More protection for credit card users, and maybe more money for jobs, too. Just don't call 911, and you'll be fine

+$200,000: Federal credit card safeguards went into effect Monday, and most consumers will feel the changes through limited fees and better disclosure rules. No surprise, card issuers have already found loopholes. How to avoid them: decline "over-the-limit" protection and "no interest" deals, says the National Consumer Law Center. Or you could always build your credit without plastic. It's worth it: avoiding bad credit could save more than $200,000.

+15: Wow! Bipartisanship! No, I'm not talking healthcare again. The unemployment rate was the great uniter this week, with six Senate GOPers crossing the aisle to help pass a $15 billion jobs bill. Skeptical? It probably won't be the end of stimulus cash, not with some governors still begging help.

-$1,600: Quick tip for you job seekers: lose that Tweety tattoo. Yeah, that goes for you too, baristas.

+$78: Who's not hiring? Your local Hummer dealer. When GM's planned sale of the Hummer brand to a Chinese company fell through, the company announced the end of production for the quintessential gas guzzler. Maybe commuters realized all that gas could cost them their home.

-$300: Are you choking? Are you sure? Because in Tracy, Calif., that call to 911 could cost you $300. (And you thought the cost-cutting was bad in Colorado Springs!) A walk to urgent care would be cheaper. And next time, buy the choke-proof hot dogsand skip that bagged salad.

-15%: Sick of snow? At least average heating costs are down this year, not that that's stopped a record number of people from applying for help. It might be cheaper to pack up and head for the free Florida sunshine. Hey, spring training tickets are just $15.

This week's total: +$168,464. Fabulous! Hmm . Superman comic? Yeah, because getting a deal on that foreclosed home is no game for amateurs.