Hot Today

Wise Bread articles that are hot today.

Ask the Readers: What Was Your Most Recent Splurge?

Tell us about your most recent splurge and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Think you can afford more house in the exurbs? Think again.

Many people who live in the far-out suburbs move there because they can buy more house for the money than they can in town. As an example from where I live, a house in Champaign-U

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

8 Things You Must Do to Throw a Frugal, Fun Backyard Party

All too soon, the leaves will have turned and Halloween will be on the horizon. Enjoy what's left of summer with an easy-to-plan backyard get-together.

8 Ways to Spring Clean Your Career

'Tis the season for spring cleaning, so you should probably clean up your path to success, as well.

8 Tips to Help Your Teenager Become Credit Smart

Now that I am a mother of two teenagers, credit card abuse is one of the first dangers of financial common sense that I discussed with them. Here are 8 tips to help your teenager p

Making a good and memorable first impression.

As a professional ad man, I'm ashamed to say that I'm really not good at advertising, well, me. That goes double in social situations. I never know where to stand, how to eat, how

What to Buy (and Avoid Buying) in November

Skip the iPad 3 Mini, but do reach for a new HDTV, which are stupendously cheap this month.

How to Save Your Family Memories With Cloud Computing

With the help of cloud computing, distant family can create a scrapbook or newsletter together, so everyone can stay to date on family goings-on.

The 5 Best Repair Shampoos

Keeping your hair silky smooth after color treatments isn't easy, but it can be. Just use any of these repair shampoos and your locks will go back to being luscious.

109 Random Acts of Kindness You Can Start Doing Today

It doesn't take a lot to brighten someone's day. Here are more than a hundred of them!

Forget Your Weaknesses and Build on Your Strengths to Find Success

Choosing the path of least resistance doesn't mean you're lazy; it means you're playing to your strengths. Here's why you should keep doing it.

13 Overpriced Restaurant Items That Waste Your Money

It's always a pleasure to dine out, but it can also be a drain on your finances. Here are some menu items to avoid if you're looking to get the best value at a restaurant.

Savings Bonds as Interest-Earning Travelers Checks

Remember travelers checks? In the days before ubiquitous automated teller machines, they were a useful product. You could use them almost like cash -- but you could carry more than

Dealing With Debt: Credit Counselors

There are three heavily advertised ways to find help to dig out of debt: credit counseling, debt settlement and bankruptcy. Which is best? Let's find out, starting with a closer lo

6 Ways to Be a Good Guest When You're Broke

Just because you have zero dollars doesn't mean you can't contribute in other ways. Be thoughtful and kind and they'll always invite you back.

How to Save Money on Travel With an Awesome Group Vacation

A fun vacation with a big group is a cost saver, but also a challenge. Avoid some planning and organization mistakes with these tips and tools.

3 Reasons to Claim Social Security Before Your Retirement Age

Your Social Security benefits increase with every year you wait to claim them. But sometimes, sooner is better.

The 5 Best Reusable Straws

Finding drinking straws worth keeping isn't easy, but it can be. Use any of these reusable straws and your drinks will always be ready to sip.

Here's How Your Taxes Will Change When You Retire

While you plan for all the travel and hobbies you'll do in retirement, you should probably plan for your taxes, too.