paycheck Archives - Page 3 of 5 - Blogging Away Debt Blogging Away Debt

I will be honest, I can’t remember my last hearing aid update. So I’m going to recap what all has happened and then tell you where I’m at now…

Recent History

I’ve known I needed new hearing aids for a little over a year now. The ones I have used for the last 3-4 years, also can’t remember, were not strong enough. And one of them stopped holding a charge for more than an hour. Became unbearable.

In August, I went to Sam’s Club and got a hearing test. And priced their hearing aids. Audiologist there referred me to an ENT after a plethora of tests indicating some unusual disconnects.

In September, finally got in to see an ENT. They required me to meet with their audiologist before meeting with the doctor. The two tests showed exactly the same results, with the questionable disconnects.

After doctor did some additional tests, he indicated that there is damage to the bones inside my ears. And that I could have surgery to repair them. But it wouldn’t restore my hearing, I’d still have to hearing aids for the rest of my life, but it would slow down the progression…maybe. I quickly opted out of the surgery option.

I met with their audiologist again and ordered the recommended hearing aids. But they would take a month to come in…so they graciously loaned me a pair for Beauty’s wedding.

New Hearing Aids

After I returned from Georgia, I got my new hearing aids. They were $4,600. The latest and greatest. They were one step down from the ones they had let me borrow.

I wore them for 29 days. I had 30 days to test them.

Overall, they were good. I could hear great, even in restuarants which I haven’t been able to hear in for almost a decade now.

HOWEVER…

At church and music concerts, no matter the volume or program, they had a staticy white noise, that hurt my ears. Nothing I tried would stop it. So I ended up having to turn them all in those situations.

At a check in, about two weeks in, I shared the experience with the audiologist and she was going to work with the manufacturer to figure it out…

I never heard back from her.

So I returned them 1 day before my review period ended. I will get a full refund.

More New Hearing Aids

The same day I returned them, I went to see the initial Sam’s Club audiologist. I trust him.

Told him my needs. And said I just don’t want to spend that kind of money for something that I am already having trouble with.

Now I am wearing a pair of $2,000 hearing aids, with a $250 upgrade to have rechargeable batteries. And I have until February to see if they do the trick…

It’s a process. But I want to spend the least to get what I needed. And I’m willing to test them out until I find the right fit.

(Oh, one more note, Dad bought me a pair of the Amazon hearing aids, around $200. They are TERRIBLE, don’t work at all for me. But we tried.)

I will keep you posted…

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.

Hope’s Debt Update – Student Loans

by Hope

As of today, my student loan is debt principal is $16,400…we are on the move! You can see my end of October update here.

screenshot of student loan debt

I don’t anticipate I will pay any more this month even though I do anticipate additional monies coming in. But I’ve learned better than to count my chickens before they hatch so I’m planning conservatively. And should be able to pay more than my goal of $2,000 per month next month.

Not Unexpected, but Unknown

I do have some expenses this next month that I am not sure of, so being cautious until I figure them out. They are:

Transfer the registration of my car to Texas. I’ve decided to bite the bullet and make that change. It would have only cost me $25 to maintain my Georgia registration (it renews on your birthday every year and mine is next month.) Although, I have a legal residence in Georgia still, I don’t anticipate a return to live there any time soon. (And it’s my daughter’s apartment so I wouldn’t live there anyways.)
Transfer my business LLC to Texas. In the long run, this should save me some money since Texas doesn’t have a state income tax unlike Georgia, but I know there will be some costs associated. Technically, I could hold off on this until 2026, but am preparing for it.
Update my legal residence with my insurance. I don’t know how this will affect my insurance rate. Princess just got her own policy, so now it’s just me. I paid my 6 month premium in full so I’ll either get a refund or owe a bit more. Not sure.
Source new health insurance. I’ve decided to make a move with my health insurance as well. The cost of my existing plan, even removing Princess, will quadruple in January. And since both Gymnast and I are living in Texas, need to find one that can serve us here. (Sidenote: He is going back to school in January. In fact, he’s taking his placement test as I write this. Woot!)
Switch my driver’s license. Again, not unexpected. Just not sure of associated costs.

I’ve had all these things on my budget with ??? not knowing the costs. But I’m going to bite the bullet next month and get them all done.