riley completed Archives - Page 12 of 14

Will “Pay with Crypto” at Checkout Actually Save You Money?

August 13, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

The crypto dream of everyday payments meets the harsh reality of the checkout line.

For years, the prophets of cryptocurrency have preached a gospel of decentralized finance, a world where we could break free from the shackles of traditional banks and transact directly with one another. The ultimate expression of this vision is the simple act of buying a cup of coffee or a new pair of shoes with crypto. The “pay with crypto” button is now appearing on more checkouts, promising a glimpse of this futuristic economy.

But behind the utopian promise lies a thicket of practical and financial complications. For the average consumer, the question is not whether you can pay with crypto, but whether you should. The reality is that for most everyday purchases, using crypto is a financially complex and potentially costly choice.

8 Reasons Young Men Prefer Robinhood Over Traditional Brokerages

August 11, 2025 by James Clendenin

The old world of Wall Street feels completely alien to them.

The world of investing was once an intimidating and exclusive club, a place of stuffy, suit-clad brokers and complex financial jargon. For a new generation of young men, however, the stock market is not a foreign country; it’s a game to be played on their phones. They have overwhelmingly rejected the traditional brokerage houses of their parents’ generation in favor of disruptive apps like Robinhood.

This is not just about a slicker interface; it’s a fundamental shift in how they view money, risk, and the entire financial system.

7 Money Moves to Make Now Since Student-Loan Interest is Back

August 11, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

The long pause is over; it’s time for a new strategy.

For a few surreal years, the relentless grind of student-loan interest came to a halt, a government-induced pause that offered a moment of financial respiration to millions. That quiet period is now a distant memory, and the familiar, compounding weight of interest is once again a stark reality. For many, the return to repayment has been a jarring re-entry into a complex and often unforgiving system.

Simply resuming your old payment plan is a passive strategy that ignores the new landscape. The rules have shifted, new programs have emerged, and interest rates remain a potent force. Navigating this new chapter requires a proactive and strategic approach, a series of deliberate moves designed to minimize the long-term cost of your education and accelerate your path to freedom.

Activist Spirit of Gen Z: These Are Causes This Generation Is Fighting For

August 7, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Gen Z won’t sit back while the world burns—they’re loud, organized, and relentlessly hopeful.

They’ve been dismissed, memed, and misunderstood, but Gen Z is stepping into activism with a clarity and conviction that’s hard to ignore. They’re showing up not just online, but in the streets, in school board meetings, and at the ballot box. They’re blending digital savvy with bold purpose—and they’re not waiting for permission.

This generation isn’t asking for change. They’re demanding it.

7 Rich People Habits That Gen Z Is Fully Over

August 1, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

An honest look at the out-of-touch habits of the ultra-rich.

In an age of global awareness and economic uncertainty, Gen Z is rejecting many of the habits that have long been associated with the ultra-wealthy. They see a world of climate change, social inequality, and economic instability, and they view traditional displays of opulence as tone-deaf and out of touch. This isn’t about being anti-wealth; it’s a fundamental shift in values, a desire for authenticity and purpose over pure extravagance.

This generation, fluent in the language of social media and online community, is pushing back against the idea that luxury and excess are the ultimate markers of success. They are more concerned with a brand’s ethics, a habit’s impact on the planet, and a person’s authenticity. What was once a symbol of success is now seen by many as a sign of disconnection, a relic of a bygone era.

13 Things Gen Z Can’t Afford That Boomers Got for Free (or Close to It)

August 1, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Gen Z’s financial reality is a stark contrast to previous generations.

The American dream once seemed attainable for many with hard work, but for a new generation, the economic landscape has shifted dramatically. While their parents and grandparents enjoyed a period of relative prosperity and affordability, Gen Z is facing unprecedented challenges that make many of life’s milestones feel impossibly out of reach. It’s a frustrating reality where even basic necessities are now luxuries, and the goalposts for success have been moved.

This generation finds itself navigating a world of soaring costs, stagnant wages, and crushing debt, forcing a re-evaluation of what’s possible. They are inheriting a system that operates on different rules, where the stability and opportunities that once came standard are now either non-existent or come with a hefty price tag. The comparison is not just about nostalgia; it’s a tangible frustration with a system that feels fundamentally unfair.

Sneaky Tips for Scoring Legit Tech Deals on Amazon Prime Day

July 29, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Timing isn’t everything—knowing how the game is played is what really saves you money.

Amazon Prime Day is billed as a consumer’s playground, but it’s also a psychological chessboard built to make you click fast and think later. While the flashy countdowns and “limited quantities” hype can work like digital hypnosis, some shoppers have cracked the code and consistently walk away with real tech steals—without getting duped by fake markdowns.

It’s not just about getting a deal. It’s about knowing which tactics actually work and which are just clever marketing dressed up as urgency.

10 Once-in-a-Lifetime Events That Made Millennials the Most Resilient Generation

July 29, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

They faced a unique gauntlet of global and economic shifts.

Millennials often face unfair stereotypes, but perhaps no generation has been tested by such a unique gauntlet of global and economic shifts. From navigating the turbulent waters of the Great Recession as young adults to adapting to a world fundamentally reshaped by technology, their formative years were anything but stable.

These aren’t just historical footnotes; they’re the crucible in which a remarkably adaptable and resourceful generation was forged.