Hot Today

Wise Bread articles that are hot today.

Ask the Readers: What Money Animal Are You? (Chance to win $20!)

We want to know what animal you are most like. Do you "squirrel" money away? Are you wasteful like an (insert wasteful animal parallel here)? Let us know what creature

6 Great Reasons for Paying off the Mortgage on Your Home

Even though the economy is still rough, there are plenty of reasons why you should pay off your mortgage as soon as you can.

10 Back-to-School iPhone Apps

With assignments and exams, student life can be stressful. Here are 10 iPhone applications that can help you manage your student life.

The 7 Dumbest Big Purchases People Make

Remember when 3D TVs were all the rage? Sometimes even smart people make bad purchasing decisions. Consider that and six other doozies.

November 11: The Last Free National Park Day of the Year

Plan a final outdoor adventure for 2011, and discover how to get free entrance to parks year-round.

When Self-Care Actually Harms Your Budget

Self-care has become a critical way to cope with the stress of the modern world. But is it really just draining your bank account?

Most Popular Ways Americans Spend Their Tax Refunds

Americans are getting smarter about spending their tax refunds. How will you spend yours?

10 Foods With the Most Bang for Your Buck

It's easy to buy a lot of calories for little (just eat junk food). Guess what? It's also easy to buy a lot of nutrition for a little money.

6 Important Credit Card Lessons Your Parents Didn't Teach You

Chances are, your parents didn't pass down these sage pearls of credit card wisdom. It's never too late to learn new credit card tricks.

Retail Therapy: The Benefits of Shopping

"Retail therapy" — shopping to help you feel better — is typically viewed with scorn. But some recent findings suggest that shopping can make you happy...if you do it right.

5 Pretty Projects for Pine Cones

If you have an excess of pine cones (or can get some), we have five festive decorating projects you can do on a dime.

Don’t Waste Your Money on Homeopathic “Remedies”

Homeopathy is seen by some as a legitimate way to treat illnesses. But is it just a complete waste of money?

5 Affordable Countries Every Outdoor Explorer Can Afford to Visit

There's no shortage of thrilling places for outdoorsy types to experience nature — even for outdoorsy types short on travel funds.

6 Ways It Pays to Be Friendly With Your Neighbors

Having friendly neighbors is its own reward, of course, but all those neighborly smiles often pay-off in unexpected ways. Like these.

Don't Let These 6 Common Job Traps Derail Your Career

The shine has worn off that once-loved job, but you can't just leave … right? Wrong.

Should You Buy a Car With a Credit Card?

With the right strategy, financing your new ride with plastic can be a smart money move.

5 Downsides to a Bigger Paycheck

You just got a raise, but before you start celebrating, take a few minutes to think about how more money is going to change things for you.

Cheap Smartphones: Which Ones Are Worth It?

Think getting a smartphone means shelling out hundreds of dollars? Nope. Check out the new crop of inexpensive, well-functioning smartphones.

25 Easy Organizing Changes You Can Make Today

You can get organized. (Really.) And you can even do it in small steps. (Seriously.) Start today with one of these 25 quick tasks.

How to Buy Like a Pro at Country Auctions

Ready, set, bid! From how to get started to why you should never use your number as a fan, learn the ins and outs of buying at country auctions.