MYSTERIOUS: 2 - You Need To See This

600% increase

As the kids began to file their taxes, I noticed that my daughter had NOT been removed from my health insurance policy when it renewed in January. So last week I made the call to clear that up.

Blogging Away Debt · Mar 23

Teen Budget Experiment: One Month Update (And I’m Honestly Surprised)

We’re now in Month 2 of our financial experiment where I give my 13-year-old girls $100/month and they are responsible for buying ALL their own clothes and makeup, plus any “fancy” toiletries (I will continue to buy all their basic necessities).

Blogging Away Debt · Mar 23

The End of My Student Loan Era

I’ve written a lot about my student loans over time as a blogger here. At this point, the student loans are my last remaining debt (besides a mortgage), and this is the year when they’ll officially be GONE! I cannot wait!

Blogging Away Debt · Mar 9

Planning for Early Retirement

First – thanks for all the thoughtful comments on my last post, Teaching Teens to Budget! There was great dialogue in the comments and I can’t wait to give a one-month update after this month passes (February is our first month with this experiment in effect).

Blogging Away Debt · Feb 16

First Credit Card Free Month

Beginning next month, March 1, I have officially decided to operate on a cash only basis. I will be working this month to prepare for this really big change.

Blogging Away Debt · Feb 9

Why I’m Budgeting for Peace (Not Impressing Anyone) in 2026

I’m working on a new budget with the thought of being cash only. It’s really a new mindset. And a bit scary. You can see my 2025 budget here.)

Blogging Away Debt · Feb 5

Teaching Teens to Budget – Update

Just over six months ago, I wrote a post about an interesting parenting tactic for helping teach teens how to budget.

Blogging Away Debt · Feb 2

The Least Romantic but Most Loving Thing I’m Doing This February

As I have finally decided to make my move to Texas official, I’ve realized it’s also time to do something incredibly responsible: Update my “If Something Happens to Me” file. This is not morbid. This is not pessimistic. This is not me assuming the worst. This is me acknowledging that…

Blogging Away Debt · Feb 1

Managing Money in a Quiet Season of Life

No one really talks about the quiet seasons of life. Or as I am calling this season…the “Huh?” season.

Blogging Away Debt · Jan 31

Financial Peace University

I can’t remember if I shared that I signed up for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University at my church last fall. It cost $25. I remember when Beks wrote about it many years ago, but really never thought it was for me.

Blogging Away Debt · Jan 28