Ask Chuck: Ready to Retire?
Dear Chuck, I can retire in two years at age 65. Our home is paid for but we have almost nothing saved for retirement. We can get by on Social Security but it will be tight. How are others getting by who are in this shape? Retirement Planning Dear Retirement Planning, It is great […]
Ask Chuck: Is Refinancing My House Worth It?
Dear Chuck, With interest rates so low, should we refinance our house? We bought it in 2014 for $220,000. We put 10% down and still pay PMI. We think it is worth $240,000 now. We also have some troubling credit card debt we want to pay off in the refi. Refi Now? Dear Refi […]
Ask Chuck: Should I Save, or Invest in My Career?
Dear Chuck, I have not spent my $1200 stimulus check since I have no real savings. I am insecure about losing my job but really want to do something else anyway if I get laid off. Should I invest in getting training for a future job or just keep the money in an emergency account? […]
Ask Chuck: Investment Advice During a Crisis
Dear Chuck, I’m fatigued from all the “fake news,” flawed forecasts, imagined scenarios, and conspiracy theories that are circulating in the world today. How do I know what is true or false anymore! I am trying to decide what to do with my investments but feel paralyzed right now. In a Holding Pattern Dear […]
Ask Chuck: How to Encourage Someone Affected by COVID-19
Dear Chuck, Many we know have been hurt financially due to the coronavirus shelter-in policies. What should I know to encourage others as they try to survive this? Trying to Help My Neighbor Dear Trying to Help, The coronavirus has created a lot of uncertainty in every sector of the population. I cannot address […]
Ask Chuck: Are We Taking On Too Much National Debt?
Dear Chuck, I just don’t understand how America can implement another massive bailout/stimulus without some long-term consequences. Aren’t we already carrying too much national debt? Stop the Debt Please Dear Stop the Debt Please, You and I agree that we have a long-term problem. America is carrying almost 25 trillion dollars in national debt. […]
Ask Chuck: How to Adjust After COVID-19?
Dear Chuck, The coronavirus has caused economic and societal changes I never thought I would see in my lifetime. What do you think will be the long-term effects of this and what adjustments to my finances should I be making now? Pondering the Future Dear Pondering the Future, I hear a lot of people […]
Ask Chuck: Implementing a Crisis Budget
Dear Chuck, Our income has fallen dramatically since sheltering at home. We need help to work our way through the next few months. Can you help? Can’t Work from Home Dear Can’t Work from Home, I am very sorry that you can’t do your job from home and are under financial pressure. Don’t forget […]
Ask Chuck: Everything You Need to Know About Liquidity
Dear Chuck, Help me understand the principle of liquidity. What do I need to do to be more “liquid” right now? Preparing for the Worst Dear Preparing for the Worst, Liquidity is the measure of your ability to exchange an asset for cash. It is a tool that gives the ability to stay afloat […]
Ask Chuck: Practical Advice During the COVID-19 Crisis
Dear Chuck, Many of the young people in my Bible Study are frightened of the Coronavirus and the threat to their families. I understand their fear. But, as an older American, I’m also concerned about their economic well-being in the aftermath of this crisis. What kind of financial advice can I offer them? Sheltered in The Storm Dear […]