Dear Chuck, I had high hopes of making financial progress while working from home since March. I have a good job, a stable marriage, and good friends. Unfortunately, my wife and I blew through money and took on some consumer debt. We need a financial reset. What is step one? Financially Stuck Dear Financially […]
Dear Chuck, We recently had a family member hospitalized with COVID-19. It has made us acutely aware of the need for a will. Do you have any advice? Getting Our House in Order Dear Getting Our House in Order, This is a good idea whether we have the threat of COVID-19 or not. I […]
Dear Chuck, Can you explain the concept of Universal Basic Income? It seems more like a Robin Hood plan than good economics. Concerned Taxpayer Dear Concerned Taxpayer, Universal Basic Income (UBI), known by many other names, is defined by its most ardent supporters like this: “It is a regular income paid to everyone without […]
Dear Chuck, My wife and I are newlyweds and struggling to spend less than we earn. Our parents agreed to help us until our first anniversary which is in February. To prepare for that date, we need help now. Spending Stress Dear Spending Stress, This has been a challenging time for many couples especially […]
Dear Chuck, I’m hearing more and more about financial scams…. I’m concerned about my daughter falling for one while she’s attending college out of state. Scared of Scammers Dear Scared of Scammers, I’m with you! You and your daughter should be on alert as a downturn in the economy always creates an upturn in […]
Dear Chuck, I’m trying to teach my children/grandchildren some basic financial principles. Any tips I could pass on in regards to investing? Motivated Grandmother Dear Motivated Grandmother, What a blessing for your family that you want to help them get better with their finances. It will not only help them for the here and […]
Dear Chuck, My wife and I are considering buying a house now although it’s a year earlier than we planned. We don’t know if the low rates will be available next year. Should we go for it? Buy or Hold? Dear Buy or Hold, You and your wife are not the only ones with […]
Dear Chuck, Gold is soaring now. Should I buy gold before our economy tanks? Gold Fever Dear Gold Fever, I’m probably going to step on some toes because people have very strong opinions about gold. Gold, speaking of the tangible metal, is an asset, a commodity, and makes for a good insurance policy–but not […]
Dear Chuck, The government is talking about a second round of stimulus money – is it real? What should I do with it? Watching for Money in the Mailbox Dear Watching for Money in the Mailbox, You are correct; the government is discussing the passing of another stimulus package. The Republican Party offered a […]
With many things causing stress in today’s world, here is a short list of financial practices that will reduce your stress, make managing your money simpler, and generally improve your quality of life. 1. Spend less than you earn. It sounds easy, but this is too often our greatest financial challenge. The vast majority of people that […]
