Dolans.com - Daily Money Dish

10 Questions to Ask A Tax Preparer

Ken Dolan — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:33:36 GMT

Thinking of paying a tax preparer to help file your taxes? Did you know that almost 60% of all returns filed by a "pro" contain serious errors? Be sure you ask any tax preparer these 10 questions before you hand over your taxes!

Money Market Alert!

Cindy Butehorn — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:32:52 GMT

Not too long ago we issued a warning of the possibility of some money market mutual funds shutting down this year due to their inability to make money with low interest rates. Now we learn that The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has just passed a rule that could pose a much bigger threat. In times of economic duress money market mutual funds will be allowed to prevent redemptions. Three conditions will have to be met to allow this prohibition: - The fund’s share price falls below net asset value as The ReserveFund’s net asset value did in 2008. - The board of directors approve liquidating the fund. - The fund notifies the SEC of the decision to liquidate and suspend redemptions. If you think this might not happen, think again. Another dip in our economy would again put the stock market into a downward spiral, which might be just the key to closing the spigot of liquid money markets. Because of this rule change we urge you to be careful of how much cash you “park” in a money market…starting now. The once ideal place to stash cash for short-term periods is no longer so terrific. The SEC can...

The Taxman Cometh: What's In Store this Tax Season

Daria Dolan — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:45:10 GMT

Whether we like it or not, another tax season is here! As you start to think about your 2009, let's talk about what's new in tax land, including the AMT, the expired estate tax, changes in tax deductions for college tuition, the flat tax and more!

The State of the Union--What It Means for You

Daria Dolan — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:07:51 GMT

We would call last night's State of the Union an evening of "smoke and mirrors" but it does a disservice to both smoke and mirrors. Prepare yourself for continuing unemployment, shrinking pay checks and another dip back down on Wall Street and Main Street if this is all that Congress and the President can propose to solve our fiscal insolvency.

Haitian Fraud Alert

Ken & Daria Dolan — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:06:19 GMT

As we watch a terrible humanitarian disaster unfold in front of us, we all feel the need to do something. Unfortunately, this is when the lowest life forms among us show up with a crop of new scams to take advantage of your charity. Here's how to help AND protect yourself.

Legitimate Ways to Make Extra Money this Year

Ken & Daria Dolan — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:32:55 GMT

The Great Recession's impact will be felt long after the economy recovers. Many people are looking for ways to add a little extra income to the family budget. Today we have five quick, legitimate ways to earn extra money.