Empty Nest – Readjust Your Budget Now the Kids Have Gone

Children are wonderful. They’re also really expensive! No more sports fees, no more restocking the fridge every other day Depending on their ages and how much you’re helping with their transition into adulthood, no more school or university tuition or expensive phone contracts. Even the smallest of these expenses adds up quickly month after month. Now that they’re in the past, it’s time to make a new budget. You might find ways to ramp up your savings and contributions to your retirement funds. You also might be able to afford a few more creature comforts or an extra trip or two.

Major life transitions are often more challenging than we’re prepared to admit. More room, more free time, and more cash in hand are all positive. But the feeling that a large part of your life is over might be hard to shake. Your blank calendar and lack of routine can be intimidating. Empty bedrooms can feel lonely, and while empty nest blues are often associated with the mother, many fathers suffer in silence so make sure that you and your partner are open and honest with each other about what you’re both feeling to make sure that you are on the same page about what you both want from this new stage of your life and the money that has now been freed up!

Don’t forget to make the best of this time because adult children have a tendency to return with some little reinforcements.

Here at Hartcliff we can guide you through this transition in your lives and help you to imagine life on the other side when the nest is empty – give us a call on 01226 446135 or email andy@hartcliff.com

A pension is a long-term investment. The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available.