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.

With more than 3.6 million jobs lost and unemployment headed toward 10%, more and more people are considering whether or not to leave the rat race and go into business for themselves. The Dolans share some tips and a few warnings that can help you decide whether or not to take the leap.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I'm thinking about starting my own business but I'm scared -- especially in this economy. Do you have any advice for me?

--Melanie

You'll find lots of strategies for managing your career and surviving this recession at Dolans.com.

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.

This economic crisis is causing more and more of us to postpone our retirement, scale back our retirement dreams or worry about outliving our money. Tapping into those fears, companies are promoting a reverse mortgage as the answer. Watch today's video to learn whether a reverse mortgage is right for you, and get a few warnings about the potential risks.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I'm wondering if a reverse mortgage is a good deal. Thanks!

--Bill

Don't give up your retirement dreams! Get more retirement tips at Dolans.com.

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.

For many families, the college dream is turning into a financial nightmare. Your son or daughter gets accepted to a private university--great, right? Sure, until you start worrying about how to come up with enough money to cover that big tuition bill. Watch today's video as the Dolans have some surprising advice for a dad struggling to pay for his daughter's college education.

Dear Ken and Daria,

My daughter has a partial scholarship to a private college, but I'm not sure i can afford to pay the rest of the tuition. How should I handle this?

--Patrick

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

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's First Family of Personal Finance, answer your money questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Chrysler is bankrupt and GM is close behind. Once a symbol of American ingenuity and determination, the auto industry is in tatters thanks to plunging sales. As part of its efforts to save American automakers, the Obama administration has introduced some new tax credits to entice new car buyers into the market. Get the low down on how they work from Ken and Daria Dolan of Dolans.com.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I've heard about new tax incentives being offered if you buy a new car. How do they work and who qualifies?

--Marie



There are a slew of new tax breaks that you need to know about! Learn about all the new tax rules that can save you money at Dolans.com.

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's First Family of Personal Finance, answer your money questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

We're all looking for a safe place to invest these days, especially those of us reaching retirement age. Annuities have become a popular option due to their tax benefits. The payments can be either fixed or variable – and choosing between the two can come with major consequences!

The Dolans have strong feelings on this topic. Find out which one they recommend in their video below.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I am retired and looking for safe income investments. Which is better: fixed annuities or variable?

-Rene


Ken and Daria Dolan can help you find solid investments for your money, even in a not-so-solid economy! Get started now at the Invest Wisely section of Dolans.com.

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's First Family of Personal Finance, answer your money questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Lending money is a touchy subject and in our current volatile economy, it's not uncommon for family and friends to turn to each other for a loan. We know how much you care for your loved ones, but this can cause significant problems ... especially when that loan goes unpaid.

One WalletPop reader found herself in this situation and wondered about the tax liabilities. Watch our video response below to find out what we advised her to do.

Dear Ken and Daria,

Can I write off an unpaid loan to a family member?

-Kathy


If you do decide to loan money to a family member, protect yourself with Ken and Daria's sample loan note.

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's First Family of Personal Finance, answer your money questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

With the growing number of "free" money offers popping up all over the place, we haven't been surprised to hear from so many of you about them. After all, the amount of money-related scams has almost doubled since the recession began. There are some great opportunities out there for earning extra dough, but others should absolutely be avoided. Here's how to tell which ones are safe without paying for it.

Dear Ken and Daria,

What's the latest information on these "free" government grants that seem to be popping up all over?

-Charles


Wary of all the money-making schemes out there? Ken and Daria give you a thumbs up or thumbs down to help determine your options.

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's First Family of Personal Finance, answer your money questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

We feel strongly about helping people with their personal finance matters the right way. Some of the "tips" we read elsewhere make our hair curl because they are just plain wrong! This is especially the case with credit cards.

One of the most common questions we are asked is about paying off credit card balances. We're sure you've heard the rumors that it's best for your credit score to carry a balance on your card and only pay the minimums. But you've probably also heard that it's best for your credit score to pay it all off every month. So what's true and what's false here? Watch our video below for the answer.

Dear Ken and Daria,

Which is better for my credit score: paying off my balance in full or paying the minimum a few times?

-Thomas



How is your credit these days? Ken and Daria share seven simple steps to improving your credit score, only at Dolans.com.

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's First Family of Personal Finance, answer your money questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

If a raise in fees or APR has caused you to reduce the number of credit cards in your wallet, you should know it's not as simple as taking a pair of scissors to plastic. Cancelling credit cards can have a major impact on your credit score – and there's plenty of conflicting advice out there over whether it's good or bad.

Time to clear up the confusion! Watch our video below to learn the right way to close out a credit card account and how to keep it from negatively impacting one of your most crucial personal finance assets – your credit score.

Dear Ken and Daria,

My APR is increasing. How will closing this credit card account affect my FICO score?

-Mary



The way your credit score is calculated is changing. Learn about important changes to your FICO score at Dolans.com.

Ken and Daria Dolan, America's First Family of Personal Finance, answer your money questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Everyone is looking for ideas these days on how to save money. We have always been big fans of frugal living and the wonderful effect it has on your personal finances ... but this recession has made us experts on how to squeeze more out of every last cent!

We could all use a break from the increasing prices on everyday goods and dwindling paychecks. Watch our video below for our favorite ways to live smart and save big.

Dear Ken and Daria,

Can you suggest some tips for frugal living and reducing bills?

-Rod



Want more tips on ways to save money? Check out the Dolan Dozen – 12 ways to painlessly save every day.