Ken & Daria's Your Money Matters

Ken and Daria's Your Money Matters Weekender

What to Do With Your Tax Rebate

Rebate checks started going out this week as part of President Bush’s economic stimulus plan. The government, of course, hopes that we’ll go on a spending spree to boost the economy. Not so fast! Here are 6 smart ways to “spend” your rebate.

Important Upcoming Credit Score Changes

Alert: The way your all-important credit score is calculated is changing. It’s called FICO 08 and takes new factors into consideration when calculating your ability to borrow money. Is it good or bad? We have the answer for you.

1.	Seven Credit Card Company Secrets
2.	How to Create a Do-able Budget
3.	Could Your Trinkets Be Treasures?
4.	Clean Up Your Credit Rating
5.	Credit Card Cancellation Letter

Is Online Banking for You?

Switching to an Internet-only banking is a tempting idea these days: higher annual yields, online bill paying and 24-7 access…where do we sign? But if you’re a bit wary about taking the plunge into online banking, we’ve done the homework for you. Turns out you don’t have to sacrifice security to enjoy the conveniences the Internet offers. Here are our top tips to help you take advantage of these services while still protecting your identity and money. You’ll also discover how to check out a bank online and avoid becoming a victim of common scams.

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Will you be ready for retirement?

Do you know how much money you need? Are you saving enough to live the retirement of your dreams? Do you have it invested in the right places? No matter how close or how far. No matter whether you are just starting your nest egg, or looking to protect what you’ve already amassed, it’s never too late. Let us show you how to build the nest egg you need to live the retirement of your dreams with our brand new report, “How to Build Your Dream Retirement.” Click here to learn how to get your copy FREE.

Here’s important money news for those of you with summer air travel plans: Starting May 5, checking more than one bag will incur a $25 fee. Six of the seven major U.S. airlines (American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United and US Airways) will charge customers each way to check a second bag, even if it is under the 50-pound weight limit. If the bag is over the limit, there is an additional fee of $100. There are exceptions, so make sure to contact your airline for specific rates. And don’t forget to pack light!

Check out Collegiate Choice Walking Tour Videos (www.collegiatechoice.com) as a way of pre-screening colleges. Unlike the promotional videos you’ll get from the college recruiting office, these videos show a genuine “day in the life” of the campus. You can view their videos first as part of the weeding-out process, and then devote your traveling time and dollars to the schools that are your top picks.

When Baby Makes Three

Lots of things change when you have a baby. Oh boy, do they! Trust us: We know first hand that you’ll be short on sleep as you care for your newborn, so you won’t have much time to think about money—or anything else! Here are seven financial steps to take now so you can further enjoy time with your child in the future.

How Long Will My Money Last?
Once you’ve built up your savings, you may be curious about how long you’ll have money left sitting in your account while tapping into it on a regular basis. Our simple-to-use calculator gives you the answer.

Are You Making a Big Life Insurance Mistake?
Life insurance, when properly utilized, is an important tool to protect your family, but chances are you’re either over-paying for extra coverage you don’t need or falling victim to common costly mistakes. Here are the biggest insurance errors we know of—and how to keep from making them.