3 free programs worth mentioning

Hyundai Assurance Program pays up to $7,500 in negative equity when you return a Hyundai if you lose your job in the first year after purchase, for new vehicles bought by Dec. 31, 2009. That would wipe out any negative equity on 60 Hyundai trim lines, according to Vincentric, an auto-industry data analysis firm. The program lets you walk away from your vehicle without hurting your credit rating.

Discover Penalty-Free CD won't penalize you for early withdrawal on a 12-month certificate of deposit (opened or renewed until Dec. 31, 2009, with a minimum deposit of $2,500) if you lose your job. The normal penalty is three months' simple interest. On a $2,500 CD at the recent 2 percent annual percentage yield, that's worth about $12.

Virgin Mobile Pink Slip Protection Plan will credit your prepaid monthly plan bill for up to three months. The credit pays up to $90 per month, enough to cover the full range of Virgin's monthly plans. Existing customers must enroll to get coverage.