Retiredom

13 Secret Ways Billionaires Engineer Chaos and Pain—Then Quietly Profit from the Collapse

June 2, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

They create the mayhme, you feel the pain, and they walk away owning more than ever.

The stock market’s been acting like it just chugged three espressos and walked into a horror movie—jittery, jumpy, and full of bad vibes. Thanks to the Trump tariffs making a comeback, investors are on edge, prices are swinging, and average folks are wondering if they should cash out, hold tight, or crawl under the bed with their savings. But while the rest of us panic, a certain group of people—the billionaires—are staying oddly calm. Why? Because chaos isn’t a crisis for them. It’s an opportunity.

They know how to stir the pot just enough to make the rest of us scramble… and then swoop in when everything’s on sale. It’s a cycle that’s been quietly playing out for decades, and most people never realize they’re part of the game. If you’ve ever wondered how the rich keep getting richer—especially during economic meltdowns—this might open your eyes wider than you expected.

11 Ways Your Adult Child’s Toxic Behavior Could Be Costing You Your Happiness

June 2, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

Stop the cycle of negativity and protect your peace of mind.

Your adult child might be the reason you’re feeling depleted and miserable—and you may not even realize it. Toxic behavior from someone you love deeply doesn’t always show up in explosive arguments or cruel words. Sometimes, it’s hidden in subtle patterns that wear you down over time, leaving you emotionally fragile and mentally scattered. You might chalk it up to normal family tension, believing that it’s just part of the parent-child dynamic, but deep inside, it doesn’t sit right with you.

When you constantly feel anxious, disrespected, or drained after interacting with your adult child, it’s a sign that something is off. You deserve peace of mind, and it’s not too late to reclaim it. Recognizing the toxic behaviors stealing your joy is the first step toward healing. These patterns don’t have to control your life. You’re allowed to set boundaries, prioritize your well-being, and choose happiness—even if that means redefining your relationship.

13 Emotional Signs It’s Time For You To Retire

May 30, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Your heart often knows before your head does.

Retirement isn’t just about financial readiness—it’s deeply emotional. Many people overlook the internal signals that whisper it’s time to step away. The decision rarely arrives with a clear announcement but instead builds through small emotional shifts that become hard to ignore. Paying attention to these cues can help you make the transition with confidence rather than regret.

When your work no longer fuels you the way it once did, or when you feel increasingly pulled toward other parts of life, those feelings matter. Ignoring them can lead to burnout or missed opportunities to enjoy the freedom you’ve worked so hard to earn. Here are 13 emotional signs that might be telling you it’s finally time to retire.

19 of the Best Retirement Gifts For Coworkers

May 30, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

City street, shopping couple, mid-shot composition, winter night with festive lights, editorial travel photo, two people.

For many, retiring is one of the most significant decisions to make in life.

With more free time to explore new hobbies and cultivate skills, retirees will be thrilled to receive a goodbye present that reflects their new freedom and interests.

Consider giving a send-off gift that leaves a lasting impression while showing appreciation for their hard work.

If you’re racking your brain for retirement gift ideas for a coworker, look no further.

We intend to make the process easy and fun so you don’t spend hours scrolling online to find the perfect item.

85 Thoughtful Messages To Write In A Retirement Card For A Friend

May 30, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

Sunlit field, playful hat placement, couple center-frame, afternoon light, editorial travel photo, two smiling older adults.

Your friend or colleague is wrapping up a career and retiring.

This event represents a huge transition in someone’s life. Celebration is in order, but you wonder, “How do you congratulate a friend on retirement without sounding cheesy?”

If the person is a co-worker, you might have mixed emotions yourself.

You may feel a bit envious, but you’ll miss seeing your friend’s face at work.

For the most part, though, you’re excited for your friend and want to say something meaningful.

15 Hilarious Retirement Poems For The New Retiree In Your Life

May 30, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Park, selfie moment, tight group shot, daylight, editorial travel photo, four older adults.

So the big day has arrived – a coworker, friend, or teacher you know is retiring.

You want to acknowledge this major milestone, and you know a lighthearted approach is in order for this retiree.

Or maybe you want to balance your serious and thoughtful words with one or two humorous retirement poems.

Whether you are making a goodbye speech or writing a card, these funny poems about retirement will send the retiree on their way with a smile and a laugh.

13 Signs of Emotional Abuse From Your Wife That’s Been Going On For Years

May 30, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

Emotional abuse can be subtle, insidious, and deeply damaging. It rarely starts with loud arguments or overt cruelty; instead, it chips away at your sense of self over time. If you’ve spent years feeling like a ghost in your own marriage—unheard, devalued, and diminished—it’s worth asking whether emotional abuse is at play. You may have dismissed the signs for years, telling yourself it wasn’t serious or that things would get better. But unaddressed emotional abuse doesn’t fade; it often deepens with time.

In long-term relationships, the pain can become so normalized that you stop questioning it. If your wife’s words and behaviors have left you feeling small, anxious, or constantly on edge, you deserve clarity. No one should endure years of subtle cruelty, masked as tough love or misunderstood intentions. These 13 signs may help you see your situation in a new light and understand the toll it’s taken on your emotional health.

11 Alarming Personality Traits That Make You a Magnet for Narcissists

May 30, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

If you recognize these traits in yourself, you could be inviting emotional manipulators into your life.

Narcissists have a way of zeroing in on certain people like heat-seeking missiles, and it’s not random. If you’ve ever wondered why you keep attracting manipulative, self-centered types, you’re not alone—and there’s a good chance it’s not just bad luck.

Certain behaviors or tendencies can make you stand out like a neon sign to these toxic personalities. Once you understand what’s drawing them in, you can start breaking the cycle and protecting yourself from their draining influence.

13 Meaningful And Fulfilling Jobs in Retirement That Actually Help People

May 30, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

Retirement isn’t the end of work—it’s the start of work that actually matters.

Clocking out of your career doesn’t mean you’re done making an impact. In fact, retirement can be the perfect time to do work that feels meaningful, fulfilling, and genuinely helpful to others. No more office politics, no more chasing promotions—just pure, purpose-driven work. Whether it’s mentoring young minds, supporting your community, or sharing your hard-earned wisdom, there are jobs out there that don’t just fill your time—they fill your heart.

If you’re looking for a role that makes a difference while keeping life interesting, these jobs are where purpose and passion meet.

Life is Short: 13 Ways To Deal With Obnoxious People In Your Life

May 30, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

Dealing with obnoxious people is an art, and here’s how to master it.

Nothing drains your energy faster than dealing with loud, rude, and over-the-top obnoxious people. They interrupt, dominate conversations, and somehow make every situation worse. You could spend hours trying to reason with them, but let’s be real—they thrive on the chaos. Instead of letting them ruin your day, it’s time to flip the script.

You don’t have to suffer through their nonsense or let them steal your peace. Here’s how to handle them without losing your sanity.

Longing for the ‘Good Ole Days’? Brutal Truths About the Past That Will Make You Grateful for Today

May 30, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

You might think the past was better, but these jaw-dropping truths will make you glad you live in the present.

People often slip into nostalgia like it’s a warm, familiar blanket. We look back at the past through rose-colored glasses, imagining a time when everything seemed simpler, slower, and maybe even better. But the truth is, that idealized version of the past doesn’t tell the whole story. Behind the charm of vintage photos and stories from “the good ole days” were a host of challenges that many people today would find intolerable.

Nostalgia often glosses over the harsh realities—the dangers, limitations, and injustices that were so baked into daily life they went unquestioned. We forget how many people suffered quietly, how unsafe everyday life could be, and how few rights and resources were available to the vulnerable. Before longing for a return to those days, it’s worth taking a sobering look at the realities that most of us are fortunate to have left behind.

Respect Your Elders? Gen Z’s Rebellion Against Age-Based Authority

May 30, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

Gen Z isn’t handing out respect just because you’re older.

Boomers and Gen X grew up with the idea that elders automatically deserved respect, no questions asked. Gen Z? They’re not buying it. Respect isn’t about age—it’s about actions. They’ve seen too many older generations refuse to acknowledge change, dismiss younger voices, and cling to outdated ideas while expecting automatic deference. That’s not how respect works anymore. If you want it, you have to earn it.

And if you think they’re just being rebellious? You might be missing the point.

Think You Know Classic Rock? Test Yourself with This 12-Question Trivia Challenge

May 30, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

You won’t believe how many self-proclaimed rock & roll experts fail to score 100% on this challenging trivia quiz.

Think you’ve got what it takes to prove your classic rock cred? It’s easy to claim you’re the ultimate music buff when you’re singing along to Zeppelin on the freeway or air-drumming to The Who in your living room. But how well do you really know the stories, the scandals, and the milestones that shaped rock & roll history? This quiz isn’t just about the hits—it’s about the legends behind the music, the unforgettable moments, and the records that continue to echo through generations.

From rebellious guitar solos to history-making performances, these 12 questions will challenge even the most confident rock historians. Whether you’ve worn out your vinyl collection or just grew up with the classics on repeat, this is your chance to prove you’re more than just talk. No cheating allowed—the answers are waiting for you at the end. So crank up the volume, channel your inner roadie, and get ready to test your music memory.

13 ‘Woke’ Labels That Instantly Make Boomers Lose Their Minds

May 30, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

Why boomers struggle with these ‘woke’ labels but aren’t as out of touch as you think.

We get it—language evolves, and every generation brings new ideas to the table. But let’s be honest, some of these so-called “woke” labels leave us Boomers scratching our heads. It’s not that we’re against progress or that we want to live in the past, but when familiar words suddenly become problematic and new terms pop up overnight, it can feel like we’re being told that everything we grew up believing is wrong.

We’re not resisting change just to be difficult—we’re just trying to understand a world that feels like it’s moving at warp speed.