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 questions every Friday.

Click here to ask Ken and Daria your question.

Your credit score has never been more important than it is today. That's why it is critical you understand some big changes in the way your credit score is calculated. Learn what you'll get hit hard for and what gets ignored under the new rules.

Dear Dolans:

I've heard they are changing how my FICO score is calculated. What do I need to know?

--John

To learn more about the new FICO rules, as well as tips to boost your credit score, visit 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.

Medical costs in the U.S. are still skyrocketing, topping more than $8,000 a year per person. In fact, a recent study showed 60% of all bankruptcies were caused due to overwhelming medical bills. As people look for ways to cut costs, traveling to another country for medical procedures is on the rise. Find out whether its safe and if it really saves you money, from Ken and Daria of Dolans.com.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I've heard a lot about traveling overseas for medical procedures to save money. I'm wondering, is it safe and will it really save me money?

--Ellie

You'll find dozens more ways to cut your medical costs on 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.

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.

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.

With the economy in turmoil, many folks are looking for someone to blame for the huge losses in investments. While most of us just have to grin and bear it through these tough times, there are some cases where you may actually have a case against your broker who did investing on your behalf.

Watch our video response to see when you can (and can't) hold your broker responsible for investment losses.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I've lost an awful lot of my investments. Do I have any recourse against my broker?

-Mary



Not sure where to put your money in the midst of a recession? Ken and Daria show you which investments work and which to avoid, only on 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.

Times are tough -- we know we don't need to tell you that twice. With the down economy squeezing everyone's wallets, many folks are tempted to turn to their 401(k) plan for a loan. In fact, a record number have already dipped into their retirement funds to cover their current bills. Withdrawing from your 401(k) may seem like the perfect answer -- but is it? Let's take a look at your options.

Dear Ken and Daria,

My husband and I both work in the housing market and have been hit hard. Is a 401(k) hardship withdrawal a good option?

-Annette



Looking for a realistic debt management plan? Ken and Daria have the tools you need to successfully pay off your bills, 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.

Did you know finances are the #1 reason couples split up? And that's without the added stress of a recession! It doesn't have to be that way. We've been doing this for a long time – helping folks with their personal finances and being married for more than 37 years! – and we've learned a few lessons along the way to making it all work. Check out our video response below to learn important strategies for a financially-successful partnership.

Dear Ken and Daria,

How do you get a significant other to sit down and discuss financial matters?



Do you suffer from MMD? Marital Money Discord affects many couples, but with a little communication and these strategies from Ken and Daria, you'll be on your way to financial bliss!

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.

Exchanging gifts is a tradition we all love - but how many times have you gotten something you weren't exactly ecstatic about and quickly forgot? No more ties and sweaters, we say! What about a meaningful money gift that has the potential to keep on giving for years to come? One of our WalletPop readers is looking to do just that, but isn't sure how to go about it. Watch our video response below for the right way to give a share of stock as a holiday present.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I'd like to buy a share of stock in Harley Davidson for my son as a holiday present. How do I go about doing this?

- Miriam



Looking for the perfect holiday present that's sure to please without breaking the bank? Check out Ken and Daria's favorite unique money gifts that keep on giving, exclusively on 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.

Credit card companies are notorious for their fees. If there's a way to further nickel and dime you, bet your bottom dollar on them finding it! Credit card companies use fine print and legal loopholes to get away with these sneaky tactics, but occasionally you may be charged a fee that you truly don't owe. In those cases, it's important to take specific steps to fix the error so your credit report is not negatively impacted. Watch the video below for our advice.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I'm being charged fees on a credit card I never activated. How can I correct this?

-Rachelle



Drowning in bills and struggling with credit card debt? Ken and Daria's guide can help you with debt management, only on Dolans.com.

'Tis the season for giving. Unfortunately, with so many people pinching pennies, charitable donations are down as compared to 2007. In fact, 35% of charities have reported significant declines.

The timing couldn't be worse. Thanks to this financial crisis, the need is greater than ever. Requests for food have soared 50%, according to a recent Feeding America survey.

So before you decide to cut back your charitable donations, let personal finance experts Ken and Daria Dolan show you ways that you can help without breaking the bank. Learn the benefits of charitable giving and how to make the most of every dollar that you give.

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.

The unemployment numbers have been skyrocketing lately, leaving many Americans out of work and under a mountain of debt. We know what a terrifying situation this can be to find yourself in. That's why we want to assure you that there are steps you can take to keep up with your payments and get yourself back in the job market. Let's take a look at how exactly you can do that.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I lost my job of 12 years and have fallen behind on payments for several credit cards. What should I do?

-Unemployed



If you have lost your job and are struggling to make ends meet, Ken and Daria can show you how to cope and get back on the right track with their 7-step action plan.