Frugal Living

Dumpster-Diving 101: 6 Strategies for Success

From discovering the best areas and times to dive to knowing what to look out for and what gear you need, learn proven strategies for successful and safe dumpster diving.

Do You Practice Math When You Leave a Tip?

What kind of tipper are you? Learn about different tipping styles, and see where you fit in.

Sun Screens Can Really Cost You – By the Ounce or By the Tumor

Some sunscreens might not do everything they claim to. Here's how to make sure your skin is actually protected.

Kick that Cell Phone Contract: Save with a Prepaid Plan

If you are married to your cell phone, you may not mind paying top dollar for your service plan, but you can save big money by going prepaid. Here's how.

Financial Freedom and Using Passion to Budget

If we are undirected, we are susceptible to all the external forces of consumerism around us, and whamo, we’re a full-on rat in the race, wondering when the wheel will st

Moments in the "Garden of Eatin"

Food that is fresh will make you loosen that top button because your pants will be too tight to hold your overflowing wallet from the savings.

Book Review: Hot (Broke) Messes - How to Have Your Latte and Drink it Too

Nancy Trejos is a personal finance writer for the Washington Post. While she was advising readers on financial problems, she was actually so broke that she had to ask her hardwo

5 International Cities to Boost Your Standard of Living for Less

Where can wannabe U.S. expats improve their quality of life for less? Here are five cities that you may have never considered before.

How to Examine Your Healthcare Plan and Save

I’ve been examining healthcare plans for a couple of decades. I’ve been covered under employer-based plans and private individual plans. As a result, I've learned mu

I Finally Canceled Comcast Cable…Before It Hurt More Than My Wallet

Treat me poorly once, Comcast, shame on you. Provide startlingly awful customer service again, and you lose my business entirely.

Yogurt: Should You Try Making Your Own?

Yogurt is already conveniently packaged, widely available, and comes in a big variety of flavors. That said, there are great reasons to make your own.

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

Best Money Tips: 10 Least-Visited National Parks

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips roundup. Today, we tell you about 10 rarely-visited national pa

How About a Price List at the Hospital or Doctor’s Office?

Restaurants show you how much your food costs before you order. When it comes to medical expenses, shouldn't it be the same?

Best Money Tips: 10 Organic Solutions to Garden Pests

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips roundup. Today, we give you two handfuls of great organic garde

Best Money Tips: 5 Weird Ways to Save Money

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips roundup. Today, we tell some weird ways to save money, how to s

How (and Why) to Make Good Pan Gravy

Here’s a quick tutorial on how to master the art of good brown gravy (sometimes called “pan gravy”) -- and why you’ll want to add it to a few meals here

Book Review: Confronting Collapse

We hardly talk about collapse here. Wise Bread is all about living large, while collapse mitigation is usually about living small. But that doesn't mean that there aren't things

7 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Yard Sale

Yard sale season is upon us! If you're hosting a sale to get rid of your stuff, ensure that it's successful by avoiding these common mistakes.

Best Money Tips: How to Get Free Airline Upgrades

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips roundup. Today, give you tips for getting free airline upgrades

Latest Articles in Frugal Living

The 8 Most Eye-Opening Money Attractions in the U.S.

Make your next vacation money-themed, and check out these eight amazing attractions across the U.S.

5 Ways Gig Economy Workers Can Save for Retirement

Even if your full-time job consists of several gig economy jobs, you can successfully save for retirement — here's how.

5 Renovations That Don't Increase Your Resale Value

Before you get started on a new home renovation, make sure you know if it'll increase your resale value.

How to Protect Yourself From Credit Card Theft

Don't let a scammer get a hold of your credit card number. Here's how to keep your account secure.

5 Reasons Not to Use Debit Cards When You Shop Online

Before you place an order through your favorite online retailer, consider these reasons to use credit instead of debit.

16 Small Steps You Can Take Now to Improve Your Finances

Believe it or not, you can improve your finances in a big way by making several small money moves.

How to Maximize Rewards on Everyday Spending

If you're not using your travel or cash back card for certain expenses, you're leaving valuable rewards on the table.

How to Make Better Financial Decisions

Focusing all your efforts into reaching one financial goal is a fairly straightforward process. But what about when you have more than one financial goal? This guide will help.

5 Things Keeping You From a Life of Financial Independence

These are common obstacles that could be standing between you and sweet financial freedom.

Should You Use a Personal Loan or a Home Equity Loan to Remodel Your Home?

Looking to remodel your home? Here's how to decide between a personal loan and a home equity loan to pay for it.

5 Money Moves to Make Before You Turn 40

Before you hit the big 4-0, make sure you've made these money moves.

The 5 Best Products for Dry Skin

If you're looking for a new product to hydrate your skin, look no further than these five!

The 5 Best Products for Oily Skin

There are thousands of products on the market just for people with oily skin, and many of them are budget-friendly! Here are five excellent options.

The 5 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums

If you're looking to give hyaluronic acid serum spin, any of the five below are excellent picks that won't break your budget.

The 5 Best Eye Shadow Palettes

Here are some excellent eye shadow palettes that offer a wide range of shades and won't break your budget.

The 5 Best Sheet Masks

If you're new to the sheet mask scene, or are looking for a new one to try, these five are excellent picks that won't break your budget.

The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Haircare Essentials

Whether you're looking for a dry shampoo, or a root cover-up to hide those grays, you can have the best haircare products delivered right to your door.

The 5 Best Cozy Home Essentials

If you look around your living room or bedroom and don't immediately want to take a nap, something's missing.

The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Beauty Essentials

Just because the world has changed doesn't mean you need to neglect your beauty regimens. These products are budget-friendly and will make you feel like a glowing goddess.

The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Skincare Essentials

If you've been missing your regular facials, or you're just looking to switch up your skincare routine, these items will give your skin a fresh glow without breaking your budget.