Retiredom

15 Money Lessons Boomers Learned the Hard Way So Millennials Don’t Have To

July 15, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

Boomers learned these financial truths through trial, error, and a few painful surprises.

Money lessons rarely come wrapped in gift boxes—they usually show up late, uninvited, and with a hefty price tag. Boomers had to learn about debt, budgeting, and saving without the advantage of online resources or financial influencers. Their experiences came through lived moments: missed payments, market crashes, and regrettable purchases. These aren’t just cautionary tales—they’re battle-tested truths that still matter today. Millennials, caught in a whirlwind of gig work, student debt, and economic shifts, can benefit deeply from what boomers figured out the hard way.

But this isn’t about romanticizing frugality or pretending things were better back then. It’s about extracting the gold from decades of financial mistakes and victories. Boomers didn’t have it all figured out, but they picked up some real wisdom that deserves a second look. Millennials don’t need to repeat history to learn from it—and sometimes the most valuable advice comes from people who fell into the very traps you’re about to walk toward. These 15 money lessons were earned with sweat and stress so that others might have an easier road.

15 Slam-Dunk Phrases to Shut Down Someone Who Criticizes You

July 15, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

Some people just love to criticize—but that doesn’t mean you have to listen.

There’s a difference between constructive feedback and someone who just can’t help but nitpick everything you do. Some critics disguise their negativity as “helpful advice,” while others are just outright rude. Either way, their words can be draining, frustrating, and sometimes even infuriating.

You don’t have to sit there and take it, though. The right response can shut them down quickly, put them in their place, or at the very least, make them think twice before coming at you again.

You don’t have to be rude or aggressive to handle a chronic critic. A well-placed phrase—whether witty, direct, or calmly dismissive—can stop them in their tracks. The goal isn’t just to silence them but to make it clear that you’re not entertaining their negativity.

If someone constantly critiques you, here are 15 slam-dunk phrases to shut them down with confidence.

14 Classic Movies Boomers Love That Millennials Are Just Discovering

July 15, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

A cinematic bridge across generations.

The flickering glow of a classic film can transcend decades, offering a window into different eras and shared human experiences. It’s a delightful phenomenon when a movie, once cherished by one generation, finds a new and appreciative audience in the next. This isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about timeless storytelling, compelling performances, and themes that resonate regardless of the technological landscape or societal shifts.

What makes these cinematic rediscoveries so compelling is the fresh perspective brought by a new set of eyes. Millennials, with their digital fluency and exposure to diverse narratives, often unearth nuances and appreciate artistic merits that might have been overlooked in their initial cultural context. It’s a beautiful exchange, where the seasoned appreciation of boomers meets the contemporary insights of millennials, enriching the understanding and enjoyment of these enduring masterpieces.

11 Ways Gen X Marriage Advice Actually Hurt Millennial Relationships

July 15, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

The marriage advice that worked for Gen X is breaking Millennial relationships.

Gen X had no shortage of opinions on what makes a marriage last, and they were more than happy to pass that wisdom down. The problem? A lot of their advice was built for a completely different world—one where gender roles were rigid, economic pressures were different, and emotional intelligence wasn’t exactly a priority. Millennials, facing skyrocketing costs of living, evolving relationship dynamics, and a greater emphasis on mental health, have found that much of that old-school wisdom isn’t just outdated—it’s actively harmful.

If any of this advice sounds familiar, it might be time to unlearn what Gen X tried to teach and redefine marriage on your own terms.

11 Favorite Boomer Hobbies Are Surprisingly Cool for Gen Z and Millennials

July 15, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

You’ll never guess which classic pastimes are winning over younger generations—and why they’re loving them.

It’s a funny thing—just when you think the hobbies of older generations are fading into obscurity, they come roaring back with fresh energy thanks to Millennials and Gen Z. What was once considered “old-fashioned” is now being reimagined and embraced with new enthusiasm. The very activities that once symbolized slower, simpler times are being welcomed into fast-paced modern lives. Younger folks are looking for more balance, more meaning, and more creative ways to spend their downtime—and they’re finding it in the hobbies their grandparents grew up with.

What’s behind the shift? Some say it’s about the urge to unplug, while others point to the mental health benefits of hands-on activities and quiet time. Either way, these pastimes are bridging generational gaps and reminding everyone that joy doesn’t have an expiration date. Whether it’s the tactile pleasure of vinyl records or the peaceful rhythm of gardening, these activities have something universal to offer. If you haven’t revisited these hobbies in a while, the enthusiasm of a new generation might just inspire you to dust off your old tools, dig through the closet, and dive back in.

11 Iconic ’70s Game Shows That Kept Boomers Glued to Their TVs

July 15, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

These legendary game shows had Boomers shouting at their screens and begging for more.

If you grew up in the ’70s, game shows weren’t just background noise—they were the centerpiece of your evenings. You’d rush home from school or work, flop onto the couch, and settle in for a half-hour of flashing lights, buzzer beeps, and that unmistakable announcer voice. These weren’t passive broadcasts; they were invitations to play along, to cheer for your favorites, and to imagine yourself under those studio spotlights, winning big and hearing the audience roar.

Whether you tuned in for the belly laughs, coveted the outrageous prizes, or rode the edge-of-your-seat suspense, these eleven classic ’70s game shows delivered pure, unfiltered fun. They shaped water-cooler chatter, inspired backyard contests with friends, and left indelible catchphrases in our vocabularies. Here’s a look back at the shows that had you shouting answers at the TV and dreaming of your turn in the contestant’s seat.

13 Life Lessons Boomers Could Teach Their Grandchildren

July 15, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

Timeless lessons from a generation that values wisdom, resilience, and kindness.

The greatest gift grandparents can give their grandchildren isn’t just love—it’s the wisdom of their years. Boomers have navigated decades of social upheaval, technological revolutions, and personal transformations, making their stories both rich and deeply instructive. By passing down the lessons they’ve learned through triumphs and setbacks alike, grandparents offer a roadmap to navigating life’s twists and turns with confidence and grace.

Sharing these timeless truths doesn’t just prepare young people for challenges ahead; it strengthens the bonds between generations. When elders open up about their experiences—both the milestones and the missteps—they foster empathy, understanding, and a sense of continuity that enriches family ties. In giving these lessons, grandparents gift their grandchildren not only practical guidance but also a deeper appreciation for the legacy of love and insight that spans family history.

12 Rule-Breaking Escapades Boomers Pulled Off as Teens (And Got Away With)

July 15, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

They got up to wild shenanigans, made memories to last a lifetime, and somehow never got caught.

You wouldn’t believe the kind of shenanigans teens got away with back in the day. As a Boomer, you probably remember pulling off stunts that would make today’s helicopter parents break out in a cold sweat. We ducked under ropes, whispered through back alleys, and traded secret signals so we could slip past curfews without a single soul noticing. Those nights felt alive with possibility—a blend of adrenaline, laughter, and the unspoken thrill that came from knowing we’d done something just this side of impossible.

From sneaky joyrides to late-night hijinks that felt downright legendary, you and your friends were masters of bending the rules just enough to have fun without getting busted. Each escapade was etched into memory: the pounding of your heart as you climbed fences, the shared glances when a car’s headlights swept past, and the rush of relief when you made it home before dawn. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to relive those daring adventures!

13 Boomer Myths About the American Dream That Left Millennials Disillusioned and Angry

July 15, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Millennials are uncovering the harsh truths boomers never told them about success, stability, and the so-called American dream.

Millennials are waking up to the realization that the promises of the American Dream often rang hollow—and the more they look around, the more they see the cracks in the foundation. You grew up hearing that if you dreamed big, put in the hours, and played by the rules, the ladder to success would always be within reach. Maybe you believed it for a while, pouring yourself into late-night study sessions, unpaid internships, and side hustles—but somewhere along the way, the cost of living skyrocketed, tuition debts piled up, and the safety nets everyone swore would be there started to fray. Now, instead of climbing steadily upward, you feel stuck climbing a ladder that’s leaning against the wrong wall.

Today, whether it’s the weight of student loans anchoring your ambitions or the reality of skyrocketing rents forcing you back home, Millennials and Gen Z are realizing that systemic barriers—more than personal shortcomings—shape your possibilities. Let’s unpack 13 myths about the American Dream that left an entire generation feeling betrayed, frustrated, and more determined than ever to rewrite the rules on their own terms.

What the Climate Crisis Means for Your Daily Life—And 11 Ways to Adapt

July 15, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Extreme weather, higher bills, and weird food shortages are already creeping into your routine—you just haven’t noticed yet.

The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat—it’s already reshaping your everyday life in ways you might not even realize. Grocery prices are rising, power outages are more frequent, insurance costs are spiking, and the weather is becoming increasingly unpredictable. These aren’t isolated events—they’re warning signs of a planet under stress. And while governments and corporations scramble for big-picture solutions, the real challenge hits much closer to home: how do you adapt right now?

The answer isn’t panic—it’s action. Small, smart changes can help you stay resilient, protect your well-being, and take back some control. Because ignoring the changes won’t make them go away—but learning to live with them just might give you an edge.

14 Wasteful Habits Gen Z Calls Out Boomers For—But Are They Any Better?

July 15, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

Gen Z loves to call out Boomers for their wasteful habits—but are they really doing better?

Boomers grew up in a world where convenience was king, and environmental concerns took a backseat. Disposable plastics, gas-guzzling cars, and a “bigger is better” mentality shaped their way of life. Now, Gen Z is leading the charge on sustainability, calling out older generations for habits that harm the planet. They shame Boomers for not recycling properly, overconsuming, and ignoring climate change warnings.

But some of these so-called “bad” habits aren’t as simple as they seem. Boomers may have relied on disposable products, but they also mended clothes, cooked at home, and didn’t replace their phones every year. Meanwhile, Gen Z is guilty of its own eco-contradictions. Still, the generational divide on green living is real, and younger voices are making it clear that wasteful habits need to go.

Here are 14 environmental offenses Boomers are frequently called out for.

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.

14 Crushing Things a Toxic Partner Will Say to Keep Control

July 15, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

They don’t yell to control you—they whisper things that make you doubt yourself.

Toxic partners rarely show up as monsters on day one. Instead, they slowly chip away at your confidence with subtle jabs, dismissive tones, and phrases that seem harmless until you hear them every day. Their words aren’t just hurtful—they’re strategic. Designed to keep you second-guessing yourself, walking on eggshells, and staying stuck.

These phrases aren’t slip-ups. They’re quiet weapons. And the more often you hear them, the harder it becomes to remember who you were before.

Upgrade Your Daily Life—10 Lifestyle Trends That Make Aging a Little More Luxe

July 14, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Boomers and Gen Xers are embracing these upgrades—and proving aging can look downright fabulous.

Aging doesn’t have to mean settling for less—it can actually mean upgrading to more. More comfort, more ease, more joy in the everyday things you do. These days, growing older comes with a new set of lifestyle trends that are all about feeling good, looking sharp, and living well—without needing a billionaire’s bank account.

From smart little luxuries to elevated routines that make your day smoother, these shifts are helping people 50 and up create lives that feel richer in all the right ways. You’ve earned a life that feels a little more intentional—and honestly, a lot more enjoyable. If you’re ready to ditch the drab and embrace the refined, these trends are exactly where you should start.