My 2 sons moved back in with me, so my expenses have gone up. I'm forced to put off the financial freedom of an empty nest.

Tech Insider : Business
Smiling person in a red sweater hugs a white dog wearing a red sweater on an indoor bench.
The author has to put off having an empty nest since her two sons still live with her.

Courtesy of Kimberly Witt

My son's graduation from high school marks a devastating end for me. I now have to figure out who I am outside being a dad.

Tech Insider : Business
Two people hold a MOREHOUSE sweatshirt outdoors beside a graduate in a blue cap and gown.
Rodney Rikai (right) is starting over after his son graduated from high school.

Courtesy of Raven B. Varona

When I was done raising my kids, I spent my late 40s traveling. I forgot to save for retirement in the process.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author poses on one of the trips she's taken as a travel writer.
The author admits she wanted to travel the world. Now she's questioning if she should have been planning for her future.

Courtesy of Jennifer McGuire.

My daughter committed to a college, and I paid deposits for her housing and orientation. Then she changed her mind.

Tech Insider : Business
The author poses with her daughter who is wearing ablue robe for graduation.
The author said her daughter committed to a college, then changed her mind near the end of her senior year of high school.

Courtesy of Katy M. Clark.

I was an empty nester who got laid off and felt alone. I started housesitting, and my whole outlook on aging changed.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author, Amber Campbell, at Sonoma Coast State Park.
tk

Courtesy of Amber Campbell.

After our kids left the nest, we sold our house and bought a townhome. So far, downsizing has more pros than cons.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Couple smiling in front of house
We sold our larger house so we could buy a smaller townhome and not have a mortgage.

Karen Bakar

My husband and I are empty nesters, celebrating our 25th anniversary. A trip to Japan was exactly what we needed to reconnect.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Erika Ebsworth-Goold and her husband sitting in a Japanese restuarnat with food in front of them on the table
The author and her husband traveled to Japan as empty nesters.

Courtesy of Erika Ebsworth-Goold

Most of my kids have moved out of the house, except for my youngest. I'm worried she's lonely in our near-empty nest.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports, Travel
Laura falin and her daughter
The author is worried her daughter might be lonely in the near-empty nest.

Courtesy of Laura Falin

My first solo trip at 52 helped me prepare for the empty nest. I'm now looking forward to more alone time.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Cheryl Maguire standing in front of the ocean in the Caribbean
The author went on her first solo trip to the Caribbean.

Courtesy of Cheryl Maguire

When my husband and I became empty nesters, we sold our house and moved into an RV. We now live on the open road full time.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Technology
Courtney Bautista and her husband standing outside their RV
The couple decided to sell their home and live in an RV.

Courtesy of Courtney Bautista

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