Dear Chuck, We have to cut our spending this year, but I really don’t know where to begin. When I bring up the subject, my spouse always has an excuse. If we don’t get things under control, we are going to face eviction from our landlord. Cash Crunch Dear Cash Crunch, I’m so glad […]
Dear Chuck, My wife and I are aggressively saving for a down payment on a house. We’ve toyed with the idea of selling one of our two cars. Is that too radical? First-Time Homebuyers Dear First-Time Homebuyers, This is a great question. Because of the inflationary market we are in right now, it is […]
Dear Chuck, My adult children rarely cook. They eat out and have groceries or meals delivered. I’m on a mission to teach my grandchildren how to cook—to prepare them to save money and become more self-sufficient in the future. I want to make it fun but could use some tips. Cooking Up Some Savings […]
Dear Chuck, My husband’s sales job has not produced good income since the pandemic. We’re in our early 60s, have $10,000 in a savings account, $25,000 in our 401(k), a paid-off home, and no debt. We’ve considered downsizing. Do you advise drawing down on our 401(k) now? Managing Cash Flow Dear Managing Cash Flow, […]
Dear Chuck, My home is in need of multiple costly repairs. My neighbor just did a major update on his home, and he told me he did it with a cash-out refinance. We also need a new car. What should we do? Refi Home Dear Refi Home, There is a lot in your question […]
Dear Chuck, I dread making financial resolutions every new year because I usually fail at keeping them. Can you offer any simple tips to help me manage money better this year? Something that’s fail-proof? Fail-Proof Financial Resolutions Dear Fail-Proof Financial Resolutions, First, Happy New Year! It is always exciting to me to roll the […]
Dear Chuck, I have the After-Christmas Blues. My joy gets packed away with all the Christmas decorations. How can I carry the joy of Christmas into next year? After-Christmas Blues Dear After-Christmas Blues, It is not uncommon for people to experience depressing thoughts after Christmas. Not only are the beautiful decorations packed away but […]
Dear Chuck, I am weary of the commercialization of Christmas. My family is hosting Christmas this year, and I want to prioritize the real meaning of our celebration, not money or stuff. I long to simply focus on the birth of Christ. How can I do that when friends and family expect more? Making Christmas […]
Dear Chuck, I have five adult children who constantly come to me with financial emergencies. I am 70 years old. Our family is fractured, so I’m trying all I can to preserve relationships. How intrusive can I be in their use of money? Financially Fatigued Mom Dear Financially Fatigued Mom, The Scripture is true: […]
Dear Chuck, My husband and I are both working adults. With 3 kids at home and trying to care for some extended family here and abroad, I am increasingly struggling with financial anxiety. Now the holiday pressures are making it worse. Please help me deal with this! Family Financial Stress Dear Family Financial Stress, […]
