Dolans.com - Credit Smarts

A U.S. AAA Credit Downgrade is Still Possible

Ken & Daria Dolan — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:00:00 GMT

While the yahoos in Washington all pat each other on the back for their last minute debt crisis deal, they are overlooking the next potential crisisÂ-a downgrade of the U.S.A.'s pristine AAA credit rating. Here's what a credit downgrade will mean for you...

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Debt Ceiling Crisis - What it Means for You

Ken & Daria Dolan — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 21:26:53 GMT

As the yahoos in Washington continue to play a very dangerous game of chicken, we've heard from many of you who have questions about what the debt ceiling crisis really means...

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New Credit Card Rule--No More Sneaky Rate Hikes!

Cindy Butehorn — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:40:28 GMT

You know those "introductory" interest rates credit cards use to entice potential new credit card holders that seem too good to be true...such as a super low introductory rate or waiving an interest rate for a certain period of time? Great deal, right? Maybe. Except that credit card companies were famous for fine print that made these deals feel more like tricks than treats. But today there is some good news regarding introductory offers from credit companies. The Federal Reserve just approved a rule clarifying that credit companies CAN'T increase your promotional interest rate if you are less than 60 days delinquent. SO...no need to have to call the credit card issuer during the promotional period to ask "Why are you arbitrarily raising the interest rate on my card?" Unless you are 60 days or more delinquent...then all bets are off! Bottom Line: This new ruling protects you during an introductory period, but you must pay your monthly credit card bill ON TIME...or are you in for an interest rate shock!

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New Bank Overdraft Fee Rules Begin--Should You Opt-In for Overdraft Fees?

Ken & Daria Dolan — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:10:51 GMT

It's the end of bank overdraft fees as we know it! New rules are now in effect that ban banks from charging outrageous overdraft fees on ATM withdrawals and debit card charges without your permission. Read on to get the full scoop and to learn whether or not you should opt in for new bank overdraft fees.

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Dear Ken and Daria... I feel like I'm drowning in debt!

Ken & Daria Dolan — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:53:51 GMT

Drowning under a growing mountain of debt, more and more people are reaching out for a life line. Well, we're here to tell you that you CAN conquer your debt. We're not saying it will be easy or even pain-free, but YOU CAN DO IT and we can help.

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Credit Scores Take a Beating

Ken & Daria Dolan — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:12:18 GMT

A new report shows that nearly 25% of all Americans-that's almost 43 million people-have a credit score lower than 599. And that can end up costing you a bundle.

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Your Mid-Year Action Plan

Ken & Daria Dolan — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:46:40 GMT

In the midst of a volatile market and global financial mess with no end in sight, let's take a few minutes here at the mid-year mark to talk about where we go from here and map out your action plan for growing and protecting your money.

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What the Financial Reform Bill Means for You

Ken & Daria Dolan — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:09:54 GMT

From the same DC team the brought you "Cash for Clunkers," a dubious healthcare reform package ("We'll read it after we pass it") and the home mortgage disaster, comes financial reform regulation. Everyone is calling it the "biggest overhaul of financial regulations since the Great Depression." Let's look at what's in the financial reform bill and what it really means for you.

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