Happy Wallet

10 Biggest Lies About Homeownership Being the Ultimate Wealth Builder

March 10, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Owning a home doesn’t guarantee financial success.

Buying a house is often sold as the smartest financial move you can make, but the reality isn’t always so clear-cut. While homeownership can be a great long-term investment for some, it’s far from a guaranteed ticket to wealth.

The costs, risks, and unpredictable market fluctuations can turn what seems like a sure bet into a financial headache. Yet, the myth of homeownership as the ultimate wealth-building strategy persists, leading many people to stretch their budgets or overlook better financial opportunities.

The truth is, owning a home comes with hidden expenses, market uncertainties, and limitations that don’t always lead to financial prosperity. While some homeowners build equity and benefit from appreciation, others find themselves struggling with ongoing costs, maintenance nightmares, and a lack of liquidity.

If you’re buying a house purely because you’ve been told it’s the “best” financial decision, it’s time to rethink that belief. Here are ten of the biggest lies about homeownership as the ultimate wealth builder.

Gen Z is Blowing Cash on Things That Make Boomers Roll Their Eyes

March 10, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Spending habits have changed, and some of Gen Z’s purchases leave older generations baffled.

Every generation has its quirks, but Gen Z’s spending choices often make Boomers shake their heads in disbelief. Raised in the digital age, Gen Z prioritizes convenience, experiences, and aesthetics in ways that seem downright ridiculous to those who grew up clipping coupons and balancing checkbooks. Instead of traditional investments like homeownership or retirement savings, younger adults are dropping serious cash on things that previous generations wouldn’t have dreamed of spending money on.

While some of these purchases make perfect sense in today’s world, others feel like money pits that provide little long-term value. Whether it’s for social media clout, instant gratification, or a deep-rooted desire for self-care, Gen Z’s spending habits reflect a completely different set of priorities. Here are some of the most eye-roll-worthy things they’re shelling out cash for—at least from a Boomer’s perspective.

12 Times Being Cheap Can Actually Cost You More—Avoid These Pitfalls

March 10, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Trying to save money the wrong way can leave you paying more in the long run.

Being smart with your money is a great habit, but sometimes, cutting corners can backfire. There’s a fine line between being frugal and being cheap, and when you cross into the latter, you might end up spending more than if you had just paid for quality in the first place.

Skimping on essentials, delaying important repairs, or choosing the absolute cheapest option often leads to regret, frustration, and unexpected expenses that outweigh the initial savings.

The real cost of being too cheap isn’t always obvious at first. A low-quality purchase may need to be replaced sooner, a neglected repair could turn into a major problem, and trying to DIY everything might lead to costly mistakes.

Saving money should be about making smarter choices, not just spending less. Here are twelve times being cheap can actually cost you more—and how to avoid these costly mistakes.

Want to stay Poor? 11 Stupidest Things Only Broke People Waste Money on

March 10, 2025 by James Clendenin

Keep wasting money on these things and stay broke forever.

Being broke isn’t just about how much you make—it’s about how you spend it. Some people bring in decent money but still struggle, constantly wondering why their bank account is empty.

The problem? They throw cash at things that don’t matter, piling up small, pointless expenses that add up fast. Then they blame their paycheck instead of their choices.

If you’re tired of being stuck in the same financial rut, it’s time to take a hard look at where your money is really going. The difference between building wealth and staying broke isn’t just about earning more—it’s about stopping the stupid spending that keeps you in a never-ending cycle of being broke.

These are the worst money traps that keep people poor.

Young People Are Fed Up—11 Scathing Gen Z Criticisms About Capitalism

March 10, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

The system isn’t broken—it’s working exactly as designed.

Gen Z has no problem calling out capitalism’s flaws, and they aren’t shy about pointing out who benefits from the system and who gets left behind. Unlike previous generations, who were told to work hard and climb the ladder, Gen Z has watched wages stagnate, wealth concentrate, and the cost of living skyrocket. The old promises of stability and success through hard work ring hollow when so many are drowning in debt and struggling to afford basic necessities.

This isn’t just youthful rebellion—it’s a growing recognition that capitalism, as it stands, isn’t serving most people. While past generations accepted its shortcomings as “just the way things are,” Gen Z is challenging those assumptions. Whether through viral social media discussions, labor strikes, or lifestyle changes rejecting corporate control, they’re exposing the cracks in the system.

Here are some of their sharpest critiques, forcing uncomfortable conversations about capitalism’s future.

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.

Cash In Big with These 9 Rare Coins Before Their Value Explodes

March 7, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Hidden in your pocket change or old collections, these rare coins could be worth a fortune.

Most people think of coins as nothing more than small change, but some rare pieces can be worth hundreds, thousands, or even millions of dollars. Whether it’s a misprinted penny, an old silver dollar, or a limited-edition release, certain coins skyrocket in value over time. If you’ve got a jar of old coins lying around, you might want to check it carefully—you could be sitting on a hidden goldmine.

Collectors and investors alike are always hunting for rare and valuable coins, and as demand rises, so do prices. Some of these coins are already fetching impressive sums, while others are expected to explode in value in the near future.

Knowing what to look for can help you cash in big, turning what seems like spare change into serious money. Here are some of the most valuable coins you should keep an eye out for before their worth skyrockets even more.

Turn Spare Change Into Wealth With These 10 Round-Up Apps

March 7, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Small change, big impact—these round-up apps make saving and investing effortless.

In 2025, saving and investing no longer require complex strategies or large upfront commitments. Round-up apps have revolutionized the way people grow their money by automatically rounding up everyday purchases to the nearest dollar and transferring the spare change into savings or investment accounts.

With just a few dollars at a time, these apps can help you build wealth seamlessly, turning minor transactions into major financial progress.

Whether you’re looking to boost your emergency fund, start investing, or simply develop better saving habits, the right round-up app can make all the difference. Some focus on micro-investing, while others prioritize high-yield savings or financial automation. No matter your financial goals, there’s an app designed to fit your needs.

Here are ten of the best round-up apps in 2025 for saving and investing money without even thinking about it.