Dear Chuck, When it comes to our finances, we live with good intentions but put off budgeting and planning until we face another crisis. My husband and I want to break our cycle of procrastination, crisis, firefighting, and then back to procrastination. We need help to stay focused. Painful Procrastination Dear Painful Procrastination, You […]
Dear Chuck, I work very long days and provide nice things for my wife and children. However, I’ve grown increasingly aware that I am missing out on valuable time with them. Can you help me find balance? Torn Between Work and Home Dear Torn Between Work and Home, Having struggled with this early in […]
Dear Chuck, My wife is really organized, but I am not. When it comes to finances, she gets stressed if we go over budget a little here or there. How do I help her chill out? Stressed-Out Wife Dear Stressed-Out Wife, It might surprise you, but I think you may be placing the blame […]
Dear Chuck, Our 28-year-old niece moved in with our family several years ago. At the time, we thought it would be a temporary solution to help her get on her feet. She works full-time. We assumed she would help pay bills and do some chores. She does not. We have tried to serve her well […]
Dear Chuck, We have to cut our spending this year, but I really don’t know where to begin. When I bring up the subject, my spouse always has an excuse. If we don’t get things under control, we are going to face eviction from our landlord. Cash Crunch Dear Cash Crunch, I’m so glad […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]