Ken & Daria Dolan's Smart Money Moves
Weekender

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Take the Bite Out of Record Oil Prices

What a way to start the year! The first business day of 2008 was barely a few hours old when oil popped briefly over $100 a barrel for the first time. That's bad enough, but here's what makes it worse: We're heading into the coldest time of the year, so those heating bills are going to be even more painful. Click here for three little-known steps you can take now to help take the bite out of record oil prices.

Ken and Daria
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Avoid These Credit Card Rip-Offs

Let's tell it like it is: Credit card companies are in business to make money -- and they want more of yours, even after all of that holiday spending! We're going to help you put a stop to that right now and hang on to more of your hard-earned money in 2008. Get the scoop on sneaky tricks your credit card company may use to take more of your money and how you can stop them dead in their tracks.

Recommended Videos and Audio Alerts:

    
Fed Survey

If your broker is pushing you to buy an initial public offering (IPO), ask him or her if the firm is “making a market” in that stock. That’ll show your broker you’re too savvy to pay a marked-up, inflated price.

Some brokerage firms create markets for IPOs by selling them harder than other investments. They’ll charge you an inflated price, which will often drop during the “cooling-off period” after the initial offering. Plus, they’ll most likely get higher commissions if you bite.

If you find out your broker is making a market, get a quote from at least two other brokers before placing your order to make sure you’re paying a fair price.
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  3. Start Erasing Holiday Debt
  4. Get Your Finances Organized
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  5. 10 Tax Changes You Need
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Just for fun
Just For Fun

Crazy Predictions for 2008

As we begin our new year, everybody in the world is making his and her predictions, but nobody else is as crazy as I (Ken here) am. So here's a whacky prediction for you:

Michael Bloomberg, our friend and the curent mayor of New York City, WILL run as an Independent Party candidiate and seriously contend for the Presidency in the November election against the Republican and Democrat candidates.

And that's just the beginning! Be sure to join me for Coffee with Ken tomorrow when I'll have my complete list of Ken's Crazy (and Not So Crazy) Predictions for 2008. It'll be fun!


image 10 Simple Rules of Investing
If we've heard it once, we've heard it a thousand times: People don't invest because they don't feel they know enough to get started. We understand, which is why we're here to help at Dolans.com! You simply must invest if you want to fulfill your financial dreams. Here's the good news: Investing doesn't have to be complicated or scary. Check out our 10 simple rules to invest wisely and sleep well at night!




image How to Manage Your Finances Better
in 2008
Your New Year's resolutions may be to get out of debt, save more, or any number of other money goals. To which we say, way to go! But let us add one more easy one to the list: If you do nothing else right now, think about how you're managing the family finances. In fact, we'll help you get started. Click here, and we'll share with you exactly how we do it.




Picture How Much Money Will You Have
When You Retire?
If you're not yet saving for retirement, the time to start is
-- say it with us -- NOW! That's true no matter how old you are or how much money you make. Planning for something in the future can be hard, so wouldn't you like to see just how all of your efforts are going to pay off? Of course! Use our handy calculator to see how much wealth you could accumulate by the time you retire.




image The Best Way to Draft Your Will
One of the absolute cornerstones for a smart financial plan is a will. It's also something a lot of folks ignore because they're not fun to think about. But trust us, not having one is a serious mistake because your loved ones probably won't be cared for the way you’d like. Here’s the best way to take care of this extremely important task.




image From Trinkets To Treasure
Looking for a quick and easy way to find fast cash? Just take a look a look around your house! No, we’re not talking about diving under the couch cushions for loose change (although that can pay off, too). We're talking about that old broach Aunt Sally left you, or your grandfather’s pocket watch. They could be worth big bucks. Check out our guide to finding treasure right there in your knickknacks.