Ask Chuck: The Secret to a Secure Future
Dear Chuck, I am burdened with the terrible things I hear in the news. I’ve become anxious and wake up worried in the middle of the night. I’m especially struggling with the fear of not having enough money in the future. I grew up in poverty and have worked hard to avoid that for my […]
Ask Chuck: Everything You Need to Know About Negative Interest Rates
Dear Chuck, I can’t wrap my head around negative interest rates. What does this mean for my savings accounts in the bank? Can you help me figure this out? Confused about Rates Dear Confused, You are not the only one who finds this a challenge to understand. Simply put, it inverts the model that […]
Ask Chuck: How to Get Out of the Timeshare Trap
Dear Chuck, My husband and I purchased a timeshare years ago. We used it for a time, but, we are ready to be rid of it. Are there any good options that you know of? Tired of Time Sharing Dear Tired of Time Sharing, Not only are you tired of your timeshare, so are […]
Ask Chuck: How Do I Financially Prepare My Child for College?
Dear Chuck, I’ve tried to prepare my daughter to handle money responsibly while she’s away at college. But, I’m concerned that peer pressure and the stress of classes will throw her off track. Any tips? Budget Minded Mom Dear Budget Minded, Congratulations are in order for preparing her for this crucial transition. Far too […]
Ask Chuck: The Cost of Kids
Dear Chuck, I am engaged to a man who recently declared he would prefer we not have children. He believes the rising cost of living will prohibit our ability to adequately provide for more than ourselves, especially if we have to help care for our parents. I struggle with that because I believe that by […]
Ask Chuck: New Car Before Baby?
Dear Chuck, My husband and I drive older, paid-for cars. His is 11 years old and mine is 9. Neither give us any issues. People are telling us we need to buy a new car before the arrival of our first baby at the end of the year. We’re not convinced. What do you think? […]
Ask Chuck: When To Take Social Security?
Dear Chuck, I’m 64 and like my job as a plant supervisor. I plan to continue working until I am 70. Is it better to begin drawing full Social Security at age 66 or wait until 70 and get the higher amount? I am getting conflicting advice. Not So Secure Dear Not So, You […]
Ask Chuck: Should My Wife and I Have a Joint Bank Account?
Dear Chuck, I am engaged to be married late this summer. My father recently asked if we are planning to have joint accounts like he and mom have for decades. I didn’t have an answer. We have friends with joint accounts and some with separate ones. We want to start off right. What do you […]
Ask Chuck: Should I Use My Retirement Funds to Bail Out My Adult Children?
Dear Chuck, My parents, in their late 60s, are both still working full-time. I blame it in part on a sibling who failed in business. Rather than allowing him to learn from his mistakes and even though they did not have much themselves, they rescued him and drained their retirement accounts to pay his debts. […]
Ask Chuck: Trade School vs Bachelor’s Degree
Dear Chuck, My wife and I are committed to financially helping our children get college degrees. We’ve graduated two and have three to go. We are not sure a four-year college will work for one of our children and are considering directing him towards a trade. What are your thoughts? Skilled Labor Dear Skilled, […]