Hot Today

Wise Bread articles that are hot today.

The Simple Way to Decide How Much Rent You Can Really Afford

Before you set out to find your next great rental apartment or home, take a good look at your income. What can you afford?

8 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Credit Counselor

Credit counselors can help solve credit and debt management issues, but be sure to ask plenty of questions before you hire one. Some are more expensive than others.

The Best Credit Cards With Airline Companion Tickets

Companion tickets are one of the best credit card perks available. Discover five great cards currently offering these tickets — and three not worth the trouble.

15 Free Ways to Learn Something New

From online classes to in-person demonstrations and more, check out these 15 ways to learn something new — no fee required.

How to Entertain Your Grandkids Without Going Broke

Keeping the grandkids entertained doesn't require the latest game system and a bucket of cash. You can do it for next to nothing… and they'll love it.

Win Your Next Potluck With One of These 23 Cheap, Easy Potluck Dishes

These tasty, simple recipes for appetizers, main dishes, salads, and desserts won't break your bank, but will win you accolades.

Doubling Your Money with the Rule of 72

Did you ever wonder how financial professionals can so quickly mentally calculate how much money you’ll have in 30 years based on an investment return? Seems like magic, huh? Well,

10 Depressing Jobs That Aren't Worth the Money

There are a lot of ways to earn your keep, but not all of them are good for mind, body, and soul. Do you work one of these depressing gigs?

Vision Boards: Dream Big, Play with Pictures, and Watch your Life Change

Here's a fun exercise the whole family can enjoy in creating your future by playing with pictures.

I Bond rates go to zero

Since 1998, the US Treasury has had a pretty good deal for small savers who were worried about inflation--the Series I Savings Bond.  The interest it paid was based on inflation pl

Ask the Readers: Where Do You Want to Be, Financially, in 5 Years?

Tell us where you want to be, financially, in 5 years and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

5 Places to Find Free or Cheap Mason Jars

Don't overpay for brand new canning jars! If you know where to find them, affordable used jars can help you preserve your garden bounty on the cheap.

Think you can afford more house in the exurbs? Think again.

Many people who live in the far-out suburbs move there because they can buy more house for the money than they can in town. As an example from where I live, a house in Champaign-U

Regifting: A Simple How-To Guide

As the saying goes, one man's trash is another man's treasure. It's OK to regift as long as you follow a few simple guidelines.

The Real Value of Forever Stamps

Considering that I pay most bills online, I don’t use a whole lot of postage stamps these days. When I do, however, it almost always involves me digging through piles of paperwork

Turn smugness into a positive virtue

Various times here in my posts I've admitted to an unfortunate tendency toward smugness. It's really a negative character trait, and one that I struggle against. There are ways,

10 Ways to Stop Being Impatient and Live a More Satisfied Life

In our hurry up and wait culture, patience is a virtue. Read on to cultivate your sense of patience, no waiting necessary.

When It's Time to Destroy Debt, Start With a Goal

I'm doing a 90-day series on air and online to help people destroy debt. My first installment concerns the single most important thing you can do: establish goals. Read and watch f

Shoveling Snow and 5 Other Things Robots Can Do for You

Eventually, they'll probably take over the world, but for now, robots are thankfully taking over our household chores.

6 Steps to Take When You Have More Bills Than Income

When the bills are mounting, don't give up! Get proactive with your creditors, cut your costs, and start rebuilding your credit. Here's how.