by Hope
I realize that my choices are not for everyone. People here at BAD hate my kitchen remodel, couldn’t believe that I chose to homeschool my kids, never liked that I chose contract work over a corporate career, and I help my kids too much, etc. I could probably list a dozen other of my decisions that the BAD community has not liked about my choices.
And there are probably 1/2 of those that in hindsight, you were right about. Way too many cars, too much money/efforts spent on kids’ activities, etc. I definitely have made more than my share of screw ups.
But here’s the deal. For the first time in, well, as long as I can remember, I am on the cusp of what I cherish most. Freedom.
What’s in my favor
As I work toward selling my house and moving into my car, these are the things I believe are in my favor:
- Almost all if not absolutely all of my debt will be paid off with the sale of my house. *these numbers are dependent on how much my sells for, but I’ve got a plan for this and #2 based on that amount
- I will also have some money put away for when I do settle again. *these numbers are dependent on how much my sells for, but I’ve got a plan for this and #1 based on that amount
- I can easily live on what I am bringing in now after my debt is paid off, my mortgage is closed, and I no longer have utility bills.
- My car is paid off. It’s been well maintained. And there is no reason that I can’t go another 100K miles with just regular maintenance costs. This is wholly economical and gives me what I need to have the freedom to go and see the world, or at least the United States.
What about your family, your future
- My kids are all wholly independent and making wise financial choices. (I did something right.)
- I can help my mom and dad during her final time her on earth without the constant need to return back to Georgia.
- When I do decide to settle again, and I truly don’t have any clue where or when that could be, I will have everything (outside of a bed) to set home back up. I realize many of you think $79 for storage is crazy in this situation. But there are just things that I will not get rid of. And I won’t apologize for that.
- I can travel to my hearts content. Something else the BAD community has had issue with. I’ve tried out car camping over the last two years multiple times. I’ve read up on everything. I’ve planned extensively for what I need in my car and what I don’t. Starting when the must haves and a list for “future” should it become a longer term thing.
What’s the plan
Do I plan to see my family and spend time with them in Texas? Yes, absolutely. Especially while my mom is still living, so I can give my siblings and dad a break. They have been her full time care givers for almost 5 years now. (She’s been on hospice for 2 1/2 years now requiring 24 hour, complete care.)
Will I be able to contribute, yes. I will cook and make sure my dad eats real food. I will give my dad much needed breaks from the house. Have I asked and discussed ad nauseum these expectations with my dad, yes.
It won’t be easy. But we’ve already discussed me taking breaks and travelling for weeks or months at a time. My car is set up. I’ll share more on that later.
I will have two dogs with me. This is planned for. And they enjoy life on the road. (We didn’t think Cali would live into this year. But until it’s her time to go, she will stay with me.)
It’s not for everyone. It’s not forever. It’s not chaos. It’s exactly the type of adventure that I have longed for, for years, if not decades now.
Free at last
And I will be debt free. And staying debt free. Isn’t that what you want for me to do? This is the quickest route there.
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.
