Hot Today

Wise Bread articles that are hot today.

Rural living in a world with expensive fuel

Rising fuel costs are hard on everybody, but one group gets hit especially hard: Rural folks--especially rural folks who work in town. On my previous posts on expensive fuel,

Don't Ruin an Antique! How to Tell If You Should Refinish Wooden Furniture

Refinishing your grandmother's old dresser might be a terrible idea. Learn when you should refinish wood furniture, and when you should use a professional.

5 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score Fast

If your FICO score needs some TLC, these strategies will get it whipped into shape — ASAP.

Surviving a financial panic -- lessons from the past

Financial panics used to be quite ordinary. In the century or two prior to the great depression, there was a panic every 15 or 20 years. Since the great depression we haven't had

12 Ways to Make Yourself Save More Money

You know you should save more, and you'd like to — but how? Close your spending leaks and put your saving on autopilot to start building a cash reserve.

12 Habits of Highly Responsible Credit Card Users

While regular credit card use can be harmful, these 12 responsible credit habits can help you build a stronger credit rating and a healthier bottom line.

8 Awkward Money Moments Everyone Has at Work

You go to work to earn money, but it's also a place where you can spend it. And sometimes, things can get a little weird.

The 5 Best Ways to Spend the First 10 Minutes of Your Workday

If you don't do morning right, chances are the rest of the day is shot, too. Set aside 10 minutes early to set the stage for a productive day.

How to Prevent a Drunken Online Shopping Spree

Hangovers are bad enough without realizing you also spent all your money on things you don't need.

7 Facebook Updates That Are Making You Look Stupid

Facebook is a fun way to share with friends — and their friends, and total strangers. Avoid these Facebook faux pas and keep your profile sharp.

12 Times You're Better Off Without a Promotion

You're working hard — and smart — and the boss has noticed. Do you take the promotion? Or do you keep the job you're happy with?

5 Ways to Get the Most From Your Employer’s Automated Retirement Plan

Your employer may be automating your 401(k) plan. Don't let the convenience lull you into complacency with your investments.

Stuck at the Airport? Relax With These 14 Easy Self-Care Tricks

Being stuck at the airport is no fun, but these self-care moves will keep the stress at bay.

3 Pearls of Financial Wisdom From Alan Greenspan

While Greenspan's tenure as Fed Chairman ended on a sour note (he missed the housing bubble), his knowledge is tremendous. Heed the Oracle.

15 Free Ways to Spend Your Summer

Whether you're hitting the beach or the local library, you don't need a pocketful of cash to have fun this summer.

You're Denied a Credit Card Due to Too Many Hard Inquiries. Now What?

Hard inquiries ruining your rewards game? When you can't get approved for new cards, these strategies can help you make the most of what you've got.

Should You be Ashamed to be on Public Assistance?

Government assistance such as the Food Stamp Program and cash welfare payments are sticky topics of discussion. What exactly is frugal about us

In times like these, separate the want from the need.

I remember saying to my dad, a long, long time ago, that I really needed a whole bunch of He-Man action figures for Christmas. Oh, and Battlecat, too. My dad looked at me, a hopefu

4 Easy Steps to Buying Lingerie for Your Wife, Girlfriend, or Significant Other

The first time my mother took me to a lingerie store, I felt like I was on the inside of an exploding confetti factory. There were so many colors and sizes and shapes and textures,

8 Ways to Turn Your Stress Into Money

These days, who isn't stressed out. Channel that energy into more money and it might just be able to relax a little.