Hot Today

Wise Bread articles that are hot today.

How to Avoid These Common Hidden Fees

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

This Is How the High Cost of Cheap Gas Hurts You

Turns out cheap gas isn't so cheap after all.

Ask the Readers: What Are Your Favorite Fall Activities?

Tell us about your favorite fall activities and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Travel on Amtrak

With each move by the airlines to claw back a bit of the profit that has vanished into the twin maws of competition and higher fuel prices, and with each move by the government to

5 Ways to Make Retail Therapy Good for You

We usually caution against retail therapy — it's so wasteful! — but if you're gonna, at least try to reduce some of the harm.

Old calendars never really go out of date.

This little fact was big news to me. I was casually flicking through a magazine at work when something caught my eye; it was buried in the bottom corner of one page and stated that

Counterfeiters Beware: Here's How the New $100 Will Ruin Your Day

Scheduled to enter circulation back in early 2011, the new, more secure $100 finally starts circulating today. These are the new security features to look for.

6 Ways Meditation Can Make You a Money Master

Inner peace isn't just for your health. Mindfulness and patience could be the key to unlocking good financial management.

7 Retirement Planning Steps Late Starters Must Make

Americans are not very good at saving for retirement. If retirement is looming your horizon, start doing a better job of preparing.

Architect, Designer, or Contractor: Who Should You Hire for Your Project?

So you have a home project you've been wanting to tackle. Here's how to decide if you need a pricey pro.

10 Big Expenses You Can Easily Get Rid Of

The 80/20 rule applies to budgeting, too — 80% of your spend goes to 20% of your expenses. If you can cut those big costs, the savings are big, too.

Metal Detecting for Beginners: Patience and Profit

If you're interested in metal detecting, learn about the costs, concerns, and rewards of the hobby as one enthusiast shares his story.

The 5 Best Indoor TV Antennas

Most local TV stations broadcast in beautiful High Definition and other frequencies, for free, and anyone can watch. All you need is a good antenna.

35 Delicious Rice and Bean Dishes

You know rice and beans are healthy and delicious. But did you know there are as many ways to prepare rice and beans as there are beans in the bag? Here're 35 to get you started.

The 8 Classic Personal Finance Books You Must Read

Add these personal finance gems to your summer reading list and soak in some evergreen advice on all things money.

How to Get Free or Cheap Internet Access

From reconnecting with friends to watching videos and more, surfing the Internet can be awesome...and expensive. Discover ways to browse the web for less.

The 5 Best Board Games for Children

Board games can be educational for children, teaching them critical thinking, reading, and even money skills. Get any of these five and your kids will have a blast.

25 Great Gifts for $5 or Less

Need some non-crafty, hardly homemade gift ideas, all for less than $5? Here are 25 with something suitable for nearly everyone on your gift list.

Life Without Television

I haven't owned a television in over 7 years. I haven't lived in a house with a set in over 5 years. I spend my days largely television-free, and I actually like it.

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.