Ask Chuck: My Spouse is an Addict
Dear Chuck, My husband started short-term disability in order to address addiction issues. He is the sole provider for our family. Recently, he moved $100,000 from his 401k to cover our debt and bills while he seeks to get well. Do you think paying off all debt is wise (except for our mortgage), or do […]
Ask Chuck: Married to a Financial Opposite?
Dear Chuck, My husband and I have a lot in common, but we also have a WHOLE lot of differences. When it comes to money, we are complete opposites. Help! Financial Opposites Dear Financial Opposites, You have asked the right person about this challenge! My wife and I are as different as a pit […]
Ask Chuck: Considering a Reverse Mortgage?
Dear Chuck, My neighbor says we should consider a reverse mortgage. My wife and I are split about it. Can you break the deadlock? Reverse Mortgage Deadlock Dear Reverse Mortgage Deadlock, I am not sure that I can break the deadlock you describe, but I can give you my perspective and supporting data. I […]
Ask Chuck: Stuck Without a Budget
Dear Chuck, My husband and I have good intentions when it comes to using money wisely, but we just don’t follow through. We need help! Stuck Without a Budget Dear Stuck Without a Budget, In my years of counseling couples about their finances, I have met many just like you who want to have […]
Ask Chuck: My Spouse is an Impulsive Spender
Dear Chuck, Do you have any advice for someone married to an impulsive spender? Cautious Budgeter Dear Cautious Budgeter, Sounds like you may be married to an opposite financial personality; my wife and I can relate! Most of us have made an impulsive purchase at some point in time. Others struggle with it more […]
Ask Chuck: Overcoming Financial Bitterness
Dear Chuck, Our best friends are on the brink of a divorce. A financial mistake occurred several years ago, and they’re slowly working their way out. But the wife is struggling to forgive. Any advice? Financial Bitterness Dear Financial Bitterness, This is a far bigger problem than simply fixing their finances. A divorce usually […]
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: 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 […]
