In the days when self-sufficiency was simply the normal way of things, you'd learn the necessary knowledge and skills from your parents. (And from your grandparents, aunts and
When I was little, my grandmother would can all sorts of things. She had a big garden full of produce that would wind up in jars in her pantry. With a pretty big garden of my own,
Wise Bread articles that are hot today.
How to Achieve Your New Year's Resolutions by the End of Summer
Summer is a great time to tackle those New Year's resolutions so that you can just coast through to the holiday season.
The 5 Best Conditioners
Keeping your hair soft and silky isn't easy, but it can be. Just use any of these conditioners and your coif will always look gorgeous.
How to Save on Babysitting Without Ending Up on the Local News
When babysitting rates hit $14 per hour — per kid! — it's time to think about cheaper (but safe) ways for parents to get stuff done and have fun.
Why You Should Never Buy Souvenirs
Souvenirs are a nightmare for the frugal traveler. From high markups to exploitative labor, souvenirs are a lousy way to bring travel memories home.
7 Investment Accounts All 30-Somethings Should Have
You're not a kid anymore. It's time for you, and your money, to grow up.
Wear Frozen Clothes and 9 Other Ways to Beat the Heat
Frozen clothing is kind of an unconventional way to cool off, but this method — and others — can help you chill out and save energy this summer.
8 Tax Tricks to Try if You're Stuck With Student Loans
The burden of student loan debt is heavy enough. Get as many tax breaks as you can to lighten your load.
10 Smart and Frugal Uses for Epsom Salt
Instead of buying expensive cleaners and beauty products, you can save a ton of cash if you use good old fashioned epsom salt instead.
10 Questions Landlords Can't Ask
It's hard enough finding a place to rent in a tough market without having to answer a bunch of probing questions. Happily, you don't have to.
4 Moves That Guarantee a Great Retirement
The number of Americans happy in retirement plummets each year. Avoid that fate and enjoy your golden years to the max.
5 Homebuying Questions You're Embarrassed to Ask
New homeownership comes with more new terms and phrases than one can keep up with. Don't be embarrassed to ask these questions!
12 Unique Ways to Score a Job Interview
If you want to move from applicant to interviewee, don't just send a resume and cross your fingers — try one of these creative methods instead.
10 Difficult Jobs That Are Worth the Effort
The hours are long, the work is hard, and in some cases, the pay is low. Find out why these demanding jobs are worth your while.
Book review: The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It
In the days when self-sufficiency was simply the normal way of things, you'd learn the necessary knowledge and skills from your parents. (And from your grandparents, aunts and
8 Signs You're Committing Financial Infidelity
Does your partner know everything they need to know about your finances?
401K or IRA? You Need Both
You know you should have either a 401K or an IRA. Have you considered you might need both?
5 Amazing, Cheap Places to Live as an Expat
Looking for adventure overseas but don't know how to afford it? These five places welcome expats, and you may even fly home with more in savings.
8 Ways Retailers Use Big Data to Track You
Big brother knows a lot about how you shop.
The Problem With Car Title Loans
A car title loan is one way to get cash really fast. It's also one way to lose cash, really, really fast.
Getting Started with Preserving: Mint Jelly
When I was little, my grandmother would can all sorts of things. She had a big garden full of produce that would wind up in jars in her pantry. With a pretty big garden of my own,