Hot Today

Wise Bread articles that are hot today.

How to Score an Empty Seat Next to You on Your Next Flight

Having an empty middle seat is almost like being in first class. Here's how to score that extra space on your next flight.

School Bookstores Can't Afford Cheap Textbooks

I'm taking just one course this semester, with just one reasonably priced textbook. According to the back cover, the price was $29.95, but that isn't the price I paid. I pu

How to Avoid These Common Hidden Fees

Don't let these sneaky fees blow your budget when making a purchase.

Ask the Readers: What Do You Enjoy Most About the Holidays?

Tell us what you enjoy most about the holidays and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

12 Smart Ways to Turn $500 Into a Better Future

Got $500 burning a hole in your pocket? Instead of blowing it on stuff, use it wisely to improve your finances, your home, or yourself.

The 5 Most Successful Investors You've Never Heard Of

Can you name an investor other than Warren Buffett or Peter Lynch? Drop these five names at your next investment club meeting.

Is Social Security Just A Grand Ponzi Scheme?

I received my Social Security statement this week and it was a useless piece of paper to me since I do not qualify for retirement benefits yet. I always hear critics of Social Sec

Borrowing from Friends: The Friendship Killer

Friendships are regularly damaged or lost from loans going sour. These are loans that were given and received with the best of intentions, yet few friendships can bear this pressur

The 5 Best Fabric Softeners

Do you like your clothes feeling extra soft? Then add any one of these five superb fabric softeners to your next laundry run.

Toxic Laundry: What’s in Your Dryer Sheets and Fabric Softener?

There's more to fabric softeners than springtime freshness and fluffy teddy bears — your product might have some nasty chemicals hiding inside.

Is MagicJack a Scam?

MagicJack is a device that claims to offer unlimited local and long distance calling for just $20/year. Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? I decided to dig around for myself.

The Best Credit Cards For Military Personnel and Families

Military families can get special benefits from credit cards, such as waived annual fees. Check out these great cards for service men, women, and their families.

Turn Off Your Air Conditioning

Most people lack the skills for getting by without air conditioning. Here's a quick primer.

7 College Courses That Will Boost Your Career

If you want to kick-start a career, you'll need skills. These college elective courses will make you smarter — and more hirable.

How Much Does Your Credit Card Debt Cost You?

Only having to pay 2% of your total credit-card balance a month makes charging tempting...but with interest, you could also pay more than double your original purchase price.

Selling Your Life Insurance Policy for Cold, Hard Cash

Would you sell your life insurance policy for a lump sum, knowing that someone else now profits from your death?

Highest Paying Jobs for People Who Love Kids

Working with kids requires a big heart and a lot of patience. But it doesn't necessarily require a small paycheck.

3 Simple Ways to Split Bills With Your Spouse

Marriage money matters don't have to be a source of friction. Learn how to split the bills fairly, figure out a routine, and skip the argument part.

Should You Get Life Insurance for Your Kids?

Life insurance for kids isn't just a sales gimmick. Here's what to consider before taking out a policy.

5 Alternative Housing Options You Can Afford

You don't have to live in a van by the river to cut your housing costs dramatically — instead, consider some nontraditional abodes, like these.