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Traps to avoid in balance transfers
You have $1,000 in debt in one hand. In the other, an offer to move the balance to a credit card with a lower rate. But be careful. Attractive offers can be rigged with surprising terms. FULL STORY


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  The Answer Desk  
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  News you can use
Red Tape Chronicles columnist Bob Sullivan offers ways for consumers to save money in these troubled economic times. Click on a topic for tips:

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  Latest interest rates
MortgageHome EquitySavingsAutoCredit Cards
See today's average mortgage rates across the country.
Loan typeToday+/-Last week
30-year fixed
4.02%
4.03%
15-year fixed
3.38%
3.38%
30-year fixed jumbo
4.68%
4.66%
5/1 ARM
2.97%
2.99%
7/1 ARM
3.30%
3.33%
Source: Bankrate.com     |     View rates in your area
See today's average home equity rates across the country.
Loan typeToday+/-Last week
$30K HELOC
4.73%
4.74%
$30K home equity loan
5.98%
6.00%
$75K home equity loan
5.67%
5.70%
$50K home equity loan
5.70%
5.73%
$50K HELOC
4.36%
4.37%
Source: Bankrate.com     |     View rates in your area
See today's savings rates across the country.
Savings typeToday+/-Last week
Money market
.52%
.52%
$10K money market
.59%
.60%
Six-month CD
.46%
.46%
One-year CD
.73%
.73%
Five-year CD
1.50%
1.51%
Source: Bankrate.com     |     View rates in your area
See today's average auto rates across the country.
Loan typeToday+/-Last week
48-month new car loan
4.17%
4.16%
36-month used car loan
4.52%
4.51%
36-month new car loan
4.10%
4.09%
60-month new car loan
4.34%
4.34%
72-month new car loan
3.30%
3.30%
Source: Bankrate.com     |     View rates in your area
See today's average credit card rates across the country.
Card typeFixedVariable
Standard13.23% 14.12%
Platinum12.70% 15.54%
All13.02% 15.25%
Source: Bankrate.com     |     View more rates
  Special coverage: Tax Tactics
IRS gives Boston-area taxpayers more time
More Americans think Uncle Sam unfair on taxes
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Parents are bad at talking to kids about money
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Retired couples will need $220K for health expenses
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Many jobless Americans dip into retirement savings
Interactive
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Be a frugalist
Sometimes, it pays to sweat the small stuff. Here’s a look at minor changes you can make that add up to big budget savings.
Interactive
Retirement calculator
See if you're saving enough to make it through your golden years.
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