Riley Clendenin

Riley Clendenin, a passionate guitarist who loves teaching, is on a mission to boost the Financial IQ of Millennials and Gen Z alongside his dad. Growing up in a family that valued both creativity and financial savvy, Riley learned early on that managing money wisely is a superpower—one that opens doors to freedom, opportunity, and peace of mind. Through engaging stories, practical advice, and real-world insights, Riley helps his generation build strong financial foundations without sacrificing the joy of living in the moment. Riley’s goal is simple: make money management approachable, relatable, and empowering for today’s young adults.

11 Surprising Times You Shouldn’t Rush to Pay Off Your Debt

April 4, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Paying debt too fast can sometimes leave you broke and stressed.

Debt gets a bad rap—and for good reason. It can feel like a ball and chain, dragging you down and eating away at your peace of mind. The usual advice? Pay it off as quickly as humanly possible. But what no one talks about is how this approach can sometimes backfire. There are very real situations where racing to crush your debt can leave you cash-strapped, missing better opportunities, or even risking your long-term financial health.

This doesn’t mean ignoring your balances or making only the minimum payments forever. It means taking a smarter, more strategic look at your whole financial picture. Because throwing every dollar at your loans might make you feel productive in the short term, but it could also mean skipping out on important goals like saving, investing, or building stability. Here are 11 surprising moments when slowing down your debt payoff actually makes more sense.

People Who Thrive Financially Without Rich Parents Do These 10 Things Differently

April 4, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Being broke doesn’t mean staying broke if you play your cards right.

Not everyone gets a head start in life. For people without a family trust fund or parental bailouts, thriving financially takes grit, creativity, and a different kind of hustle. It’s not just about working harder—it’s about working smarter in a system that often seems stacked against you. These people learn fast that no one’s coming to rescue them, so they build habits and strategies that keep them moving forward, no matter how slow the climb feels at first.

They avoid the mistakes that trap others in cycles of debt or under-earning. They make choices that may seem small or boring in the short term but pay off massively later. And most importantly, they refuse to play by rules designed for people who had money to fall back on. These ten differences aren’t flashy or headline-grabbing—but they separate those who stay stuck from those who break out and build wealth on their own terms.

Gen Z Has Banned 15 Things They Say Are Garbage

April 4, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

gen z isn’t shy about cutting out what feels fake, outdated, or just plain annoying.

Every generation has its rebellion, but Gen Z isn’t interested in quietly going along with anything that doesn’t align with their values, vibes, or energy. They’re scrapping trends that feel forced, calling out systems that don’t work, and canceling stuff that older folks might still be clinging to. It’s not about being edgy—it’s about being intentional. Gen Z has a sharp eye for authenticity and doesn’t hesitate to toss something that feels wasteful, toxic, or fake.

Whether it’s fashion, finance, workplace norms, or how people socialize, they’ve drawn a bold line in the sand. And while it can spark some eye-rolls from older generations, Gen Z’s “no thanks” list is actually shaping the culture around all of us. These are the 15 things they’ve officially labeled as garbage—and they’re not looking back.

12 Brutal Truths About Why No One Wants Your Office Job

April 4, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Office life lost its shine—and nobody’s pretending anymore.

There was a time when having an office job meant security, status, and a solid path forward. Now? It mostly means fluorescent lighting, endless Zoom calls, and a creeping sense that your life is being slowly drained by spreadsheets and passive-aggressive emails. Young workers in particular are walking away, not because they’re lazy, but because the trade-off just isn’t worth it anymore.

Today’s workforce is questioning everything—commutes, cubicles, clock-watching, and corporate nonsense. People want meaning, autonomy, and energy left over at the end of the day. The old office model just can’t compete with the flexibility, creativity, and freedom that other paths are offering. And employers who don’t get that are watching talented people slip through their fingers. These 12 brutal truths explain why no one’s lining up to sit in that ergonomic chair, wear business casual, and pretend it’s all okay.

11 Outdated Boomer Money Rules Wealthy Millennials Are Ditching

April 4, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Following old financial advice could actually hold you back today.

Boomers had their financial heyday in a completely different world—steady jobs, cheaper houses, and the kind of retirement plans that seem like myths now. Their advice came from that time, and while some of it made sense back then, a lot of it just doesn’t work in today’s economy. Millennial and Gen Z wealth builders are realizing they can’t play by the same rules and expect the same results. They’ve started rewriting the playbook with a focus on flexibility, long-term strategy, and actually enjoying life along the way.

Wealthy millennials, in particular, are rethinking the old-school approach to money management. They’re not afraid to take risks, think globally, or invest in things like time, experiences, and passive income. The traditional financial advice they were raised on often feels more limiting than liberating, so they’ve tossed the outdated rules and built new ones that fit their reality. Here are the boomer money rules that no longer make sense—and the smarter replacements that are making millennials rich.

11 Surprising Long-Term Benefits Only Workaholics Truly Understand

April 4, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Success doesn’t always look like balance—it often looks like obsession.

People love to criticize workaholics, calling them burnt-out, unhappy, or disconnected. They assume anyone working nights or weekends must be chasing money to fill a void or avoid their real life. But the truth is more complicated. For some, work isn’t a burden—it’s a deep source of purpose, structure, and even joy. And in the long run, working hard (and often) builds rewards that casual observers completely miss.

There’s a difference between toxic hustle culture and productive obsession. Workaholics who find meaning in what they do tend to unlock long-term benefits that those focused only on “balance” never really experience. These aren’t just financial perks. We’re talking about personal growth, confidence, resilience, and surprising social advantages. While burnout is real and should be respected, dismissing all workaholics as misguided misses the bigger picture. These 11 long-term benefits are proof that intense dedication, when aligned with passion, can absolutely pay off.

11 Digital Income Streams You Can Build With Zero Startup Money

April 3, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

You don’t need a bankroll to start building real online income.

The idea that you have to invest big to earn big is outdated—especially if you’re trying to make money online. These days, a laptop, Wi-Fi, and some hustle can take you pretty far. You don’t need to sink thousands into ads, gear, or some sketchy “course” just to get going. What you do need is creativity, consistency, and the willingness to learn as you go.

Whether you’re tired of paycheck-to-paycheck life, want a side hustle that might grow into something bigger, or just need a backup plan, there are legit options out there that cost zero dollars to start. No subscriptions, no special equipment—just digital tools, free platforms, and a little strategy. These 11 income streams won’t make you rich overnight, but they can absolutely bring in real money with time, effort, and a smart approach.

What Fuels the Hate? 13 Deep Issues Behind America’s Toxic Culture

April 3, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

nothing gets fixed if we ignore what’s rotting beneath the surface.

America’s reputation for freedom and innovation doesn’t cancel out the resentment, rage, and division bubbling in nearly every corner of society. It’s not just politics or bad vibes on social media. The tension runs deeper—through history, inequality, fear, and systems that push people to the edge. The hate isn’t random. It’s built on years of frustration, loss of trust, and people feeling like they’re invisible or disposable.

And when no one’s really listening, shouting becomes the default. People cling to anger because they don’t feel safe or heard. But there’s more to the story than just “us vs. them.” These 13 underlying issues are like open wounds that never got treated. They’re fueling the anger and bitterness we see everywhere—from schools and workplaces to online threads and dinner tables. You can’t solve a problem you refuse to name, so here they are.