Ask Chuck: A Year of “Unexpecteds”
Dear Chuck, 2020 has been a year of ”unexpecteds.” My wife is pregnant and we are growing concerned about raising a child in the city. We are considering moving since both our jobs offer online flexibility. Any advice? Thanks for your ministry. Headed for the Suburbs Dear Headed for the Suburbs, First of all, […]
Ask Chuck: Planning a Budget-Friendly Wedding
Dear Chuck, We anticipate two of our girls will be getting married in the near future. Due to the uncertainty with COVID and the economic setback in our family business, we are unsure how to proceed. Any advice? Father of the Brides Dear Father of the Brides, These are in fact strange times for […]
Ask Chuck: Preparing for Another Pandemic?
Dear Chuck, I wasn’t ready for the pandemic. My health has been fine but my finances have not. How can I get ready if we are faced with another crisis? Prepping for Another Pandemic Dear Prepping, I am sorry you were not ready for the pandemic but I am grateful that your health is […]
Ask Chuck: Credit Card Vs. 401(k)?
Dear Chuck, My home’s air conditioner went out. We’re getting by with some fans but need to replace the unit soon. Should I use a low interest rate credit card or borrow from my 401(k)? Hot in Texas Dear Hot in Texas, Having grown up in Texas myself, I understand this is a need […]
Ask Chuck: Ready to Retire?
Dear Chuck, I can retire in two years at age 65. Our home is paid for but we have almost nothing saved for retirement. We can get by on Social Security but it will be tight. How are others getting by who are in this shape? Retirement Planning Dear Retirement Planning, It is great […]
Ask Chuck: Is Refinancing My House Worth It?
Dear Chuck, With interest rates so low, should we refinance our house? We bought it in 2014 for $220,000. We put 10% down and still pay PMI. We think it is worth $240,000 now. We also have some troubling credit card debt we want to pay off in the refi. Refi Now? Dear Refi […]
Ask Chuck: Should I Save, or Invest in My Career?
Dear Chuck, I have not spent my $1200 stimulus check since I have no real savings. I am insecure about losing my job but really want to do something else anyway if I get laid off. Should I invest in getting training for a future job or just keep the money in an emergency account? […]
Ask Chuck: Investment Advice During a Crisis
Dear Chuck, I’m fatigued from all the “fake news,” flawed forecasts, imagined scenarios, and conspiracy theories that are circulating in the world today. How do I know what is true or false anymore! I am trying to decide what to do with my investments but feel paralyzed right now. In a Holding Pattern Dear […]
Ask Chuck: How to Encourage Someone Affected by COVID-19
Dear Chuck, Many we know have been hurt financially due to the coronavirus shelter-in policies. What should I know to encourage others as they try to survive this? Trying to Help My Neighbor Dear Trying to Help, The coronavirus has created a lot of uncertainty in every sector of the population. I cannot address […]
The Upside of Unemployment
If you or someone you care about are among the millions of Americans who have recently been furloughed (usually a temporary work interruption), laid off (dismissed permanently), or lost a contract job that provided all of your income, be encouraged. There can actually be an upside to this season of unemployment. The key is […]