Ken & Daria's Your Money Matters

Ken and Daria's Your Money Matters Weekender

So much for that "rescue" package! The stock market went into a free fall this week, hitting five-year lows, as investor fears reached all-time highs. We know you probably feel like ducking and running, but there are things you can do NOW to survive this crisis. Here are the six actions we recommend everyone take right now.

1.	9 Ways to Recession-Proof Your Life
2.	What the Bailout Plan Means to You
3.	Protect Your Money in 7 Simple Steps
4.	Pay Off Those Credit Cards NOW!
5.	12 Ways to Save on Life's Necessities

Your Best Weapon in a
Down Economy

In a time like this, when there are sometimes more days in the month than dollars in your account, every single penny is important. One of the best tools you have in your financial arsenal is a budget that keeps you on track. Don't be scared off by our use of the "B-word." Creating a spending plan—that's our preferred term!—isn't as hard as it sounds. In five easy steps, you'll have a clearer picture of your finances and a better grasp on where your money is going. Get started now!

Recommended Videos and Audio Alerts:

The Answers You Deserve

Dolan's Town Hall--The Answers You Deserve With the next election less than a month away, you would think the two presidential candidates would be proposing real solutions to the unprecedented challenges facing our economy (what a concept!). Wrong. We were barely able to keep from throwing a shoe through the TV as we watched this week's debate. All America got were generalities and rhetoric. Well, we've had it up to here. You deserve answers, so we're taking matters into our own hands. Send us your most pressing questions about the current crisis and we'll answer many of them in a special new video. Tell your friends and neighbors—the Dolans are here to give you the answers you won't get anywhere else. Get your questions in now!

How safe are my annuities in today's market meltdown?
—Lester

Good question, Lester. It's one that we are getting a lot these days, especially from owners of AIG annuities

Despite the problems with some insurance companies, the good news is that there is very likely protection for your annuity from your state government. To find out if your annuity is still safe, check out our article here. And watch for an upcoming guide on how to get out of a bad variable annuity contract, only on Dolans.com.

Do You Know This Man?

Here's hoping that it really does take a rocket scientist to fix the economy. That is, in fact, who has been put in charge of the bailout and righting the financial ship. Here's the low-down on Neel Kashkari and what will be expected of him as he takes on the biggest job in the country right now. Think he's up for the task?

10 Steps to Debt-Free Living

For the first time in more than 10 years, consumers are cutting back on overall borrowing. Finally, something good is coming out of our tight economy! Relying less on credit is a huge first step toward eliminating debt and building a strong financial foundation. Let's take a look at 10 steps to help you continue on the path to debt-free living!

How Global Interest Rate Cuts Impact You

The Federal Reserve reduced its key interest rate this week, as six other central banks around the world followed suit in a historic, coordinated effort to halt the financial meltdown that has spread around the globe. Has it helped? In a word, NO! We'll tell you why, and share four smart money moves to make in the wake of this move.

Beware the Latest Debit Card Scam!

Prices may be coming down at the pumps, but your risk of losing money is going up. Hundreds of people had their debit card information stolen recently—along with the contents of their bank account—after swiping them at gas stations targeted by thieves. It's just the latest in a string of scams, and we want to make sure you're not a victim of any of them! Protect yourself with these tips.