Chuck Bentley
Chuck Bentley
Dear Chuck, My wife and I are aggressively saving for a down payment on a house. We’ve toyed with the idea of selling one of our two cars. Is that too radical? First-Time Homebuyers Dear First-Time Homebuyers, This is a great question. Because of the inflationary market we are in right now, it is […]
Dear Chuck, My adult children rarely cook. They eat out and have groceries or meals delivered. I’m on a mission to teach my grandchildren how to cook—to prepare them to save money and become more self-sufficient in the future. I want to make it fun but could use some tips. Cooking Up Some Savings […]
Dear Chuck, My husband’s sales job has not produced good income since the pandemic. We’re in our early 60s, have $10,000 in a savings account, $25,000 in our 401(k), a paid-off home, and no debt. We’ve considered downsizing. Do you advise drawing down on our 401(k) now? Managing Cash Flow Dear Managing Cash Flow, […]
Dear Chuck, My home is in need of multiple costly repairs. My neighbor just did a major update on his home, and he told me he did it with a cash-out refinance. We also need a new car. What should we do? Refi Home Dear Refi Home, There is a lot in your question […]
Dear Chuck, I dread making financial resolutions every new year because I usually fail at keeping them. Can you offer any simple tips to help me manage money better this year? Something that’s fail-proof? Fail-Proof Financial Resolutions Dear Fail-Proof Financial Resolutions, First, Happy New Year! It is always exciting to me to roll the […]
Dear Chuck, I have the After-Christmas Blues. My joy gets packed away with all the Christmas decorations. How can I carry the joy of Christmas into next year? After-Christmas Blues Dear After-Christmas Blues, It is not uncommon for people to experience depressing thoughts after Christmas. Not only are the beautiful decorations packed away but […]
Dear Chuck, I am weary of the commercialization of Christmas. My family is hosting Christmas this year, and I want to prioritize the real meaning of our celebration, not money or stuff. I long to simply focus on the birth of Christ. How can I do that when friends and family expect more? Making Christmas […]
Dear Chuck, I have five adult children who constantly come to me with financial emergencies. I am 70 years old. Our family is fractured, so I’m trying all I can to preserve relationships. How intrusive can I be in their use of money? Financially Fatigued Mom Dear Financially Fatigued Mom, The Scripture is true: […]
Dear Chuck, My husband and I are both working adults. With 3 kids at home and trying to care for some extended family here and abroad, I am increasingly struggling with financial anxiety. Now the holiday pressures are making it worse. Please help me deal with this! Family Financial Stress Dear Family Financial Stress, […]
Dear Chuck, What’s up with the labor market? I have never seen so many postings for job openings or so many people who aren’t working. Many don’t even appear to be concerned about finding a job. Are people just living off the government now? How long can this continue? Working but Worried Dear Working […]
