Hot Today

Wise Bread articles that are hot today.

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

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.

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

ReFi Shy? How to Determine If Now Is the Time to Refinance

As interest rates head north, homeowners are wondering if the timing is right to refinance. Here's how to find out.

Boost Your Career: How to Be Happier and More Likeable at Work

You can get more done and push your career ahead by becoming the charismatic, trustworthy, go-to person who really cares. Here's what to do.

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

Don't Fall for These Common Obamacare Scams

Nothing brings out grifters like chaos and confusion. The opening of the Obamacare health insurance exchanges has given them a golden opportunity.

How to Get Even More Freebies in Exchange for a Review

Who doesn't love freebies? Try these tricks and get free products delivered to your door all for the cost of your honest review!

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.

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.

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.

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.

What Booze Teaches Us About Money

Besides not wasting all of it at the bar, there's a lot booze can teach us about money.

Improve Your Giving With 5 Smart Charity Tricks

Make the most out of your efforts to give back and you'll do the most good. It's easy to be extra charitable!

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

Home Delivery: Local and Long Distance

If your interests in simplicity and frugality have as much to do with protecting the environment and using less resources as they do with saving money, give some thought to revi

Beware These Sneaky Fees on Discount Airfare

Discount airlines promise to get you where you're going on a dime. Are they really such a deal?

How to Survive a Tax Audit

If you've been notified of an audit, don't panic. Follow these steps to help get through it with minimal stress.

Another 7 Travel Destinations Not Worth the Money

Travel can be an expensive headache — especially if your itinerary includes any of these seven pricey places.