Ask Chuck: When Should I Buy a New Car?
Dear Chuck, I want to replace my mother’s clunker and am considering financing a new one. My father died unexpectedly and I want her to hold onto what little savings she has. What would you do? Taking Care of Mom Dear Taking Care of Mom, It is wonderful that you are helping your mom. […]
Ask Chuck: 4 Steps to Prepare for a Recession
Dear Chuck, I keep reading about experts predicting that a recession is coming. What do you think? Although I am getting ready, what is your advice to help me ride it out? Getting Ready Dear Getting Ready, Of course a recession is coming! They are inevitable; we just don’t know when or if we […]
Ask Chuck: Should I Tithe on My Retirement Accounts?
Dear Chuck, I’ve been socking away money in a 401(k) account for years. I’ve tried to live like the ant in Proverbs. I have no plans to retire any time soon, but I may take some of the money to pay off credit card debts that accumulated during my wife’s health issues. I want to […]
Ask Chuck: How to Give and Save on a Budget
Dear Chuck, Giving is a problem for me. I’m playing catch-up for retirement and fear that giving will prevent my having enough for the future. How can I balance my desire to give with my need to be saving more? In a Conundrum Dear In a Conundrum, Many American Christians find themselves in a […]
Ask Chuck: Not Falling for Affinity Fraud
Dear Chuck, My best friend’s mother was a victim of financial fraud. She lost most of her retirement savings. I’ve read about Bernie Madoff and his Ponzi scheme but I’m concerned for the vulnerable people I know. What can I do to protect my family and those I love? Afraid of Fraud Dear Afraid of […]
Ask Chuck: Praying for Our Children’s Spouses
Dear Chuck, I have 3 teenage daughters. For years, my wife and I have prayed for Godly spouses for them. But, looking at the young men in the world today, we are beginning to pray more specifically. We’re asking God to provide husbands who are good stewards. Can you give us an idea of what […]
Ask Chuck: The Secret to a Secure Future
Dear Chuck, I am burdened with the terrible things I hear in the news. I’ve become anxious and wake up worried in the middle of the night. I’m especially struggling with the fear of not having enough money in the future. I grew up in poverty and have worked hard to avoid that for my […]
Ask Chuck: Everything You Need to Know About Negative Interest Rates
Dear Chuck, I can’t wrap my head around negative interest rates. What does this mean for my savings accounts in the bank? Can you help me figure this out? Confused about Rates Dear Confused, You are not the only one who finds this a challenge to understand. Simply put, it inverts the model that […]
Ask Chuck: How to Get Out of the Timeshare Trap
Dear Chuck, My husband and I purchased a timeshare years ago. We used it for a time, but, we are ready to be rid of it. Are there any good options that you know of? Tired of Time Sharing Dear Tired of Time Sharing, Not only are you tired of your timeshare, so are […]
Ask Chuck: Reshaping the American Dream
Dear Chuck, Watching the news lately makes me question the American Dream. In a disaster, things suddenly lose their meaning. It’s relationships that count. How can I pass this on to my loved ones? Life is a Vapor Dear Life is a Vapor, I am with you on this one! Life is but a […]