Hot Today

Wise Bread articles that are hot today.

5 Things Lenders Look For in a Loan Application

Ready to make a house a home? Get a leg up on a mortgage application by knowing what lenders are looking for.

Love Makeup or Jewelry? Surprise Yourself With a Wantable Box.

Wantable promises to send you makeup or accessories that match your personal style. If you don't mind the cost, this service could score quality goods at half price or less.

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

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.

Ask the Readers: What Are You Looking Forward to Most This Holiday Season?

Tell us what you're looking forward to most this holiday season and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Last Minute Wrapping Paper: 5 Options

I've been known to wrap presents literally five minutes before the family has planned to open them — and that means there's no time for a last minute run to the store for a roll of

Does It Make Sense to Stay in a Hotel Anymore?

Hotels aren't the only go-to crash pad for vacations anymore. Does it still make sense to stay in one?

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.

10 Holiday Gifts That You (Yes, You!) Can Make With Paper

Looking for a fun, frugal, DIY holiday gift? You can make many wonderful gifts from paper, and all you need is a little inspiration, ambition, and a few pieces of paper.

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

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

Buying a Home Without the Money

This writer gives his reasons for buying a home now instead of waiting for a 20% down payment.

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.

Best Money Tips: America's Biggest Rip-offs

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips roundup. Today, we share the biggest ripoffs in America, how you can save money by skipping soap, and why shade trees are a smart investm

The Underground Guide to International Volunteering (Review)

International volunteering is a genre of travel that is mired in misnomers. Most internet searches will reveal opportunities that cost hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars per we

9 Simple Ways to Save on Hotel Stays

If you're looking for a hotel room at a discount — or even just a couple of nice extras — check out these insider-y secrets.

How to Navigate 4 Tricky Family Money Situations

Mixing money matters and family dynamics can make gatherings more awkward than usual. Learn to manage both for happier finances and family.

Old Stuff: How to Kindly Receive and Reuse

Taking in free items can be a savvy, frugal move. Be on guard so that you won't be the not-so-proud owner of useless stuff.

Why Do a Credit Card Balance Transfer, and How?

Learn the pros and cons of transferring a credit card balance, as well as how to choose the right credit card for you.

4 Reasons You Might Have a "Phased" Retirement

If a total leave from the working world isn't in your cards, take your retirement in phases!

10 Work Perks You Can't Get as a Freelancer

You're ready to strike out on your own. Before ditching your day job, find out what work perks the freelancing world simply can't match.