Ask Chuck: Should We Use Our Retirement Funds to Get through a Tight Spot?
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, […]
Ask Chuck: Cash-Out Refinance Advice
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 […]
Ask Chuck: Fail-Proof Financial Resolutions
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 […]
Ask Chuck: Giving to Eliminate the After-Christmas Blues
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 […]
Ask Chuck: Less Stuff, More Christ in Christmas
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 […]
Ask Chuck: My Adult Kids Constantly Need Money
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: […]
Ask Chuck: Help My Financial Anxiety!
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, […]
Ask Chuck: Should I Worry About this Labor Shortage?
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 […]
Ask Chuck: Christmas Shopping on a Budget
Dear Chuck, Money is tight for Christmas this year. Any tips for shopping Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales? Looking for Deals Dear Looking for Deals, You can search for articles pointing you to the “best deals” on Black Friday or Cyber Monday, but be aware that many of those articles are really just […]
Ask Chuck: Should I Participate in Giving Tuesday?
Dear Chuck, My company is encouraging us to participate in Giving Tuesday. How can I give more if I’m on a limited budget? Cheerful Giver Dear Cheerful Giver, It is nice to answer a question about giving, especially today, when so many have begun the shopping and spending frenzy that has come to be […]
