The Goodbye that means you did Good

I’m here to remind you—everything is going to be okay. ❤️

As you help your young adult settle into this next chapter—whether it’s college, boot camp, their first job, or a trade program—take a moment to recognize what this really is: the moment you’ve been preparing them for.

You’ve spent years nurturing, guiding, and shaping them into a self-sufficient, goal-oriented, and thoughtful human being. And now? They’re stepping into the world, ready to apply everything you’ve poured into them. You did that. 👏🏽

Yes, it’s okay to cry. Yes, it’s okay to feel the ache of change. But try not to let those emotions spill over into fear for your child. Let them see your pride more than your worry. Let them feel your love, not your anxiety. Because moving forward is a natural, necessary part of growing up—and they need your quiet confidence as much as your hugs.

Give yourself permission to grieve the goodbye—but also give yourself permission to celebrate. This is a milestone for both of you. And as they begin their new adventure, it’s time to start dreaming about yours too.

Your nest may be quieter now, but it’s not empty—it’s full of love, memories, and new possibilities.

We’ve got this. 💛

#EmptyNesterJourney #NewBeginnings #YouDidIt #LettingGoWithLove #NextChapter

Major mom moment: my baby girl got her own place

I’m bursting with pride! My daughter just got her very first apartment—on her own—and handled the entire process like a boss. From researching listings, touring potential spots, submitting the application, following up, and finally signing the lease—she did it all independently. 🙌

This is a huge leap from last year, when she and a roommate jumped into a lease in NYC without even seeing the place first (and without telling me, of course 😅). Thankfully, that apartment turned out okay—minus the electric bill shocker. But this time? She came prepared with a list of questions, a clear vision, and lessons learned.

Now, I despise moving—the packing, the lifting, the unpacking. But of course, I took one for the team and helped. Imagine my surprise when I showed up and everything was perfectly packed, labeled, and ready to roll! She even reserved the freight elevator for a smooth move-in. Who is this grown woman?! 😮

Move-in day was seamless. I watched her confidently interact with leasing staff, inspect her new place, take notes, and make sure everything lined up with her lease. Then came the best part—getting the keys. When she walked into her new apartment, the look on her face said it all: pure joy and pride. She strolled around like she just won the gold medal in “Adulting.” 🏅

Watching her take each step with confidence reminds me how quickly our babies grow into capable, amazing adults. I’m in awe. Every. Single. Time. 💖

#ProudMom #EmptyNesterLife #SheDidThat #AdultingWin #NewBeginnings

Building Generational Wealth

One thing I did when my daughter went to school, was renovate my basement.  My goal was to generate another stream of income, increase my property value and help someone have a safe affordable place to live.  At the time, I was not thinking I was building generational wealth.  The renovated basement is now a safe affordable place for my daughter to reside as she has completed her degree and is back home.   Although I haven’t looked at the cost of apartments in years, I know that that the cost is extreme to me.  Rent is more than I pay for a mortgage.  I remember paying $700 per month with all utilities included in 1999 when I had my daughter (and that may be high as I can’t really remember).  My apartment also had a washer and dryer.  According to https://ipropertymanagement.com/research/average-rent-by-year the apartment rentals increased 8.85 percent since 1980. 

 My daughter is back home, she was blessed to find a job after completing college, she has been able to continue her independence by residing in the studio apartment.  One of the things I say to parents is to establish boundaries; I will write about that later.  However, for now, I will share that my daughter does pay rent.  Staying with the theme of building generational wealth; the plan is to yes use some of the rent for the household but also save a portion of the rent to gift to her when she decides to move out of our home.  Sssshhh, she doesn’t know that part.  My hope is that she stays in our home as long as possible, continue her educational goals and save money.   My hope is that when she decides to move that she is ready to purchase property.  If I save $250 per month of the rent, she pays over 12 months will be $3,000. If I take that money and put it in a high yielding account, her money will make money.  At minimum at $3,000 over 3 years will provide $9,000 not taking into consideration the dividends from the high yielding account.  Disclaimer, I am not a financial expert, please consult someone or do your own research. I am sure I don’t have to convince you how making my basement into a studio apartment is helping my family build generational wealth, so if you can consider the option. 

I do know that everyone may not be able to do the same thing I have to build generational wealth, there are other ways to build wealth.  Some other things to explore are investing, real estate, opening a business, life insurance, protecting assets by setting up a trust and have a will, which are some ideas.