Ask Chuck: How to Build Emergency Savings
Dear Chuck, I make a good salary but am unable to build my emergency savings beyond $1,000. It seems like unexpected things always prevent me from putting more away. My goal is to have 3 months set aside. Any tips? Living on the Edge Dear Living on the Edge, Well first, congratulations on saving […]
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: 9 Steps to Transform Your Finances
Dear Chuck, When I listen to stories my grandparents tell of the hardships they endured and the sacrifices they and their parents made to provide and get ahead, I wonder if we have handicapped ourselves in our reliance on debt, the government, church benevolence, etc. I understand the need in emergency situations, but I’m concerned […]
Ask Chuck: Stewardship and Living Beneath Your Means
Dear Chuck, I’m inspired when I meet people who have the capacity to live “high on the hog” but choose to live surprisingly simple lives. Many young people in my church are carrying student loans, while buying new cars, and more house than they need. How are they ever going to get ahead and become […]
Ask Chuck: Avoiding the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Trap
Dear Chuck, I read an article recently about how many Americans live paycheck to paycheck and question how many really have to live that way. I don’t want to be calloused, but I wonder if they just need to be told to “Grow up!” Doesn’t the Bible tell us not to live that way? Financially […]
Ask Chuck: 3 Steps to Pay Off Christmas Debt
Dear Chuck, Well, we went a little crazy this Christmas…the kids all love their presents but my husband and I are realizing how much we really spent. Our credit card statement hasn’t come in yet but I know we are going to be in for a rude awakening. What can we do to start paying […]
Ask Chuck: Good Financial Lessons From Bad Mistakes
Dear Chuck, I’ve made many mistakes with money over the years. I live in regret of how I squandered so much and failed to prepare for the future. My wife is insecure and concerned that we don’t have enough saved or invested for retirement. We need to move forward but are making zero progress. Can […]
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 […]
Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche: What’s The Best Method To Pay Off My Debt?
Debt is something that affects the vast majority of Americans today. In fact, Comet reports that 80.9% of Baby Boomers, 79.9% of Generation X, and 81.5% of Millennials are currently in debt. That’s a lot of people! The adverse effects of debt can be detrimental – it can greatly harm your physical, mental, spiritual, relational, […]