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Don't Buy Microsoft Office! And Other Free Alternatives to Pricey Computer Software

So you just forked over a boatload of cash for a shiny new PC, but before you can really do anything other than watch YouTube videos and make crude Microsoft Paint drawings, you have to shell out even more to get the software. With today's leading applications costing hundreds of dollars, editing your photos or managing your finances can leave your wallet feeling substantially lighter. But fret not, for the Internet is your bank account's salvation from pricey PC programs! (See also: The Most Underrated Software You May Already Own)

Dads Who Do Dishes Raise Ambitious Daughters (and 4 Other Ways Any Parent Can Help Their Kid Succeed)

A recent study by UBC found that dads who do the dishes — and other household chores — tend to raise more ambitious daughters than dads who stick to more traditional (or, dare I say, outdated) gender roles and leave the kitchen duties to the women in the house. (See also: 7 Important Financial Lessons Kids Teach Their Children)

The 5 Best Office Chairs

It's easy to underestimate the importance and value of a good office chair in the workplace. In a typical workday at an office, it's safe to assume to that for most of that time you're working sitting down at a desk. Spending that much time in an inadequate office chair could spell back problems and physical pain that could be very detrimental to your productivity and overall health in the long-term.

This unfortunate scenario can easily be avoided by investing in a well-designed and comfortable office chair. Wise Bread is here to show you the best office chairs worth your money and health with our top 5 list.

3 Ways to Get Hotel Deals

Sure, you can get low hotel rates by shopping around on several websites. But if you're the type of traveler who's willing to spend a bit more time for greater savings, there are other ways to get better deals. These three hotel booking methods take some time and effort, but you'll gain access to exclusive hotel rates. (See also: How to Book an Amazing Cheap Travel Package)

Flash Sales

As the name suggests, a flash sale has a time limit, so you'll have to make up your mind quickly. Depending on the deal, the flash sale may only last for a couple of hours, although some flash sale deals remain available for a few days.

You can find flash sale hotel deals on several dedicated travel private sale websites.

Best Money Tips: Plan a July 4th Blowout on a Budget

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some wonderful articles on ways to plan a July 4th blowout on a budget, how bridesmaids can avoid going broke, and small business ideas for kids.

Top 5 Articles

6 Ways to Plan a July 4th Blowout on a Budget — Having a potluck and opting for BYOB can make your July 4th celebration a frugal one. [SmartAsset Blog]

8 Ways Bridesmaids Can Avoid Going Broke — To avoid going broke as a bridesmaid, be smart about gift giving and do your own makeup and hair. [POPSUGAR Smart Living]

17 DIY Projects to Make Your Home Look Amazing (and 3 You Shouldn't Try)

When my husband and I bought our first home, I was glued to all those television DIY shows. There were so many things we wanted to do to our starter space, and the Internet hadn't yet exploded with tutorials and inspiration boards. Now? Any and every project you could ever want to do can be found with a quick search. (Related: 25 Cheap and Easy Fixes That Make Your House Look Great)

Here are some of the best home and decor improvements even novices can tackle.

Ask the Readers: What Are Your Fourth of July Safety Tips?

For many families in the United States, Fourth of July (aka Independence Day) is a day of parades, barbecues, and fireworks. This holiday can be a lot of fun, but it can also turn dangerous if you don't follow some safety precautions.

What are your Fourth of July safety tips? Have you had any close calls during past celebrations? How do you plan on staying safe and responsible this year?

Tell us your Fourth of July safety tips and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — here's how you can win!

10 Ways You Can Bend Time to Improve Your Life

Fact: Every day, we all start with 24 hours. Subtract the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep, and we're left with a measly 15 to 17 waking hours per day. No wonder we're always rushing around, trying to cram in all our "have-tos" and "want-tos!" But sometimes slowwwwwing down to enjoy the good stuff — and speeding up to increase efficiencies in other areas — can add a whole lot of awesomeness to everyday life. (See also: 9 Tools That Create Hours of Free Time Every Week)

15 Life Hacks for College Students (or Anyone Else Trying to Save Money)

For many, college is the first time living away from home — and often living without a lot of money.

Necessity is the mother of invention, though, this is why students discover and develop hacks to save money. Beyond the Ramen meal cliche, college students are true DIY masters that know how to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Here are 15 useful college student hacks that can help anybody save money around the house. (See also: 20+ Freebies for College Students)

How to Navigate 4 Tricky Family Money Situations

I hate awkward moments. I hate them so much that I cringe when people in a movie or a book enter into a situation that I know is going to end up awkwardly.

This loathing of all things awkward means that, for years, I didn't talk to my extended family about money. I didn't indicate to them how my kids and I were doing, when we needed money, when we didn't, and when things they did affected me financially. I just kept quiet. (See also: The Right Thing to Say in 20 Tough Situations)