James Clendenin

James Clendenin, a seasoned entrepreneur and financial guide, brings decades of real-world experience to HappyWallet.co, where he writes alongside his son, Riley Clendenin. As a senior who has navigated the ups and downs of building businesses and managing finances, James understands the importance of cultivating a strong Financial IQ at every stage of life. His journey began with a passion for entrepreneurship, but over the years, he realized that true success lies not just in earning money but in managing and multiplying it wisely. Through thoughtful articles and practical insights, James shares his hard-earned wisdom with Millennials and Gen Z, offering guidance on everything from smart investing to building financial resilience.

12 Old Items Hiding in Plain Sight That Could Be Worth Thousands

August 27, 2025 by James Clendenin

That old junk in your attic might be a hidden treasure.

Our homes are often filled with the accumulated clutter of generations past, from the dusty boxes in the attic to the old furniture in the basement. Most of it is just that: junk. Hidden among the forgotten objects, however, there could be a rare and valuable item that is hiding in plain sight, a treasure that is worth a surprising amount of money to the right collector.

Before you start your next big clean-out, it’s worth taking a second look at these common old items. You might be sitting on a small fortune.

13 Adult Milestones Gen Z Can’t Afford (Why This is a Problem for Everyone)

August 26, 2025 by James Clendenin

The traditional checklist for a successful adult life is becoming a fantasy.

The classic markers of a successful transition into adulthood—a steady career, a home of your own, a family—have been a core part of the American dream for generations. For Gen Z in 2025, however, this dream is colliding with a harsh economic reality. A perfect storm of high costs, stagnant wages, and crushing debt has made these once-attainable milestones feel like a distant and impossible fantasy.

They are playing a game that feels rigged, where the goalposts for a “normal” adult life have been moved far out of reach.

9 Things Everyday Taxpayers Need to Know About Jumbo SALT Deductions and Tax Cuts

August 26, 2025 by James Clendenin

Learn how jumbo SALT deductions interact with tax cuts to influence your federal taxable income and overall tax liability.

The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction allows taxpayers who itemize to reduce their federal taxable income by the amount paid in qualifying state and local taxes. Jumbo SALT deductions involve strategies designed to exceed the standard SALT cap, potentially lowering taxable income further. Understanding these concepts is essential for taxpayers seeking to optimize their filing approach and maximize available deductions.

Navigating SALT deductions alongside recent tax cuts is important because changes in tax rates and deduction limits affect the net benefits to taxpayers. Being informed helps you plan effectively, decide between itemizing and the standard deduction, and manage your tax liability over the long term.

11 Traditional Money Rules Gen Z Is Intentionally Breaking

August 26, 2025 by James Clendenin

Explore how Gen Z is redefining traditional money rules by prioritizing flexibility, technology, and personal values in budgeting, saving, and investing.

Traditional money rules provide guidelines on budgeting, saving, debt management, credit scores, investing, and financial planning that have helped generations build financial independence. These principles often emphasize strict budgets, consistent savings percentages, cautious debt avoidance, and long-term investment strategies aimed at stability and growth. However, as economic conditions and consumer behavior evolve, younger generations like Gen Z question the universality and relevance of these long-standing practices.

Understanding why and how Gen Z challenges these conventions is important for anyone looking to adapt financial strategies effectively. By recognizing generational differences and the impact of technology on money management, individuals can balance proven financial principles with innovative approaches that reflect modern priorities and personal circumstances.

11 Outdated Marriage Chores Men Refuse to Do Anymore

August 26, 2025 by James Clendenin

The “honey-do” list has been rewritten for a new generation.

The traditional division of labor in a marriage, with its clear and often unspoken set of “his” and “hers” chores, is a concept that is rapidly fading into the past. For younger generations of men, these rigid and outdated gender roles feel completely alien. They are entering into partnerships with the expectation of a more equitable and flexible division of household responsibilities, not a pre-written script from the 1950s.

They are not just “helping out” around the house; they are equal partners in the work of building a life together.

14 Pieces of “Junk” from the 90s You Should Not Throw Away

August 26, 2025 by James Clendenin

Discover which nostalgic 90s items hold real value beyond the surface.

Nostalgia often leads us to keep items from the 90s, a decade rich with unique pop culture, technology, and memorable toys. These items range from vintage collectibles and retro gaming devices to sentimental keepsakes, each carrying stories and significance from that era. Understanding what makes these objects valuable—whether emotionally or as investments—helps us appreciate their worth beyond being labeled as junk.

Keeping and properly preserving 90s memorabilia allows us to maintain personal and cultural history, share memories with future generations, and potentially benefit from their increasing rarity. Thoughtful storage and care can protect these treasures, making them meaningful artifacts rather than forgotten clutter.

9 “Forgotten” Skills Our Grandparents Had That Are Valued Today

August 25, 2025August 25, 2025 by James Clendenin

Discover how timeless skills like gardening, repairing, and handcrafting remain valuable today, helping you cultivate independence and sustainability in everyday life.

Traditional skills refer to practical knowledge and techniques passed down through generations, including handcrafting, gardening, food preservation, basic repairs, and resourceful problem-solving. These skills emphasize self-sufficiency and hands-on learning, encouraging the use of manual methods and intergenerational wisdom rather than reliance on modern technology or convenience-based solutions.

Understanding and practicing these skills today is important for fostering independence, reducing waste, and saving money. They also promote environmental sustainability and resilience, connecting us with practical traditions that enhance problem-solving and community support over the long term.

12 Ways Your 401(k) Just Got a Cryptocurrency Makeover (And What It Means for Your Retirement)

August 21, 2025 by James Clendenin

Understand how cryptocurrency options are changing workplace retirement plans and what these new investment choices mean for your financial future.

Cryptocurrency investments are becoming available in many employer-sponsored retirement plans, giving workers new options alongside traditional stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. This shift reflects growing institutional acceptance of digital assets, but it also introduces new considerations for retirement planning that most workers haven’t encountered before.

These changes represent a significant evolution in how Americans can build retirement wealth, potentially offering new growth opportunities while also introducing different types of risks. Understanding how crypto fits into retirement planning helps you make informed decisions about whether these options align with your long-term financial goals and risk tolerance.