Empty Nester Guide – It’s happening … Now what???

Well, you made it!  You are an empty nester.  Is it time to celebrate or cry or a little bit of both?!?!  As I move into this new phase of life myself, I’m writing this article to include 10 tips (5 Fun and 5 Financial) that are helping me transition along the way.  This is Part 1 and will focus on the Fun Tips first, because I like to put Fun before Finance, even though, in reality, it should probably be the other way around.  Then again, I am an Empty Nester now, so I can do both at the same time!

Fun First (Part 1)

1. Give Yourself Time to Adjust. Having an empty nest might be something you’ve looked forward to for years, but the reality may smack you right in the face.  I know it did for me.  Somehow it took me by surprise even though I knew it was coming all along.  I felt kind of out of sorts at first, but then I learned to be patient with myself and take it all in.  There’s a new sense of freedom in being an empty nester, but make sure you give yourself ample time to think about major life decisions. And avoid the temptation to compare yourself, your plans, your financial situation — and your pace of adjustment — to others experiencing the same situation.
2. Focus on Relationships. There is so much to do here. For those in a relationship, an empty nest suddenly puts the spotlight back on that relationship, for better or for worse. Use this time to reconnect and have fun. For single parents, this can be an ideal time to start dating again.  This is also a great time to focus on building your relationships with existing friends, reconnecting with old friends, forging new friendships and, even, embracing the new dynamic with your kids.  This last one is interesting and, in my experience so far, takes a new mindset and practice!
3. Declutter and Organize. It’s finally time to get some of the kid stuff out of your house. Yay!  Get that new couch.  Turn that bedroom into an office.  Refresh your surroundings.  Or maybe, just think about what you will do or want to do going forward.  It’s a new world!  The clutter or lack thereof is up to you now.  Own it.
4. Find Your Passion. Savor the opportunity to consider what you’ve always wanted to do. Do you want to volunteer, go back to school, cook more, cook less, travel to places you really want to go vs. kid friendly, and/or turn into an RV’er?  You can now focus on the things that you want to see, do, explore, and learn. Think about it and start making plans to implement some dreams that you may have put on hold.
5. Savor the Slower Pace. Now is the time to take your time.  Appreciate the moment, live in the present, take leisurely walks, enjoy the outdoors, eat what you want, when you want.   Being “present” is my word of the year for 2022.  I’m hoping to use this slower pace to pay closer attention and heighten my awareness so that I can connect with nature and relationships on another level.  It’s also a great time to put your health in focus, sleep, relax, and even “binge” if that’s something that you like to do.    Yes, I finally watched and caught completely up on “Yellowstone”.  I now know who Beth Dutton is.

Virtus Wealth Management is here to help you through all of the phases of their life.  We believe your life is full circle, and your wealth management should be too.  Please watch for the Part 2 of this article, “Empty Nester Guide – Financial Tips” coming soon.