Hot Today

Wise Bread articles that are hot today.

Last-Minute Giving

Here’s a gift idea that will help put you in the holiday spirit. It will not help you mark “done” on your gift list but may save a life. If you’re feeling well today, have mailed a

How Much Can You Afford to Risk In a Play Money Account?

Taking reasonable investment risks can be fun with "play money" you set aside for the purpose — just don't risk your retirement or emergency fund!

The Gasoline Pump "Y2K" Problem

Here in San Mateo County, many gas stations are starting to sport prices above $4.00 per gallon. The trusty Gas and Shop down the street is still holding on to $3.93 per ga

Ask the Readers: Are You Filing Your Own Taxes This Year?

Tell us if you're filing your own taxes this year and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

The Costa Rica Lesson: Awwwwwww They Got Me

Get Travel Insurance before you go anywhere. Have and not need it. No really trust me.

Housing Values in Relationship to Proximity to Certain Stores

When you're house hunting you already look for good schools and low crime. Maybe you should add a Starbucks and Trader Joe's to your list, too.

Be a Winner with Your Dinner (Or not)

I would never advocate buying fast food just to win something. If you are already driving thru, however, it’s something to consider. And with many of the prizes having less to do

Why the Time Value of Money Matters, and 10 Ways It Affects You

You don't have to be a financial whiz to understand how the time value of money affects you financially and otherwise. All you have to do is look around.

10 Credit Card Truths You Wish You Could Tell Your Younger Self

If you could hop in a time machine, chances are you'd visit your younger, less responsible self to share some advice about smart credit card use.

8 Things Everyone Should Know About the Commodities Markets

From cows to coffee, billions of dollars are lost and made trading commodities. Here's what you need to know — even if you're not a trader.

Faster Free Shipping on Amazon With No Minimum Order -- Free Prime Trial

Wouldn't it be nice if you could get (nearly) everything shipped free from Amazon this holiday season? Without having to spend $25? You can -- with a three-month Amazon Prime Free

Can a Kindle Save You Money? Oprah's Coupon Code Makes It Easier

For awhile I have been pondering whether Amazon's Kindle reading device can really pay for itself. But something happened today that got me off the fence: Oprah shared a coupon cod

Buy a Car With the Money You Save by Shaving Smarter

With a switch to a safety razor, most men could trim enough from their budgets to eventually buy a modestly priced car. (And look better while striking the deal.)

Are we too clean for our own good?

Science has proven that exposure to germs and dirt helps build up a strong immune system. Don't waste your money on bacterial soaps and wipes - they're just coddling your immune sy

7 Questions a Potential Employer Cannot Ask You

No, this list does not include "tell me about a time you messed up at work and what you did to fix it." You have to answer that one.

Goal Setting: Getting Out of Debt Once and For All

It is easy enough to say that you have a goal of being debt free in “x” months or years. You have crunched the numbers, and your plan is realistic and achievable. But why is it so

My Kitchen Could Be a Yeast Farm

The free things in life are few -- but one of them, it turns out, is yeast. It's floating all around you, and getting it out of the air and into your bread is easier than you might

Are Coupons For Everyone? A Review of the Couponizer (and a Giveaway)

I love the idea of coupons. Saving money? I'm so for the idea. Cutting, sorting, and saving little scraps of paper that will probably end up getting eaten by the baby or in the

Is It Still Smart to Buy an Electric Car While Gas Prices Are Low?

Hybrid and electric cars are facing a bit of dilemma — are rock-bottom gas prices reducing their value?

4 Ways Student Loans Impact Your Taxes

Got student loan debt? Who doesn't. Lessen the burden by knowing just how that debt plays into your taxes.