By Linsey Knerl

Welcome to Wise Bread’s Best of Personal Finance roundup. Today, we look at five yummy tax breaks that could have dire consequences, how to make the most scrumptious Italian beef stew ever captured by a digital camera, and what you can do to make yourself more likable. Plus, we share a delightful tale of getting a lost camera back — all in pictures, of course!

Top 5 Articles

5 Beloved Tax Perks with Ugly Downsides — We dig anything that decreases our tax burden come April 15th, but could there be a hidden cost to some of our favorite breaks? Smart Money

Italian Beef Stew with Rosemary and Oregano — We knew he could blog, but who knew he could cook? Scordo shares the most delicious recipe flavored with (who would’ve guessed) — Chianti! Scordo.com

How to Make Yourself More Likable — We all could be more likable. In traditional Penelope Trunk fashion, this post combines wit, wisdom, and a bit of personal revelation to tell you how in five easy points. The Brazen Careerist.

How to: Make a Pegboard Wall Organizer — If one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to cut clutter, this is the how-to for you. And if it isn’t, you’ll still learn something very valuable…we promise! Apartment Therapy

A Pictorial Guide to Avoiding Camera Loss — If you become separated from your digital camera, will you know what to do to get it back? This witty preparedness plan could save you from a costly replacement (and might make you a friend in the process!). Andrew MacDonald via Bargain Babe

Other Essential Reading

The Difference Between Tax Avoidance and Tax Evasion — Wondering what the deal is with these two? This post lays it all out so you can tell them apart…just in case you were worried. Kenyantykoon’s Blog

“Pay as you Drive” Technology Enables New Car Insurance Discounts — Letting insurance companies track your mileage with new hi-tech gadgets may seem more “Big Brother” than cost-effective, but if you’re able to save, it may be worth considering. Billeater

What? Me Mooch? — That friend that hits you up for free baby-sitting, meals, and advice is probably what we call a “mooch.” Read tips for making sure that line never gets crossed (and that you aren’t being a mooch, yourself). Parenting Squad

5 Reasons Why Teens Should Work (Even if it Results in Lower Grades) — Sometimes that after-school job can result in a grade drop, but is it worth it? This blogger thinks so. Moolanomy

Walgreens $5 Challenge — Curious about all those Walgreens deals you keep hearing about but don’t want to be tempted to spend more than you have? Alyssa shares step-by-step tips every week to spending ONLY five bucks and getting your money back PLUS free stuff! Kingdom First Mom

Permalink | Comments | Linsey Knerl's blog | Channel: Personal Finance

Similar entries:

This article is from Wise Bread.