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Wise Bread articles that are hot today.

Refactor Your Budget Categories

Use the budget categories put out by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to help you better understand your spending.

The Letter Always Wins

When it comes to shaming companies into rewarding the disgruntled customer, writing an old fashioned letter (and having the tenacious personality of my husband) is all that's reall

How to Throw a Kid’s Birthday Party That’s Fun, Happily Memorable, and Not So Expensive

The most fun, memorable and least expensive birthday party for your child may be, figuratively and literately, right in your own backyard. I’ve attended and hosted fabulous but sim

25 Easy Ways to Make Cheap Cuts of Meat Taste Expensive

Inexpensive cuts of meat don't have to taste cheap. Stretch your budget and eat well, too, with this collection of delicious ways to eat cheap meat.

Should You Repair a Dripping Faucet?

Sure, that dripping faucet might be annoying, but does it make financial sense to fix it? Find out with these simple calculations.

3 Hidden Dangers of Refinancing Your Mortgage

Refinancing your mortgage can help ease your financial burden, especially at current low rates. Just make sure you're aware of these potential dangers.

How a Big Family Survives in a Home With One Bathroom

Sharing a single bathroom with a large family or several roommates isn't ideal. Here's how a family of seven (and growing!) makes it work.

12 Ways a Deep Declutter Can Improve Your Life

Too much stuff getting in your way and getting you down? Part cleaning and part therapy, deep decluttering clears ours heads while it clears out space.

What is Simple Living and Why Should I Care?

With our economic situation still precarious, many people desire simple living. But what does that mean in our busy, modern culture, and how can we get there?

Why Southwest Airlines Is the Best Domestic Airline for Families

Traveling with your kids? Choose the airline that provides the best perks for families.

A Comprehensive Guide to the Envelope System

Whether you're intimidated by budgeting or are just looking for a new technique, the simple and effective envelope system can make budgeting oh-so-easy.

9 Family Money Matters Your Kids Don't Need to Know

It's important to teach your kids about money. But they don't need to know every little thing about your personal money matters.

How to Use Miles and Points for a Big Award Trip

Once you've earned all those points and miles on your credit card, how do you go about redeeming them for your dream vacation?

What You Should Ask Your Financial Adviser at Your Annual Meeting

Financial advisers are there to answer your major money questions. Make sure you're asking these big ones whenever you meet!

Best Money Tips: 70 Money Skills Everyone Should Know

Today we found 70 essential money skills everyone should know, what to look for in your side hustle business, and personal finance principles for a richer life.

The 5 Best Backpacks

You have things you need to carry at all times, and a painless way to do so. Get any of these five backpacks and your stuff will always be taken care of.

Choosing a Luxury Eccentricity

A useful tactic for dealing with those who think you need to spend more, a luxury eccentricity helps deflect criticism while allowing you to indulge.

Here's What the Successful Use of Secured Credit Cards Looks Like

A secured credit card offers many benefits — if you know how to use them! Make the most of your secured card to rebuild credit faster.

9 Money Secrets of the Amish

The lifestyle of the Amish includes hard work and simple living — which also equals more money in the bank. Could simpler finances work for you?

Manage your charitable giving

Are you one of the people who responds to begging letters from national charitable organizations by occasionally sending money? I used to do that. In my case, it was mostly envir