Hot Today

Wise Bread articles that are hot today.

7 Times You Don't Have to Give Your Social Security Number

A lot of people may ask for your Social Security number, but not all of them are entitled to it.

Savings Rates Below Inflation? Save Anyway

When savings rates are below the inflation rate, it's easy to delude yourself into thinking you shouldn't save. That's a bad idea.

Back to School: Saving on College Textbooks

Fancy meals. A weekend away. A new wardrobe. These are some of the things that can cost LESS than new college textbooks. Save with these tips.

How to Distinguish Yourself Online From People With the Same Name as You

Who shares your name online — a fugitive? Or worse, a reality show star? Learn how to distinguish yourself from other people with the same name online.

10 Fun, Practically Free Ways to Make New Friends

Whether you've just moved to a new town, are feeling shy, or just want to talk to some interesting people, try out these great ways to meet new folks.

10 Social Blunders to Stop Making by 30

By your third decade here on earth, you aren't a kid anymore — so stop acting like one.

6 Ways Autumn Is Good for Your Mind and Body

Fall may bring shorter days and cooler weather, but did you know this time of year is good for your well-being?

20 Great Uses for a Bandana

From survival first aid to home decor, a colorful, inexpensive bandana is as versatile as it is cheap. Learn more about what a square of cotton cloth can do.

When to drop collision coverage on your car

A few years back, I got a tidy little lesson in exactly what collision coverage is. We'd had a car damaged in an accident, damaged pretty badly. So, it wasn't a surprise

HOW MUCH?! The free stuff you’ll have to pay for, sooner or later.

I flew to New York for business over the weekend. As I looked at the list of $8 pay-per-view movies and $5 snacks available, my mind went back in time to a few years ago, when free

Making Every Penny Count With A Zero-Based Budget

Feel like you're just living payday-to-payday? Having trouble figuring out where all your money goes? Then a zero-based budget just might be for you.

59 Ways To Get A Bright Idea

Looking for a creativity boost? Here are 59 ways to get inspired and generate ideas that can help you gain a fresh perspective, solve a problem, present information, increase profi

Best Money Tips: Smart Retirement Strategies for Women

Today we found smart retirement strategies for women, DIY cleaning products that you can make for pennies, and lessons we can learn from Jedi Master Yoda.

Ask the Readers: What Is the Best Career Advice You've Ever Been Given?

Tell us about the best career advice you've ever been given and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Eating at the Intersection of Cheap and Healthy

A lot of healthy food — organic, locally grown food — comes at specialty food prices. But with some planning and smart shopping, you can eat both well and cheap.

What if energy costs keep rising?

Recession or not, I think the medium-term trend in energy costs is up.  Just in case I'm right, you ought to have plan for that.

Ask the Readers: What Are Your Financial Goals for 2018?

Tell us about your financial goals for 2018 and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Invest some of this cheap energy

I've tried to avoid predicting energy prices, except to say that they'll be volatile. I'm not a bit surprised to see oil and gasoline prices dropping by half in the past few month

What's the Difference Between MasterCard and Visa Credit Cards?

Is there really a difference between Visa and MasterCard credit cards?

10 Things You Can Do to Be Happier Today

Wake up on the wrong side of the bed? Take one or more of these positive, feel-good actions and watch the day brighten.