Financial Archives | Page 2 of 3

U.S. Tipping Has Gotten Out-of-Hand: 11 Ridiculous Things You Shouldn’t Be Tipping For

July 21, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Find out how you’re wasting money on tips that should never be expected.

Are you tipping for things that make zero sense? You’re not alone in this bizarre new world where everyone’s got their hand out—even the self-checkout machine. What used to be a way to say “thank you” for great service has spiraled into an exhausting game of guilt and confusion. Now, you’re being nudged to tip for tasks so basic, it’s hard not to laugh. Or cry. Or both.

Let’s walk through 11 situations that absolutely do not deserve a tip—so you can keep your dollars for the people who truly earn them.

11 Reasons Millennials and Gen Z Are Furious at Boomers About the Housing Crisis

July 18, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Here’s how their choices are locking millennials and Gen Z out of home ownership forever.

Couple standing outside their home ©Image license via Shutterstock

Boomers had a golden window of opportunity. The postwar economy was booming, wages were strong, and the housing market was wide open. Buying a home didn’t feel like chasing a fantasy—it was a natural next step in building a stable life. Homes were priced within reach, banks weren’t predatory with their lending practices, and financial stress didn’t follow every mortgage decision. They got in at the right time, under the right circumstances.

Meanwhile, Millennials and Gen Z are scrambling to catch up in a world where housing prices have soared far beyond income levels, and financial stability feels like a moving target. Many feel like they’ve been cheated out of the same dreams their parents were handed on a silver platter.

Bet Big or Back Off? These AI Stocks Could Make or Break Your Retirement Portfolio

July 17, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

If your portfolio doesn’t include at least a few of these AI plays, you might be playing it way too safe.

Man sitting a desk with laptop ©Image license via Shutterstock

You might want to buckle up—AI stocks are about to either supercharge your portfolio or leave it in flames. This year is shaping up to be a wild one for artificial intelligence, and the market’s already buzzing with hype, fear, and massive bets.

If you’re thinking about getting in—or doubling down—you need to know which players are actually delivering and which ones are just blowing smoke. The potential rewards are huge, but so are the risks. Don’t toss your money in blindly. It’s time to get smart about which AI stocks could be your next big win—or your worst regret.

9 Brilliant Moves To Make Now If You’re a Boomer Without Retirement Savings

July 15, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

Boomers without savings are using these smart strategies—and it’s paying off fast.

You’re staring down retirement age with little to no savings, and the panic is real. It feels like everyone else got the memo about 401(k)s and compound interest while you were just trying to get through life. But guess what? You’re not doomed. You can absolutely take control of your future—even if you’re late to the savings game. It’s easy to fall into the trap of regret or shame, but that won’t fund your retirement. What will?

Smart, bold moves that prioritize income, cut the fluff, and set you up for a better second act. You don’t need to win the lottery or invent the next big app. You just need a plan—and the guts to follow through. These ideas aren’t pipe dreams. They’re practical, doable, and designed for right now.

13 Genius Ways to Handle a Cheap Husband Who Guilt-Trips You for Spending

July 7, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Stop letting his penny-pinching ways ruin your happiness, and learn how to take back control.

Living with someone who views every purchase as a moral dilemma can feel like walking through a financial minefield. You tiptoe around lattes and hesitantly replace worn-out shoes, constantly bracing for the next lecture. Yet you deserve more than guilt-ridden scrimping; you deserve a life that balances practicality with pleasure. By acknowledging his frugality, setting compassionate boundaries, and injecting a bit of lighthearted strategy into your relationship, you can transform money talks from tense standoffs into cooperative planning sessions.

Armed with humor, thoughtful tactics, and a dash of empathy, you’ll learn how to honor both his thrift and your need for occasional splurges. These thirteen strategies will help you find equilibrium—so you can sip your latte, buy those shoes, and still keep your partnership intact.

The 12 Most Painful Lessons About Money Boomers Wish They Knew In Their 30s

July 2, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

You’ll regret not knowing these financial pitfalls that Boomers learned the hard way.

Think you’re safe from money mistakes? Boomers once believed they had everything figured out, too. They worked hard, paid their bills, and expected everything to fall into place. But time has a way of teaching lessons the hard way—lessons they now look back on with regret. And many of those regrets stem from not knowing the risks, not asking enough questions, or assuming they had more time to fix things than they actually did.

Their hindsight can be your foresight. By learning from their missteps, you can dodge the most painful financial traps and set yourself up for a much smoother future. These aren’t just abstract lessons—they’re real, lived experiences from people who’ve been there. Pay attention now, and you’ll save yourself years of financial strain, stress, and lost opportunities. Here are the truths they wish they’d known thirty years ago, so you don’t have to repeat the cycle.

11 Genius Hacks Baby Boomers Used to Stretch a Dollar That Still Are Relevant Today

June 26, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

Discover timeless money-saving strategies from the Baby Boomer generation that are just as effective in today’s world.

Baby Boomers were raised in a time when financial restraint wasn’t just a virtue—it was often a necessity. Many came of age during economic downturns or under the watchful eye of Depression-era parents, which shaped their resourceful, frugal ways. They learned how to stretch a dollar, reduce waste, and live well without overspending. These weren’t simply temporary tactics; they became lifelong habits rooted in practicality and self-reliance.

Today, as economic uncertainty, rising inflation, and environmental concerns shape our choices, Boomer-era wisdom is finding new relevance. Their money-saving strategies, once seen as old-fashioned, are being rediscovered by younger generations trying to live more intentionally. From repairing what’s broken to avoiding unnecessary debt, these practices offer sustainable ways to save. Let’s revisit 11 of these timeless frugal hacks and explore how they can still enrich our lives and protect our wallets.

Financial Elder Abuse is Real—11 Proven Ways to Not Fall Victim to a Scam

June 26, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

Protect yourself or your loved ones from financial elder abuse and scams with these essential tips and strategies.

Financial scams targeting older adults are growing more advanced, and the impact can be devastating—emotionally, psychologically, and financially. Seniors are often targeted because scammers believe they’re more likely to be trusting, isolated, or unfamiliar with digital threats. The damage can range from small, unnoticed losses to catastrophic theft that drains life savings, leaving victims reeling and families scrambling for solutions.

But knowledge is power. By taking simple, consistent precautions, you can dramatically reduce the risk of falling victim to these malicious schemes. Whether you’re protecting yourself or helping a loved one stay safe, the following tips offer a clear, proactive path forward. They don’t require complicated technology or legal knowledge—just awareness, communication, and a willingness to speak up when something feels off.

12 Decisions Boomers Are Making That Will Leave Their Kids with Nothing

June 24, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

The shocking ways your decisions now could leave your kids broke, bitter, and unprepared for the future.

Are you accidentally sabotaging your kids’ future? It’s easy to think your decisions today won’t have lasting consequences, but the truth is, some choices could leave your children with nothing. From financial missteps to outdated estate plans, these mistakes could devastate their lives.

Here’s what you need to know—and what you must avoid—before it’s too late.

Millennials Won’t Buy These 14 Things and the Economy Is Feeling It

June 20, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Businesses are scrambling as these surprising millennial choices threaten to upend entire industries.

Millennials are shaking things up, and it’s making waves in the economy. Unlike their parents, this generation isn’t buying into traditions—or traditional products. From everyday items to luxury goods, their spending habits are forcing companies to rethink how they do business.

Some industries are struggling to keep up, while others are reinventing themselves to survive. Curious what’s on their “no-buy” list? You might be surprised by the products they’re rejecting—and the huge impact it’s having on the market.

13 Bills Seniors Are Being Tricked Into Paying — And Don’t Even Realize It

June 9, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

These common bills are quietly draining your savings without you even realizing it.

You may not realize it, but there’s a good chance you’re losing money every month to sneaky bills that quietly slip under the radar. After you turn 60, life is supposed to feel a little lighter financially—retirement accounts, pensions, and Social Security should be carrying the load. But instead, many companies count on the fact that you’ll continue to pay for things you no longer need, use, or even remember subscribing to. Over time, these forgotten or unnecessary expenses start to chip away at your hard-earned savings in ways that feel invisible until you take a closer look.

What’s most frustrating is that many of these bills feel harmless on their own—$10 here, $25 there—but added together, they can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars every year. The good news is that once you become aware of these common financial drains, you can take simple steps to stop the bleeding and reclaim that money for things that actually improve your life. Let’s shine a light on 13 of the most common bills that could be quietly draining your savings—and how you can finally cut them off for good.

11 Built-to-Last Cars Seniors Can Trust Until the Wheels Fall Off

June 9, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

These cars are reliable, durable, and perfect for seniors who want a ride they can depend on forever.

When you’re at a stage in life where peace of mind matters more than flashy features, having a car you can count on becomes a priceless comfort. Some cars are built with durability at their core, while others leave you second-guessing every strange noise or unexpected repair bill. For seniors especially, the goal isn’t just having a vehicle that gets you from point A to point B—it’s about finding one that offers stability, safety, and confidence for every mile ahead.

The beauty of these cars lies in their perfect blend of dependability, ease of use, and low maintenance costs. They’re designed to offer a worry-free driving experience, whether you’re running errands around town, visiting family, or setting out for an enjoyable road trip. If you want a vehicle that will stick by your side for years without draining your savings or causing headaches, these 11 models are among the best you’ll find for lasting peace of mind.

The Middle Class Is Dying: 12 Things That Are No Longer Affordable to the Average Jane and Joe

June 6, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

If you think you’re safe, think again—these everyday essentials are slipping out of reach faster than ever.

You might not fully sense it yet, but the security that once defined the middle class is quickly evaporating. The simple pleasures and comforts that felt almost guaranteed—like enjoying a yearly family trip or confidently planning for retirement—are becoming harder for everyday people to attain. What was once a stable, reachable lifestyle has turned into an uphill battle, filled with financial strain and uncertainty.

It isn’t solely the fault of inflation or bad luck. The larger system seems designed to squeeze more out of the average person while offering less in return. As expenses climb and wages stagnate, many people find themselves making painful compromises. In this article, we’ll explore 12 once-accessible everyday essentials that are now slipping out of reach for countless hardworking individuals and what that means for our collective future.

12 Sneaky Scams Quietly Robbing Seniors Blind—Most Have No Clue

June 4, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Predators are cashing in on seniors’ vulnerability while they remain completely in the dark.

You’re being ripped off, and you might not even know it. As a senior, you’ve dedicated years to building a stable life, carefully saving and preparing for your future. But lurking in the background are individuals and companies who see your hard work not as something to respect, but as a goldmine waiting to be tapped. They count on your trust, your sense of responsibility, and sometimes, your unwillingness to believe that anyone would intentionally take advantage of you.

From sophisticated scams that look almost legitimate to sneaky service fees buried deep in fine print, there are countless ways seniors are losing money every day. The worst part? Most of it happens quietly, without any obvious warning signs. In this article, we’re pulling back the curtain on 12 shocking ways seniors are being exploited—and most importantly, how you can defend yourself and your finances.