by Hope
I wrote recently about my continued wavering decision about selling my house in the new year. And about having had a real estate agent out to give me opinions on things I should do vs those that probably wouldn’t give me any ROI. I was surprised when she said that she would not paint.
I’ve got lots of color on my walls. Well, maybe not as much as previous homes. But still alot. I’ve got a bright yellow kitchen, a darker blue accent wall in two rooms, teal walls in my bedroom…etc.
A throwback picture to last year’s holiday baking in our bright yellow kitchen.
But the two things she did say to address…my kitchen ceiling where it is very obvious where the old kitchen cabinets butted up against it. And refinish my original small board pine floors.
And with one phone call…the kitchen ceilings will be covered this weekend. Hallelujah!
Cutting Costs
This is a project I’ve been round and round on. But just didn’t want to spend the money on a “cosmetic” only fix. However, with the possibility of listing my house pretty quickly in the new year. (Just being prepared.) I am moving forward.
Thankfully, I have a contractor who I trust implicitly. And he just happened to have time this week. We even were able to negotiate the cost of labor a bit as I scaled back a bit on materials and efforts.
The materials for this project will run me right about $500 including a new light fixture for the dining area. And labor is going to be $550.
Total monetary cost: $1,050 + probably about $30 in misc items, I imagine. (This money is coming out of savings since my income has been cut by 1/3 this month already.)
Sidenote: The original plan would have cost 4x this, so I’m super happy with the change in design. And I think the effect will be the same…a beautifully clean, farmhouse themed ceiling hiding the old kitchen footprint on the ceiling.
Total mental health cost: Priceless! Getting it done while I’m out of town, the dogs aren’t there to be in the way. By someone I trust completely. This is a real load off.
I will share pictures once I am back.
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.
