Ask Chuck: When Should I Buy a New Car?
Dear Chuck, I want to replace my mother’s clunker and am considering financing a new one. My father died unexpectedly and I want her to hold onto what little savings she has. What would you do? Taking Care of Mom Dear Taking Care of Mom, It is wonderful that you are helping your mom. […]
Ask Chuck: 4 Steps to Prepare for a Recession
Dear Chuck, I keep reading about experts predicting that a recession is coming. What do you think? Although I am getting ready, what is your advice to help me ride it out? Getting Ready Dear Getting Ready, Of course a recession is coming! They are inevitable; we just don’t know when or if we […]
Ask Chuck: Should I Tithe on My Retirement Accounts?
Dear Chuck, I’ve been socking away money in a 401(k) account for years. I’ve tried to live like the ant in Proverbs. I have no plans to retire any time soon, but I may take some of the money to pay off credit card debts that accumulated during my wife’s health issues. I want to […]
Ask Chuck: How to Give and Save on a Budget
Dear Chuck, Giving is a problem for me. I’m playing catch-up for retirement and fear that giving will prevent my having enough for the future. How can I balance my desire to give with my need to be saving more? In a Conundrum Dear In a Conundrum, Many American Christians find themselves in a […]
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? […]