Happy Wallet

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.

12 Common First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands

March 6, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

The biggest mistakes first-time home buyers make—and how to avoid them.

Buying your first home is thrilling—until you realize how many ways you can mess it up. One wrong move, and you could overpay, get stuck with hidden costs, or end up in a house that’s more of a headache than a dream. It’s not just about finding the perfect place; it’s about making smart financial decisions that won’t haunt you for years.

Mistakes in the home-buying process can cost you thousands, but they’re also completely avoidable. If you know what to watch for, you can sidestep these pitfalls and make the smartest purchase possible.

Whether you’re just starting to browse listings or getting ready to make an offer, here’s what not to do—and how to make sure your first home-buying experience is a success.

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

March 6, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Growing up in an uncertain world has made anxiety a constant companion for Gen Z.

No generation has had it easy, but Gen Z is coming of age in a world that feels more uncertain, fast-paced, and overwhelming than ever before. Social media, financial instability, climate change, and nonstop bad news have created an environment where anxiety isn’t just common—it’s almost expected. Many young people feel like they’re carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders, trying to navigate adulthood while dealing with stress levels that previous generations might not fully understand.

Anxiety isn’t just a feeling; it’s shaping how Gen Z approaches work, relationships, and their future. While older generations may roll their eyes at “kids these days,” the truth is that Gen Z is facing unique pressures that are hard to ignore. Understanding what’s fueling their anxiety isn’t about placing blame—it’s about recognizing the realities they’re dealing with. These eye-opening facts shed light on why Gen Z is feeling more anxious than ever and what that means for their future.

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.

10 Smart Money Moves When You Start Making $100k a Year

March 6, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Earning six figures is exciting, but smart money moves will determine if you build wealth or just spend more.

Crossing the $100,000 income mark is a big milestone, but it’s also a turning point that can either set you up for financial success or trap you in a cycle of lifestyle inflation. More money doesn’t automatically mean more security—it all depends on how you manage it. Without a solid plan, it’s easy to increase spending without actually improving your financial future.

Making smart financial decisions at this stage can create long-term stability and open doors to opportunities you never had before. Whether your goal is building wealth, eliminating debt, or securing your financial freedom, taking the right steps now will make all the difference. These moves will help you maximize your income, protect your assets, and ensure that your money is working for you—not just disappearing as fast as it comes in.

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.

Gen Z’s Guide to Avoiding the 9 Biggest Financial Pitfalls of Millennials

March 6, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Learning from millennial money mistakes can save you years of financial regret.

Every generation faces its own financial challenges, but there’s no rule saying you have to repeat the mistakes of the past. Millennials learned a lot of their money lessons the hard way—through crushing student loans, stagnant wages, and financial crises they never saw coming. Now, Gen Z has the chance to sidestep those same pitfalls and make smarter money moves right out of the gate.

Avoiding financial missteps isn’t about being perfect—it’s about recognizing where others went wrong and making intentional choices to do better. Understanding debt, investing early, and living within your means can set you up for long-term success. While economic conditions change, financial wisdom stays the same.

If you want to stay ahead of the curve and build wealth instead of stress, it’s time to pay attention to the biggest money mistakes millennials made—and how you can avoid them.