Kiplinger, a Washington-based publisher of business forecasts and personal finance advice, recently came out with its "best of everything report."

For the full list of categories, products and services, visit www.kiplinger.com/reports/best-of-everything/. But here are some highlights:

Banks - The high-yield savings account at Ally Bank, formerly GMAC Financial Services, yields 1.80 percent -far more than you'd get at most brick-and-mortar banks. And Ally Bank has no minimum to open an account, no monthly fees and no minimum balance. Plus, this FDIC-insured institution is one of the only online banks to offer penalty-free CDs, which give you the freedom to withdraw your money early without paying a fee.

Credit card - For a credit card with a cash rebate, try American Express Blue Cash. Get 1 percent cash back on everyday purchases, which include groceries, gas and drugstore items, and earn 0.5 percent on everything else. Once your annual spending passes $6,500, you get 5 percent cash back on everyday items and 1.2 percent on the rest of your purchases.

Digital camera - The Canon Powershot A470 is a marvel for the price: you get stills, video and 7.1 megapixels for just $100. Like other bargain cameras, the A470 shoots video, too, although the quality is only so-so. Still, the PowerShot is a handy alternative when you've left the camcorder at home.

Mobile phone plan - For a top-notch mobile phone plan, Sprint's Any Mobile, Anytime is $70 a month for unlimited Web access and messaging, plus 450 minutes of talk time. Call any cell on any mobile network without using minutes.

Airline - The best bargain airline, Southwest, lets you book a flight, change your ticket, check two bags, and grab a snack and a nonalcoholic drink - for free. With other airlines, you can easily spend more than $100 on that stuff.

Travel website - If a cruise is your thing, choose your voyage on Cruisecompete.com, where more than 300 travel agents bid for your business. Foundering cruise lines are offering great deals to lure travelers aboard their ships.

Deal of the Week

AbundaTrade.com has created an innovative way to help you get rid of your used CDs, DVDs, video games and books. Visit the site and see how much your old music, movies and books are worth. Then, you can trade your old stuff for gift cards from retailers including iTunes, Expedia, Best Buy, Amazon.com, Starbucks and more. To learn more about trading, visit abundatrade.com.

To find a great deal every day, visit stltoday.com/steals.

High-Low

High • Flower in a basket oil bottle ($16.99) at amazon.com

Low • Clear glass olive oil decanter with rooster ($3.99) at Marshalls

Splurge-worthy

No other material feels as warm, comfortable and luxurious as cashmere. This 100 percent cashmere robe falls to the mid-calf, and is available in red, pink or gray.

To buy • $249.95 at RedEnvelope.com

PRICE COMPARISON • kITCHENAID MIXER (5 quart artisan)

Amazon.com • $279

Macy's • $299.99 (coupons could lower this price)

Target • $299

Kohl's (kohls.com) • $359.99

Kiplinger's Best of Everything

Kiplinger, a Washington-based publisher of business forecasts and personal finance advice, recently came out with its "best of everything report."

For the full list of categories, products and services, visit www.kiplinger.com/reports/best-of-everything/. But here are some highlights:

Banks • The high-yield savings account at Ally Bank, formerly GMAC Financial Serv­ices, yields 1.80 percent - far more than you'd get at most brick-and-mortar banks. And Ally Bank has no minimum to open an account, no monthly fees and no minimum balance. Plus, this FDIC-insured institution is one of the only online banks to offer penalty-free CDs, which give you the freedom to withdraw your money early without paying a fee.

Credit card • For a credit card with a cash rebate, try American Express Blue Cash. Get 1 percent cash back on everyday purchases, which include groceries, gas and drugstore items, and earn 0.5 percent on everything else. Once your annual spending passes $6,500, you get 5 percent cash back on everyday items and 1.2 percent on the rest of your purchases.

Digital camera • The Canon Powershot A470 is a marvel for the price: you get stills, video and 7.1 megapixels for just $100. Like other bargain cameras, the A470 shoots video, too, although the quality is only so-so. Still, the PowerShot is a handy alternative when you've left the camcorder at home.

Mobile phone plan • For a top-notch mobile phone plan, Sprint's Any Mobile, Anytime is $70 a month for unlimited Web access and messaging, plus 450 minutes of talk time. Call any cell on any mobile network without using minutes.

Airline • The best bargain airline, Southwest lets you book a flight, change your ticket, check two bags, and grab a snack and a nonalcoholic drink - for free. With other airlines, you can easily spend well over $100 on that stuff.

Travel website • If a cruise is your thing, choose your voyage on Cruisecompete.com, where more than 300 travel agents bid for your business. Foundering cruise lines are offering great deals to lure travelers aboard their ships.