Ask Chuck: Recovering From Overwhelming Medical Debt
Dear Chuck, Our medical bills are huge this year. We chose a high deductible to keep our monthly insurance payments down. But, we never dreamed we would experience this! Between ambulance rides, emergency rooms, hospitals, doctors, medications, and therapy, the bills are catastrophic. We need hope and light at the end of this dark tunnel. […]
Ask Chuck: The Cost of Kids
Dear Chuck, I am engaged to a man who recently declared he would prefer we not have children. He believes the rising cost of living will prohibit our ability to adequately provide for more than ourselves, especially if we have to help care for our parents. I struggle with that because I believe that by […]
Ask Chuck: New Car Before Baby?
Dear Chuck, My husband and I drive older, paid-for cars. His is 11 years old and mine is 9. Neither give us any issues. People are telling us we need to buy a new car before the arrival of our first baby at the end of the year. We’re not convinced. What do you think? […]
Ask Chuck: Breaking the Cycle of Overspending
Dear Chuck, My husband is tired of my overspending. I struggle living on the budget he’s made because I make quick purchases rather than planning ahead. Then I feel guilty defending my decisions when the bills arrive. How can I get out of this cycle? Spontaneous Spender Dear Spontaneous, Frist, be thankful you have […]
Ask Chuck: Stewardship Through The Generations
Dear Chuck, I’m concerned about young couples I know who rely heavily upon credit cards. They appear to have no concern for the future. I don’t sense a desire to be good stewards in their approach to finances. Concerned Boomer Dear Concerned Boomer, It is not only a perceived concern but a real one […]
Ask Chuck: Joyful Giving
Dear Chuck, My wife and I have decided to give regularly. She’s thrilled, I’m not. If God loves a cheerful giver, I dread knowing what He thinks of me. Modern Scrooge Dear Scrooge, While I don’t like addressing you as Scrooge, Charles Dickens’ classic book Christmas Carol about a greedy, stingy, selfish man by […]
Ask Chuck: Get Rich Quick
Dear Chuck, We have a lot of debt. Rather than taking on another job or trying to excel at his current one, my husband is seeking money in undesirable places. He buys weekly lottery tickets, shops garage sales and thrift stores looking for “treasure.” Meanwhile, I’m teaching piano lessons in our home while trying to […]
Ask Chuck: Is Amazon Prime Worth It?
Dear Chuck, My friends rave about their Amazon Prime membership. I’m not convinced. Do you have an opinion? Not Ready for Prime Dear Not Ready, Thanks for your question. It is one I had not carefully analyzed, so this may be helpful for members and non-members alike. My wife, Ann, and I have […]
Ask Chuck: Is Low Price Better Than High Quality?
Dear Chuck, I like nice, quality things. My husband prefers lower prices. My perspective is that buying quality is better in the long run. Is there a right or wrong way to look at it? We are stuck on which refrigerator to buy to replace the old one we have now. Needing A Compromise […]
Ask Chuck: When To Take Social Security?
Dear Chuck, I’m 64 and like my job as a plant supervisor. I plan to continue working until I am 70. Is it better to begin drawing full Social Security at age 66 or wait until 70 and get the higher amount? I am getting conflicting advice. Not So Secure Dear Not So, You […]