from my parents before closing, complete the clearing of the house. And then decide where to go based on timing.

If it’s not under contract in the 2-3 weeks I plan to be at my parents, I will re-evaluate the plan.

Full transparency, I am still on the fence as to whether I am to stay here or go somewhere. I know the job market will be better elsewhere, there is no doubt about that. But the cost of living will be higher and the chances of me being able to afford to purchase again…iffy unless I get back into the corporate world.

This plan is 100% taking a step in faith and asking God to direct my steps. I’ve been praying for several years for clear direction, and frankly, I do not have it. So rather than waiting on God to appear in a dream. Boy, wouldn’t that be nice. I am taking steps and praying he will guide them as he did with Paul and Barnabas in Acts.

If the house doesn’t sell quickly and for the amount we are anticipating, I stay. If it does, I go. Just not sure where yet…

Dogs

I am down to two dogs, that will remain with me. I will share Opie’s story at a later date, but rest assured it’s a God story all the way through. (Jake will be moving to Texas with Gymnast next time I go.)

Work

I am working very hard to rebuild my reputation online as a digital marketing/technologist and have secured 3 contracts already with several others looking like they will close in February.

I am also on round two for a full time corporate job – pray for that. My 2nd interview is tonight.

I realize the house sale is not the best financial decision. But it will take an enormous burden off as far as debt goes. And I am truly, truly open to going wherever and doing pretty much whatever at this point. So leaning in and trusting God’s plan because I do not have one.

And I always love a good adventure!

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.

Health Insurance for the Win!

by Hope

Well, God sure does work in mysterious ways. I finally break down and cough up the money to get health insurance in December. It takes effect on January 1.

And I get hit with a cough that won’t quit right at the beginning of January. I finally broke down and went to an urgent care at the beginning of last week. Evidently, it was just a bronchitis type thing and would have probably cleared itself up had I just waited it out. But after being miserable and unproductive for several weeks, I couldn’t stand it anymore.

The meds being covered paid for the insurance. Woot, woot!

Here we are over a week and a half later, I’ve completed the antibiotics and steroids. The cough still lingers a bit. But I am able to function and sleep again. Hallelujah!

Now to get back on the horse…

In the meantime, I’ve picked up 3 new, small ongoing contracts through Upwork for website, SEO, and general digital marketing work. I’ve had a first round interview for a corporate job. (Crossing fingers that I get a call back for round two.)

And I am targeting putting the house on the market towards the end of February. More on that later.

I may have been sick, but I have not been idle. Just really, really slow.

I will say that being unemployed for the most part is a very, very different feeling when you are only responsible for yourself. The bills are covered for February and I’ve now got some cash flow.

I’ll keep you updated, but just wanted to jump on and let you know what was going on.

Hope