Ask the Dolans: Can I trust a bank offering high interest rates?

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.

Shopping around for a high interest rate on savings vehicles these days is near impossible ... and when you do find one, it's easy to get a little suspicious. How are some banks able to offer higher rates on savings accounts and CDs than others? And can you trust them enough to invest your money?

Let's take a look at how to determine if these offers are legitimate or a risk you don't want to be taking.

Dear Ken and Daria,

I was offered a CD at a local bank with a high interest rate. Is it safe to take advantage of it?

-Margarita



Almost 20 banks have failed so far in 2009. Ken and Daria show you how to tell if your bank is safe and what to do if your bank does fail.