Outrageous ways government wastes your money...

"Why are Americans averse to tax hikes? Besides the obvious reluctance to pay more, there's Senator Tom Coburn's "Waste Book," a compendium of 100 idiotic ways the federal government frittered away our tax dollars in 2011. 
Coburn, a Republican from Oklahoma, says the unnecessary, duplicative and low-priority projects in the book, released today, add up to an astounding $6.5 billion. To be sure, getting rid of these projects would barely put a dent in the $1 trillion-plus budget deficit. But it might give taxpayers a bit more faith that our money wasn't being thrown away."

The full listing of 100 outrageous ways the federal government wasted your tax dollars in 2011 can be found here. 

via cbsnews.com

 

Money Trees

 

 

 

 

"Apparently in several wooded areas around the UK, passersby have been stopping for decades (if not centuries), meticulously hammering small denomination coins intro trees. Most of the trees seem to be in and around Cumbria and Portmeirion....the practice might date back to the early 1700s in Scotland where ill people stuck florins into trees with the idea that the tree would take away their sickness."  

via thisiscolossal.com

 

Burglar-Proof Your Cash Stash

"If the wobbly financial markets have you hoarding cash at home, beware. Yes, you may be safe from bear markets, but you’re still vulnerable to losses, especially if you leave your money and valuables in burglar-friendly spots. Click on the image above to expand the infographic and see where you’re best off hiding your cash, according to tips gathered from a real burglar , and places where you shouldn’t put any money ."
via mint.com