The existence of a strong frugality movement in rich countries may be more of a surprise to people in the poor countries than the other way around. Still, with the economy the way
Do you think the United States is about to collapse? Dmitry Orlov does, but you don't have to agree with him to learn a lot from his new book, which is packed with useful tips on
Some banks didn't manage the paperwork well enough to be able to prove that they actually own their mortgages. This just might be the germ of a solution.
This is really a non-issue, if you work a regular job: Your employer withholds taxes. It's also not much of an issue if you're self-employed and your income is reasonably
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
Last week I saw several reports about a sharp jump in people running out of gas on the highway. The stories attributed the increase to high gas prices, suggesting that people who
I have a theory about sleep. My theory is this: everyone who routinely uses an alarm clock suffers from chronic sleep deprivation. Using an alarm clock a few times a year (to c
Are you assuming that things will go along pretty much okay? Most people do, and they're usually right. Even when they're wrong, it tends to be okay, because the typical household'
For more than two years now writing at Wise Bread, my whole thesis has been that frugality leads to freedom—if you can live cheaply enough, you can choose whatever work calls you,
Going for an affordable little spruce up? Not wanting to spend an entire weekend sanding down Grandma's old bureau? Here are three easy and cheap decorating ideas to add unexpected
College can be where you get your first taste of independence...including financial independence. Make sure you enjoy it without blowing all your cash.
Some of the fondest shopping memories of my childhood involve outlet malls. The sheer number of stores managed to be exciting, enticing and overwhelming, all at the same time. [more]
When I first traveled overseas, I was surprised to learn that many foreigners thought of the United States as a corrupt place--surprised enough that I undertook some careful questi
Wise Bread articles that are hot today.
Frugality goes international
The existence of a strong frugality movement in rich countries may be more of a surprise to people in the poor countries than the other way around. Still, with the economy the way
Couponing: Hobby or Lifestyle?
Clipping coupons is a great way to save money at the grocery store. But is "extreme couponing" the right choice for you and your family?
Book review: Reinventing Collapse
Do you think the United States is about to collapse? Dmitry Orlov does, but you don't have to agree with him to learn a lot from his new book, which is packed with useful tips on
A Mortgage Crisis Solution
Some banks didn't manage the paperwork well enough to be able to prove that they actually own their mortgages. This just might be the germ of a solution.
Taxes on irregular income
This is really a non-issue, if you work a regular job: Your employer withholds taxes. It's also not much of an issue if you're self-employed and your income is reasonably
Homemade Lotion Recipes
For luscious, organic lotion, making your own is the way to go. Follow these recipes to have some seriously happy, healthy, and moisturized skin.
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
Simple Living Through Capital
There are a lot of ways to live simply. My personal favorite is living simply through capital — and it's easier to do than you might expect.
Fill your tank
Last week I saw several reports about a sharp jump in people running out of gas on the highway. The stories attributed the increase to high gas prices, suggesting that people who
Get enough sleep
I have a theory about sleep. My theory is this: everyone who routinely uses an alarm clock suffers from chronic sleep deprivation. Using an alarm clock a few times a year (to c
Contingency Plans
Are you assuming that things will go along pretty much okay? Most people do, and they're usually right. Even when they're wrong, it tends to be okay, because the typical household'
The 5 Best Products for Dry Skin
If you're looking for a new product to hydrate your skin, look no further than these five!
It's Linktastic!
Thanks to everyone who linked to Wise Bread recently. We appreciate your vote of confidence. [more]
Book Review: The Trap
For more than two years now writing at Wise Bread, my whole thesis has been that frugality leads to freedom—if you can live cheaply enough, you can choose whatever work calls you,
Are You Wasting or Saving Money With a Warehouse Club Membership?
Warehouse clubs are large stores such as Costco or BJ's that charge a yearly membership to purchase items at wholesale prices. Are they worth it?
Cheap Decorating: Three Simple Hacks for Style on a Dime
Going for an affordable little spruce up? Not wanting to spend an entire weekend sanding down Grandma's old bureau? Here are three easy and cheap decorating ideas to add unexpected
The College Freshman Budget
College can be where you get your first taste of independence...including financial independence. Make sure you enjoy it without blowing all your cash.
Online outlets
Some of the fondest shopping memories of my childhood involve outlet malls. The sheer number of stores managed to be exciting, enticing and overwhelming, all at the same time. [more]
Is your country corrupt?
When I first traveled overseas, I was surprised to learn that many foreigners thought of the United States as a corrupt place--surprised enough that I undertook some careful questi
Getting Whole-Grain Nutrition
Whole grain? Whole wheat? Enriched? While they might all sound nutritious, they're far from equal. Learn how to get the most from your grains.