Articles on Budgeting

3 Surprising Ways to Save on Wireless Bills

Cell phone voice and data charges can climb in a hurry. Keep your cell data bill manageable by managing your plan, and your usage, more cleverly.

9 Ways Americans Are Spending Differently (but Not Less)

After several years of decline, Americans are spending more again, but in different ways. For the frugal-minded, it's a reminder that thrift is an endurance race, not a sprint.

10 Sites and Apps to Help You Track Your Spending and Stick to Your Budget

One of the best ways to manage a budget and control your money is to actively track spending. All of these apps and online tools make tracking your expenses easy.

A Better Way to Rank America's Colleges

How should an American University be judged? By how well it serves the public good in three fundamental ways.

Psychology of Money: How We Secretly Want People to Make Us Buy Things

A good financial plan includes planning and budgeting for both needs and wants. Don't let short term wants steal from those wants you really desire.

3 Ways to Save Hundreds (or Even Thousands) of Dollars Without Thinking

These three methods barely require any effort — and they can have huge results.

SavedPlus Giving Away $3,000 to Wise Bread Readers

Get $20 just for trying out this free tool and chance to win $1,000.

Identify and Solve Your Spending Mysteries

Where does the money go? If you don't know, that's a problem. Discover how to identify your mystery expenses and get back on budget.

5 Frugal Celebrities Who Live Large on a Small Budget

Many celebrities make big bucks, and then use that money to make big purchases. But these five frugal celebrities know how to stretch a dollar.

Save More by Avoiding Multiple Bank Accounts

Have you been using multiple accounts to save for multiple goals? New research suggests a simpler system might lead to more saving.

8 Ways to Stop Spending — Today

If you're not in control of your spending, your spending is in control of you. Here's how to break the spending habit and regain control of your money.

What It Costs to Raise a Child

You probably already know (or, if you're not a parent, you've already guessed) that it costs a lot to raise a child. But just how much is "a lot"?

Evolve Your Money Management Beyond the Budget

Budgeting can be complicated, tedious, and inflexible. But for some, there's a simpler, more reliable way to accomplish the same thing.

How Much Should You Spend on a New Car?

If you're looking for a new car, use this simple rule to put yourself in the driver's seat while remaining in control of your car expenses.

The Five Stages of Not Shopping

When people see us make a lifestyle change — even a positive one like frugality — their responses often resemble the Five Stages of Grief.

How to Pay Down $100 Worth of Debt This Week

With some creativity and effort, you can boost your bottom line quickly to pay down a small debt or save something extra.

25 Ways to Save $5 This Week

Small changes can make a big difference to your savings account. Jump-start your savings with these 25 easy ways to put away $5.

How to Do a One-Month Spending Freeze

If you want to jump-start your financial goals, a spending freeze might be just what you need. Here's how to make it happen — and even have fun while doing it.

Find Your Hidden Spending Habits and Save

If you want to increase savings, find your hidden spending habits and wring out the waste. Start by checking out these spending categories.

Money Resolutions: 6 Ways to Take Control in 2013

The start of the new year is a great time to give your saving and investment strategy a makeover. Here's how to get started.