Articles on Personal Finance

Is Just Leaving Some Slack Better Than a Plan?

Are you as tired as I am of personal finance sites saying that you've got to have a plan? If you're a planner, it's unnecessary advice, because you've got a plan. If you're not a

Comparing Savings Rates: U.S. vs Japan

The savings rate in the United States has increased significantly over the last few months, clearly as a response to our current economic climate. But how does our historical savin

Best of Personal Finance Roundup: What the iPad Is and Is Not

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best of Personal Finance roundup. Today, we go over what you can expect with a new Apple iPad, how to use up the leftover juice from your canned fruit, and

How to Avoid Getting Your Credit Card Canceled

Find out why your credit card could be canceled on you without notice, and tips to help avoid it.

6 False Assumptions About Debt-Free Living

What to expect once you're debt-free.

Best Money Tips: I’ve Got One of the Recalled Toyotas. Now What?

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips roundup. Today, we tell you what you need to know if you're driving a recalled Toyota, how to keep your budget under control when guests

Talking to Your Spouse About Money

I have a guest post up on Get Rich Slowly about how to talk with your spouse about money. I had the privilege of interviewing financial counselor Lou Scatigna, aka The Financial Ph

The U.S. Government Wants You in Debt

I’m going to out on a limb and make the bold statement: the United States government wants you in debt, rather than you saving money. Politics aside, I am going to discuss why I be

Best Money Tips: How to Apply for a Loan at a Peer to Peer Lender

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips roundup. Today, we tell you how to apply for a loan at a peer-to-peer lending site, the six biggest investing mistakes, and how to set up

How Will the Obama Middle Class Tax Credits Benefit You?

This week President Obama is announcing several tax credits for the middle class in his State of the Union speech. Here are some of the details on what the proposals are, and how t

Why You Can't Stick with a Budget

A good budget is the best tool for reaching your financial goals. If you've ever begun a budget only to give it up days, weeks or months later, or know someone who has, you need to

Emergency Plan: Better Than an Emergency Fund

This is broader than just an Emergency Fund; it's an Emergency Plan.

How You Know When It's Time For Bankruptcy

When it comes to erasing debt, you've got options. You can do it yourself, go to a credit counselor, try debt settlement or go for the nuclear bomb of debt destruction: bankruptcy.

FINANCIAL IQ TEST: How Healthy is your Debt Management?

Are you on top of your debt – both logistically and emotionally? Do you maximize value while minimizing interest rates? Do you know what the different types of loans are, and how t

Solving a Debt Dilemma with Debt Settlement

Paying half a bill is better than paying it all. But is going to a debt settlement company the way to do it? Understand how these companies work, then decide for yourself.

Dealing With Debt: Credit Counselors

There are three heavily advertised ways to find help to dig out of debt: credit counseling, debt settlement and bankruptcy. Which is best? Let's find out, starting with a closer lo

Simple Tax Strategies to Maximize Your Tax Refund

We’re nearing the thick of tax time, and I’m sure the first thing on your mind (I know it’s on mine) is “how much money am I getting back?” and “what am I going to use the money fo

Backdoor into the Roth IRA: You're Invited to the Tax-Free Party

Make too much for a Roth IRA? Don't fret, you still may have a chance to get in through the backdoor by using a nondeductible IRA then implementing a Roth IRA Conversion.

Best Money Tips: 50 Personal Finance Bloggers to Watch in 2010

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips roundup. Today, we share the 50 personal finance bloggers you should be looking out for in 2010, a nifty recipe for "primal" trail mix, a

Extended Car Warranties: 3 Things to Know

Extended car warranties can keep you from wrecking the family budget. But you need to shop them as carefully as you do your car. Here are three things to look for.