WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog/media/feedlogo.gif WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Ask the Dolans: How does the tax free gift exclusion work?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/20/ask-the-dolans-how-does-the-tax-free-gift-exclusion-work/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/20/ask-the-dolans-how-does-the-tax-free-gift-exclusion-work/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/20/ask-the-dolans-how-does-the-tax-free-gift-exclusion-work/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Everyone should be so lucky as to know some one like Maria! Maria is about to make some friends and family members very happy. Her generosity is incredibly uplifting in today's tough times. Watch this week's video to hear her plans and Ken and Daria's advice.

Dear Ken and Daria,

How much money can I gift to someone without anyone having to pay taxes, and how many people can I gift money to?"

--Maria



To learn more about taxes, retirement planning and debt management, visits Dolans.com.

Ask the Dolans: How does the tax free gift exclusion work? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Ask the DolansAskTheDolansgiftstax free exclusiontax free givingTaxFreeExclusionTaxFreeGivingKen and Daria DolanFri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: How can I boost my CD returns?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/13/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-boost-my-cd-returns/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/13/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-boost-my-cd-returns/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/13/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-boost-my-cd-returns/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Are you still licking your wounds after suffering big stock market losses? Looking for a safe investment in this tricky market? You're not alone.

After the brutal losses so many of us suffered in the market downturn, many investors -- especially those nearing retirement -- are looking for safer ways to grow their money. Today, the Dolans help a Walletpop reader make the most of her CDs without sacrificing safety.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I am 54-years-old and took a beating when the market nose-dived. My retirement funds are in shambles now and I am not getting back into the market at this late date. I would like your opinion on laddered CDs. I need something mega-safe.

--Patricia

For more advice on how to invest wisely and adjust your retirement planning in these tricky times, visit Dolans.com.

Ask the Dolans: How can I boost my CD returns? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Ask the DolansAskTheDolansfeaturedretirementsafe investmentsSafeInvestmentsstock marketStockMarketThe DolansTheDolansKen and Daria DolanFri, 13 Nov 2009 10:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: Can my credit card company change the terms on account I have closed?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/06/ask-the-dolans-can-my-credit-card-company-change-the-terms-on-a/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/06/ask-the-dolans-can-my-credit-card-company-change-the-terms-on-a/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/06/ask-the-dolans-can-my-credit-card-company-change-the-terms-on-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question

Credit card companies are on a tear, raising rates, slashing credit lines, increasing minimum payments and closing accounts in advance of the new credit card legislation that will restrict their more outrageous behavior. Today, Ken and Daria Dolan of Dolans.com help a WalletPop reader decide if she has any recourse against her credit card company's latest trick.

Dear Ken and Daria,

We got a letter from our credit card saying they were changing the terms on our card. We still have a balance on the card, but we opted out and closed the account. They STILL upped the minimum payment required on our balance. Can they do that?

You'll find simple, proven solutions for managing your credit card debt at Dolans.com.

Ask the Dolans: Can my credit card company change the terms on account I have closed? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Ask the DolansAskTheDolanscredit card companiescredit cardsCreditCardCompaniesCreditCardsinterest ratesInterestRatesKen and Daria DolanFri, 06 Nov 2009 10:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: Is my bank calculating my mortgage correctly?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/30/ask-the-dolans-is-my-bank-calculating-my-mortgage-correctly/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/30/ask-the-dolans-is-my-bank-calculating-my-mortgage-correctly/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/30/ask-the-dolans-is-my-bank-calculating-my-mortgage-correctly/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Can you please help me understand how my bank calculates my mortgage interest and principal? Even when I pre-pay my mortgage, they seem to put most of it toward interest.

--Penny

For more answers to your debt management questions, visit Dolans.com

Ask the Dolans: Is my bank calculating my mortgage correctly? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ken and daria dolanKenAndDariaDolanmortgagemortgage paymentsMortgagePaymentsKen and Daria DolanFri, 30 Oct 2009 13:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: How does a debt charge-off impact my credit score?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/23/ask-the-dolans-how-does-a-debt-charge-off-impact-my-credit-scor/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/23/ask-the-dolans-how-does-a-debt-charge-off-impact-my-credit-scor/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/23/ask-the-dolans-how-does-a-debt-charge-off-impact-my-credit-scor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Thanks to rising unemployment and an economy stuck in neutral at very best, more consumers than ever are struggling to pay their debts. Credit card delinquencies and charge-offs are both at record highs. Today, Ken and Daria help a WalletPop reader understand how debt charge-offs impact his credit and share solutions for managing his debt.

I heard that once your debt has been charged off, that your credit score never gets any better.So, is it a good to accept the offers I get to settle my debt by paying off 60-to 70% of it in exchange for charging off the rest?

--Hector

Looking for debt help? Visit Dolans.com to learn more about debt settlement and other debt management options.

Ask the Dolans: How does a debt charge-off impact my credit score? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Ask the DolansAskTheDolanscharge-offsCredit cardscredit scoresCreditCardsCreditScoresDolansKen and Daria DolanKenAndDariaDolanThe DolansTheDolansKen and Daria DolanFri, 23 Oct 2009 10:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: How can I find houses in foreclosure?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/16/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-find-houses-in-foreclosure/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/16/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-find-houses-in-foreclosure/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/16/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-find-houses-in-foreclosure/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Dear Ken and Daria,

How do I find houses that are in foreclosure through a U.S. agency? I tried one given on TV, but every lead I get is a company looking for money to give you a list, or they want your personal information. Can you help?

--Carole

Let the Dolans help you with debt management, smart investing and retirement planning at Dolans.com.

Ask the Dolans: How can I find houses in foreclosure? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>DolansforeclosureForeclosureListingsForeclosuresforeclosures for saleForeclosuresForSaleKen and Daria DolanFri, 16 Oct 2009 15:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: Will credit card counseling lower my interest rate?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/09/ask-the-dolans-will-credit-card-counseling-lower-my-interest-ra/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/09/ask-the-dolans-will-credit-card-counseling-lower-my-interest-ra/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/09/ask-the-dolans-will-credit-card-counseling-lower-my-interest-ra/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday. Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Dear Ken and Daria,

If you use a debt counselor, and agree not to charge anything else to your card, is it true that the bank is required to lower your interest rate?

--Freeman

To learn about debt management strategies that really work, visit Dolans.com.

Ask the Dolans: Will credit card counseling lower my interest rate? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Ask the DolansAskTheDolanscreditcredit card counselingCreditCardCounselingfeaturedinterest ratesInterestRatesKen and Daria DolanFri, 09 Oct 2009 10:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: How can I improve my credit if I don't have a credit card?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/02/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-improve-my-credit-if-i-dont-have-a-c/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/02/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-improve-my-credit-if-i-dont-have-a-c/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/02/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-improve-my-credit-if-i-dont-have-a-c/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Your credit score is more important than ever. But how can you make sure you have good credit when you don't use credit cards? Personal finance experts Ken and Daria Dolan help a WalletPop reader facing this dilemma.




Visit Dolans.com for more simple, proven ways to improve your credit score.

Ask the Dolans: How can I improve my credit if I don't have a credit card? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Ask the DolansAskTheDolansCreditcredit cardscredit scoresCreditCardsCreditScoresfeaturedKen and Daria DolanFri, 02 Oct 2009 11:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: Best place to invest 529 college savings planhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/18/ask-the-dolans-best-place-to-invest-529-college-savings-plan/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/18/ask-the-dolans-best-place-to-invest-529-college-savings-plan/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/18/ask-the-dolans-best-place-to-invest-529-college-savings-plan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

More than 11 million families are saving for college using a 529 savings plan. Those plans have suffered big losses along with the rest of the stock market, creating a dilemma for parents whose kids are headed to college in the next five years. How do you invest your 529 funds today to make up for recent losses, yet not put yourself at risk of losing even more as college fast approaches?

Today, the Dolans help one family decide the best way to invest in their 529 savings plan.

Dear Ken and Daria,

We've lost a great deal from our 529 College Savings Plan during the recent recession. What are the best ways to recoup some of the money before our child goes to college?
 --Janet



To learn more about how to use 529 college savings plans, visit Dolans.com.

Ask the Dolans: Best place to invest 529 college savings plan originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>529 investments529InvestmentsAsk the DolansAskTheDolansCollegerecessionsavingsKen and Daria DolanFri, 18 Sep 2009 10:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: How can I get my ex's debt off my credit report?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/11/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-get-my-exs-debt-off-my-credit-report/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/11/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-get-my-exs-debt-off-my-credit-report/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/11/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-get-my-exs-debt-off-my-credit-report/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Money is the #1 topic of arguments among married couples. Unfortunately, that pattern holds true when a marriage ends in divorce. If you aren't careful, divorce-related money problems can haunt you for years. Today, Ken and Daria Dolan of Dolans.com help a divorcee' deal with credit problems being caused by her ex-spouse's debt hurting her credit. Watch now.

Dear Ken and Daria,

How can I get my ex's debt off of my credit report?

--Karen

To learn how to fix errors on your credit report, visit the Dolans.com Credit Center.

Ask the Dolans: How can I get my ex's debt off my credit report? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>creditcredit reportcredit reportsCreditReportCreditReportsdolansKen and Daria DolanFri, 11 Sep 2009 15:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: How much money do I need to retire?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/04/ask-the-dolans-how-much-money-do-i-need-to-retire/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/04/ask-the-dolans-how-much-money-do-i-need-to-retire/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/04/ask-the-dolans-how-much-money-do-i-need-to-retire/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Americans have lost trillions -- with a "T" -- of dollars in the stock and housing market collapses. The average person with a 401(k) plan has lost five years worth of their savings! No wonder people are nervous about whether they have enough money saved for retirement. Today, Ken and Daria Dolan of Dolans.com have a surprising answer to the question "How much money do I need in retirement." The conventional wisdom is dead wrong, they say -- listen to it and your retirement dream could become a nightmare.

Dear Ken and Daria,

How can i figure out if I have enough money to retire?

--Mary

Use our retirement planning worksheet to figure out how much you need for retirement. It's not too late to rebuild your retirement savings!

Ask the Dolans: How much money do I need to retire? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>dolansKen and Daria DolanFri, 04 Sep 2009 10:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: Help! My husband and I can't agree on how to investhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/28/ask-the-dolans-help-my-husband-and-i-cant-agree-on-how-to-in/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/28/ask-the-dolans-help-my-husband-and-i-cant-agree-on-how-to-in/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/28/ask-the-dolans-help-my-husband-and-i-cant-agree-on-how-to-in/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Money is the number one source of arguments among couples, and those disagreements only get worse when times are tough. Many couples are in serious trouble today because one spouse blames the other for the financial losses they have suffered. Today, Ken and Daria Dolan of Dolans.com try to help a couple avoid that same fate as they decide where to invest their money in today's tricky market.

Dear Ken and Daria,

My husband and I have a small amount of money we would like to invest but know nothing about such things as we have never had much money. The amount would be as much as $10,000 or as little as $5,000, depending on how safe the investment could be. He wants to do something in the stock market but I'm afraid. If we lose this money, we have lost our savings with no way to replenish it.

--Shirley

For more money advice for couples, visit Dolans.com.

Ask the Dolans: Help! My husband and I can't agree on how to invest originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Ask the DolansAskTheDolansfeaturedinvestingmarriage and financeMarriageAndFinancepersonal financePersonalFinanceThe DolansTheDolansKen and Daria DolanFri, 28 Aug 2009 10:00:00 ESTFed Chief Bernanke is identity theft victimhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/27/fed-chief-bernanke-is-identity-theft-victim/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/27/fed-chief-bernanke-is-identity-theft-victim/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/27/fed-chief-bernanke-is-identity-theft-victim/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

You can now add Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke to the long list of the the rich and famous who have been victims of identity theft.

It's just been revealed that while Bernanke was in the throes of dealing with the financial crisis and Wall Street collapse last summer, he was faced with his own financial crisis at home. He and his wife were one of hundreds of victims of a $2.1 million identity theft scheme.

While at a local coffee shop, a thief had swiped his wife Anna's purse off the back of her chair. Her purse contained her wallet, driver's license, their joint checkbook, four credit cards and her Social Security card. Unfortunately for her and Ben, their home address and telephone number were also printed on their checks.

Continue reading Fed Chief Bernanke is identity theft victim

Fed Chief Bernanke is identity theft victim originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bernankeidentity theftIdentityTheftKen and Daria DolanThu, 27 Aug 2009 18:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: Should I raid my 401(k) to pay off debt?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/21/ask-the-dolans-should-i-raid-my-401-k-to-pay-off-debt/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/21/ask-the-dolans-should-i-raid-my-401-k-to-pay-off-debt/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/21/ask-the-dolans-should-i-raid-my-401-k-to-pay-off-debt/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

When money is tight, it can be tough deciding what your money priorities should be. One of the biggest challenges can be balancing short-term vs. long-term needs. Watch Ken and Daria Dolan of Dolans.com help Joe, a WalletPop reader facing a money dilemma that pits his retirement vs. his debt.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I lost my job last year and have accumulated substantial credit card debt. I have over $600,000 and am 58 years old. Should I take money out of my 401(k) and pay off my debt?

--Joe

If you are in over your head, don't panic! Learn about all of your options for getting out of debt at Dolans.com.

Ask the Dolans: Should I raid my 401(k) to pay off debt? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Ken and Daria DolanFri, 21 Aug 2009 12:00:00 ESTHurricane Bill a reminder to have a family disaster planhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/19/hurrican-bill-a-reminder-to-have-a-family-disaster-plan/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/19/hurrican-bill-a-reminder-to-have-a-family-disaster-plan/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/19/hurrican-bill-a-reminder-to-have-a-family-disaster-plan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

After a sleepy start, the 2009 hurricane season exploded this week with Ana, Bill and Claudette.

As Hurricane Bill churns across the Atlantic, this is a good time to make sure your family has an emergency plan -- and don't think you can stop reading if you don't live in a hurricane prone area.

Mother Nature wreaks havoc from coast to coast with devastating and deadly fires, floods, mudslides and more. No matter where you live, you must make sure you and your loved ones are prepared to deal with a natural disaster.

It won't take much of your time and will be worth every minute of it. Here are four simple steps to take now:


Continue reading Hurricane Bill a reminder to have a family disaster plan

Hurricane Bill a reminder to have a family disaster plan originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>hurricanehurricanesKen and Daria DolanWed, 19 Aug 2009 15:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: What's better for my credit score - pay in full or carry a balance?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/14/ask-the-dolans-whats-better-for-my-credit-score-pay-in-full/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/14/ask-the-dolans-whats-better-for-my-credit-score-pay-in-full/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/14/ask-the-dolans-whats-better-for-my-credit-score-pay-in-full/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Credit is by far the number one topic we get questions about. Many are about how to build, keep and protect good credit. To answer today's question, we'll expose one of the biggest credit myths when it comes to how your credit card balances impact your credit score.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I just got my first credit card and it's a gas card. My first bill is about to arrive and I want to know what's better to help build my credit card: should I pay it off in full or carry a balance?

--Thomas

Learn simple ways to boost your credit score 100 points at Dolans.com.

Ask the Dolans: What's better for my credit score - pay in full or carry a balance? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Ask the DolansAskTheDolanscredit cardscredit scoreCreditCardsCreditScorepay down or carry a balancePayDownOrCarryABalanceKen and Daria DolanFri, 14 Aug 2009 10:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: Should I cash in EE savings bonds?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/07/ask-the-dolans-should-i-cash-in-ee-savings-bonds/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/07/ask-the-dolans-should-i-cash-in-ee-savings-bonds/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/07/ask-the-dolans-should-i-cash-in-ee-savings-bonds/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

There are billions of dollars worth of E and EE savings bonds tucked away in safety deposit boxes and laying at the bottom of drawers around the country. There is more than $700 million worth of savings bonds out there! Savings bonds used to be the investment of choice for people who had a small amount to invest or who wanted to give a small gift. Find out if yours are still paying interest, what they are worth and whether you should cash them in.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I have some EE savings bonds from 1986. I'm wondering, do these still pay interest? If I cash them in, will I have to pay any taxes? Please tell me if you think these are a good investment. Thank you.

--Gene

Visit Dolans.com for more answers to your money questions.

Ask the Dolans: Should I cash in EE savings bonds? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>dolansKen and Daria DolanFri, 07 Aug 2009 17:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: Credit card raising my rate or closing my accounthttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/31/ask-the-dolans-credit-card-raising-my-rate-or-closing-my-accou/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/31/ask-the-dolans-credit-card-raising-my-rate-or-closing-my-accou/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/31/ask-the-dolans-credit-card-raising-my-rate-or-closing-my-accou/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Credit card companies may be close to becoming the most hated businesses on the planet. First they helped cause this financial crisis by lending to anyone who had a pulse. Then they shut off the credit spigot cold turkey causing a credit crisis. Now, in an effort to prevent further losses and drive up their profits, they are changing the terms on millions of credit cards.

Higher interest rates. Lower credit limits. Closing accounts. You are getting squeezed and potentially taking a hit on your credit score at the same time! Find out how credit card changes like these will impact your credit score.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I got a letter from my credit card company telling me they are going to increase the interest rate on my card. I can send them a letter saying I refuse, but if I do they will close the account. Will this impact my FICO score?

-- Mary

Find more answers to your toughest credit card questions at Dolans.com.

Ask the Dolans: Credit card raising my rate or closing my account originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ask the DolansAskTheDolansdolansKen and Daria DolanFri, 31 Jul 2009 09:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: What happens if my insurance company goes under?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/24/ask-the-dolans-what-happens-if-my-insurance-company-goes-under/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/24/ask-the-dolans-what-happens-if-my-insurance-company-goes-under/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/24/ask-the-dolans-what-happens-if-my-insurance-company-goes-under/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Consumers are nervous about the safety of the institutions they count on -- and they should be. First it was the Wall Street titans. Then AIG. Then banks (57 so far this year!). People are worried that insurers could be next in line for collapse. Watch our new video to learn how to find out if your insurance company's safe, how to protect yourself and what would happen if your insurer went under.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I'm wondering, what would happen to my insurance policy if my insurance company goes out of business?

--Jeremy

In today's economy, you must check the safety of your bank, broker and annuity. Learn how at Dolans.com.

Ask the Dolans: What happens if my insurance company goes under? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Ask the DolansAskTheDolansfeaturedinsuranceKen and Daria DolanFri, 24 Jul 2009 10:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: Options for converting my 401(k)http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/17/ask-the-dolans-options-for-converting-my-401-k/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/17/ask-the-dolans-options-for-converting-my-401-k/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/17/ask-the-dolans-options-for-converting-my-401-k/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

With record numbers of layoffs, many people are finding themselves with 401(k) plans left behind at their former employer. Find out two things NOT to do with your 401(k) and learn what your best options are for rolling it over.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I just lost my job, and I've lost 40% of my 401(k) investment in the market. Can i convert my 401(k) to a Roth IRA without paying taxes?

--Susan

Get your retirement back on track! Let us help you maximize your IRA and salvage your nest egg.

Ask the Dolans: Options for converting my 401(k) originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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