Ken & Daria's Your Money Matters

Ken and Daria's Your Money Matters Weekender

Clearing the Path 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!

1.	12 Ways to Save Every Day
2.	10 Fabulous Freebies
3.	Drowning in Bills?
4.	Watch Out for Rising Bank Fees!
5.	9 Money “Deals” to Avoid!

6 Credit Score Surprises

One of the primary reasons that our economy is such a mess right now is loose, irresponsible credit. For too long, all you had to be able to do is prove that you’re breathing and able to sign your name for some banks to give you a credit card, personal loan or even a mortgage. How the tables have turned! These days, a strong credit score is required to even get in the door. We know how credit scores are calculated is a bit mysterious, so we’ve unlocked the secrets for you in our video. Watch it now and take back control of your credit.

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Alert: Thanksgiving Travel Deals! Thanksgiving is just around the corner, but you can still get some great travel deals. According to our friend Tom Parsons at Bestfares.com, major airlines have now waived their 14-day advance purchase restrictions on discount airfares. These little or no advance purchase airfares are valid until Dec. 3. Find out more by visiting Bestfares.com. Don’t forget to also check out our top holiday travel tips to lessen the stress of any trip you take this season.

U.S. Auto Industry in Crisis

The latest question mark to come out of the economic crisis is whether American automakers will survive the tight market. Politicians can debate loans and bailout, but we think there’s an even more important issue that we need to hear from you on:

Would you buy a car from a U.S. manufacturer right now?

	Yes
	No

Click on your answer above to submit your response and see what your fellow members had to say.

7 Ways to Increase Your Income

Unemployment has now reached a 16-year high, (and going higher next year) as companies all over the country are cutting back. That means if you’re looking for a pay increase these days, you may have to find it in your own backyard. It’s time to invest in yourself and start reaping the benefits of your hard work. Don’t wait for your boss—give yourself a raise with our seven steps to get more from your paycheck.

What You Should (and Shouldn’t!)
Be Doing NOW

Many folks have more questions than they’re being given answers for these days. We won't sugarcoat it. You should be concerned. There will be more bad news before the excess is fully wrung from the system. But being concerned does not equal being scared. Here's how you can protect yourself in these turbulent times in seven steps.

5 Bank Secrets You Need to Know!

As the financial crisis roars on, banks are quietly continuing to fail. We’re now up to 18 for the year, and there’s no doubt we’ll see more of these in the future. One result is higher and more creative fees as banks scramble to stay afloat. Don’t let them get away with these dirty little tricks! Here are five ways your bank may be taking advantage of you.

The Best Medicine for High Medical Costs

Health care costs are expected to rise by almost 9% in 2009 for the average employee—well above the rate of inflation. As a result, businesses are asking folks like us to pick up more of the bill. We don’t want you to pay one penny more than you have to, so it’s time to prepare yourself for the extra costs. Check out our top tips to help lessen the sting now.