By Linsey Knerl
Welcome to Wise Bread’s Best of Personal Finance roundup. Today, we share the biggest ripoffs in America, how you can save money by skipping soap, and why shade trees are a smart investment!
Top 5 Articles
America’s Biggest Rip-offs — Think paying a 6500% markup for text messages is ridiculous? You’ll love (or hate) the rest of the items on this list. CNN Money
Save Money, Don’t Use Soap — If you’re not a germaphobe, you’ll probably love this article on why you might not need as much of the bubbly stuff as you think. I also love the alternatives to lathering up (they save on money and waste!). Ultimate Money Blog
Party Foul! Is Double Dipping Truly Dangerous? A recent study reveals frightening findings about the amount of bacteria that can enter a party dip if “double dippers” hit it first. If this article doesn’t convince you to bring your own to the party, I don’t know what will! Divine Caroline
Shade Trees as a Smart Financial Investment — Check out these five really clever reasons why you should start planting now (or perhaps buy one somewhat grown and have it landscaped in). Making your yard beautiful has never been so valuable! The Simple Dollar
Collection Agencies Giving Away HDTV’s and iPods if You Pay Up — Can this be for real? Apparently so. As if clearing your conscience and getting debt collectors off your back isn’t enough, some now have a rewards catalog to choose a free gift with payment! Generation X Finance
Other Essential Reading
Bundling: Paying Extra for Crap you Don’t Want —When you end up paying for “free extras”, are they really that good of a deal? Finally, someone says it like it is. Weakonomics
College …