Personal Finance

Think Twice Before Ditching Your Current Bank

Choosing quality over customer loyalty can be a big decision when it comes to your bank and personal finance goals. Here are some tips for making the decision to switch.

Just Saving More Is Not the Answer

Whenever I write about calculating how much money you need to retire, some people disagree strongly with the whole idea that there is such a figure. One told me, "The only correct

5 Simple Ways to Cut Your Car Expenses

With ever-rising gas prices, it's important to do what we can to cut back vehicle expenses. Here are five simple things you can do to keep that cash in your wallet!

25,000 Reasons to Pamper Your Credit

Would you take good care of your credit score if you knew someday it could save you $25,000?

Lessons We Can Learn From Blockbuster's Demise

As the video giant Blockbuster files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, marketing experts everywhere are asking the same question: what went wrong?

The End of the 4% Rule?

There's a rule of thumb that's pretty well known to retirement planners: the 4% rule. That rule is starting to look kind of iffy.

Women and Wall Street: Is the Romance Gone?

The main players in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps are men, as is the target audience. Being a woman who works in finance I’m left a bit dismayed — and as it turns out, I’m not al

5 Tips on What to Do Before Moving in Together

If splitting the cost of rent and utilities with your significant other sounds like a good idea, you’re not alone. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 7.5 million unmarried couples

Why You Shouldn't Plan to Retire at Age 65

Most traditional retirement advice columns I read are written as a guide to retiring in your 60s. Although the advice contained in these columns may be useful to some, I think that

12 Ways Your Financial Statements Tell Lenders the Wrong Story

Your financial statements may not make the bestseller list, but they do tell an intriguing story — at least to a banker. Unfortunately, the tale they tell may be misleading.

The Expiring Bush Tax Cuts: What’s the Fuss?

Given the continually fragile state of the economy and enormous budget deficits, should the tax cuts be extended or should they be permitted to expire?

Giving Up Your Car May Be Easier Than You Think

Debating downsizing to one or zero vehicles? The transition may be easier than you actually think.

Best Money Tips: Save Money on Plus-Sized Clothing

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips roundup. Today, we tell you how to shop for plus-sized clothing, why corner lots may be for suckers, and how to prepare for an evacuation fr

Beware the Small Print of High Interest Savings Accounts

How many times have you seen ads for savings accounts that have touted superb interest rates? And how many times have you looked into the offer only to discover that it isn’t quit

Peer to Peer Lending: Prosper Marketplace or Lending Club?

Whether you're a borrower or investor, here is a quick comparison guide on the two largest peer to peer lending companies.

Financial Independence Is More Than Just a Number

You may start out thinking of financial freedom as a number, but eventually, you realize that it's a much more achievable goal if you focus on your state of mind.

When Deals Matter

Some people are into deals. They collect and organize their coupons, they buy used, they negotiate with sellers. These are all good strategies, but they all take effort. This post

Best Money Tips: Is Day Trading for You?

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips roundup. Today, we tell ask if you have what it takes for day trading, give the best places to retire, and help you find a job with some new

Low Cost Ways to Dress Your House for a Quick Sale

If you want your house to sell quickly, you need to make sure that it shows well. A few simple, often cosmetic, changes will make a world of difference.

Is Real Estate a Good Investment?

Young investors need strong investment returns that exceed the rate of inflation in order to avoid working in later years. Is real estate a good investment option?

Latest Articles in Personal Finance

How to Dispute Mistakes On Your Credit Report

Notice something amiss on your credit report? Don't fret. This is how you can dispute any mistakes.

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.

Someone Took Out a Loan in Your Name. Now What?

A fraudulent loan can have dire consequences for your personal finances. Here's how you can fix the problem, stat.

5 Things to Know Before Adding Someone to the Deed

Before you add someone to the deed on your home, you should be aware of these five things.

Banks Still Offering Free Checking and Savings with Great Interest Rates

Tired of fee-gouging from your old bank? Here are the banks with the best checking and savings terms.

Capital One 360: A Competitive Banking Option

CapOne 360 is a great option for those looking for low fees and great interest rates!

5 Best Online Checking Accounts

Whether you're looking to earn interest or for great customer service and reasonable fees, these five online checking account are all wise choices.

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.

How Cosigning On a Student Loan Could Impact Your Finances

Before you cosign on a student loan, these are four important things to keep in mind.

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 Stay Calm During a Market Fluctuation

If you're tempted to bail on investments when you hear scary financial predictions, it's important you learn how to keep your cool.

The Pros and Cons of Refinancing an Auto Loan

Before you refinance your auto loan, here's what you need to know.

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.

The Pros and Cons of Paying Off Your Debt Early

You dream of being debt-free, but is it all it's cracked up to be?

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.