Ken & Daria's Your Money Matters

Ken and Daria's Your Money Matters Weekender

What to do When Disaster Strikes

You’ve no doubt heard about the most recent weather-related tragedies—the devastating earthquake in China and cyclone in Myanmar—that claimed tens of thousands of lives. Our hearts go out to all of the victims who now need to rebuild their lives, in addition to mourning their loved ones. Preparing for a disaster is never a pleasant thought, but it’s something we all need to do before it’s too late. Here’s where to start.

1.	Save on Credit Card Interest
2.	How to Choose the Right Credit Card
3.	Don’t Fall for These Credit Score Myths!
4.	Debit Card Warning
5.	Bankruptcy: What You Need to Know

Bank Fee Alert: Save $300 a Year

Wouldn’t it be great if we never had to deal with banks again? Time to wake up from that dream! Banks are at it again, finding more ways to nickel and dime folks like you and me since the weak economy is putting a strain on their bottom lines. The latest fee increase comes from the usual suspect: ATMs. One bank in particular just raised their surcharge a whole dollar for non-customers! Find out which company it is, and how to avoid these costly charges in our special video.

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Beat the Great Middle Class Squeeze

How painful was it to fill up your gas tank this week… buy groceries? Are you cutting back, racking up debt and trying to keep your head above water? You’re not alone. It seems like America’s entire middle class is getting squeezed dry. Frankly, we’re livid—and you should be, too! Now, more than ever, you have to get smart about your money and look after your own best interests. Click here to learn how you can still get ahead in today’s world

A Little-Known Airline Freebie

In the latest in a series of airlines’ cost-cutting measures, U.S. Airways just announced they are eliminating free snacks to save money in this time of extremely high fuel costs. (What’s next? Charging to use the lavatory?)

However, when flying, you can order a special meal instead of the standard meat and potatoes! In fact, you can order everything from fruit and seafood platters to kosher meals. You usually must order your meal 24 hours in advance, and it’s a good idea to remind the ticket agent about your meal when checking in at the airport desk.

One of the best ways to lower your closing costs—and get a great deal on interest rates and points—is to find out which mortgage lender the current owner uses. Call up his or her loan officer and mention that you’re buying the house, you’re shopping for financing, and you wanted to give them a crack at your business.

It’s a lot easier for the lender to keep you than find a way to replace that business, so he’ll be glad to make a deal.

Do You Suffer From MMD?

Spring is here and love is in the air—or is it? If you’re half of a couple, you probably wouldn’t be surprised to learn that money is the number one reason that couples split up. But, with a little communication, it doesn’t have to be that way! Our checklist will help you make sound decisions and find financial bliss in all stages of your relationships.

An Often Overlooked Way
to Pay for College

If you’re having trouble qualifying for scholarships or financial aid, there is an alternative source you may be overlooking—trusts. Setting up a trust in your child’s name may be a smart way to save for college expenses without getting hit hard by taxes. Click here to learn what type of trust could work best for you.

How Much Risk Can You Handle?

Knowing the amount of risk your portfolio can tolerate is an important key to successful investing—and it’s different for everyone. With our see-saw economy, you may be looking to lower the risk potential to protect your money. Our calculator and questionnaire will help keep you from getting in over your head.

Are You Getting the Most From Your Pension?

A pension on which you can depend is a rare thing these days, but if you’re lucky enough to have one, how you take your retirement benefit payment could have a significant long-term impact on you and your spouse. We break down your two main options so you can make the best choice for your money.