budget challenge

My 2016 Budget Challenge: Can a Paint Job Help an Old House Pass a Re-Fi Appraisal?

After two not-so-successful attempts at a mortgage re-fi, Max is ready with a plan. Will the third time be the charm?

My 2016 Budget Challenge: What to Do With a Totaled Car

Things took an unfortunate turn for Max — somewhat literally — on the 110 Freeway. Can she find the silver lining in her totaled set of wheels?

My 2016 Budget Challenge: Three Lessons About Saving One Husband Learned in a Year

Max's Mr. Spendypants has learned his own share of frugal living lessons during Max's savings challenge year.

My 2016 Budget Challenge: Reduce Debt or Save for an Emergency?

Life's curveballs have Max and her Mr. evaluating their budget challenge as a whole. Should they stay the course?

My 2016 Budget Challenge: Where to Find Cheap Training for a New Career

Max is feeling the crunch. With $21K still left to go, will she hit her budget goals and find a new job by December? Stay tuned!

My 2016 Budget Challenge: How to Lose Weight Without Counting Calories

Max has added a new goal to her budget challenge; lose some weight. Find out how she's slimming down on a dime.

My 2016 Budget Challenge: Does Taking a Regular Day Job Mean Giving Up?

The freelance life ain't always easy. Max is on the hunt for a regular, good old fashioned job offer — and money isn't the only reason why.

My 2016 Budget Challenge: How to Buy a House When You Live Paycheck to Paycheck

Max shares what she learned about compound savings while saving for a house — and how she's using those lessons in this year's budget challenge.

My 2016 Budget Challenge: How to Turn Your Spouse Into a Money Saver

Max is owning her crazy in her journey to save $31K this year. Her husband, Mr. Spendypants, is along for the ride.

My 2016 Budget Challenge: Affording Education

For Max, a new career means learning a whole new skill set. Find out how she's achieving it while keeping to her strict budget.

My 2016 Budget Challenge: Job Creation

From sourcing vintage car parts to freelance photography, Max Wong is tackling her budget challenge by conjuring jobs out of thin air.

My 2016 Budget Challenge: Everything Breaks

The second installment of this Wise Breader's budget challenge finds Max on the verge of a breakdown.

My 2016 Budget Challenge: Why I Need to Find $31K This Year

Wise Bread writer Max Wong needs to find an extra $31,000 this year. She's up for the challenge, and we're along for the ride.