Hot Today

Wise Bread articles that are hot today.

Broken down? Turn your pencil into a flashlight.

If there's one thing I know about travel, it's be prepared. But it's sometimes easier said than done. We all know we should carry emergency supplies in the trunk of the car, and one of those essentials is a flashlight. [more]

Take Control of Your Money With These 10 Free Spreadsheet Templates

There are scores of fancy apps and websites that can help you manage your money, but for some, nothing beats the elegance of a simple spreadsheet.

Pay Down Debt and Get Cash Back With These 6 Services

Need to pay down debt faster? There's an app for that — well, kind of. Try one of these cash back services and pay down your debt that much faster.

12 Free Software Tools for Your Small Business

Your small business doesn't need the latest high-cost software to get up and running. There are plenty of great options online for free.

The Cost of Giving Baby a Bad Name

Americans (and many other cultures) have always enjoyed the artistic license of being able to name their children whatever they fancy. When nam

9 Cheap Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure

Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure. Here's how to reduce yours without increasing pressure on your budget.

The Bailbondsman Approach: Why Some Of Us Stay Broke

The government is letting people think that it's okay to make bad choices. The Treasury is rewarding bad behavior and the consumer is learning nothing except to keep up the

403B vs. 401K: How Are They Different?

Sure, you know what a 401K is, but what the heck is a 403B? Here's how they differ.

Things I Wish I Knew Before I Bought My Second House

You might think that once you've bought one house, you're a pro. But being a second-time homebuyer can come with some unexpected surprises.

11 Great Apps for Book Lovers

Nothing beats the feel of a well-made book, but you can't carry your whole library with you to the park.

The good life on less energy--even in the US

Whenever I write a post about energy, I point out that we know it's possible to have a high standard of living while using less energy--people in European countries do, so it must

10 Collectibles That Almost Always Become More Valuable

From video games to vinyl, you may want to scoop up these finds at a local garage sale or thrift shop — or dig around for them in your basement or attic.

20 Free (or Really Cheap) Ways to Relieve Stress

The kids, the spouse, the boss, the car, the job, the news — the stress! Take the edge off and be the better you with these frugal ways to chill.

The High Cost of the "Treat Yourself" Mindset

You might be able to justify a "treat yourself" purchase, but all those little treats add up to one big, stressful bill. What's it really costing you?

10 Great Reasons to Drink Beer

One or two reasons to drink beer are generally enough. Here are eight or nine more to remind you that beer is good (in moderation).

10 Money Conversations You Must Have With Your Family

Skipping these key conversations will put your family's financial future at risk. Learn how to educate and protect your family today.

When Should Single People Get Life Insurance?

Life insurance is for people with dependents and stuff, right? Yep, and sometimes that applies to singles, too.

6 Money Lessons We Could All Learn From Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

You can't switch on the TV or click open a web browser without running into The Rock. Find out how much that visibility is worth -- and what you can learn from it.

You Are Too Busy: Stop!

When you're really busy — too busy — everything suffers, including your health and your family life. Slow down so you can keep going.

4 Dumb Ways You Are Wasting Money Online

Online marketers are skilled at parting you from your money. Beware of these four marketing tricks — and learn how to defend your wallet from them.