with Lyndsay and Christian

So many parents in their 50s find themselves in a similar place: having spent years putting their children first – paying school and tertiary education fees, showing up for every need, and putting their own dreams and plans on hold in the process.

But what happens when the children leave home and the school fees are finally paid off? Your priorities begin to shift. Suddenly, there’s space to ask, What do I want now? How do I start designing a life that’s meaningful for me – and how do I catch up on the retirement planning I’ve neglected?

Often, in midlife, there’s a moment when the focus turns inward. It’s about balancing your dreams with the reality that your earning years may be limited, and learning how to build a life – and a retirement – that feels secure and meaningful.

This is where Lyndsay and her husband, Christian, find themselves. They’re still supporting their daughter through university, but they’re doing it with a fresh mindset and a renewed sense of confidence about what’s possible next.

A new relationship with money

For years, money was about survival – getting through the month and covering the next round of school fees. “We didn’t really know what it was going to cost upfront, and maybe that was a blessing,” Lyndsay reflects. “We did it term by term, using bonuses to get by. And didn’t always make the best financial decisions, often dipping into funds we probably shouldn’t have.”

Looking back, Lyndsay wishes she’d been more involved. “I left all the finances to Christian. I didn’t want to deal with it. Now I see how heavy that burden must have been for him.”

But things have changed. Working through Midlife Money Makeover as a couple helped them face their financial reality head-on. They explored their money memories, their values, and what financial freedom actually looks like for them – not in theory, but in practice.

“Now, I see money as an enabler – a way to live the life I want.
I’m not scared of money anymore.
I’m not scared of abundance. That’s been huge.”

Doing something for themselves – finally

When the educational costs started to ease up, Lyndsay and Christian made a brave decision: they began saving for a trip to the United States, determined to attend their son’s graduation and visit him where he now lives and works. It would also be their first overseas trip in 25 years, with the added bonus of travelling and sightseeing along the way.

“It felt strange at first. Harder emotionally than financially. We hadn’t put ourselves first in decades,” Lyndsay shares. “But we approached it with intention. I created a vision board, put affirmations everywhere, and started saving in a global account. Everything extra went straight into the trip fund.”

Christian was more cautious at first, still stuck in survival mode. “We had some hard conversations,” she says. “But once we saw how quickly small, intentional savings could add up, we realised it was possible.”

That trip was a turning point. “We allowed ourselves to dream – and then we did it.”

From survival to intentional living

Lyndsay and Christian are redefining what financial freedom means to them. “We don’t want a big life – just a simple one. We want to feel secure. We want our money to take care of us. And we want to be able to see our children, wherever they are in the world.”

They’ve also made practical changes: reassessing insurance, cancelling unused memberships, and shopping more mindfully. “We’re putting extra cash – like bonuses – into our retirement savings, and some towards living our best life now. It’s all about balance.”

They’ve even started regular finance check-ins – a first for them as a couple. “I’m involved now. It still bores me sometimes,” Lyndsay laughs, “but I’ve realised I bring a different perspective. I can add value.”

Closing the retirement gap

There’s still a retirement savings gap to close – and they know they’re playing catch-up. But for Lyndsay, the fear has been replaced with focus. “I used to think I was bad with money. Now I feel confident. I know I can do this. I feel like I’m stepping into my prime.”

Lyndsay’s money and life lessons

• Don’t be scared. There’s still time to change direction, even if you’ve left it late. Start small and stay consistent.
• Let go of guilt. Prioritising your children was right at the time, but now it’s okay to put yourself first.
• Get involved in your finances. You don’t have to love it, but you do need to understand it. Regular check-ins make a big difference.
• Be intentional. Update your policies, rethink your spending, and redirect savings where they matter most.
• Allow yourself to dream. Saving for something meaningful like travel doesn’t have to derail your retirement. In fact, it may inspire you to plan better for both.

Once you realise it’s never too late to pause, reflect, and start making money decisions that support your dreams, you feel empowered to use money as an enabler: to live intentionally, plan for the future, and give yourself permission to enjoy the journey along the way.

Kim