Retiredom

10 Cities Where Data Centers are Colliding with Safe Drinking Water Supply

January 6, 2026 by Barrie Davenport

As data centers grow, some US cities face new pressure on their drinking water supplies

Across the United States, a quiet surge in data center construction is beginning to strain local drinking water systems. These massive facilities often rely on water-intensive cooling technologies to keep servers running efficiently, especially in hot or dry climates. As more cities become hubs for digital infrastructure, experts from organizations like the USGS and EPA warn that municipal supplies, aquifers, and even watershed ecosystems could face mounting stress without careful long-term planning.

Unspoken boomer rules for family visits that quietly drain Gen Z

January 6, 2026 by Barrie Davenport

A mix of silent expectations and old habits can quietly sap energy from younger guests

Family visits often carry more than just casseroles and conversation. Beneath the surface, silent customs passed down through generations can shape everything from arrival times to how emotions are handled around the dinner table. For Gen Z guests, these unspoken rules may feel less like tradition and more like emotional weight. Understanding how different generations interpret boundaries, communication, and hospitality can ease the strain and open space for more balanced interactions.

Understanding Why Gen Z is Prioritizing Small Luxuries Over Home Savings

January 6, 2026 by Ron Clendenin

Across generations, young adults are reshaping financial goals by favoring comfort over long-term assets

Cafe counter, barista serving coffee and croissant, morning light, editorial travel photo, pastries and menu visible, two people. — ©Image license via iStock

For many young adults today, small luxuries like artisan coffee or skincare routines aren’t just purchases—they’re intentional choices. Faced with a tight housing market, rising costs of living, and evolving lifestyle priorities, homeownership feels increasingly out of reach or even misaligned with personal goals. Instead of saving with no guarantee of payoff, many opt to invest in experiences or comforts that bring daily satisfaction and a sense of control in unpredictable times.

9 Southern Potluck Dishes Boomers Bring that Gen Z Rarely Makes

January 6, 2026 by Ron Clendenin

Generational tastes shift as classic Southern comfort dishes fade from younger potluck tables.

From deviled eggs to baked macaroni and cheese, traditional Southern potluck dishes have long anchored family gatherings, especially for Baby Boomers who learned these recipes by heart. But as Gen Z brings different values and flavor preferences to the table, many of these comfort foods now make fewer appearances at communal meals. Understanding why some dishes persist while others fade sheds light on how food traditions evolve, one potluck at a time.

11 Compliments Boomers Consider Flattering That Offend Younger Generations

January 6, 2026 by Barrie Davenport

What sounds respectful to one generation may come across as condescending to another

Compliments are meant to uplift, but how they’re received can vary widely between generations. What Boomers consider respectful or kind might feel patronizing, awkward, or even offensive to Millennials and Gen Z. These differences often come down to context, shifting social norms, and evolving language expectations. Understanding why certain phrases land differently helps foster better communication and respect across age groups, especially when good intentions aren’t translating the way we’d hoped.

Differences Between Old Money and New Money Revealed Through These 8 Choices

January 6, 2026 by Ron Clendenin

Comparing subtle habits and louder preferences shows how wealth history shapes lifestyle and taste

Old money and new money may share financial means, but their choices often tell different stories. From how they invest in fashion to how they spend time or give back, deeply ingrained values set these two groups apart. Understanding these distinctions goes beyond stereotypes and reveals what legacy, discretion, and tradition often mean in long-held wealth circles versus the dynamic visibility frequently found in newer fortunes.

13 Legendary Icons Who Prove It’s Never Too Late to Achieve Greatness After 60

January 5, 2026 by Ron Clendenin

These unstoppable individuals prove that your best achievements can happen well after 60.

Life doesn’t pause at 60; for many, it becomes a stage of thrilling new possibilities. Throughout history, numerous trailblazers have achieved groundbreaking successes well past traditional retirement age, proving that age is merely a number when it comes to ambition and creativity. These unstoppable individuals embraced their later years as opportunities for incredible accomplishments, transforming societal expectations and inspiring countless others to pursue their passions without hesitation.

Their stories highlight the extraordinary potential we all possess, regardless of age. By defying stereotypes and pushing beyond perceived limitations, they opened doors that many thought were permanently closed. Dive into these remarkable accounts and allow their late-life achievements to inspire you to dream bigger and bolder at any age.

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

January 5, 2026 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.

When Gen Z Feels Entitled, You May Often Hear These 12 Phrases

January 5, 2026 by Barrie Davenport

Understanding entitlement starts with noticing repeated language patterns that shrug off shared responsibility

Certain phrases can signal more than just attitude—they may reflect a deeper sense of entitlement, especially when spoken by younger individuals repeatedly and in specific contexts. These expressions often reveal an expectation that personal comfort or preference should outweigh group needs or effort. Recognizing these patterns helps shift conversations from blame to understanding. It’s not about catching someone in a moment but noticing how language shapes interactions, commitment, and accountability over time.

Smart, Practical People Swear by These 12 Things They Refuse to Do

January 5, 2026 by Barrie Davenport

These mistakes seem harmless, but they’re secretly destroying your chances of success and happiness.

You might not realize it, but certain habits subtly undermine your chances of achieving lasting happiness and success. Often, these behaviors feel harmless in the moment, hidden beneath layers of justification or convenience. However, over time, they silently accumulate, creating barriers to personal growth and fulfillment. The smartest, most successful people understand this and diligently steer clear of these subtle yet harmful habits, knowing their long-term consequences.

Recognizing these pitfalls early is the key to protecting your future and building a fulfilling life. From procrastination disguised as practicality to subtle emotional traps, each mistake impacts your trajectory more significantly than you might suspect. Here are 12 common but detrimental habits that practical and intelligent individuals avoid at all costs.

14 Legendary Americans History Will Never Forget—Do You Agree?

January 5, 2026 by Ron Clendenin

American history lives on through individuals who shaped its politics, culture, and collective conscience.

Some names in American history rise above timelines and textbooks, standing as symbols of transformation. From early independence to civil rights and cultural milestones, these individuals influenced not just their eras but future generations. Their stories reflect the complex, evolving nature of the country they helped define. Understanding their lives offers a clearer view of how personal choices and public action can steer national change and leave a lasting legacy.

Restaurant Servers Reveal 10 Habits That Instantly Identify Middle-Class Boomers

January 5, 2026 by Barrie Davenport

Servers share subtle dining cues that tip them off to a guest’s generational identity

From ordering habits to tipping styles, restaurant servers have long noticed patterns among diners of different generations. Middle-class Baby Boomers tend to bring a set of familiar behaviors to the table, often shaped by decades of shared dining experiences. These habits aren’t universal nor fixed, but they frequently add up to a recognizable rhythm. For younger diners or curious observers, spotting these patterns can reveal how culture and comfort often play out over dinner.

12 Habits Gen Z Prefers That Boomers Find Rude

January 5, 2026 by Ron Clendenin

Some everyday Gen Z behaviors feel dismissive to Boomers, but the intent often differs sharply.

What looks disrespectful to one generation can feel deeply normal to another. Gen Z and Boomers often operate with different expectations around communication, personal space, and social interaction. With digital tools and shifting values guiding much of Gen Z’s habits, it’s no surprise some choices strike older generations as impolite. Understanding the cultural context behind these preferences can help bridge the gap and reframe them as differences, not defects in courtesy.

11 Behaviors a Refined Woman Will Never Tolerate No Matter How Much She Loves You

January 5, 2026 by Ron Clendenin

A refined woman knows love is not a reason to allow disrespect, control, or neglect.

Self-respect shapes how a woman navigates relationships, just as much as affection or chemistry. Refined women, in particular, carry clear emotional boundaries and expect their partner to support rather than test them. Certain behaviors, no matter how subtle or familiar, signal deeper patterns of disregard. Understanding what these women will not tolerate can help build healthier dynamics marked by respect, maturity, and mutual care—cornerstones of any lasting, meaningful connection.