Are you an empty nester—or getting close? In this fun, honest convo, Johnny & Theresa sit down with Rick and Clancy from The Loud Quiet to talk about rediscovering your spouse, building community, and handling money once the kids launch (or… boomerang 😅).

• How to reconnect as a couple after the last kid leaves

• Practical ways to build new friendships (especially for men)

• Travel-on-a-budget ideas & why learning to say “yes” matters

• Launching kids wisely: university vs. trades, letting them lead, redefining “launch” in today’s economy

• Money shifts in the empty nest (club sports → college costs, 529s, retirement first)

• “All-inclusive vacations” with adult kids (a.k.a. traveling with parents 😉)

Rick & Clancy – The Loud Quiet
• Website & newsletter (free Travel Tips & Gear guide): theloudquiet.com
• Facebook community for empty nesters: search “The Loud Quiet”

00:00 Welcome & why this episode matters for empty nesters
00:30 Meet Rick & Clancy + the story behind The Loud Quiet
01:54 Thriving > doom & gloom: reframing the empty nest
03:05 “Do we still like each other?”—the real feelings
06:20 First-weekend playbook: micro-trips, new places, fresh eyes
08:35 The “Say Yes” habit (and when to dial it back)
09:33 Date nights, self-care, and modeling a healthy marriage
11:44 Date nights on a budget (at-home ideas that still feel special)
13:33 Fun vs. finances: balancing spontaneity with a budget
16:35 Friendship gap for men & why community adds years to life
18:57 Launching kids: giving control, multiple paths, less pressure
21:48 Today’s costs: redefining “launch,” multi-generational living
22:45 Money shifts after kids: tuition vs. club sports, real talk
27:20 Don’t “spend the savings”—redirect old expenses to saving/investing
30:03 For parents of HS kids: 529s, retirement first, grandparent gifts
33:24 Two golden nuggets to close: Say yes + see opportunity
35:18 Where to find Rick & Clancy (free travel download!)

• Learn to say yes. Small adventures rebuild connection and identity.

• Launch ≠ one path. Trades, university, and staggered independence all count.

• Pay yourself next. When an expense ends (e.g., club fees), route part of it into savings/investing.

• Retirement first. There are loans for college—not for retirement.

• Community isn’t optional. Men especially: pursue friendships on purpose.

• The Loud Quiet (newsletter + free travel guide): theloudquiet.com

• Bartelle's Financial Coaching (free consult): 830-252-0320

Educational content only; not financial, legal, or tax advice.