Becoming an Empty Nester
As children grow up and move out, your focus may shift to your own health, finances, and future plans.
Review the 2027 Benefits eGuide for complete plan details.
Empty Nest, Full Mind
Available 24/7, get free, confidential support through Magellan Healthcare for all of life’s transitions, including adjusting to a quieter house, whether or not you're enrolled in an Office Depot medical plan.
You and every household member get five free in-person or virtual counseling sessions per issue, per year, covering:
- Grief and loneliness
- Relationship and marital changes
- Anxiety, depression, stress, and more
Less Carpool, More Health Care
If a dependent child moves onto their own health plan, that’s a qualifying life event — you have 31 days to update your coverage. As a reminder, a covered child automatically comes off your plan at the end of the month they turn 26 (unless disabled), so it’s worth planning ahead.
With fewer dependents on your plan, this is a good time to revisit your Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution if you’re enrolled in HSA Basic or HSA Plus — funds roll over year to year and can be invested once your balance reaches $1,000.
It’s also the perfect time to finally schedule the check-ups and screenings you’ve been putting off — preventive care is covered at 100% for in-network providers on every BCBSTX medical plan.
Medicare Made Simple
If you’re nearing 65, SmartConnect’s Medicare Concierge can help you understand your options and feel confident about the choices ahead.
SmartConnect’s Medicare Concierge service gives you personalized guidance to understand your options, compare plans, and feel confident about your Medicare decisions when the time comes. Whether you’re planning ahead or getting close to enrollment, SmartConnect makes the process clearer and easier to navigate.
Grow Your Nest Egg
Plan With Purpose
An emptier house means more room to focus on your own goals. The EAP, through Magellan Healthcare, is here to support you with:
- Financial and legal services — Budgeting, estate planning, retirement, restoring your credit, and more
- Work-life balance — Referrals for caregiving resources and career coaching if you’re considering a new role, scaling back, or mentoring others
Build Today, Retire Tomorrow
The 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, through Fidelity, is worth a fresh look now that household expenses may have eased.
- Auto-enrollment — You’re enrolled at 3% of pay automatically unless you opt out or choose your own contribution percentage
- Company match — 50% of the first 6% of pay you contribute — that’s free money worth claiming
- Vesting — You’re fully vested in the Company match after three years of service
- Catch-up contributions — Age 50+ lets you contribute additional pre-tax or Roth dollars each year
- Savings options — Save traditional pre-tax and Roth contributions
An Insurance Check-Up
With the kids grown, revisit your coverage at your next Annual Enrollment:
- Life & AD&D Insurance — Consider adjusting if your financial obligations have changed, but keep enough to protect a spouse or leave a legacy
- Supplemental benefits — Consider Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, or Hospital Indemnity through Voya to help bridge medical costs
- Disability and other policies — Drop what you no longer need
- Auto & Home Insurance — After your kids are off your insurance, reassess your coverage
Empty‑Nest Savings Essentials
As you settle into empty‑nest life, these perks help you refresh your space, tackle long‑delayed projects, and make smart financial moves.
- Chase Home Lending Benefit — Access closing cost credits, expert guidance, and competitive lending options if you’re considering downsizing, refinancing, or moving.
- Office Depot OfficeMax Rewards Program — Get discounts on supplies, furniture, tech, and printing services for home refreshes, reorganizing, or long‑delayed projects.
- Office Depot OfficeMax Coworker Merchandise Discount — Stretch your budget on home organization items, tech upgrades, furniture, and essentials as you reclaim or redesign space.
- PerkSpot Discount Program — Save on home goods, travel, wellness, entertainment, and everyday purchases as you explore new hobbies and projects in your empty‑nest chapter.
Grow Your Nest Egg
Getting Your Estate Plans in Order
As you step into your empty‑nest years, it’s a great time to get your estate plans organized. With LegalEASE, you can use simple online tools to create important documents like wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives. Whether you’re updating plans now that the kids are grown or preparing for the future, LegalEASE makes it simple to put everything in place with confidence.
IDShield Identity & Privacy Protection
As your kids become adults and manage their own accounts, IDShield helps protect your household's personal information. Family plans can extend coverage to your young adults, and monitoring tools help safeguard your identity, financial accounts, and online activity during this transition.
Voya Travel Assistance
Access free 24/7 medical and travel support when you’re more than 100 miles from home, included with your company‑paid Voya Life Insurance. Ideal for weekend trips, family visits, or exploring new places as an empty nester.