Ken & Daria's Your Money Matters

Ken and Daria's Your Money Matters Weekender

Job Crisis Could Have Global Reach:
7 Steps to Take Now

The U.N. has predicted that the current financial crisis will lead to unemployment for at least 20 million people worldwide, which would bring the total to 210 million by next year. It's just another sign of how out of control this mess has gotten. Our own economy has lost jobs for 10 straight months and unemployment claims have grown to almost half a million. It's time that we all take action to recession-proof our careers. Here are our tips to hang on to your job in these tough times.

1.	12 Ways to Save Every Day
2.	10 Fabulous Freebies!
3.	Tell Us What You Think
4.	Protect Your Money in 7 Steps
5.	Save Green by Going Green!

Estate Planning:
The Crucial Basics

A national study recently found that over half of all adult Americans do not have a will or other estate plan. Yikes! Let us be blunt: ignorance is not bliss when it comes to even simple estate planning. You must take steps now to ensure what you've worked so hard for ends up in the right hands. If you don't, your loved ones may be left with expenses, legal problems and a lot of confusion. We're here to help you get started with the basics, including one of the biggest and most common estate planning disasters. Watch the video now.

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Three Important Words

Do you use your bank's ATM to make deposits? Or, do you ever sign your checks at home and then go to the bank to deposit them? I know we do. If you do, too, there are three important words you should know … For Deposit Only.

If a check is lost or stolen after you've signed it, there's a chance someone else can cash or deposit it. When you sign a check you intend to deposit, write "For Deposit Only" and your bank account number above your signature. This way, even if your check ends up in the wrong hands, it can only be deposited in your account. It can't be cashed or deposited in anyone else's account. Check out the Banking section of Dolans.com for the latest tips on how to bank smarter.

Is 0% Financing Really the Better Deal? In the midst of our current credit crunch, 0% financing may seem like the best option when buying a car. But hold on! You may be better off financing other ways and taking a rebate instead. We can help you decide. Our calculator compares your choices so you can make the smartest move with your money.

Support Your Aging Parents
Without Going Broke

It's becoming a common trend: more adult children are being forced to work longer and use their own savings to support their aging parents. The sad part is that many Americans are even going into debt to make sure their parents are properly cared for. If you need help managing your parents' finances, start here.

Feeling Squeezed?
5 Ways to Find Extra Money

Ever stick your hands in the pockets of a coat you haven't worn in a while and find a $5 bill? Feels like you just won the lottery, doesn't it? There's nothing quite like discovering money you didn't know you had, and the truth is, there may be a lot more where that came from! Check out our top 5 ways to find extra cash.

Fed to Shore Up Money Market Funds

The Federal Reserve announced it will provide up to $540 billion to buy assets from money market mutual funds. The effort is designed to create a safety net for any future runs that could cause a devastating ripple effect. But as we always say, don't rely on the government for a solution! Take these actions now to avoid getting burned.

Foreclosures Up 70%:
What to Do Now

The housing crisis rages on, as more than 81,000 homes were foreclosed on in September. That brings the third quarter totals to a 70% increase over the same period last year! If you or someone you know is facing foreclosure, we have steps to help you protect your home—and avoid becoming a victim of rescue scams.