Ask Chuck: Preparing for Negative Interest Rates
Dear Chuck, Are we headed towards negative interest rates? If so, how in the world do I prepare for that? Rates Below Zero? Dear Rates Below Zero, This is a great but very challenging question. With our federal funds rate (the cost for our banks and financial institutions to borrow money) essentially at zero […]
Ask Chuck: Understanding Inflation/Deflation
Dear Chuck, I’m new to investing and don’t really understand the ramifications of inflation and deflation. I would like to position myself to minimize loss regardless of what happens. Any tips? Novice Investor Dear Novice Investor, I am not a professional investment advisor but can give you some Biblical financial principles that will help you […]
The Presidential Election and the Worst-Case Scenario for Investors
I grew up with a generalized investing philosophy espoused by my grandfather: invest during a Democratic administration (market down), sell during a Republican administration (market up). Since I am going to write about what I think is the worst-case scenario for investors post-November 3, 2020 when the nation selects its next President, I decided to […]
Ask Chuck: Universal Basic Income Explained
Dear Chuck, Can you explain the concept of Universal Basic Income? It seems more like a Robin Hood plan than good economics. Concerned Taxpayer Dear Concerned Taxpayer, Universal Basic Income (UBI), known by many other names, is defined by its most ardent supporters like this: “It is a regular income paid to everyone without […]
UBI – The Promise and Peril of Universal Basic Income
What is Universal Basic Income (UBI), you might ask? Although known by many other names – citizen’s income, citizen’s basic income, basic income guarantee, guaranteed annual income, or universal demogrant –this is how its most ardent supporters would answer that question: “It is a regular income paid to everyone without any conditions. Everyone would automatically […]
Ask Chuck: Should I Buy a House?
Dear Chuck, My wife and I are considering buying a house now although it’s a year earlier than we planned. We don’t know if the low rates will be available next year. Should we go for it? Buy or Hold? Dear Buy or Hold, You and your wife are not the only ones with […]
Ask Chuck: Should I Buy Gold?
Dear Chuck, Gold is soaring now. Should I buy gold before our economy tanks? Gold Fever Dear Gold Fever, I’m probably going to step on some toes because people have very strong opinions about gold. Gold, speaking of the tangible metal, is an asset, a commodity, and makes for a good insurance policy–but not […]
Ask Chuck: Preparing For a Cashless Society?
Dear Chuck, I’m hearing more and more about a “cashless society.” What can we as believers do to prepare for such a possibility and how should we navigate the days ahead? Prepping for Digital Currency Dear Prepping for Digital Currency, This is not an easy question as there are many strong, differing opinions; some […]
Confronting Economic Injustice
My heart aches. I lament the cruel treatment of black people, the senseless loss of life. I have shed tears in private. I am disturbed by my only recent real sensitivity to the obvious pent up hurt and hopelessness in the black community. They are tired, frustrated, and longing for lasting change. So am I. […]
Ask Chuck: Is there Hope for this Economic Crisis?
Dear Chuck, Is the sky falling? I have never seen so much panic around a virus in my life! It seems the economic damage being done is worse than the flu? When will this nightmare end? Holding Out Hope Dear Holding Out Hope, Bear with me; a lot is going on. The events we […]