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 Warnings Signs Your Parent’s Are Overstepping in Your Marriage

June 25, 2025 by James Clendenin

Uninvited opinions often signal shifting boundaries.

Navigating the complexities of marriage is a journey unique to each couple, filled with shared dreams, individual growth, and the occasional challenging conversation. However, this intricate dance can become even more complicated when the well-intentioned, yet sometimes overzealous, involvement of parents begins to blur the lines of your marital autonomy. It’s a delicate balance, respecting the wisdom and love of your parents while simultaneously safeguarding the sacred space you and your partner are building together. Recognizing when parental guidance morphs into overstepping isn’t always easy, but it’s crucial for the health and longevity of your union.

Understanding these subtle shifts in dynamics is key to fostering a strong, independent marriage. Your parents, undoubtedly, have your best interests at heart, but their history with you, coupled with their own experiences, can sometimes lead them to intrude upon decisions that are solely yours and your spouse’s to make. This isn’t about severing ties or creating distance, but rather about establishing clear, respectful boundaries that honor everyone involved and, most importantly, protect the integrity of your marriage.

Rude, Cheap, and Just Plain Annoying—12 Money Pet Peeves That Drive People Crazy

June 17, 2025 by James Clendenin

Everyone has that one money behavior that instantly makes their skin crawl.

Some people seem to forget that how they handle money speaks volumes about their character. It’s not about how much they have—it’s how they treat others in situations that involve spending, sharing, or showing basic respect. You can spot a money-related red flag pretty quickly once you’ve experienced a few uncomfortable situations. And once you’ve seen someone stiff a server or pull a fast one on a friend, it’s hard to unsee it.

These money pet peeves aren’t about being frugal or financially responsible—they’re about behavior that crosses the line into selfish, shady, or just plain irritating. You don’t need to be rolling in cash to have good manners or decent social awareness. Unfortunately, some people miss that memo completely. If you’ve ever been stuck splitting a check with someone who conveniently “forgets” to add their drinks, you’ll know exactly what kind of aggravation we’re talking about.

10 Discouraging Trends Keeping Gen Z and Millennials Stuck in the Middle Class

June 13, 2025 by James Clendenin

Stagnant wages and sky-high costs are slowly boxing in an entire generation.

It’s not laziness, lack of ambition, or avocado toast keeping younger generations from building wealth—it’s a system that feels like it’s working against them. Millennials and Gen Z came of age in a world that promised opportunity, but what they got instead were wage gaps, soaring housing prices, crippling debt, and a cost of living that outpaces any raise they might manage to get. Even those who work hard, save, and play by the rules find themselves barely breaking even.

The pressure to succeed while juggling unstable jobs, inflated rents, and minimal safety nets creates a constant sense of being stuck. Climbing the financial ladder feels more like trying to sprint up a muddy hill in the rain. These aren’t isolated issues—they’re widespread patterns that are affecting millions. Here are 10 of the most discouraging trends keeping Gen Z and Millennials locked in the middle class with no clear way out.

11 Things You Should Never Buy at Full Price (And Smart Ways to Save)

June 12, 2025 by James Clendenin

Paying full price is rarely worth it when smarter options exist.

There are certain things in life where full price just doesn’t make sense—especially when the same quality or experience can be had for far less with a little planning or strategy. Retailers know how to play the urgency game, pushing sales with limited-time offers, but the truth is, nearly everything goes on sale if you’re patient. Once you start noticing the patterns, you realize how much money slips through your fingers on things you didn’t need to pay top dollar for.

It’s not about being cheap—it’s about being strategic. Saving money on everyday purchases leaves more room in your budget for the things that actually matter. With just a bit of timing, resourcefulness, and knowing where to look, you can sidestep inflated prices without sacrificing quality. Here are 11 things you should never buy at full price—and some smart ways to save instead.

Hidden Gold: 9 Rare Apple Relics That Are the Holy Grail for Tech Fans

June 11, 2025 by James Clendenin

Valuable treasured relics from Apple’s early days.

Finding a genuine piece of computing history feels almost magical, especially when it bears the Apple logo from decades ago. There’s something deeply satisfying about holding a machine that helped shape the personal computing world, its weight and presence reminding you of a time when innovation moved at a different pace. I still get a thrill thinking about the tales these machines carry. This article is a personal journey through nine vintage Apple products that have become holy grails for collectors, offering insight into what makes them so alluring and why enthusiasts are willing to pay astronomical prices to own them.

Whether you’re a longtime Apple fan or someone curious about tech nostalgia, these relics tell stories of ambition, creativity, and risk-taking. From the very first Apple I boards assembled by hand to the iconic iMac G3s that defined colorful computing, each item on this list represents a milestone in Apple’s evolution. Beyond their status as artifacts, these devices capture the spirit of relentless innovation that drove a garage startup to global dominance. Let’s explore what makes these gadgets so coveted and why they continue to captivate collectors around the world and beyond, inspiring future generations of innovators and visionaries.

11 Ways Your Relationship is at Risk With a Friend Who Is Always Broke

June 10, 2025 by James Clendenin

Money tension with a broke friend can quietly poison the friendship.

Friendships are supposed to be about support, shared experiences, and mutual respect—not hidden resentment over unpaid tabs and one-sided financial strain. But when someone is always broke, always borrowing, or never contributing, the imbalance can wear thin fast. You want to be generous and understanding, but the repeated financial awkwardness starts to create cracks in the foundation.

Money might not be the root of the friendship, but it still affects how equal and respected you feel. Over time, the constant “I can’t afford it” or “Can you cover me?” can shift the tone of the entire relationship. It’s rarely about one incident—it’s about the growing pattern that leaves you feeling used or undervalued. Here are 11 ways your relationship could be in serious trouble with a friend who’s always broke.

11 Sticky Habits That Will Give a BIg Boost to Your Savings

June 9, 2025 by James Clendenin

Small daily moves that quietly grow your bank balance.

Saving money often feels like a huge task that requires major sacrifices, but it usually comes down to small, consistent habits that add up over time. Most people overlook the tiny actions that slowly build financial momentum, focusing instead on big, overwhelming goals that feel impossible to stick to. The truth is, you don’t need a massive lifestyle overhaul to start seeing results—you just need a handful of smart, repeatable behaviors.

These micro habits don’t feel painful or restrictive, which is exactly why they work. When you make saving automatic, painless, and part of your daily routine, your bank account starts growing almost effortlessly. Before long, those small wins stack up into serious savings without you even feeling like you’re missing out. Here are 11 micro habits that can give your savings a big boost, starting today.

1993 Flashback—10 Top Grossing Films That Made Going to the Theater Pure Magic

June 9, 2025 by James Clendenin

The box office in 1993 delivered unforgettable movie moments.

There was something special about going to the movies in 1993. The popcorn smelled better, the lines outside the theaters felt electric, and the films themselves seemed larger than life. It wasn’t just another trip to the cinema—it was an event. That year produced a lineup of blockbusters that not only filled seats but left a lasting mark on pop culture. These were the kinds of movies people quoted for years, bought on VHS, and debated long after the credits rolled.

The variety was incredible. Audiences got everything: groundbreaking special effects, emotional dramas, family favorites, and instant classics. The box office was booming, and every week seemed to offer something worth seeing. These films didn’t just dominate financially—they became part of the cultural fabric. Here are 10 top-grossing films from 1993 that made moviegoing pure magic.