Homeowners got help and interest rates went up (a wee bit), but that expired milk? Go ahead and drink it.

+$1.50: Real estate bargain hunters, you've been so patient. And your wait may pay off: housing prices will likely fall even further in 2010. Good for buyers! Bad for sellers. In Las Vegas today, President Obama will announce a $1.5 billion aid package for homeowners. To further give the struggling Nevada market a boost, the aid will be redeemable in chips at the behemoth new Harrah's on the strip. (No. Not really. But if you want loan relief, your odds might be better at a casino than at your bank.)

x0.25: In another sign the wizards in Washington have more faith in the economy, the Federal Reserve hiked the interest rate it charges banks for emergency loans. The stock markets shuddered. Do you need to worry? Not yet.

-$56: I know, I know — enough already on the rising costs of health insurance. But I bet you wouldn't have guessed the Beatles were to blame. Paging Dr. Robert!

+$10: Are you glued to the Olympics? Even though you already know who won (and which sportscaster put his foot in his mouth)? Yeah, me too. Viewers say they hate tape delay, but NBC's bottom line suggests the broadcaster is on to something.

+$3.75:Ever drink the milk a few days past the expiration date? No big deal. Choosing the generic over a pricey brand name? You're trendy. Scoring a deal on recalled salami? Skip that.

-$10: Legwarmers? Neon? Bustiers on top? I shudder to consider what updating my wardrobe will cost now. And worse, Madge, what's left for you?

This week's total: -$38.06. Better figure out how to earn some quick cash. Or maybe it's waiting for me already.