I was the first person in my friend group to have kids. At first, I was lonely, but then they started asking me for advice.

Tech Insider : Business
A mother holds her baby in her arms.

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I'm 40, and one of my best friends is 97. He's changed my definition of success and gives me the best advice.

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
Melissa Noble and Bryan Hipwell celebrating his 97th birthday.
The author and her friend Bryan have a 57-year age gap.

Courtesy of Melissa Noble

It feels like I'm constantly spending money on my kids between September and December. I'm budgeting differently this year.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports
a woman holding a receipt and her phone with more transactions
The author spends a lot on her teen at the end of the year.

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I moved from London to Singapore for a fresh start. 18 months later I still hadn't found what I was looking for and moved back.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Economy
The author poses on a balcony.
Expoat life in Singapore didn't suit the author, who returned home to London after just 18 months.

Courtesy of Michaella Parkes

I've raised 4 kids. My secret to keeping it together is saving the last hour of the day for myself.

Tech Insider : Business
A woman relaxes in bed.

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Halloween decorations brought my kids and me together. Doing it alone this year made me feel like I've lost them.

Tech Insider : Business
House exterior decorated with spiderwebs, skeletons and pumpkins ready for Halloween
The author's home (not pictured) isn't quite as spectacularly decorated as this Halloween house.

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I thought being a grandma would be easy. I've learned to respect boundaries and follow rules that aren't mine.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports, Travel
Grandma walking with grandson
The author cannot share photos of her grandkids on social media.

Courtesy of the author

My 93-year-old great aunt lives alone in Las Vegas. I worry about her, but she loves her independence and keeps herself busy.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
anna zucker's great aunt laughing
The author's great aunt (pictured here in 2018) is now in her 90s and lives alone.

Courtesy of Anna Zucker

My 18-year-old self would be horrified at the idea of moving back to my hometown. Now that I have kids of my own, it makes sense.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment
The author and her family stand on a dock near the home they moved to near the author's hometown.
The author, shown with her family, says moving from a big city to a small town was one of the best decisions her family has made.

Courtesy of Kathy Larson

I went over the top for my 1-year-old's birthday party. I just wanted to prove that I'm a good mother, but I regret it.

Tech Insider : Business
Paulina Roe's daughter on her first birthday
The author threw her daughter an elaborate birthday party.

Courtesy of Paulina Roe

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