Retiredom

Historians Rank the 15 Greatest U.S. Presidents of All Time

January 12, 2026 by Barrie Davenport

Historians have spoken, and these leaders stand above the rest.

Not all presidents are created equal, and history has made that crystal clear. While some leaders merely occupied the White House, others reshaped the very fabric of American society. They inspired, reformed, built, and even saved the nation during its most pivotal moments. Leadership at this level requires a unique mix of vision, resilience, and an unshakable sense of duty. And when historians evaluate greatness, they look for more than popularity—they look for impact.

Values That Separate Fulfilled Retirees from Restless Ones

January 12, 2026 by Ron Clendenin

Living by these values in retirement can lead to a rich, rewarding life.

Retirement offers more than just a break from work—it’s an invitation to reshape your life around what truly matters. With fewer obligations and more flexibility, you have a rare opportunity to tune into your deeper values, the ones that bring meaning, clarity, and happiness. This chapter of life can be your most fulfilling yet, if you intentionally shape it with the right mindset and priorities.

12 Thoughtful Phrases the Wisest People Use to Challenge Ideas, Not People

January 12, 2026 by Barrie Davenport

These phrases will help you make your point without creating conflict or sounding condescending.

Conversations can become unexpectedly tense when someone says something that’s clearly off-base or uninformed. It can catch you off guard and spark a moment of discomfort, especially if it’s someone you respect or care about. Most people don’t want to come across as rude or dismissive, but staying silent can feel like you’re letting something slide that shouldn’t. On the flip side, responding too bluntly can instantly shift the tone and shut down the connection. Striking the right balance is where the real art lies.

15 Questions You Must Ask Yourself If You Want a Regret-Free Retirement

January 12, 2026 by Ron Clendenin

You won’t believe how much your answers to these questions could change everything.

Turning 50 isn’t just another birthday—it’s a bold punctuation mark in your life’s story. You’ve arrived at a stage that invites both reflection and reinvention. It’s no longer about chasing external validation or living up to someone else’s version of success. This milestone brings with it an invitation to pause, look inward, and ask yourself if the path you’re on still feels right. Because if you’re not careful, the years ahead could slip by just as quickly as the ones behind you—and with them, your chances to live more meaningfully.

10 Ways to Break Free from Narcissistic Parents and Regain Control in Your Life

January 12, 2026 by Barrie Davenport

Assertive boundaries and self-validation are key to rebuilding life beyond toxic family dynamics.

Cozy living room, upset young woman center, older couple comforting beside her, warm afternoon light, documentary style, people. — ©Image license via iStock

Growing up with a narcissistic parent can leave lasting confusion around your identity, needs, and self-worth. Breaking free emotionally means learning how to break patterns of manipulation and set clear boundaries to protect your mental space. It doesn’t require burning bridges, but it does include honoring your own limits and learning to trust your instincts. With practical steps, healing becomes less abstract and more achievable—anchored in your right to feel safe and seen.

11 Perks in Retirement That Make You Glad You’re Not 25 Anymore

January 12, 2026 by Barrie Davenport

Embrace the wisdom of your 60s and unlock a life filled with confidence, freedom, and joy.

When you reach your 60s, something quietly shifts inside you. Life begins to feel less like a race and more like a rich, rewarding journey you finally have time to savor. You’ve seen enough, felt enough, and grown enough to stop chasing validation and start honoring your own truth. The urgency to prove yourself fades, replaced by a deeper desire to enjoy what you’ve built and who you’ve become.

Maturity Gaps That Prove Old Age Doesn’t Always Equal Wisdom

January 12, 2026 by Barrie Davenport

Watch out for these red flags that scream immaturity so you don’t embarrass yourself.

You might think that by the time you’ve crossed into your 50s, you’ve gained all the wisdom you need. But age alone doesn’t hand out maturity like a prize at the finish line. Growth is an ongoing process, and some behaviors—no matter how subtle—are clear signs that someone’s still stuck in an earlier phase of emotional development. It’s easy to overlook these traits in ourselves, especially when they’re so deeply woven into the way we’ve lived for years.

13 toxic personality traits that make people emotional draining to be around

January 12, 2026 by Barrie Davenport

These types silently drain the life out of everyone around them – make sure you’re not one of them.

Gym interior, woman with towel shouting, mid-shot composition, even daylight, documentary style photo, one person. — ©Image license via iStock

You know that person who leaves everyone feeling drained the moment they walk into a room? If you’re not careful, that could be you. Some personality traits don’t just annoy – they quietly but powerfully sap the emotional energy from others, leaving them feeling exhausted without even knowing why. If you want strong, lasting connections and healthier relationships, it’s important to recognize the behaviors that might be silently pushing people away.

11 Legendary ’60s Muscle Cars That Defined an Era—and Still Steal the Show

January 9, 2026 by Barrie Davenport

These classic muscle cars are the epitome of power, style, and nostalgia, and they still turn heads decades later.

If you’ve ever felt your pulse quicken at the deep, thunderous rumble of a V8 engine, you already understand the irresistible allure of 1960s muscle cars. These machines weren’t just about getting from point A to point B—they were symbols of identity, freedom, and rebellion. Born in an era when style and raw horsepower reigned supreme, they captured the soul of a generation looking to break the rules and write their own stories on the open road.

These weren’t quiet vehicles that blended into traffic. They were rolling statements—loud, fast, unapologetically bold. Whether you were drag racing on a Friday night or just making an entrance at the local drive-in, driving one of these cars made you feel like the star of your own movie. Let’s revisit 11 unforgettable muscle cars that still tug at our hearts and stir our imaginations, even decades later.

These 13 States Have the Worst Quality of Life for Retiring Seniors

January 9, 2026 by Barrie Davenport

Rising costs, poor healthcare, and a lack of senior-friendly amenities make these states the worst places to retire.

Thinking about where to retire? Choose the wrong state, and your golden years could feel more like a never-ending headache. Some places make life harder for seniors with rising costs, limited healthcare access, and fewer opportunities to truly enjoy retirement.

If you want comfort, affordability, and a good quality of life, knowing which states to avoid is just as important as knowing the best ones. Before you pack your bags, check out the 13 worst states that could ruin your retirement.

13 Classic Guitar Gods Who Played a Fender Stratocaster

January 9, 2026 by Ron Clendenin

A celebration of legendary rock guitarists who mastered the fender stratocaster.

Few guitars in music history evoke as much passion and nostalgia as the Fender Stratocaster. With its sleek curves, contoured body, and shimmering tones, it has become an icon in its own right—an extension of the artist’s soul and a symbol of raw, electric emotion. This isn’t just an instrument; it’s a cultural artifact that shaped the language of rock music across generations. Whether it was snarling through a distortion-heavy amp or singing with a clean, bell-like clarity, the Strat has been behind some of the most defining moments in music.

This article honors 13 legendary guitarists who not only played the Stratocaster but forged unforgettable musical legacies through it.

People Who Are Incurably Selfish Exhibit These 12 Annoying Behaviors

January 9, 2026 by Barrie Davenport

Their relentless selfishness will test your patience, push your buttons daily, and leave you constantly wondering how they get away with it.

There’s something particularly draining about interacting with someone who operates from a place of chronic self-centeredness. They may seem charismatic or even generous at times, but look closer and you’ll notice the pattern: their actions are almost always designed to benefit themselves. Over time, these individuals erode your patience and emotional energy, turning even simple interactions into stress-filled exchanges. If you’ve ever felt like your needs and feelings vanish around a certain person, chances are you’ve been dealing with a truly selfish personality.

If Your Teenage Grandchildren Ignore You, Try These Connection-Building Ideas

January 9, 2026 by Barrie Davenport

Keep your bonds strong with your teen grandchildren.

It’s hard when your teenage grandchildren start drifting away. They once lit up when they saw you, eager to share their world—but now, conversations are shorter, and their time seems consumed by school, friends, and screens. It’s normal for teens to grow more independent, but that doesn’t make the disconnection any easier. As a grandparent, you may feel unsure of your role or hesitant about how to stay relevant in their rapidly changing lives.

But you don’t have to stay on the sidelines. Your presence still matters, perhaps more than ever. With a little curiosity, some flexibility, and a willingness to enter their world, you can find new ways to connect. The good news? The bond you’ve built isn’t gone—it just needs a few gentle nudges to bring it back to life. Here are 15 ideas to help you reconnect and become a meaningful part of their lives again.

11 Reasons Some People Walk Away From Family for Good

January 9, 2026 by Barrie Davenport

People reached their limit, and these final straws made them break ties for good.

There’s only so much a person can take before they finally snap. For some, that breaking point comes after years of emotional exhaustion, betrayal, or being treated like an afterthought. Cutting off a family member isn’t something most people do lightly, but when the pain outweighs the connection, walking away starts to feel like the only option.

People hold on for a long time, hoping things will change. They try to set boundaries, forgive, and make excuses—until one moment shatters the illusion that things will ever get better. That’s when they realize they’re done.