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.

New Warning For West Coast: From San Diego to the Washington on Alert

October 23, 2025 by James Clendenin

The entire West Coast is bracing for a powerful storm unlike recent years.

A sweeping new weather warning has been issued for the Pacific Coast, stretching from San Diego all the way to Washington State. Forecasters are calling it a “multi-impact system,” capable of bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous surf to millions of residents.

The storm is expected to move inland quickly, disrupting travel and flooding low-lying areas. Meteorologists are urging residents to stay alert as the forecast continues to shift with each passing hour.

WhatsApp Fake Support Gets Users to Screenshot Bank Details

October 23, 2025 by James Clendenin

Scammers are posing as WhatsApp support and stealing money faster than you think.

A new wave of scams is sweeping across WhatsApp, tricking users into handing over their banking information in the most deceptive way possible. The fraudsters impersonate official WhatsApp support staff and convince users to “verify” their accounts by sending a simple screenshot—one that unknowingly reveals critical financial data.

Once they have what they need, they move fast, draining bank accounts and locking users out before anyone realizes what’s happened.

Reasons Why the US Economy Seems Strong, But Experts Still See a Recession

October 23, 2025 by James Clendenin

The numbers look great, but the mood behind them tells another story.

Outdoor city street, man in sunglasses with shopping bags, over-the-shoulder view, sunny afternoon, editorial travel photo, people. — ©Image license via Canva

On paper, the U.S. economy appears unstoppable—low unemployment, rising wages, and steady consumer spending. Yet behind those optimistic headlines, economists keep sounding alarms about what’s brewing beneath the surface. The contrast between public confidence and expert caution has never been more striking.

While the data looks solid, cracks are starting to show in everything from debt levels to long-term productivity. The economy may feel strong for now, but its foundation could be far shakier than it seems.

These Airlines Offer Secure Luggage Tag-Disposal Bins to Protect Your Identity

October 22, 2025 by James Clendenin

Properly discarding bag tags protects you from airport scams

Travelers often overlook the risk associated with discarding luggage tags at airports. These tags contain personal travel information that can be exploited by fraudsters to file false claims or access sensitive data. Because of this, caution around luggage tag disposal has become a growing concern.

Some airports and airlines have taken steps to address this issue by providing secure disposal bins specifically designed for luggage tags. These bins help prevent identity theft and fraudulent activities linked to discarded tags, offering peace of mind for travelers. Knowing which airlines or airports offer such facilities can be a valuable convenience during your journey.

7 Once-Beloved Travel Destinations That Limit Tourist Access

October 22, 2025 by James Clendenin

These destinations protect their natural and cultural treasures through visitor limits and rules.

Many once-popular travel spots now limit tourist access to protect their delicate environments and cultural heritage. Over-tourism can cause irreversible harm, prompting authorities to enforce visitor caps, require permits, and implement crowd control. Understanding these restrictions helps travelers plan responsibly and respect local efforts to preserve these unique places for future generations. Access rules reflect a balance between welcoming visitors and safeguarding irreplaceable sites worldwide.

Why So Many Americans Are Falling Behind on Their Car Loans—and How it Relates to Student Loan Debt

October 22, 2025 by James Clendenin

The debt double bind is hitting car owners harder than anyone expected.

Car loan delinquencies are climbing at their fastest rate in years, and it’s not just inflation or higher interest rates to blame. Millions of Americans are quietly falling behind on their auto payments, caught in a financial trap that stretches back to student loan debt. For many, it’s not about irresponsibility—it’s about impossible math.

As student loan repayments resumed, budgets already stretched thin began to snap. Now, a growing number of borrowers are realizing that one missed payment can set off a financial chain reaction that’s nearly impossible to stop.

Climate Change Leads to ‘Zombie Deer Disease’ During Hunting Season

October 22, 2025 by James Clendenin

Warmer temperatures are accelerating the spread of a fatal prion disease that’s turning deer into walking corpses.

Chronic wasting disease has quietly infected deer, elk, and moose populations across North America for decades, but climate change is dramatically expanding its range and transmission rate. The neurological condition causes infected animals to waste away while exhibiting zombie-like behavior including drooling, stumbling, and showing no fear of humans. Wildlife officials now detect the disease in regions where it never existed before.

Hunters face the unsettling reality of encountering infected animals that look profoundly unwell, raising concerns about meat safety and ecosystem health. The disease’s expansion coincides directly with warming patterns that create ideal conditions for the infectious prions to survive and spread.

These 9 Major Cities Are Treading Water and Showing Big Signs of Recession

October 21, 2025 by James Clendenin

The economic cracks are starting to show.

It’s easy to get caught up in the national headlines about inflation and job numbers, which can often paint a picture of a resilient economy. But economics isn’t a monolith; it’s a mosaic of thousands of local stories. When you zoom in on specific metropolitan areas, a very different and more concerning picture can begin to emerge, one where the foundations are weaker than they appear.

In certain major hubs across the country, a combination of tech-sector turmoil, a cooling housing market, and shifting population trends are creating silent but significant downturns. These cities are the canaries in the coal mine, signaling a potential economic winter that could be more widespread than many realize.