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.

Needs vs. Wants—7 Ways to Use Maslow’s Hierarchy to Make Smarter Money Decisions

March 19, 2025 by James Clendenin

Understanding what truly matters can change how you spend your money.

Money decisions aren’t always as logical as they should be. It’s easy to justify splurging on things that feel important in the moment, only to regret them later when essentials get pushed aside. The challenge isn’t just about budgeting—it’s about knowing the difference between what you need and what you want. That’s where Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs comes in. Originally designed to explain human motivation, this psychological framework can also help make smarter financial decisions.

Maslow’s model starts with basic survival needs and moves up to more complex desires like social connections and personal fulfillment. By applying these layers to spending, it becomes easier to prioritize essentials while still allowing room for meaningful indulgences. Money should work for you, not against you, and using this hierarchy as a guide helps strike that balance. These seven strategies can reshape how you think about needs vs. wants, leading to smarter, more satisfying financial choices.

11 Financial Nightmares Millennials Face That Boomers Never Had to Deal With

March 19, 2025 by James Clendenin

Millennials are battling financial struggles boomers never even imagined.

Money stress isn’t new, but millennials are dealing with financial pressures that boomers never had to face. The cost of living has skyrocketed, wages haven’t kept up, and traditional milestones like homeownership and debt-free living feel out of reach. Meanwhile, older generations often dish out outdated advice, assuming millennials are struggling because they’re buying too many lattes instead of acknowledging the real economic challenges at play.

Student loans, housing costs, and job instability have created a financial landscape unlike any before. On top of that, millennials are expected to save for retirement, handle rising healthcare costs, and somehow still enjoy life. It’s no wonder so many feel overwhelmed. While boomers were able to build wealth with stable jobs and affordable homes, today’s young adults are navigating an economic minefield. These financial nightmares prove that the playing field isn’t just uneven—it’s completely changed.

Subscription Escape Plan — 9 Ways To Break the Invisible Chains of Monthly Payment Traps

March 19, 2025 by James Clendenin

Stop letting sneaky subscriptions drain your wallet every month.

It starts with one harmless free trial, and before you know it, your bank account is bleeding money from dozens of monthly charges you barely notice. Streaming services, meal kits, fitness apps, and cloud storage—each one seems insignificant on its own, but together, they quietly drain hundreds of dollars a year. These recurring payments sneak under the radar, making it easy to forget just how much you’re spending.

Breaking free from subscription overload isn’t just about saving cash—it’s about regaining control of your financial freedom. Companies design these plans to keep you locked in, counting on you to forget about them. But once you start taking a closer look, you’ll realize just how many of these expenses are unnecessary. With a few simple steps, you can cut the clutter, eliminate wasteful spending, and finally escape the cycle of endless monthly payments.

Sky-High Bills—11 U.S. Cities with the Most Expensive Utilities

March 19, 2025 by James Clendenin

The cost of keeping the lights on is climbing faster than ever.

Utility bills used to be an afterthought for most households, but in many U.S. cities, they’re now a serious financial burden. Electricity, water, heating, and even trash collection costs are soaring, leaving residents scrambling to keep up. Some cities charge significantly more than others, making everyday essentials feel like a luxury. If your bill seems outrageously high, your location might be the real culprit.

In some parts of the country, extreme weather, aging infrastructure, and limited energy options push costs to eye-watering levels. Homeowners and renters alike are feeling the squeeze, with no sign of relief in sight. While some cities have high wages to balance out utility costs, others leave residents with little breathing room. These eleven U.S. cities have some of the highest utility bills in the country, making them some of the most expensive places to simply keep the lights on and the water running.

The Harsh Reality—11 Reasons Young People Feel the Economy is Rigged Against Them

March 19, 2025 by James Clendenin

The crushing weight of financial insecurity affects a generation’s outlook on economic fairness.

The economic landscape for today’s young adults bears little resemblance to what previous generations navigated at the same life stage. Saddled with unprecedented student debt, facing skyrocketing housing costs, and entering a job market where wages have remained stagnant despite soaring productivity, many young people view the current economic system not as a ladder of opportunity but as a maze designed to keep them running in circles.

This perception isn’t merely youthful pessimism or impatience for success. Data increasingly supports the notion that structural economic changes have fundamentally altered the path to financial stability for those born after 1980, creating barriers that didn’t exist for their parents and grandparents.

Don’t Get Fooled—13 Real Estate Scams That Could Cost You Big

March 19, 2025 by James Clendenin

Real estate scams are more common than you think, and they can cost you everything.

Buying, renting, or selling property should be a step toward financial security, but in an industry where huge amounts of money change hands, scammers are always looking for ways to take advantage. Whether it’s fake listings, fraudulent wire transfers, or shady investment deals, real estate scams can drain your savings, ruin your credit, and leave you without a home.

The worst part? These scams don’t just target first-time buyers or renters. Even experienced homeowners and real estate investors fall victim to well-planned fraud. Scammers use urgency, pressure tactics, and increasingly sophisticated schemes to fool people into handing over their money before they realize something’s wrong. The best defense is knowing exactly what to watch out for. These thirteen real estate scams have cost people thousands—and sometimes even their homes.

Stop Falling for These 13 Financial Lies Americans Still Believe

March 19, 2025 by James Clendenin

The invisible chains of financial myths keep us trapped in cycles we often fail to recognize.

Money stories shape our reality more powerfully than any spreadsheet! I learned this the hard way after climbing the corporate ladder while secretly drowning in debt that funded a lifestyle meant to impress colleagues doing the same thing. The financial world thrives on our willingness to accept “truths” benefiting institutions rather than individuals, leaving us confused about why security remains out of reach.

These myths persist because they feel familiar, reinforced by well-meaning parents, clever advertising, and social circles where questioning financial conventions feels almost forbidden. Breaking free starts with recognizing the falsehoods guiding your choices—often disguised as wisdom passed through generations or marketed as success paths by those profiting from your belief.

Avoid These 13 Devastating States with Sky-High Property Taxes

March 19, 2025 by James Clendenin

Living here will drain your wallet faster than you think.

Owning a home can feel like the ultimate achievement—until you get slapped with a property tax bill that makes your jaw drop. Some states are notorious for charging sky-high rates, eating away at your savings and making homeownership feel like a financial trap. If you’re not careful, you could end up spending thousands more than expected every year, just to keep the roof over your head.

Not all states are created equal when it comes to property taxes. While some places keep rates low to attract new residents, others offset their lack of income tax or other revenue streams by hitting homeowners where it hurts.

Before settling down, take a closer look at these 13 states where property taxes are through the roof—you might just decide to look elsewhere.