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 Fab Places to Move and Escape the High Cost of Living

March 7, 2025 by James Clendenin

Unlock your dream lifestyle without breaking the bank.

The most liberating secret about luxury living isn’t having unlimited resources—it’s discovering places where moderate means can deliver extraordinary experiences. Across America, hidden gems offer spacious homes, upscale amenities, and vibrant communities at prices that leave room in your budget for actually enjoying life.

These 11 cities represent more than affordable housing markets; they’re gateways to the elevated lifestyle you’ve imagined. Each location combines distinctive cultural offerings, natural beauty, and urban conveniences that transform everyday living into something truly special—without requiring executive-level income.

12 Ways Your Gen X Diploma Left You Unprepared for Life After Graduation

March 7, 2025 by James Clendenin

Your Gen X diploma got you through school, but it didn’t prepare you for real life.

Walking across that stage and grabbing a diploma was supposed to mean you were ready for the real world. Instead, many Gen Xers stepped out of high school or college into a confusing adult life full of challenges no one warned them about. The world you were taught to navigate back then looks nothing like the one you’re living in today.

Schools drilled algebra, Shakespeare, and the Pythagorean theorem into your brain, but they forgot to teach survival skills like managing debt, negotiating a salary, or even handling basic home repairs. The gap between education and reality has left an entire generation feeling unprepared for things they face every single day.

If your diploma didn’t cover these crucial life lessons, you’re not alone. Here’s where the education system let you down—and why you had to figure it all out the hard way.

What’s Fueling Gen Z’s Anxiety? 9 Eye-Opening Facts You Need to Know

March 7, 2025 by James Clendenin

Gen Z’s anxiety is fueled by pressures previous generations never had to face.

Anxiety isn’t new, but Gen Z is experiencing it at unprecedented levels. While older generations might chalk it up to typical growing pains, the truth is, today’s young adults are navigating a world that feels perpetually on edge. It’s not just school stress or the usual coming-of-age challenges—it’s a perfect storm of societal, technological, and environmental pressures that are making anxiety a constant companion for many.

This generation is connected to everything, all the time. They’re more aware of global crises, more plugged into social media comparisons, and more critical of their own futures in a world that feels uncertain. The result is a generation that often feels overwhelmed and under-supported.

Understanding the root causes of this anxiety epidemic is crucial to finding real solutions and offering genuine support to those who need it most.

14 Clever Ways to Make Your LinkedIn Profile Stand Out

March 6, 2025 by James Clendenin

Genius hacks to make your LinkedIn profile impossible to ignore.

Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just a resume—it’s your digital handshake, your elevator pitch, and your personal brand all in one. Yet most people treat it like an online filing cabinet, stuffing in job titles and bullet points that no one actually wants to read.

If your profile looks like everyone else’s, you’re invisible. But with a few creative tweaks, you can turn it into a magnetic, opportunity-attracting powerhouse. Whether you’re hunting for your dream job, networking with industry leaders, or building your brand, these clever strategies will make sure the right people notice you—and remember you.

11 Reasons Gen Z Is Breaking the Silence on Salaries At Work

March 6, 2025 by James Clendenin

Talking about money at work isn’t taboo anymore—it’s a power move.

For generations, discussing salaries was considered unprofessional, even rude. Employers encouraged secrecy, and employees followed suit, fearing retaliation or awkward conversations. But Gen Z isn’t playing by those old rules. They’re pulling back the curtain on pay secrecy, openly sharing salary details with coworkers and on social media. And for good reason—staying quiet has only ever benefited companies, not employees.

This shift isn’t just about curiosity; it’s about fairness. Wage gaps, hidden biases, and pay disparities thrive in silence. Gen Z understands that transparency leads to accountability, and accountability forces companies to do better. By normalizing salary discussions, they’re making sure everyone gets a fair shot at earning what they deserve.

Here’s why they’re speaking up—and why it’s making a difference.

Is Gen Z Smarter with Money Than Gen X? These 9 Truths Will Surprise You

March 6, 2025 by James Clendenin

Gen Z’s money habits might surprise you with their savvy approach to finances.

When it comes to managing money, each generation has its own unique style. Gen X, born between the mid-1960s and early 1980s, came of age in a world of traditional financial advice—think budgets on spreadsheets, saving for retirement in 401(k)s, and cautious investing. On the other hand, Gen Z, born in the late 1990s through the 2010s, has grown up in the age of apps, side hustles, and financial influencers on social media. But who’s really better with money?

Surprisingly, despite their youth, many Gen Zers are already displaying a level of financial awareness that might catch older generations off guard. While they face unique challenges like student debt and a volatile job market, they’re also leveraging technology, staying mindful of debt, and prioritizing financial wellness.

The truth is, Gen Z might just have a few money lessons to teach Gen X—and anyone else who’s paying attention.

10 Money Power Plays Smart 30-Somethings Make While Everyone Else Stays Broke

March 6, 2025 by James Clendenin

The financial choices you make in your 30s set the foundation for your future wealth.

Being in your 30s is exciting, but it’s also when financial habits start to shape the rest of your life. It’s easy to assume you have plenty of time to figure things out, but the truth is, the earlier you start making smart money moves, the better off you’ll be. The habits you develop now can either put you on the path to financial freedom or keep you stuck in cycles of debt and paycheck-to-paycheck living.

You don’t need to have it all figured out, but making a few key financial decisions early can help you avoid common money pitfalls. Whether it’s saving, investing, or managing debt wisely, taking action now will make life much easier down the road.

These smart financial moves will help you build a solid foundation so you can enjoy more freedom, stability, and opportunities in the future.

11 Nightmare Scenarios That Happen When You Fail To Follow a Budget

March 4, 2025 by James Clendenin

Ignoring a budget might seem harmless—until you’re drowning in financial chaos.

Sticking to a budget isn’t always fun, but failing to follow one can lead to serious financial nightmares. Without a plan for your money, expenses can spiral out of control, debt piles up, and suddenly, you’re stuck in a cycle of financial stress that’s tough to escape. What starts as a few overspending moments can quickly snowball into major money problems that take years to fix.

A budget isn’t about restriction—it’s about control. It helps you spend on what matters while ensuring you’re not accidentally sabotaging your future. If you think skipping a budget is no big deal, consider the potential disasters waiting to happen.

These nightmare scenarios are all too common when people ignore their finances, and they’re exactly why having a budget is essential for financial peace of mind.