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.

11 Relationship Roles That Young Couples Are Throwing Out for Good

August 12, 2025 by James Clendenin

The old rule book for relationships has been officially tossed.

The traditional, often unwritten, rules of a romantic partnership have been passed down for generations. These were the rigid roles and expectations that dictated everything from who paid for dinner to who was responsible for the housework. For younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z, however, that old rule book feels completely archaic and has been thrown out the window.

They are building their relationships on a new foundation of flexibility, equality, and open communication, redefining what a partnership looks like in 2025.

Why $0 Dating Could Make You a Financial Beast (and Women Notice)

August 12, 2025 by James Clendenin

Financial discipline is the new flex.

In a world of expensive tasting menus and $20 cocktails, the pressure to spend big on a first date is intense. This has turned modern dating into a surprisingly expensive and often superficial affair. A growing number of men, however, are pushing back with a powerful and counterintuitive strategy: the zero-dollar date. This isn’t about being cheap; it’s about being creative, confident, and financially disciplined.

It’s a mindset that not only supercharges your savings but also demonstrates a level of maturity that is incredibly attractive.

Could You Cover a $500 Emergency? 37% Can’t—Here’s How to Prepare

August 12, 2025 by James Clendenin

A small financial shock shouldn’t have to be a major life crisis.

A startling new poll for 2025 reveals that nearly four in ten Americans cannot afford an unexpected $500 expense without going into debt. That is a terrifying statistic that shows how many families are living on a financial knife’s edge. A single flat tire, a minor medical issue, or a broken appliance can be enough to trigger a major financial crisis.

The good news is that building a small emergency fund is not as hard as it seems. It’s about creating a habit, and you can start today.

8 Reasons Young Men Prefer Robinhood Over Traditional Brokerages

August 11, 2025 by James Clendenin

The old world of Wall Street feels completely alien to them.

The world of investing was once an intimidating and exclusive club, a place of stuffy, suit-clad brokers and complex financial jargon. For a new generation of young men, however, the stock market is not a foreign country; it’s a game to be played on their phones. They have overwhelmingly rejected the traditional brokerage houses of their parents’ generation in favor of disruptive apps like Robinhood.

This is not just about a slicker interface; it’s a fundamental shift in how they view money, risk, and the entire financial system.

Gen Zs New Financial Playbook: 94% Plan To Be Set By Age 55

August 11, 2025 by James Clendenin

The traditional retirement timeline has been officially retired.

Generation Z is rewriting the entire rulebook for work, money, and retirement. Having witnessed the financial struggles of their Millennial siblings and their Boomer parents, they are approaching their finances with a unique and powerful combination of cynicism and ambition. A startling new survey from 2025 reveals that an overwhelming 94% of them are not planning to work until the traditional retirement age of 65.

Their goal is to be financially “set” much, much earlier in life, and they are using a completely new playbook to make it happen.

Why Gen Z Personal Savings Must Be More Than $4,760

August 11, 2025 by James Clendenin

That average savings account balance is a disaster waiting to happen.

A recent and widely circulated financial report in 2025 has put a hard number on the financial health of the average Gen Z adult: a personal savings of just $4,760. While any savings is better than none, this figure is a dangerously low buffer against the realities of the modern economy. It’s a number that provides a false sense of security, a financial cushion that is barely a cushion at all.

This isn’t a sign of stability; it’s a sign of living one single emergency away from a major financial crisis.

12 Embarrassing Self-Checkout Mistakes That Will Cost You

August 8, 2025 by James Clendenin

The mistakes you don’t realize you’re making until it’s too late.

Self-checkout feels like freedom—no small talk, no awkward “how’s your day going,” just you and your groceries. But that little screen can turn on you fast if you’re not paying attention. A small slip can mean extra charges, suspicious looks from staff, or even the kind of public embarrassment that lives rent-free in your mind.

It’s not just about scanning things right—it’s about avoiding those moments where you’re fumbling, confused, and holding up the line while everyone watches.

These Are The Biggest U.S. Activism Hotspot Cities in 2025

August 6, 2025 by James Clendenin

The front lines of America’s culture wars are city streets.

The enduring spirit of American dissent is not just a chapter in a history book; it’s a living, breathing force being forged on the streets of a few key cities. In 2025, the nation’s most pressing debates—over justice, equity, and the very definition of American values—are not just happening in Congress, but in the town squares and community centers of specific urban hotspots.

These are the cities where activism is woven into the very fabric of daily life, making them the epicenters of change.