Chuck Bentley
Chuck Bentley
Around this time last year, I remember receiving several questions from spouses about their “holiday budgets”. One woman in particular explained that her husband was more of an “Ebenezer Scrooge” when it came to Christmas spending, while she loved the experience of shopping for others and giving big gifts. I would have to imagine that […]
What sort of emotions does the holiday season evoke in you? My pastor, Ronnie Batchelor, describes this as the time of year when “…we all experience the familiar unnerving sense that we’re approaching the brink – something akin to the clack-clack-clack-clack ascent of the rollercoaster when couples instinctively grasp each other’s hands and exchange nervous […]
Dear Chuck, According to the retirement calculator, I am way behind. My wife says we’ll never be able to retire, and we are both suddenly fearful of what our financial future holds. What can we do? Sincerely, Scared Senior! Dear Scared Senior, Regardless of whether you’re ahead or behind according to the retirement calculators, […]
This world will try to convince you that your purposes, goals, significance, self-worth, ambition, and life energy should be wrapped up in material things. For many, the world’s message is simple: make as much as you can, as quickly as you can, to retire as soon as you can, to enjoy a life of leisure […]
One of the greatest threats to our walk with God is the trap of materialism. We have to work at not being lured away from Him and spending our money on our own desires. Why? Because affluence tends to blind us to the needs of others. At first glance, the scriptural warnings about riches and […]
Dear Chuck, I want to take advantage of all the good sales happening for Black Friday but I can’t afford to pay for it all in cash right now. Is it ok to put it on the credit card and pay it off when I get my Christmas bonus? It seems like a waste to […]
Dear Chuck, There seems to be an unending amount of “crazy” in the world. How can I keep my money, time and heart peaceful during the holidays? Thanks, Holiday Jitters Dear Holiday Jitters, My pastor, Ronnie Batchelor, describes this as the time of year when “…we all experience the familiar unnerving sense that we’re […]
Are you worried about money? Most Americans are. In fact, a study from CreditCards.com reveals that 65% are losing sleep because of their financial state. The most common stressor is the cost of healthcare or insurance bills. This is closely followed by concern over retirement savings and student loans. Mortgages and credit cards are not […]
Dear Chuck, I have 2 daughters that are only 2 years apart that are still in elementary school, but I’m concerned about the cost of college. When is the best time to start saving, and can you explain education savings accounts? I am thinking this is the way I want to help them get their […]
Did you know that roughly 43% of the entire adult American population has a car loan? That’s about 107 million people. What’s even more shocking is that 6 million of those people are 90 or more days late on their car payments. They’re essentially taking out loans for an item they can’t afford, but still […]
