Ask Chuck: Should I Borrow for a Wedding?
Dear Chuck, A friend suggested we get a home equity loan to cover our daughter’s wedding this summer. This makes me very uncomfortable, but I want my daughter to have her big day. Money for Matrimony Dear Money for Matrimony, I have a very wise friend that always responds to my questions with the same […]
Ask Chuck: How Can I Disaster Proof My Finances?
Dear Chuck, I have several friends who are in deep financial trouble in the early years of their marriage. I want to avoid the stress they’re experiencing. Do you have any helpful tips so that I can guard my home and marriage? Avoiding Disaster Dear Avoiding Disaster, Being under constant financial stress is terrible […]
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: Tips for Talking Finances With Your Spouse
Dear Chuck, My husband told me we need to discuss our family finances. I asked him if we could wait until after the holidays. He agreed to but I’m a nervous wreck. What should I do to prepare? Nervous about Our Finances Dear Nervous about Our Finances, The fact that your husband wants to […]
Ask Chuck: Children Are A Blessing… And An Investment
Dear Chuck, My daughter and son-in-law have decided they will not have children due to overpopulation and the cost. I don’t understand how they could make such a decision. Can you give me some good stats to share with them? Hoping for Grandchildren Dear Hoping for Grandchildren, Since I have five grandchildren already, I know […]
Ask Chuck: Considering Retirement
Dear Chuck, My wife is urging me to retire. I am not ready yet and do not know if I ever will be. I enjoy working. However, what do you think are the best financial moves to be ready? Prepping for Retirement Dear Prepping for Retirement, This year has caused many people to consider […]
Ask Chuck: Updating Our Will
Dear Chuck, We recently had a family member hospitalized with COVID-19. It has made us acutely aware of the need for a will. Do you have any advice? Getting Our House in Order Dear Getting Our House in Order, This is a good idea whether we have the threat of COVID-19 or not. I […]
Ask Chuck: Struggling Newlyweds
Dear Chuck, My wife and I are newlyweds and struggling to spend less than we earn. Our parents agreed to help us until our first anniversary which is in February. To prepare for that date, we need help now. Spending Stress Dear Spending Stress, This has been a challenging time for many couples especially […]
Ask Chuck: What to Know Before Investing
Dear Chuck, I’m trying to teach my children/grandchildren some basic financial principles. Any tips I could pass on in regards to investing? Motivated Grandmother Dear Motivated Grandmother, What a blessing for your family that you want to help them get better with their finances. It will not only help them for the here and […]
Ask Chuck: Choosing a Good Bank
Dear Chuck, I plan to get married soon. My future wife and I plan to combine our money at that point. We both have checking and savings accounts. What banks do you recommend? Choosing a Good Bank Dear Choosing a Good Bank, I always like to say that marriage is a lifetime of learning […]
