Hot Today

Wise Bread articles that are hot today.

Got a Problem? Why You Should Figure It Out Yourself

With the Internet and other resources, it can be easy to solve problems without actual problem solving. Learn why you should do things the hard way.

Voluntary simplicity as hedonism

When people talk about voluntary simplicity (or living a frugal lifestyle under any of its many names), they often do so in terms of deprivation. The descriptions are all about doing without stuff. To me, that's completely wrong. [more]

My car payments are too much! What should I do?

Last August, I decided to purchase my first new car ever. I had only ever owned used (and entirely paid-for) vehicles prior to this. I researched the type of car that I wanted and

Back to School: Saving on College Textbooks

Fancy meals. A weekend away. A new wardrobe. These are some of the things that can cost LESS than new college textbooks. Save with these tips.

10 Summer Foods You Can Make in an Instant Pot

Don't heat up your kitchen this summer. Instead, rely on these summer staples you can make an in Instant Pot.

7 Tips for Streamlining Your Shopping List

I have a long-standing dislike of grocery shopping. Pushing a cart around a store is not one of the ways I amuse myself. I've found that because of my attempts to get in and ou

Patriotism and Personal Finance - A Brief Walk Through American History

To all the Americans out there, happy Independence Day! I think this a great day to reflect upon how personal finance and patriotism is so intertwined in America. So I dug up a f

Free Diapers: How Persistence Got Me Into a Diaper Study

Some things sound too good to be true. Try, “Diaper Study: Free Diapers, and Get Paid to Use Them.” My overly-analytical (okay, suspicious) mind would question, “What’s the catch?"

6 Ways to Save On Baggage Fees

We've all got baggage. Stop being charged for it!

The 5 Best Toasters

Banish burned bread — get perfectly browned bread, bagels, waffles, and more with one of these reliable toasters.

New Mac minis: Beware small gains at a big price!

Are you interested in a new Mac mini? Read this first: be informed about which upgrades don't make sense and what to do about it.

9 Things You Need to Know About a Home Appraisal

If you're a total newbie to the housing market, a home appraisal is your ticket to paying a fair price.

Saving for Retirement (and Other Long-Term Goals) on a Variable Income

A variable income coupled with fixed expenses is tricky to manage. In this article you will find a five-step strategy that allows you to save effectively for retirement, take advan

8 Important Reasons to Always Call In Sick When You're Sick

Don't try to power through a cold or the flu. Listen to your body and stay in bed — you and the rest of us will feel better for it.

Homebrewed Beer: Make Your Own and Save Money?

Can you save money by making your own beer? Is it worth the effort?

Live Abroad for Less (Also at Home)

All but one of the "live abroad for less" ideas are just as applicable to frugal living in your home country.

6 Signs You're Not Frugal — You're Cheap!

Believe it or not, there's such a thing as being too frugal. It's called "being a cheapskate."

9 Places to Get Student Discounts

Hundreds of stores, including online shops, offer student discounts. So how and where can you take advantage of these discounts?

8 Great Places to Take the Family for Spring Break

Looking to book your annual spring break vacation with the family? Consider these fun and frugal destinations.

Are You Underpaid? How to Figure Out What Salary You Deserve

How much are you worth? Discover the salary you should really be earning.