mags completed Archives

Avoid Roommate Nightmares—7 Rules to Handle Rent and Bills Like a Pro

March 21, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

The unspoken tensions of shared living spaces often stem from poorly managed finances.

Living with roommates can be a great way to save money, but it can also turn into a financial disaster if you’re not careful. Nothing creates tension faster than missed rent payments, forgotten utility bills, or someone feeling like they’re always covering for others. Even the best roommates can run into problems if money isn’t handled clearly from the start.

The good news? Avoiding financial fights is easier than you think. With a few simple rules, you can keep things fair, organized, and stress-free. Setting expectations early, using the right tools, and making sure everyone stays accountable will save you from awkward conversations—and potentially a ruined friendship. These seven strategies will help you split expenses like a pro, so you can focus on enjoying your space instead of stressing over who owes what.

Struggling With Rent? These 13 Cities Offer Affordable Housing for Young People

March 21, 2025 by James Clendenin

Finding an affordable place to live doesn’t have to feel impossible.

For young people trying to get ahead, high rent prices can feel like a never-ending battle. In major cities, the cost of housing keeps rising, making it tough to save, invest, or even enjoy basic financial security. While many urban areas seem out of reach, some cities are still offering affordable rent, strong job markets, and a decent quality of life without draining your bank account.

These 13 cities stand out for their lower cost of living, reasonable rent prices, and opportunities for young professionals looking to build their future. Whether you want a bustling downtown scene, a laid-back vibe, or a mix of both, these places provide a financial break while still offering everything you need.

If you’re tired of spending most of your paycheck on rent, it might be time to consider packing up and moving to a city where your money stretches further.

Got a Tax Refund? 9 Strategic Ways to Use It Wisely

March 21, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

A tax refund isn’t free money—it’s an opportunity to get ahead.

Getting a tax refund feels like a financial win, but what you do with it matters. While it’s tempting to spend it on something fun, treating it as extra cash instead of a financial tool could mean missing out on long-term benefits. A refund isn’t a lottery prize—it’s money you overpaid to the government, and using it wisely can put you in a much stronger position for the future.

The best way to use a tax refund is to balance immediate needs with long-term gains. Whether that means eliminating debt, building savings, or investing in something that adds value to your life, the right choices now can lead to bigger rewards later. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a little of it, but making smart moves with the bulk of your refund ensures you’re not left wondering where it all went a few months down the road.

14 Hot Cities Where Real Estate Prices Are Climbing Fast

March 21, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Buying a home in these cities could cost you way more if you wait too long.

Real estate prices are rising across the country, but some cities are experiencing a faster surge than others. Whether it’s due to booming job markets, an influx of new residents, or increased demand for housing, these places are becoming more expensive by the day. What used to be affordable is now slipping out of reach, and if you’re thinking about buying, waiting could mean paying tens of thousands more.

It’s not just big coastal cities seeing skyrocketing prices. Many smaller and mid-sized metros are becoming hot real estate markets, with bidding wars and shrinking inventory driving up costs. While this can be great news for homeowners looking to sell, it’s making it harder for buyers to find good deals. If you’re hoping to invest in a home or relocate to one of these high-growth areas, you’ll want to move fast. Here are the cities where real estate prices are climbing at record speed.

Are You a Lazy Person? 13 Tiny Habits That Supercharge Your Productivity

March 21, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Small changes can make a huge difference in how much you get done.

Being productive doesn’t mean working nonstop or following rigid schedules. In fact, some of the most efficient people barely seem like they’re trying. The secret? Tiny habits that eliminate wasted time, reduce decision fatigue, and make it easier to stay on track. Productivity isn’t about forcing yourself to work harder—it’s about making small, smart changes that create momentum without exhausting you.

The good news is that you don’t need a personality makeover to be more productive. Even if procrastination feels like second nature, small tweaks to your daily routine can have a massive impact. The trick is finding habits that require little effort but deliver big results. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unmotivated, or overwhelmed, these simple shifts will help you work smarter, not harder—without feeling like you’re constantly pushing yourself.

10 Brutal Realities Making Gen Z Question If Retirement Is a Myth

March 21, 2025 by James Clendenin

Retirement is starting to feel more like a fantasy than a future plan.

For Gen Z, the idea of retirement doesn’t look anything like it did for previous generations. Instead of picturing a quiet life of financial security, many young people see a future filled with rising costs, unstable job markets, and a pension system that might not be around when they need it. The traditional path of working hard for 40 years and then enjoying retirement seems more uncertain than ever.

With student debt piling up, housing prices skyrocketing, and wages struggling to keep pace with inflation, it’s no wonder Gen Z is questioning whether retirement is even possible. Many are rethinking the whole concept, focusing on financial independence rather than a traditional retirement at 65.

These harsh realities are making it clear why younger generations are starting to believe retirement might be a myth—and why they may have to carve out an entirely different future for themselves.

10 Countries That Solved Their Housing Crisis—Lessons America Needs to Learn

March 21, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Some countries fixed their housing problems—so why hasn’t America?

Housing shortages, skyrocketing rents, and unaffordable home prices have made stable housing feel out of reach for millions of Americans. While policymakers debate solutions, other countries have already tackled similar crises with innovative policies, strong government action, and creative urban planning. These nations prove that housing doesn’t have to be a luxury—it can be a right, an investment in the economy, and a foundation for stable communities.

The U.S. isn’t the only country to struggle with housing affordability, but it is one of the few that hasn’t implemented large-scale, lasting solutions. Meanwhile, countries across Europe, Asia, and even South America have turned things around with bold policies that put people before profit. Whether it’s mass public housing, rent control, or incentives for affordable construction, these 10 countries have found ways to make housing work—and their successes offer important lessons America can’t afford to ignore.

Stop Sitting on Your Cash: 11 Reasons Hoarding Money Hurts You and the World

March 21, 2025 by James Clendenin

Keeping all your cash tucked away might feel safe, but it comes at a cost.

Saving money is smart, but hoarding it? That’s a different story. While having a financial cushion is essential, keeping too much cash on the sidelines can actually work against you. Inflation eats away at its value, missed opportunities limit your growth, and a mindset of scarcity can hold you back from enjoying life. Instead of bringing security, hoarding money can create unnecessary stress and prevent you from making meaningful financial moves.

Money is meant to work, not sit idle. Investing, spending wisely, and even giving strategically can create a healthier relationship with finances. It benefits you, your community, and the economy as a whole. If fear has kept you from putting your cash to better use, it’s time to rethink your approach. Here are some ways hoarding money can hurt you—and why putting it to work makes much more sense in the long run.