Hot Today

Wise Bread articles that are hot today.

Can the government help in a recession?

Recessions spread. A minor downturn in one business spreads to its suppliers and then to their suppliers. Workers are laid off (or simply fear that they will be) and buy less, sp

15 Uses for Garlic That Deserve a Round of Applause

Put your garlic to work beyond the kitchen with this list of alternative uses that help you do everything from remove splinters to cure sore throats.

5 Surprising Ways the Rich Get Richer

The rich get richer. You could get jealous, or you could get inspired to find out how wealthy stay that way, and copy them?

Cross your fingers and hope you’re not caught by Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) this year.

If you don’t know what the AMT is, you may well be in for a shock this year. And if your household income is around $75,000 or more, gross, then AMT could very well take a big bite

9 Ways You Are Sabotaging Your Weekly Grocery Budget

Give your grocery list a modest makeover and you can save BIG.

Doing without is often better than making do

For anything you might buy there are almost limitless choices. For purposes of argument, I'd like to group them into three categories: You can buy the best; you can buy some

You can be as happy as a Dane

Studies regularly find that Danish people are the happiest people in the world. At first glance, it looks like the conditions that make them that way aren't really available t

All about stagflation

Those of you who are old enough may have noticed some worrisome similarities between the economy of the 1970s and the economy today. If so, you're not alone--more than a few p

20 Delectable, Frugal Pineapple Recipes

From salsa to salad to soup, these 20 recipes will help you make the most of this in-season exotic fruit.

9 Unexpected Benefits of Volunteering

When you help others, you help yourself, too — and often in unexpected ways. Discover ways to socialize, further your career, and more, all while giving back.

2012 is Coming: What Are You Doing About It?

There are a number of clues and theories being tossed around to support the idea that December 21st, 2012 may mark the “end of days”. The question is: What do you choose to believe

3 Terrible Things Foreclosure Does to Your Credit

A foreclosure stings, but you can rebuild. Here's what it will do to your credit, and the steps to take to get it back.

These DIY Magazines Can Help You Be Self-Reliant

Everyone’s looking to become less dependent on the traditional economy. As we wean ourselves from manufactured luxuries and discover ways to create for ourselves, it can be diffic

The Only 9 Things You'd Really Need If You Lost Everything

If, God forbid, you were to lose everything, what would you need to get by? Start with the basics and work your way up.

Ask the Readers: If You Could Retire Today — Would You?

Tell us if you would be willing to retire today and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

How to Save Green When You Shop Green

What's the top reason shoppers don't buy green? (Hint: It ain't cheap.) That's right. Price. So what's a frugal green shopper to do? Here are a few thrifty tips that can help eco-c

The 5 Best Food Dehydrators

Dehydrating food allows you to easily preserve your garden's bounty. Do it with one of these affordable, reliable dehydrators.

5 Common Productivity Tools That Are Really Distracting

From smartphones to energy drinks, learn what's really making you do less — and how to reclaim your productivity.

Beware of Pretty Things: 4 Reasons I’m Keeping My Ugly, Old Stuff

Last night I strolled through the furniture showroom with my jaw unhinged and my heart thumping: “Look at all this good-looking stuff!” After some careful consideration th

The Private Financial Information You Must Share

Couples often split finance chores across multiple accounts, which makes management difficult, especially in emergencies. Learn what you must share.