Personal Finance

FINANCIAL IQ TEST: How Healthy is your Debt Management?

Are you on top of your debt – both logistically and emotionally? Do you maximize value while minimizing interest rates? Do you know what the different types of loans are, and how t

Solving a Debt Dilemma with Debt Settlement

Paying half a bill is better than paying it all. But is going to a debt settlement company the way to do it? Understand how these companies work, then decide for yourself.

Dealing With Debt: Credit Counselors

There are three heavily advertised ways to find help to dig out of debt: credit counseling, debt settlement and bankruptcy. Which is best? Let's find out, starting with a closer lo

Simple Tax Strategies to Maximize Your Tax Refund

We’re nearing the thick of tax time, and I’m sure the first thing on your mind (I know it’s on mine) is “how much money am I getting back?” and “what am I going to use the money fo

Backdoor into the Roth IRA: You're Invited to the Tax-Free Party

Make too much for a Roth IRA? Don't fret, you still may have a chance to get in through the backdoor by using a nondeductible IRA then implementing a Roth IRA Conversion.

Best Money Tips: 50 Personal Finance Bloggers to Watch in 2010

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips roundup. Today, we share the 50 personal finance bloggers you should be looking out for in 2010, a nifty recipe for "primal" trail mix, a

Extended Car Warranties: 3 Things to Know

Extended car warranties can keep you from wrecking the family budget. But you need to shop them as carefully as you do your car. Here are three things to look for.

Book Review: The Trap

For more than two years now writing at Wise Bread, my whole thesis has been that frugality leads to freedom—if you can live cheaply enough, you can choose whatever work calls you,

Financial IQ Test: How Healthy Are Your Bank Accounts?

Following is a Financial IQ Test, designed to help you determine how healthy your bank accounts –- and your interaction with them -– are. Tally up your score and see how you fare.

Flying With Valuables? Keep Them Safe And Carry A Gun!

Worried about the safety of your valuables when you fly? Carry a gun and you'll keep them safe.

Best of Personal Finance Roundup: 20+ Amazing Fitness Blogs to Inspire You

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best of Personal Finance roundup. Today, we look at some amazing blogs that can help you get back on the fitness track, the best way to get out of a parking

Five Tips to Sell Any Home Fast

No matter the market, if you use these five steps, you'll sell your home fast.

Book Review: Complicit - How Greed and Collusion Made the Credit Crisis Unstoppable

This week a government committee is investigating the cause of the financial crisis by interrogating bank titans what exactly went wrong. Complicit: How Greed and Collusion Made th

How to Prepare for a Home Purchase in 2010

The housing and mortgage industries took a giant leap backwards last year. Read about what you need to do if you are finally ready to buy the home you've been looking for.

Home Loans

Getting a home loan is a necessary part of the process of buying a home for most people. It can take extra work to get a good loan, but if you're familiar with the process and know

Best of Personal Finance Roundup: Make Sure Your Haiti Donation goes to Quake Aid

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best of Personal Finance roundup. Today, we tell you tips for making sure that your Haiti relief donations are getting where they need to go, 8 great movie

How Cleaning Your Wallet Benefits You Financially

It is not quite time for spring cleaning, but if you are a slightly disorganized person like me you may benefit financially by cleaning your wallet or purse. Here are some reasons

Best of Personal Finance Roundup: How to Make Homemade Poptarts

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best of Personal Finance roundup. Today, we share a recipe for homemade poptarts, the right way to rock a t-shirt, and frugal ways to train for a marathon (

When It's Time to Destroy Debt, Start With a Goal

I'm doing a 90-day series on air and online to help people destroy debt. My first installment concerns the single most important thing you can do: establish goals. Read and watch f

Best Money Tips: 5 Beloved Tax Perks with Ugly Downsides

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips roundup. We look at five yummy tax breaks that could have dire consequences, how to make the most scrumptious Italian beef stew, and how

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.