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.

Love Him or Hate Him? 9 Trump Tariff Moves That Might Actually Boost the Economy

April 8, 2025 by James Clendenin

Even critics admit some of these tariff moves might actually pay off.

Trump’s tariffs were controversial from the start—hailed as bold by supporters and slammed as reckless by critics. But politics aside, some of those economic maneuvers may have done more good than many expected. His “America First” strategy often felt like economic whiplash, but in certain areas, it sparked shifts that continue to ripple through the economy today. The effects weren’t always immediate or obvious, but over time, some industries started to bounce back, adapt, and even grow stronger under the pressure.

While economists still debate the broader implications, one thing is clear: a few of these tariff policies shook the global trade system in ways that arguably gave the U.S. a leg up. They sparked domestic investment, challenged decades of offshoring trends, and gave America new leverage in international negotiations. Whether you love him or can’t stand the guy, these nine tariff-related moves are worth a second look—because they might have done more than just make headlines.

Fixed Income, No Problem—13 Boomer-Approved Hacks to Save Money Daily

April 7, 2025 by James Clendenin

Small habits add up when you’re watching every dollar.

Living on a fixed income doesn’t mean you have to give up the good stuff—it just means you have to get creative. A lot of Boomers have mastered the art of stretching a dollar without sacrificing quality of life. They’ve lived through rising prices, economic dips, and multiple recessions, so their money-saving hacks are tried, tested, and usually pretty clever. These aren’t about extreme couponing or eating ramen five nights a week. These are practical, daily tricks that can help you save without even feeling like you’re missing out.

Whether you’re recently retired, semi-retired, or just working with a tighter budget, the small wins really do stack up. By being intentional and smart with everyday decisions, you can keep more money in your pocket and still enjoy the life you’ve built. These tips aren’t about cutting corners—they’re about choosing better ones. Here are 13 Boomer-approved hacks that can seriously help you save money on a daily basis.

12 Money Mistakes Boomers Regret—And Millennials Would Never Fall For

April 4, 2025 by James Clendenin

some financial habits deserve to be left in the past where they belong.

Boomers didn’t have the internet, side hustles, or student loans the size of small mortgages, but they did have financial habits that felt smart at the time—until they weren’t. Decades later, many are looking back with a hint of regret, realizing that not all money advice ages well. And while younger generations face their own unique financial challenges, there are definitely a few pitfalls they’ve learned to sidestep.

Millennials may get roasted for buying overpriced lattes and streaming subscriptions, but they’re also the generation that’s questioning outdated money norms. They’ve seen their parents struggle with credit card debt, underwater mortgages, and investments that weren’t as “safe” as promised. So they’ve adjusted. They’re not perfect, but they’re less likely to fall for the same financial traps. These 12 mistakes boomers regret are ones most millennials would call out in a second—and avoid like the plague.

From Bonding to Budgeting—12 Ways To Get Your Retired Parents to Stop Saying “No” to Babysitting

April 2, 2025 by James Clendenin

Getting them to say yes starts with showing it’s not just babysitting—it’s connection.

Retired parents are supposed to be the built-in babysitters, right? That’s the fantasy. But in reality, they’re often living their best lives—traveling, brunching, sleeping in—and you’re stuck awkwardly asking for help while praying they don’t hit you with another “no.” It’s frustrating, especially when you’re juggling work, school runs, and the occasional hope for an adult night out.

The trick isn’t begging or guilt-tripping. It’s making them want to say yes. You’ve got to appeal to their emotions, their schedule, and maybe even their wallet. Babysitting doesn’t have to feel like a chore—they just need to be reminded of all the perks. These 12 strategies can flip the script and turn your reluctant parents into enthusiastic grandparents again. It’s not about manipulating them—it’s about helping them see the value in saying yes, not just for you, but for themselves and their grandkids too.

12 Things Millennials Complain About Constantly—And Rightfully So

April 2, 2025 by James Clendenin

The complaints aren’t petty—they’re survival instincts in a broken system.

Millennials get a lot of flak for being the “complaining” generation, but when you really look at what they’re frustrated about, most of it makes perfect sense. They inherited sky-high rent, crushing student debt, an unstable job market, and an endless stream of financial curveballs. And on top of that, they’re expected to stay optimistic, grateful, and quiet about it. No wonder they vent.

This isn’t about whining—it’s about pointing out what’s broken so it can get fixed. Every generation complains, but millennials are unique in how much change they’ve had to adapt to, and how little they’ve been rewarded for it. These aren’t random gripes—they’re real challenges that keep showing up, day after day. And if older generations had to live under the same conditions, they’d probably be complaining too. Here are 12 things millennials won’t shut up about—and honestly, they shouldn’t have to.

Jolly Green Giants—11 States Expected to Surpass $1 Billion in Cannabis Sales

April 2, 2025 by James Clendenin

Legal weed is booming, and these states are cashing in faster than anyone expected.

Cannabis is no longer just a counterculture niche—it’s a billion-dollar business, and certain states are riding the green wave straight to the bank. As laws shift and stigma fades, more Americans are lighting up legally, creating booming markets and surprising economic wins. It’s not just about dispensaries either—it’s jobs, tax revenue, real estate, and local development. The numbers are climbing fast, and a few states are pulling way ahead of the pack.

These aren’t always the places you’d expect, either. Sure, California leads the charge, but others are coming up quick thanks to smart regulations, strong demand, and thriving local producers. Whether for medical use, recreation, or both, these 11 states are positioned to pass the $1 billion mark in cannabis sales—and in some cases, they’ve already blown past it. The green rush is real, and these markets are where the money (and momentum) is headed next.

Are Banks Evil? 11 Insane Credit Card APRs That Are Robbing Americans Blind

April 1, 2025 by James Clendenin

Credit cards are supposed to offer flexibility—not financial punishment.

Most people sign up for a credit card expecting a little breathing room: buy now, pay later, earn a few points. But behind the glossy ads and “no annual fee” banners, many cards are quietly draining wallets with shocking APRs that keep people stuck in debt for years. It’s not just a few shady companies, either—some of the biggest, most trusted banks are charging interest rates that would make payday lenders blush.

The worst part? These sky-high APRs often hit people when they can least afford them—during emergencies, job losses, or inflation spikes. A $200 grocery run can turn into $300 just because you carried the balance a month too long. These 11 credit cards are some of the worst offenders, charging rates so outrageous it’s hard to believe it’s even legal. If you’ve got one of these in your wallet, you’re not spending money—you’re leaking it.

Gen Z vs. Boomers—13 Outrageous Financial Habits That Are Fueling the Wealth Gap

April 1, 2025 by James Clendenin

The money habits on both sides are clashing hard—and making the gap worse every year.

It’s not just about avocado toast or stockpiling savings. The financial habits of Gen Z and Boomers are wildly different, and those choices are widening the wealth gap faster than anyone expected. Gen Z is coming of age in a chaotic economy—high rent, gig jobs, no pensions—while Boomers built wealth during a time of lower costs, higher job security, and better returns on savings. That clash in money mindsets is adding fuel to the fire.

Boomers often see Gen Z as reckless spenders, while Gen Z sees Boomers as out-of-touch hoarders. Both generations make moves that seem outrageous to the other—and both are right in their own ways. But these 13 habits show how deep the divide really is. It’s not just about how money is spent, but how it’s saved, borrowed, invested, or even ignored. Each generation is playing by different rules, and it’s reshaping the financial future in some uncomfortable ways.