Ken and Daria's Your Money Matters Weekender
Mortgage Rates Drop: What You Need to Know Before Buying

Mortgage Rates Drop: What You Need to Know Before Buying

The recent bailout of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac has led to a sharp drop in mortgage rates almost overnight. If lower interest rates have you considering a new home, we want you to be smart about it. That means getting some important answers before signing on the dotted line. Here are the two most important questions you need to ask.

1. Sample Credit Card Cancellation Letter
2. The Truth About Credit Repair Services
3. Hurricanes Threaten:
Are You Prepared?
4. Seven Credit Card Company Secrets
5. Pay Off Those Credit Cards NOW!
Seen and Heard on Dolans.com
How to Remedy Identity Theft

How to Remedy ID Theft

We talk a lot on Dolans.com about how to prevent identity theft. But it’s also important to have a plan in place for how to remedy the situation if you ever become a victim. We can now vouch for this from personal experience! You don’t want to be hunting for crucial information in a panic while someone out there is using your identity. Check out my (Daria here) video on what to do if your identity is stolen.

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Get Back on Track With the Dolans' Debt Clinic

Americans are drowning in debt (the average credit card balance is more than $8,000!), and we know from personal experience that it is NOT a good feeling. That’s why we put together our Debt Clinic.

It’s designed to help you erase your balances step by step, and keep them under control once and for all. It all starts by getting your finances back on track with the Dolans’ Debt Clinic Worksheet. Click here to start on the path to debt-free living!
 
End Bank Fees Once and for All

End Bank Fees Once and for All!An ATM surcharge here, a bounced check there…before you know it, your bank account has been drained by costly fees. It’s time to fight back! Did you know that just by eliminating ATM charges alone you could save up to $300 a year?

Daria’s tips will help you avoid these unnecessary costs and keep your money where it belongs—in your pocket! Check them out here.
Are You Prepared for Record Heating Bills? Are You Prepared for Record
Heating Bills?

Concern is spreading over just how high heating bills will go this winter, and we want you to be prepared for record prices. No matter what climate you live in, it’s more important than ever to save on energy. Check out these top tips to keep you from burning through your money.


Beware Target-Date Mutual Funds Beware Target-Date Mutual Funds

How’s this for an ideal solution to retirement planning: You pick the year you will retire and your portfolio automatically adjusts your investments as you get closer to that date. Easy, right? Sure, but there’s plenty not to like about these "target-date" funds. Here’s what you need to watch out for and our #1 rule of thumb for retirement investing.



How Much Risk Can Your Portfolio Tolerate? How Much Risk Can Your
Portfolio Tolerate?

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


Draft Your Will the Right Way Draft Your Will the Right Way

Everyone—and we mean everyone—should have an estate plan that dictates how your assets will be handled after you’re gone or if you become incapacitated. Without one, your loved ones may not be cared for the way you’d like. Take the estate planning bull by the horns with the Dolan guide to drafting your will the right way. .