Ask Chuck: Credit for Kids?
Dear Chuck, My 13-year-old wants a credit card since her best friend has one. Seems young to me. Would you say yes or no? Credit for Kids? Dear Credit for Kids, My first reaction is, no! However, it has some potential upside, so let’s vet this a little closer. Far too many young people […]
Ask Chuck: Credit Card Vs. 401(k)?
Dear Chuck, My home’s air conditioner went out. We’re getting by with some fans but need to replace the unit soon. Should I use a low interest rate credit card or borrow from my 401(k)? Hot in Texas Dear Hot in Texas, Having grown up in Texas myself, I understand this is a need […]
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: What Can I Do About Christmas Debt?
Dear Chuck, I have credit card debt from last Christmas and don’t see any way out of adding to it this year. I am depressed about it but can’t bring myself to deny my children a great Christmas. What can I do? Christmas Stress Dear Christmas Stress, I have been in your shoes and […]
Ask Chuck: Financial Concerns for Elderly Parents
Dear Chuck, I don’t know how my parents are going to afford to live their projected lifespan. If they are concerned, they sure don’t live like it. I’m saving and investing as much as I can, but I’m not sure I could adequately come to their rescue. Need Hope Dear Hope, I understand your concern. […]
Ask Chuck: Debt Consolidation vs Debt Settlement
Dear Chuck, My wife and I are working really hard to get out of debt. We are overwhelmed with 5 credit cards, 2 car loans, student loans for both of us, a mortgage, and furniture that we financed. We now clearly see the mistakes we made and the dangers debt can present. I’ve been doing […]
Ask Chuck: The Truth About Debt
Dear Chuck, My husband and I are just got married and are realizing the severity of our debt problems. We both just graduated with student loans, car loans, and some credit card debt. Until this point, we honestly didn’t know we should have been spending our money any differently. It was what everyone did and […]
Ask Chuck: Will Closing My Credit Cards Ruin My Credit Score?
Dear Chuck, My husband and I fell on rough times and as a result, ended up with a LOT of credit card debt. We have prayed, worked hard, and paid it down as much as we can but still have some left. Together we have approximately 15 credit card accounts but only two have balances […]
Why I Carry A Credit Card (And Why You May Want To, Also)
You may be surprised by this, but I carry a credit card. Many people ask my why I would endorse using a credit card because so many have been led to believe they’re evil and only lead to destruction. I see it this way: credit cards, just like any other form of currency, are neither […]
Ask Chuck: Can I Use My Credit Card for Black Friday Sales?
Dear Chuck, I want to take advantage of all the good sales happening for Black Friday but I can’t afford to pay for it all in cash right now. Is it ok to put it on the credit card and pay it off when I get my Christmas bonus? It seems like a waste to […]
