DailyFinance.comhttp://www.dailyfinance.comDailyFinance.com%http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/BlogURL%/media/feedlogo.gifDailyFinance.comhttp://www.dailyfinance.comen-usCopyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Ask the Dolans: Help! How do I start investing?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/02/12/ask-the-dolans-help-how-do-i-start-investing/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/02/12/ask-the-dolans-help-how-do-i-start-investing/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/02/12/ask-the-dolans-help-how-do-i-start-investing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.


Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I have a small amount of money to invest, but I am new to investing and would like to know how to get started. I don't mind taking a chance in the market, but are stocks a good place to start? CDs? Help!

--Richard



Visit Dolans.com to learn how to invest with confidence and avoid common investing mistakes.


Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Ask the DolansAskTheDolanshow to investHowToInvestinvestingKen and Daria DolanKenAndDariaDolanKen and Daria DolanFri, 12 Feb 2010 14:30:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: What are my retirement plan options if I have no plan through my employer?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/01/29/ask-the-dolans-whare-are-my-retirement-plan-options-if-i-have-n/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/01/29/ask-the-dolans-whare-are-my-retirement-plan-options-if-i-have-n/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/01/29/ask-the-dolans-whare-are-my-retirement-plan-options-if-i-have-n/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Seventy-eight million American workers are not offered a retirement plan -- such as a 401(k) or pension plan -- at work. While having an employer sponsored plan is certainly a nice benefit, you have plenty of other options for saving for retirement. Today Ken and Daria walk you through your retirement plan options.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I have no retirement plan right now. The company I work for doesn't offer any kind of 401(k) or retirement plan. What are my options for a retirement plan and how do I get started? Thank you for your help!

-- Linda

For more retirement planning help, including how much you really need to save and retirement mistakes to avoid, visit Dolans.com.


Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Dolansretirementretirement planningRetirementPlanningKen DolanFri, 29 Jan 2010 16:00:00 ESTEarly tax filing tips: 8 ways to make tax season less painfulhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/01/24/early-tax-filing-tips/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/01/24/early-tax-filing-tips/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/01/24/early-tax-filing-tips/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Unfortunately, we all have to go through the painstaking process of doing our taxes. For those who want to get it over with now, Ken and Daria Dolan have some simple steps you can take that will take some of the stress out of tax season.

In a Dolans.com survey, 34% of respondents said that they start working on their taxes in January. We applaud all of you early birds and we want to encourage the rest of you to follow suit.

Trust us, tackling tax season in bite-sized chunks will make the whole process much less daunting and save you a lot of time and headache down the road. Here are a few simple, painless tricks that can give you a big head start on your 2009 taxes now.

Continue reading Early tax filing tips: 8 ways to make tax season less painful


Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Ken and Daria DolanSun, 24 Jan 2010 06:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: Do I really need life insurance?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/01/22/ask-the-dolans-do-i-really-need-life-insurance/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/01/22/ask-the-dolans-do-i-really-need-life-insurance/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/01/22/ask-the-dolans-do-i-really-need-life-insurance/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan of Dolans.com, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I'm retired and 70 years old. Do I really need life insurance?

--Ed

Find out how much life insurance you really need with our simple worksheet at Dolans.com.


Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>DolansLife Insurancelife insurance needs calculatorlife insurance policylife insurance pricinglife insurance quoteslife insurance ratesLifeInsuranceLifeInsuranceNeedsCalculatorLifeInsurancePolicyLifeInsurancePricingLifeInsuranceQuotesLifeInsuranceRatesKen DolanFri, 22 Jan 2010 14:30:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: Where to find need-based and deferred college loans?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/01/15/ask-the-dolans-where-to-find-need-based-and-deferred-college-lo/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/01/15/ask-the-dolans-where-to-find-need-based-and-deferred-college-lo/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/01/15/ask-the-dolans-where-to-find-need-based-and-deferred-college-lo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Parents and students looking for pay for college face an incredibly challenge. Tight credit, rising tuition costs, investing losses on college savings... Today, Ken and Daria help a WalletPop reader find the best ways to pay for college, and offer up a stiff warning to all parents and students alike about going deep into debt to pay for college.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I have one child in college and another starting in the fall. I am unemployed and have to find need-based and deferred college loans. Any pointers?

-- Francine

To learn more about the best ways to pay for college, visit Dolans.com.


Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>collegecollege loansCollegeLoansDolansKen DolanFri, 15 Jan 2010 12:30:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: How can I start saving for retirement?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/01/08/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-start-saving-for-retirement/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/01/08/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-start-saving-for-retirement/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/01/08/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-start-saving-for-retirement/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

In a recent survey, more than 50% of Baby Boomers believe they haven't saved enough for retirement. The good news is it's never too late! Today The Dolans help a WalletPop reader figure out how to get her retirement planning on track.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I am 49 years old, married and have nothing saved for retirement. I am scared that we are going to be in bad financial shape in 10 years. How are we ever going to be able to retire?

-- Paula

For more retirement planning help, get a free copy of The Dolans' new Special Report "Rescue Your Retirement: 10 Simple Steps to Get Back on Track."


Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Dolansretirementretirement mistakesretirement planningretirement savingsRetirementMistakesRetirementPlanningRetirementSavingsKen and Daria DolanFri, 08 Jan 2010 16:30:00 ESTHow much money do you really need to save for retirement?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/12/30/how-much-do-you-really-need-to-save-for-retirement/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/12/30/how-much-do-you-really-need-to-save-for-retirement/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/12/30/how-much-do-you-really-need-to-save-for-retirement/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ask three different financial advisers the question "How much do I need to save for retirement?" and you will likely get three different answers. But knowing the right answer has a huge impact on how much you need to save now and what type of retirement you will enjoy down the road.

Personal finance experts Ken and Daria Dolan of Dolans.com are here with some straight talk to help you decide how much you really need to save for retirement in order to experience that secure, golden lifestyle that of which we all dream.


Continue reading How much money do you really need to save for retirement?


Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>cost of livingCostOfLivingdebtinflationinflation rateInflationRateinvestingretirementretirement planningretirement savingsretirement-guideRetirementPlanningRetirementSavingsreturn on investmentReturnOnInvestmentsocial securitySocialSecurityKen and Daria DolanWed, 30 Dec 2009 06:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: What are the best places to invest now?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/12/18/ask-the-dolans-what-are-the-best-places-to-invest-now/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/12/18/ask-the-dolans-what-are-the-best-places-to-invest-now/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/12/18/ask-the-dolans-what-are-the-best-places-to-invest-now/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Every Friday, Ken and Daria answer a question from a WalletPop reader. This week, they tackle a question that has come from dozens of WalletPoppers: Where is the best place to invest my money now? If you're wondering what's ahead for the market and your investments in the new year, you'll want to watch today's video!

You can get Ken and Daria's personal finance advice every day at Dolans.com or follow them on Facebook.


Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>DolansInvestingKen and Daria DolanFri, 18 Dec 2009 09:30:00 ESTSeven top scams that target seniorshttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/12/18/seven-top-scams-that-target-seniors/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/12/18/seven-top-scams-that-target-seniors/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/12/18/seven-top-scams-that-target-seniors/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The dolansSeniors are one of scam artist's favorite targets. More than 25 million seniors were victims of fraud last year according to the Federal Trade Commission. Seniors become targets because they are easy to reach by phone, are often home during the day, often live along, and are often more willing to talk to strangers.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>dolansretirementretirement scamsRetirementScamsBeth PinskerFri, 18 Dec 2009 08:44:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: How do I get a copy of my credit score?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/12/11/ask-the-dolans-how-do-i-get-a-copy-of-my-credit-score/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/12/11/ask-the-dolans-how-do-i-get-a-copy-of-my-credit-score/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/12/11/ask-the-dolans-how-do-i-get-a-copy-of-my-credit-score/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Your credit score has never been more important than it is today. In an economy where credit is ridiculously tight, credit card companies are ruthlessly raising interest rates and slashing credit limits, and competition for jobs is fierce, your credit score can make or break you. Today, Ken and Daria help WalletPop reader Sharon learn the basics of what her credit score is and how to get a copy of her credit report.

Dear Ken and Daria,

How do I get a copy of my credit score? Is "FICO" a credit score and how do I figure mine out?

--Sharon

Learn more about improving your credit score and debt management at Dolans.com.


Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>creditcredit scoreCreditScoreFICOKen and Daria DolanFri, 11 Dec 2009 14:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: Are there any legitimate work-at-home businesses?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/12/04/ask-the-dolans-are-there-any-legitimate-work-at-home-businesses/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/12/04/ask-the-dolans-are-there-any-legitimate-work-at-home-businesses/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/12/04/ask-the-dolans-are-there-any-legitimate-work-at-home-businesses/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Everyone is looking for easy ways to make an extra buck these days. Whether you've lost your job or are just looking to supplement your income, work-at-home ads can sound pretty tempting. But many of these offers are just ripoffs. The Dolans show WalletPop reader Teresa the Number 1 rule for spotting a work-at-home scam, plus offer some great ideas for legitimate ways to make money.

Dear Ken and Daria:

I have young kids at home and want to make some money. I see a lot of work-at-home offers out there on TV and radio but don't want to get caught in a scam. Are there any legitimate opportunities?

--Teresa

Discover 11 simple ways to find extra money now, along with advice on everything from debt management to retirement planning now at Dolans.com.


Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>DolansscamScamswork at homeWorkAtHomeKen and Daria DolanFri, 04 Dec 2009 13:30:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: How does the tax free gift exclusion work?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/20/ask-the-dolans-how-does-the-tax-free-gift-exclusion-work/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/20/ask-the-dolans-how-does-the-tax-free-gift-exclusion-work/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/20/ask-the-dolans-how-does-the-tax-free-gift-exclusion-work/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Everyone should be so lucky as to know some one like Maria! Maria is about to make some friends and family members very happy. Her generosity is incredibly uplifting in today's tough times. Watch this week's video to hear her plans and Ken and Daria's advice.

Dear Ken and Daria,

How much money can I gift to someone without anyone having to pay taxes, and how many people can I gift money to?"

--Maria



To learn more about taxes, retirement planning and debt management, visits Dolans.com.


Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Ask the DolansAskTheDolansgiftstax free exclusiontax free givingTaxFreeExclusionTaxFreeGivingKen and Daria DolanFri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: How can I boost my CD returns?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/13/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-boost-my-cd-returns/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/13/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-boost-my-cd-returns/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/13/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-boost-my-cd-returns/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Are you still licking your wounds after suffering big stock market losses? Looking for a safe investment in this tricky market? You're not alone.

After the brutal losses so many of us suffered in the market downturn, many investors -- especially those nearing retirement -- are looking for safer ways to grow their money. Today, the Dolans help a Walletpop reader make the most of her CDs without sacrificing safety.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I am 54-years-old and took a beating when the market nose-dived. My retirement funds are in shambles now and I am not getting back into the market at this late date. I would like your opinion on laddered CDs. I need something mega-safe.

--Patricia

For more advice on how to invest wisely and adjust your retirement planning in these tricky times, visit Dolans.com.


Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Ask the DolansAskTheDolansfeaturedretirementsafe investmentsSafeInvestmentsstock marketStockMarketThe DolansTheDolansKen and Daria DolanFri, 13 Nov 2009 10:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: Can my credit card company change the terms on account I have closed?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/06/ask-the-dolans-can-my-credit-card-company-change-the-terms-on-a/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/06/ask-the-dolans-can-my-credit-card-company-change-the-terms-on-a/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/06/ask-the-dolans-can-my-credit-card-company-change-the-terms-on-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question

Credit card companies are on a tear, raising rates, slashing credit lines, increasing minimum payments and closing accounts in advance of the new credit card legislation that will restrict their more outrageous behavior. Today, Ken and Daria Dolan of Dolans.com help a WalletPop reader decide if she has any recourse against her credit card company's latest trick.

Dear Ken and Daria,

We got a letter from our credit card saying they were changing the terms on our card. We still have a balance on the card, but we opted out and closed the account. They STILL upped the minimum payment required on our balance. Can they do that?

You'll find simple, proven solutions for managing your credit card debt at Dolans.com.


Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Ask the DolansAskTheDolanscredit card companiescredit cardsCreditCardCompaniesCreditCardsinterest ratesInterestRatesKen and Daria DolanFri, 06 Nov 2009 10:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: Is my bank calculating my mortgage correctly?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/10/30/ask-the-dolans-is-my-bank-calculating-my-mortgage-correctly/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/10/30/ask-the-dolans-is-my-bank-calculating-my-mortgage-correctly/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/10/30/ask-the-dolans-is-my-bank-calculating-my-mortgage-correctly/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Can you please help me understand how my bank calculates my mortgage interest and principal? Even when I pre-pay my mortgage, they seem to put most of it toward interest.

--Penny

For more answers to your debt management questions, visit Dolans.com


Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>ken and daria dolanKenAndDariaDolanmortgagemortgage paymentsMortgagePaymentsKen and Daria DolanFri, 30 Oct 2009 13:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: How does a debt charge-off impact my credit score?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/10/23/ask-the-dolans-how-does-a-debt-charge-off-impact-my-credit-scor/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/10/23/ask-the-dolans-how-does-a-debt-charge-off-impact-my-credit-scor/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/10/23/ask-the-dolans-how-does-a-debt-charge-off-impact-my-credit-scor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Thanks to rising unemployment and an economy stuck in neutral at very best, more consumers than ever are struggling to pay their debts. Credit card delinquencies and charge-offs are both at record highs. Today, Ken and Daria help a WalletPop reader understand how debt charge-offs impact his credit and share solutions for managing his debt.

I heard that once your debt has been charged off, that your credit score never gets any better.So, is it a good to accept the offers I get to settle my debt by paying off 60-to 70% of it in exchange for charging off the rest?

--Hector

Looking for debt help? Visit Dolans.com to learn more about debt settlement and other debt management options.


Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Ask the DolansAskTheDolanscharge-offsCredit cardscredit scoresCreditCardsCreditScoresDolansKen and Daria DolanKenAndDariaDolanThe DolansTheDolansKen and Daria DolanFri, 23 Oct 2009 10:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: How can I find houses in foreclosure?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/10/16/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-find-houses-in-foreclosure/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/10/16/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-find-houses-in-foreclosure/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/10/16/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-find-houses-in-foreclosure/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Dear Ken and Daria,

How do I find houses that are in foreclosure through a U.S. agency? I tried one given on TV, but every lead I get is a company looking for money to give you a list, or they want your personal information. Can you help?

--Carole

Let the Dolans help you with debt management, smart investing and retirement planning at Dolans.com.


Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>DolansforeclosureForeclosureListingsForeclosuresforeclosures for saleForeclosuresForSaleKen and Daria DolanFri, 16 Oct 2009 15:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: Will credit card counseling lower my interest rate?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/10/09/ask-the-dolans-will-credit-card-counseling-lower-my-interest-ra/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/10/09/ask-the-dolans-will-credit-card-counseling-lower-my-interest-ra/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/10/09/ask-the-dolans-will-credit-card-counseling-lower-my-interest-ra/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday. Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Dear Ken and Daria,

If you use a debt counselor, and agree not to charge anything else to your card, is it true that the bank is required to lower your interest rate?

--Freeman

To learn about debt management strategies that really work, visit Dolans.com.


Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Ask the DolansAskTheDolanscreditcredit card counselingCreditCardCounselingfeaturedinterest ratesInterestRatesKen and Daria DolanFri, 09 Oct 2009 10:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: How can I improve my credit if I don't have a credit card?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/10/02/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-improve-my-credit-if-i-dont-have-a-c/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/10/02/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-improve-my-credit-if-i-dont-have-a-c/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/10/02/ask-the-dolans-how-can-i-improve-my-credit-if-i-dont-have-a-c/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday.

Your credit score is more important than ever. But how can you make sure you have good credit when you don't use credit cards? Personal finance experts Ken and Daria Dolan help a WalletPop reader facing this dilemma.




Visit Dolans.com for more simple, proven ways to improve your credit score.


Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Ask the DolansAskTheDolansCreditcredit cardscredit scoresCreditCardsCreditScoresfeaturedKen and Daria DolanFri, 02 Oct 2009 11:00:00 ESTAsk the Dolans: Best place to invest 529 college savings planhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/09/18/ask-the-dolans-best-place-to-invest-529-college-savings-plan/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/09/18/ask-the-dolans-best-place-to-invest-529-college-savings-plan/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/09/18/ask-the-dolans-best-place-to-invest-529-college-savings-plan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

More than 11 million families are saving for college using a 529 savings plan. Those plans have suffered big losses along with the rest of the stock market, creating a dilemma for parents whose kids are headed to college in the next five years. How do you invest your 529 funds today to make up for recent losses, yet not put yourself at risk of losing even more as college fast approaches?

Today, the Dolans help one family decide the best way to invest in their 529 savings plan.

Dear Ken and Daria,

We've lost a great deal from our 529 College Savings Plan during the recent recession. What are the best ways to recoup some of the money before our child goes to college?
 --Janet



To learn more about how to use 529 college savings plans, visit Dolans.com.


Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>529 investments529InvestmentsAsk the DolansAskTheDolansCollegerecessionsavingsKen and Daria DolanFri, 18 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST