Dear Chuck, Watching the news lately makes me question the American Dream. In a disaster, things suddenly lose their meaning. It’s relationships that count. How can I pass this on to my loved ones? Life is a Vapor Dear Life is a Vapor, I am with you on this one! Life is but a […]
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 […]
Dear Chuck, So, I cosigned for a student loan and now I’m stuck paying for it. Is there anything I can do? Regretful Dear Regretful, Unfortunately, the same thing happened with my Dad and we have not found a satisfactory remedy. He was approached by an employee whose son needed assistance to get a […]
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 […]
Dear Chuck, I want to plan a honeymoon for my autumn wedding. But, with student loans and car debt, I know I should not use a credit card or deplete my savings that way. I hate to disappoint my fiancé but believe we should wait to take a trip when we are better off financially. […]
Dear Chuck, Our medical bills are huge this year. We chose a high deductible to keep our monthly insurance payments down. But, we never dreamed we would experience this! Between ambulance rides, emergency rooms, hospitals, doctors, medications, and therapy, the bills are catastrophic. We need hope and light at the end of this dark tunnel. […]
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 […]
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? […]
Dear Chuck, My husband is tired of my overspending. I struggle living on the budget he’s made because I make quick purchases rather than planning ahead. Then I feel guilty defending my decisions when the bills arrive. How can I get out of this cycle? Spontaneous Spender Dear Spontaneous, Frist, be thankful you have […]
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 […]
