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 […]
Ask Chuck: How to Build Emergency Savings
Dear Chuck, I make a good salary but am unable to build my emergency savings beyond $1,000. It seems like unexpected things always prevent me from putting more away. My goal is to have 3 months set aside. Any tips? Living on the Edge Dear Living on the Edge, Well first, congratulations on saving […]
Ask Chuck: Should I Co-Sign a Loan?
Dear Chuck, So, I cosigned for a student loan and now I’m stuck paying for it. Is there anything I can do? Regretful Dear Regretful, Unfortunately, the same thing happened with my Dad and we have not found a satisfactory remedy. He was approached by an employee whose son needed assistance to get a […]
Ask Chuck: How Do I Financially Prepare My Child for College?
Dear Chuck, I’ve tried to prepare my daughter to handle money responsibly while she’s away at college. But, I’m concerned that peer pressure and the stress of classes will throw her off track. Any tips? Budget Minded Mom Dear Budget Minded, Congratulations are in order for preparing her for this crucial transition. Far too […]
Ask Chuck: Should I Postpone My Honeymoon?
Dear Chuck, I want to plan a honeymoon for my autumn wedding. But, with student loans and car debt, I know I should not use a credit card or deplete my savings that way. I hate to disappoint my fiancé but believe we should wait to take a trip when we are better off financially. […]