Dear Chuck, My elderly father recently asked why so many young people have credit card debt. He commented, “Seems like they’re so preoccupied with the present they can’t think about their future?” Can you give me some facts and insights to prepare me for my next talk with him? Credit Card Facts Dear Credit […]
Dear Chuck, My wife and I have lived frugally from the day we married. As a result, we have no debt, except for low monthly house payments. Could you give me some advice on proper goals for our long-term investing? Senior Investors Dear Senior Investors, Congratulations on your good stewardship. It is a joy […]
Dear Chuck, I’m in a pickle. My wife and I both drive very nice cars. The problem is that I’ve fallen behind on payments, and my wife doesn’t know it. Should I sell the car? Behind on Car Payments Dear Behind on Car Payments, Open up to your wife—sooner is better than later. Ask […]
Dear Chuck, We want to renovate our home by using some of the equity we’ve accumulated. Our home is in a highly desirable area and has tripled in value. We have several years left on our current mortgage. How can we be good stewards of this renovation? Renovation Without Regrets Dear Renovation Without Regrets, […]
Dear Chuck, My wife is miserable with her job, but unfortunately, her income is needed at this time to pay off a lot of debt. We need some guidance for a career transition, as her nerves are frayed every day. Looking at Career Options Dear Looking at Career Options, It is very painful to […]
Dear Chuck, I have the opportunity to buy a home from an older couple who needs to move to a retirement/assisted living situation. It’s a great house—one we can easily afford. The problem is that our home was foreclosed on in 2008 due to the Great Financial Crisis. Although we have recovered financially, I am […]
Dear Chuck, I heard “buy now, pay later” data will soon be reported to credit bureaus. I hope this is true! My daughter got into financial trouble during her first year out of college by getting sucked into these easy payment plans. How do I help her and her friends open their eyes to the […]
Dear Chuck, Our 11-year-old son was invited to try out for a competitive baseball travel team. We have three children, and I’m not convinced it’s the best use of our time and money. My husband and I are divided over the decision. Where do you fall on the issue? Divided About Kids’ Sports Dear […]
Dear Chuck, My husband has Alzheimer’s. Should I use my retirement to fund his care? It will go quickly due to his medical bills, and I won’t be able to leave my daughters anything. An alternative is to have him go on Medicaid should I pass away first. Struggling with Senior Care Dear Struggling […]
Dear Chuck, We’re a large family who vacations ten nights per year over spring break and summer. In your opinion, is a vacation club (like Marriott) a good purchase, or should we look at purchasing a timeshare resale? Looking for Vacation Savings Dear Looking for Vacation Savings, First, it is a joy to hear […]