A WalletPop reader is paying off her credit card debt and wants to celebrate (and keep herself out of trouble) by closing out some of her old cars. But Ken and Daria Dolan say, "Wait!" Listen to their advice on what you should do before you make that cancellation call.

The credit card company is willing to give out a $300 cash card to those with overdue balances if you pay off your account and scram. Would you be willing to pay off your debt for that incentive?

While everything else is slipping, identity theft is on the rise, jumping to a record 9.9 million victims in 2008, which is up 22% from 2007. Approximately one in 23 U.S. adults became victims, according to Javelin Strategy & Research, who released their fifth annual study today. Total loses increased after three straight years of decline, but the loss per victim fell by 12% to $4,849 from $5,488. The most positive trend is that individuals spent 31% less (an average of $496) to clean up the mess. More than half of victims didn't have to spend anything to clean up after a fraud.

In a victory for Republicans, the Senate votes to raise a $7,500 tax break for first-time homebuyers to $15,000. The measure is aimed at reinvigorating the housing industry, whose downturn in 2007 tipped the first dominoes of recession.
Also: Obama OKs Kids' Health Insurance Bill | Obama Imposes Exec Pay Cap

Do you have a credit card wish list? You'll never be able to make credit card bills disappear but at least you can find the credit card of your dreams through the new site CardHub.com.

House prices are cratering, banks are begging for spare change, and it seems everywhere you turn someone is in need of a rescue plan -- including you. Don't panic, we have 10 ways to help you beat a credit hangover.

You may know the basics about your credit score, but there's more to it than just paying your bills on time. Ken and Daria Dolan take you behind the hidden tricks of credit reporting so you can keep you score high.

Ken and Daria Dolan, known as the first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday on AOL's WalletPop blog. This week: Should you close out an unused credit card account after you've paid off your balance?
For More Dolans See: Dolans.com

You'd think 20 percent or more in interest to some customers would be enough money coming into the pockets of credit companies, but it seems the industry is always coming with new ways to charge fees and higher rates. See seven of the dirtiest tricks they try, and how to avoid them.