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Budgeting for an Empty Nest
By Lori Tutt / 10/20/2021 / Your Money
Raising children can be one of the most expensive things people do over a lifetime. When your last child moves out, you may start dreaming about the positive impact on your household budget. But before the spending begins, use the "three Rs" as you consider your empty-nest budget and determine how you want to reallocate your funds.
Rightsizing
With fewer people to account for, you can reexamine your monthly expenses and maybe find ways to save some money.
- Downgrade internet service plan
- Step down from high-data mobile phone accounts
- Unsubscribe from premium TV and/or streaming channels
Rewarding
You may find that becoming an empty nester means you can swap out the SUV for a fuel-efficient electric vehicle or a sporty two-seater. If so, you can apply online to prequalify for financing and save time at the dealership. Or treat yourself in other ways.
- Plan a vacation
- Purchase new furniture
- Schedule a spa day
Reinvesting
Learning how to budget for an empty nest may take practice. If you’re not ready to splurge, take a look at practical ways to apply your funds.
- Pay down debt
- Feed your emergency fund
- Build upon retirement savings
Keep in mind that the empty-nest stage of life isn’t something you can experience until it comes. Take the time you need to adjust at home, then explore your new finances when you’re ready. No matter how you choose to adjust your budget, remember — like raising children — change doesn’t have to happen all at once.
By Lori Tutt, GM Financial
From cars and movies to great works of literature, Lori Tutt has a passion for the classics. She’s never claimed to be good with numbers but can readily find the right words to describe money matters like budgets, investments and understanding credit. And when she’s stressed, she turns it around with desserts (or clever wordplay).
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