Hot Today

Wise Bread articles that are hot today.

The new face of poverty is fat

Twenty years ago, I parked at a supermarket, near where a poor family had just parked. I knew they were poor, because they looked like poor folks are supposed to look: Their clot

A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Emergency Fund

A strong emergency fund is one of the most important keys to financial security. Learn how to build yours.

Raise your standard of living by focusing your spending

Are you tired of reading the same frugality suggestions? I'm talking about the repeated exhortations to eat out less, turn off your cable, and stop buying expensive coffee dri

10 Money Moments That Are Awkward for Everyone

Ever forget your wallet on a date? Believe it or not, there's a graceful way out of that awkward moment and these nine others, too.

The 5 Best Jump Starter Kits

There are few things worse than car trouble, but the right tools can minimize the misery. Use any of these jump starter kits the next time your car won't start.

Seven Ways to Get Free Shipping Supplies

Once upon a time I sold a lot of stuff on eBay and Amazon, and I always needed envelopes, boxes, and padding. The costs of these shipping supplies could really add up when you mai

7 Places Teens (and Adults) Can Learn About Money

Opportunities to develop financial literacy are closer than you think. Here are seven nearby places to gain practical skills with lifelong benefits.

6 Great Side Jobs for Book Lovers

Wishing you could spend all day reading books instead of going to work? Put that bookwormery to good use by getting paid to be a book lover.

The 5 Best Freezers

Buying or making food in bulk and storing it in the freezer is one of the best ways to save money. Do it with one of these great freezer picks.

7 Fool-Proof Ways to Stay Within Your Travel Budget

Costs have a tendency to creep up when we're on the road. Learn to be a savvy spender no matter where the travel bug takes you.

8 Common Job-Hunt Tips You Should Ignore

Want to get a job? Ignore this advice — and learn what you should be doing instead.

10 Holiday Gifts That You (Yes, You!) Can Make With Paper

Looking for a fun, frugal, DIY holiday gift? You can make many wonderful gifts from paper, and all you need is a little inspiration, ambition, and a few pieces of paper.

10 Smart Ways to Keep Your Clothes Looking New

You've stocked your capsule wardrobe with smart, versatile looks. Now keep them looking that way, season after season.

7 Unnecessary Household Expenses You Can Cut Today

If your family doesn't examine these 7 common household expenses, you are wasting way too much money.

Americans' savings rate up to almost 7% - who benefits?

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the personal savings rate in May 2009 was 6.9%. This a 15 year high and a far cry from the negative savings rates of just a few yea

12 Ways to Finally Get That Promotion This Year

Don't just sit there at your desk being competent. Get out there and make management notice that you are the person they need to keep and promote.

16 Time and Money Saving Apps for Freelancers

Starting a freelance career is daunting, but this collection of apps and online services will take the fear out of invoicing, file storage, and a lot more!

15 Fun Nights Out for $5 or Less

A fun night out doesn't have to cost a lot. In fact, with these creative and fun ideas, it doesn't have to cost more than five bucks.

7 Killer Ways to Really, Actually Lose Weight

There's a lot of weight loss advice out there that's either unsustainable or doesn't deliver results. Learn what really works — and how it could help you.

Turbo-Charge Your Nutrition With Superfoods

You can rev up your diet by understanding and using the power of superfoods. Explore which foods fall within the superfood category and why.