Hot Today

Wise Bread articles that are hot today.

Credit Card Rewards Programs

A commenter on a recent article of mine on credit card usage, suggested a follow-up post with an eye to uncovering the mysteries of credit card rewards programs. And in my research, I discove [more]

I Bond rates go to zero

Since 1998, the US Treasury has had a pretty good deal for small savers who were worried about inflation--the Series I Savings Bond.  The interest it paid was based on inflation pl

Opt-out of the wasteful $26 billion phone directory industry

In this day and age of the internet, free Google 411 and a host of other paperless directory services, what use do the big, fat phone directories serve? I don’t know about you, but

The whole sorry mess in one picture

How much money is there in the economy to borrow? Well, if you don't have foreigners lending you large amounts of money, and you don't have central banks creating large amounts of

15 Investing Tips From A #1 Wall Street Stock Picker

I just finished reading “Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is” by Natalie Pace, who has been ranked as a #1 Wall Street Stock Picker by TipsTraders.com. She wants us to love investin

Borrowers, lenders, and others--beware trusting the government

Having a prosperous country (as opposed to having merely a prosperous elite) depends fundamentally on the rule of law. The system can work adequately well with various sets of rule

Is Uber Saving or Costing You Money?

We all know that Uber is super convenient, but is it actually saving you money? Let's find out!

Managing Your Short-Term Money

It's easy to find books and articles on how to manage your money to support your long-term goals. You can read a lot about stocks and bonds, retirement accounts, investing in gold

The Penalty-Free Way to Withdraw Retirement Money Early

For most retirement plans the penalty for early withdrawal can be hefty. Here's a surprising, if complex, alternative.

Sometimes, "Too Good To Be True" Is Not True

How many times have you heard people say “if it look’s too good to be true, stay away from it” or words to that effect? Well, I know I’ve said them often myself. But sometimes, rar

Financial IQ Test: Do You Have the Best Auto Insurance Coverage for Your Needs?

How well do you know your auto insurance coverage? Take this Financial IQ Test to see if you're getting the most bang for your insurance buck.

How to Downsize and Declutter

Here's a simple timeline for sorting and decluttering painlessly with a three-phase strategy: 3-month plan, 6-month plan, and the year-or-more plan.

The 10 Offensive Phrases No One Is Telling You About

A lot of the stock phrases we use have much darker meanings than we probably intend. Be careful what you say!

Would You Buy Off the Back of a Truck?

Have you ever bought something off the back of a truck? I have. Here are the pros and cons to off-the-truck deals.

10 Quick Ways to Become More Hygienic

Guess what? Good hygiene means good health as well as good cleanliness. Clean up your act, inside and out.

Shhhhh: How to Block Out Noise

I am the only tenant on the floor of an apartment building otherwise entirely under construction, and it's taught me a few things about finding quiet.

4 Signs It's Time to Find a New Savings Account

If you have a savings account, you're on your way to increasing net worth. But not all savings accounts are worthy of your money.

6 Things in Your Kitchen That Get Rid of Bad Smells Naturally

Don't worry if your kitchen stinks. The solution to your smell problem is only a shelf away.

4 Ways to Fund Your New Business Without Borrowing a Dime

Being your own boss isn't cheap — you'll need cash to get started and to keep going. Here's how to do it without taking on startup debt.

Where to Turn When Your Bank Doesn't Love You Anymore

Many traditional lenders such as banks are pulling back credit, even from long term, credit-worthy customers. Fortunately,there are plenty of alternatives to traditional banks.