My husband and I officially became DINKs (dual income no kids) again last weekend when our son, our youngest child, graduated with honors from college.
Well, maybe not “officially” DINKs since we still actually have children. I should instead clarify that we now have both kids “off the payroll” which leaves us as a dual-income family with no kids to support!
Life is a journey filled with constant change and evolution. As parents, Andrew and I dedicated ourselves to nurturing and guiding our children, preparing them for independence and (hopefully) a successful future. However, now that it is time for both of our children to spread their wings, we find ourselves in yet another new chapter of our lives, and boy, are we embracing our new adventure with gusto!
We are traveling more and bought a second home in Mexico last year. Although it may sound selfish, I am looking forward to this exciting new chapter in our lives. Here are some of the things I am most excited about:
- Reflection and Rediscovery
The void of children at home provides an opportune time to reflect on my life and priorities. It is a time to evaluate my personal goals and aspirations that were set aside during the busy years of raising a family. It’s now time to rediscover my passions, invest in personal growth, and pursue new endeavors.
- Reimagining My Professional Journey
Now is also the ideal time to reevaluate my law practice. We recently added another attorney to My Pink Lawyer® and additional staff to better serve our clients. Plus, following Covid, both attorneys and our clients are even more comfortable holding virtual meetings. I also now have more time to explore the possible incorporation of some DIY options and digital estate planning for our clients.
- Serving Empty Nesters
As an empty nester myself, I now have a unique perspective on the concerns and needs of other empty nesters. Joy, another Florida estate planning attorney in our office (who is also licensed in Louisiana), is also an empty nester herself. Together, we offer empathetic guidance and practical estate planning solutions tailored to the specific needs of individuals and couples facing similar circumstances.
- Strengthening Family Ties
Although our kids are no longer living with us at home, our bonds are still strong. Our relationships with our children are evolving and maturing. It is so much fun for us to have adult conversations with them about finances, estate planning, work-life balance, relationships, and other important matters.
- Personal Legacy Planning
Now that our children are grown, it is time for Andrew and I to update our own estate plans. After all, our lives look very different now than they did five years ago. Proactive preparation and updates are important to secure our family’s future. Plus, I don’t want to leave my husband and children with unnecessary burdens by not having my affairs in tip-top order for them.
Conclusion
Becoming an empty nester is a significant milestone for any parent. It is a time to reflect, rediscover one’s passions, and reimagine the future trajectory of your family’s future. I am excited that through my own journey, experience, and expertise, I can better serve my clients and ensure that each family’s personal legacy is secured.
Next up for me? Crazy Amy and I are flying to Utah today to run a 30K trail race on Saturday in Bryce Canyon. Without excuse, I have not been training as I should for this race but what the heck? With Crazy Amy, it will definitely be another adventure!
Kristen “Embracing Empty Nesting” Marks
P.S. My Pink Lawyer® has been nominated as the Best Law Firm in Pensacola. You can vote daily until May 28th. Here’s the link to vote for us [Services > Law Firm > My Pink Lawyer is the first law firm listed]: http://vippensacola.com/best-in-pensacola/#/gallery?group=450184
P.P.S. I would like to invite you to the Getting Your Business Sale Ready webinar hosted by my friend, Andrew Martin of Atlas Financial, on May 23, 2023 at 6:00pm and May 25, 2023 at 11:30am Central. This webinar will be free, live, and is intended for business owners who plan to sell their business at some point in the future. During the webinar, the host will discuss the steps to take to get your business sale ready, business owner exit options, and more.
Below are the links to register for these webinars. Please keep in mind that you must click on the link and complete the information to register. Once you have registered, you'll receive the link needed to join the webinar.
May 23, 2023 at 6:00 pm Central
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vouFcZtTReKEr1n5E327DA
May 25, 2023 at 11:30 am Central
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IKDN_qPTTnOZHqLtS1FZ6Q
