Hot Today

Wise Bread articles that are hot today.

The 10 Most Common Financial Aid Mistakes — And How To Avoid Them

Acing FAFSA is crucial for making college affordable for so many students. Unfortunately, it's also super confusing.

9 Ways Americans Are Spending Differently (but Not Less)

After several years of decline, Americans are spending more again, but in different ways. For the frugal-minded, it's a reminder that thrift is an endurance race, not a sprint.

10 Ways to Have a Cheaper Evening Hanging Out With Friends

Strengthen your friendship bonds without weakening your finances with these fun, cheap outings and get-togethers.

8 Reasons to Drink More Water

It's old news that we don't really need to drink eight glasses of water per day, but there are still plenty of reasons to stay well-hydrated.

How to Embrace Failure, Keep Going, and Win

Whether your goals are lofty or low, chances are you won't reach them without failing — frequently. Get up, learn for next time, and keep going.

9 Tips to Save Money on Holiday Shopping

Save more this holiday season with price drop alerts, discount gift cards, and gift swap websites.

Book review: The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It

In the days when self-sufficiency was simply the normal way of things, you'd learn the necessary knowledge and skills from your parents. (And from your grandparents, aunts and

Turn smugness into a positive virtue

Various times here in my posts I've admitted to an unfortunate tendency toward smugness. It's really a negative character trait, and one that I struggle against. There are ways,

Cyber Monday Tips From Our Senior Editor

In this interview with FOX 5 in Washington DC, our Senior Editor tells you about the best Cyber Monday deals and ways to save even more.

Guest post: Live a rich life on a budget

I have a guest post up at Get Rich Slowly that suggests that you be a bon vivant: "A bon vivant is a person who lives well — someone who enjoys the best things in life, especially

5 Best Amazon Deals for Friday 12/06

Today's deals include 60% Off Downton Abbey, 60% off Kingston HyperX Solid-State Drive, 75% Cooks Standard Multi-Ply Clad Stainless-Stainless Steel 10 Piece Cookware Set, and more!

15 Frugal and Natural Ways to Fight Acne

Keep your skin clean, fresh, and blemish-free with these natural ingredients and practices that won't harm the environment of your face — nor your wallet.

Job Search Tips That Will Get You a Job in 2012

Make this year the year when you get a new job — or even your dream job — with this comprehensive collection of suggestions, resources, and more.

5 Best Amazon Deals for Tuesday 12/17

Today's deals include 50% Off Infant and Preschool Toys, 70% Off New Balance Fitness Clothing, 20 Kindle Books for $2 each, and more!

5 Best Amazon Deals for Friday 12/20

Today's deals include 50% off kitchen small appliances, Rayovac Spotsman LED Lantern, 35% or more off NBA Jerseys, and more!

Can't Afford a Home Alarm System? You Probably Already Have One

Home alarm systems can be expensive. A basic alarm system can be hundreds of dollars, but chances are you already own a pretty good alternative.

Who to Hire: A Financial Planner or a Financial Adviser?

Believe it or not, financial advisers and financial planners are not the same thing!

The Three Interest Rates

I got a notice from one of my credit cards a bit ago, announcing that they were raising the interest rate. It's only of theoretical interest to me, of course--I use credit cards f

25 Essential Tricks for Quick and Easy Cleaning

Who has time to clean? Get your place ship shape in a hurry with this collection of clever cleaning shortcuts.

6 Health Insurance Benefits You're Probably Not Using

It's a safe bet your health insurance provider offers some pretty sweet benefits. And chances are, you aren't using them.