Annoyed by those pesky ~ files?

;; Write backup files to own directory
(setq backup-directory-alist
      `(("." . ,(expand-file-name
                 (concat user-emacs-directory "backups")))))

;; Make backups of files, even when they're in version control
(setq vc-make-backup-files t)

Backup files are so very annoying, until the day they save your hide. That's when you don't want to look back and say "Man, I really shouldn't have disabled those stupid backups."

These settings move all backup files to a central location. Bam! No longer annoying.

As an added bonus, that last line makes sure your files are backed up even when the files are in version control. Do it.