(MONEY Magazine) – The unofficial recession watch: According to Sindlinger & Co., the respected Wallingford, Pa. pollster, 23 states, or roughly 21% of American households, were in a recession in September. The company says a recession starts generally when more than half the survey respondents say they expect to have less disposable income in the future. -- If you are heading to Disneyland or to Walt Disney World, prepare for another way to blow your wad -- the latest Disney Dollars. The new bills feature Minnie Mouse, cost $10 each, and can be used as cash in the Disney parks or in the company's 41 stores around the country. Many buyers, however, keep the paper currency -- uncashed -- as souvenirs. Kids have gotten a less expensive kick out of the $1 Mickeys and $5 Goofys, issued since 1987. -- Tip of the month: Standard & Poor's has rated a tax-exempt money-market fund for the first time. The First National Bank of Chicago's First Prairie Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund (312-732-4414), a no-load, snared an AAAm, the highest compliment from S&P.