Dear Chuck,
I hate paying taxes. With the many changes under President Trump, is there anything I should do differently to legally avoid paying more taxes?
Legal Tax Avoidance
Dear Legal Tax Avoidance,
I often do not agree with how tax dollars are used (or wasted), but there are many good reasons to legally pay the taxes that you owe, not the least of which is that Jesus told us to. It is also good stewardship to do your best to avoid overpaying taxes, but my hope is that you are not trying to skirt the law and escape paying what you honestly owe. It is better to seek an “income tax minimization” strategy rather than a “tax avoidance” strategy.
The following steps can assist you and potentially enable you to lower your federal tax bill.
Year-End Tax Prep
No matter how much we dread the work of doing taxes, prepping for April’s filing can be financially rewarding. However, you need to take action now.
Organize Documents
Maximize Tax-Advantaged Contributions
Review Deductions and Credits
Education Breaks
Plan for Investment Income
Defer Income
Avoid the “Kiddie Tax”
Remember Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
Schedule a Meeting with a Tax Advisor
Pay to Caesar What Is Caesar’s
The Bible makes clear that paying taxes is a responsibility of a nation’s citizens. When the Pharisees approached Jesus with a question about paying taxes, they hoped to trip him up. Upon hearing his answer, however, they marveled and went away.
“‘Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?’ But Jesus, aware of their malice, said,
‘Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.’
And they brought him a denarius.
And Jesus said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’
They said, ‘Caesar’s.’ Then he said to them,
‘Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’”
Matthew 22:17–21 (ESV)
Jesus is asking us for far more than the coins collected by Caesar; He is asking for our hearts. When we give Him our hearts, we don’t have to fear the demands that Caesar may place upon us because we belong to the Everlasting God. So pay the taxes you owe, and remember, no matter how much you do not like it, we have better and lasting treasures coming when we give our hearts to Christ.
Additional Resources
Do you want more tools and tips on financial stewardship? Are you interested in receiving encouraging ministry updates from around the world? Sign up to receive the Crown Newsletter emails by using the form on the homepage at Crown.org.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on December 12, 2025.
Dear Chuck,
We have been married for seven years and are now ready to buy a home. I know it is a little early, but would you advise us to take advantage of the 50-year mortgage for our first home purchase if it becomes available?
Waiting to Purchase a Home
Dear Waiting to Purchase a Home,
The Trump administration is floating the idea of a 50-year mortgage. It is a very controversial proposal. A quick calculation using current interest rates indicates that the total cost of a $400,000 home would rise to close to $1,000,000 with a 50-year mortgage.
Although that sounds crazy, let’s look at the reasons for the proposal first and then the pros and cons.
Home Buying Is Delayed
The average age of first-time home buyers continues to steadily increase. Realtor.com reports that it has reached 40 years old in 2025. In 2023, Zillow and The Knot conducted an analysis showing a 55% increase in couples choosing house funds for their wedding gift registries since 2018. Guests donate money toward a down payment or home renovations as a gift instead of purchasing a physical item. The money goes to the newlyweds’ bank account.
America’s current housing finance laws would need to change for government backing of 50-year mortgages. And there is some question whether lenders would be willing to offer a reasonable fixed interest rate for such a long term. Though risky, private lenders could create 50-year non-qualified mortgage loans by charging higher interest rates. This could potentially help open up the first-time home buyer market.
Pros
Cons
Better than Renting?
Supporters suggest that the 50-year mortgage is superior to 50 years of renting—especially if homeowners refinance at some point or pay it off early. However, potential consequences cannot be ignored. A 50-year mortgage may open the door to buying a more expensive home than someone can truly afford or investing in multiple homes.
The risk is that most people will not stay in the home for 50 years. As of 2024, the median tenure (the midpoint where half of homeowners have stayed longer and half shorter) stands at 11.8 years, according to multiple real estate data analyses. This is nearly double the 6.5 years recorded in 2005. If the homeowner moves or refinances in under 10 years, they will build very little equity.
Japan Has Tried Something Similar
Extremely long-term mortgages (up to 100 years, sometimes called “three-generation loans”) were introduced in the late 1980s during Japan’s asset bubble era. Low interest rates and speculative real estate fever led to lax lending practices. These allowed families to pass the debt across generations, but they contributed to financial risks when the bubble burst in 1990, causing widespread defaults and underwater loans. By the 1990s, such products had largely vanished from the market due to regulatory tightening and economic fallout.
Expert Opinions
“My fear is that the 50-year mortgage is going to attract the unsavvy consumer, and someone who doesn’t understand how finances work and how interest works. If you are in a 50-year mortgage, it’s going to take you four times as long to build the equity in the home. It’s going to attract a consumer that’s already struggling. There’s going to be an even larger disparity, once again, between the wealthy and the poor. And I think the disparity is going to get even bigger with this 50-year mortgage” (Micah Smith, credit repair expert).
“It’s not going to solve the primary issue in the housing market” (Daryl Fairweather, Redfin chief economist).
“The slow equity build would make trading up or down very difficult. It would also take almost 40 years to pay off half the balance, meaning most borrowers would not begin building meaningful equity until the final decade” (Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors).
“If too many people take out these long-term loans, it could create a bubble where home values are artificially inflated, especially if buyers are stretching their budgets just to get into the market” (Todd Luong, REMAX DFW associate, Frisco, Texas).
Some Advice
The Bible says that “the borrower is a servant to the lender” (Provers 22:7 KJV).
Long-term debt is dangerous, so:
Helpful Tools and Articles
Are 50-Year Mortgages a Viable Option? Breaking Down the Numbers
How a 50-Year Mortgage Would Differ From a 30-Year Mortgage
10 Ways to Get a Lower Mortgage
Helping Adult Children Get a House
If credit card debt is a financial burden or is hindering you from saving for a down payment, consider reaching out to Christian Credit Counselors. They are a trusted partner of Crown and can help you consolidate debt and get on the road to financial freedom.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on December 5, 2025.
Dear Mr. Buffett,
I am writing to you with a mixed sense of joy and lament after reading your recent and final chairman’s letter to Berkshire Hathaway’s (BRK-A) shareholders.
First, thank you for all that you have done for so many investors, businesses, and plain individuals like me in ways that you could never fully know or comprehend. You and Charlie Munger combined to create one of the greatest wealth-building teams in modern times.
For full disclosure, I am not a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder; no doubt you will hear from many of them whose lives and personal fortunes have been enriched by investing in BRK A or B or following your advice. But like so many others around the world, I sincerely appreciate your influence in my life by just watching and learning from afar. Not only have you accomplished much through your personal investing, but you have openly and transparently educated so many others along the way in finances, economics, and stewarding resources well.
It would be such an honor and joy if my letter finds its way into your hands because, like Alfred Nobel, whom you mentioned had a 2nd chance to recast his legacy, I believe you, too, can correct a sentiment expressed in your final letter before “going quiet.” More about that to come.
The Big One That Got Away
My dad, who is now 92, often repeated the story to us of the time when his friend convinced him to buy a share of BRK-A stock in 1986, when “Mr. Market” (as you have referred to it) valued a share at $2900. At that time, Dad thought the stock was overvalued or just too expensive for his liquidity! His friend, who encouraged him to buy the share, jumped in by purchasing a whopping 10 shares. Dad got cold feet and sold his single share for a $500 gain. His friend, on the other hand, decided to hold on to his stock. The rest is history. “Mr. Market” says that a single share of BRK-A is valued at over $753,000 today!
When you began the “Lunch Auction,” the opportunity to sit with you for a private lunch, more than 20 years ago, I tracked the first auction with daydream-like interest. It was a brilliant idea and a winsome means to generate funds to support a meaningful charitable cause. I watched as the price quickly left the stratosphere. My understanding is that every winner bid more than $1,000,000 to be invited to the steak dinner with you! This simple gesture raised more than $34 million for an organization that provides services to the poor and homeless. These bids did not come from foolish people. They were successful business leaders wanting to learn from your wisdom.
World’s Best Investor
While we do not know each other, I teach others about Biblical financial principles and often refer to you (and Charlie) as the “world’s best investors,” a well-deserved accolade and respect earned, not just from the result of your financial achievements but also from the way it was earned. Starting from a very young age, you saw and took opportunities to invest and make money grow. Few people that I have ever read about were so mature and forward-thinking as an adolescent. Certainly, I was not one of them. To the contrary, I was very foolish with money well into my young adulthood.
There is little doubt that your fortunes were accumulated through a unique gift combined with diligent study, brilliant analysis, common sense, self-control, and virtue. A very special combination of intelligence and humility always guided you. Your success did not come from an inheritance, luck, or random chance. In my frame of reference, this is summarized as wisdom.
Many have studied and chronicled the lessons in life and investing learned from you. One of my favorites is University of Berkshire Hathaway: 30 Years of Lessons Learned from Warren Buffett & Charlie Munger at the Annual Shareholders Meeting. It is only appropriate to add here that Charlie Munger was cut from the same cloth, and the two of you modeled friendship, wisdom, and humility in the way you sought and listened to each other’s counsel. Author Daniel Pecaut described his book as a summary of the “lessons, wisdom, and investment strategies handed down personally from Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger to shareholders during 30 years of their closed-door annual meetings.” He never mentioned you being lucky.
Like many of your annual letters, the final one was filled with wit and practical insights gleaned from real life. It was heartwarming to read of your heartfelt fondness for Omaha, Nebraska, as you recounted your gratitude for Dr. Hotz, a family physician with high personal attentiveness to your childhood maladies; for the friends who shared your midwestern values; for your education; for your first and only home; for good neighbors; and for the many highly accomplished fellow Nebraskans who became significant business leaders.
In pondering your personal life reflections, my mind was pulled to the redemptive story in Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life. You are like George Bailey, a hometown boy who did well for others by sacrificially saving the bank from the evil, greedy Henry Potter. He never left Bedford Falls, but by doing well for his depositors and remaining true to his values, he blessed everyone around him. The celebration in the closing scene reminds us all that character matters more than money or power. That simple story is considered one of the “Top 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.”
Now at age 95, you, the “Oracle of Omaha,” have stated that you are “going quiet.” I will miss your updates and your plain-spoken wisdom. Had I been able to attend an annual meeting or win my very own Lunch Auction and sit face-to-face, I would make one appeal for your consideration.
Your final letter makes significant reference to “dumb luck,” “luck,” and “Lady Luck.” The term is intentionally used while making self-deprecating comments about your long life and disproportionate share of financial rewards. I understand you are deflecting credit and humbly acknowledging it was not all about you. That is true; we Americans were advantaged to be born during a time of increased life spans, tremendous economic opportunity, and unprecedented global expansion. But I believe we can identify the source of all good fortune.
My worldview is that God controls our destiny, and some are set apart through wisdom. Solomon, the wisest and richest man to ever walk the Earth, said it this way, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures” (Proverbs 24:3–4 NIV). This statement closely resembles another: “The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens” (Proverbs 3:19 NIV).
I don’t, for a minute, believe your life story is attributed to Lady Luck, good fortune, karma, or random chance. God gave you the health, intelligence, and wisdom to accomplish so much. King David summarized his worldview about wealth and success like this:
“Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as being in control of everything. Riches and honor come from you alone, and you are the ruler of all mankind. Your hand controls power and might, and it is at your discretion that men are made great and given strength.”
1 Chronicles 29:11–12 (TLB)
God gave you the riches and the honor, Mr. Buffett. He deserves it in return. I pray that you will consider giving credit to the real Author of your remarkable life story.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on November 21, 2025.
This week, I am not responding to a question but expressing my personal views on the implications of the rise of democratic socialism in America.
Robin Hood is a legend in English folklore based on the illegal and daring exploits of a good-hearted crusader for the common man, or peasants. His heroic character is considered to symbolize resistance to abusive authority and heavy taxation.
Over the years, the books and movies based on this fictional character have romanticized the idea of taking from the rich (always portrayed as greedy, selfish, and corrupt), with altruistic motives, of course, to redistribute to the poor and oppressed victims. Robin Hood was never portrayed as greedy, selfish, or corrupt, only kind, just, benevolent, and generous—the perfect protector and redistributor of wealth to the masses.
It sounds very much like the modern platform of democratic socialism.
In my 2021 book, Seven Gray Swans, I offered a Biblical analysis of seven key trends that I labeled as gray swans. In the simplest of terms, a gray swan is an obvious danger that we tend to ignore. My list included, among others, universal basic income, social scoring, biometric IDs, and democratic socialism.
The threat of democratic socialism is no longer an outlier. It has landed with significant favor and force in two of America’s largest cities, Chicago and New York, with another one possibly being Seattle.
New York is home to the Statue of Liberty and a symbol of the American Dream. The words inscribed on the base of our iconic symbol of freedom since 1886 are a welcome to the world’s immigrants: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”
Ironically, in New York City, it is a significant number of those huddled masses, immigrants who are new to the United States of America, who are rejecting the American Dream and uniting with the utopian dream of democratic socialism, or Robin Hood economics, as I call it.
Economic Models Based on a Fable
Mayor Mamdani, a democratic socialist and former New York State Assembly member, centered his 2025 campaign on making New York City more affordable for working families, emphasizing housing, childcare, transit, wages, and progressive taxation. His platform drew massive voter turnout, particularly among young people and first-time voters, by promising bold economic reforms, all pointing to his adoption of Robin Hood economics:
These promises form the core of Mamdani’s “affordability agenda,” which he vows to deliver starting January 1, 2026, through alliances with state lawmakers and a compassionate City Hall.
According to experts, “It’s a recipe for economic disaster.” Read why economists loathe his housing policy, just one of his proposed reforms.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also proposes economic reform rooted in Robin Hood economics that captures revenue from large corporations and high earners to address structural deficits. This approach draws from his background as a former Chicago Teachers Union organizer and Cook County commissioner, prioritizing “people over profits” and countering federal cuts. His flagship framework is Build Better Together.
Johnson’s policies aim to balance fiscal responsibility with social equity, avoiding broad property tax hikes but proposing progressive taxes focused on affordable housing, mental health, public safety, youth services, and environmental justice. He believes he can generate new revenue with a “head tax” of $21/employee/month on firms with 100+ employees and by increasing taxes on Big Tech/large corporations and the “ultra-rich” in order to avoid increasing personal property taxes and to reduce motor vehicle taxes.
What Is Wrong with Robin Hood Economics?
No matter what names, labels, or crafty marketing slogans are given to this approach, it is an economic philosophy that is guaranteed to increase the power and size of government as well as taxes on job creators and businesses, which will drive job providers (entrepreneurs, investors, and large corporations) out of business or out of state.
Democratic socialism is based on a fable that actually increases human suffering while claiming to be morally superior and virtuous. Those who are frustrated with being locked out of the opportunities they dreamed of are most likely to fall for these poorly devised solutions proven to be catastrophic in places like Venezuela, Cuba, and North Korea.
Robin Hood economics is driven by the sinful forces of envy, greed, and coveting. The Bible warns us in the Tenth Commandment not to covet what other people have. It is a dangerous attitude based on envy and class warfare.
Reread Scripture’s description of Jezebel’s seizing of Naboth’s vineyard for her husband, Ahab. The belief that government can take from others and redistribute to whomever they choose will lead to the murderous ways of Ahab and Jezebel. Democratic socialism is dangerous and creates policies that can bring about economic collapse.
Desperate, hurting people need care and support to get back on their feet. The role of the Church is to love our neighbors who are suffering and show them a better way to flourish. None of us will benefit if the government continues to become more and more like Robin Hood.
Here are some good articles for more information:
Do you want more tools and tips on financial stewardship? Are you interested in receiving encouraging ministry updates from around the world? Sign up to receive the Crown Newsletter emails by using the form on the homepage at Crown.org.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on November 14, 2025.
Dear Chuck,
I love shopping the Black Friday deals with my friends—it’s a fun tradition for me. My husband says it’s just a marketing gimmick, and I’ll end up spending more money. What do you and your wife do?
Black Friday Shopper
Dear Black Friday Shopper,
My wife, Ann, who helps me with research and insights into every Ask Chuck column, does most of our Christmas shopping. She is not a Black Friday shopper because she finds deals all year round and sees through the hype of the so-called promos this time of year. She offers her insights in our response to your question.
What Is Black Friday?
Black Friday falls on November 28th this year. The “deals” go from Thanksgiving evening through Sunday evening and are followed by Cyber Monday. They have become the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season. The name originated back in the 1960s, identifying the time of year when retailers’ books went from red to black—that point in time when they would begin to actually profit from sales. More and more stores recognized the value of increased sales volume with the accompanying foot traffic. It has evolved into a shopping phenomenon.
Today, many companies offer sale prices before these days. Just be aware of price inflation leading up to Black Friday, making discounts deceptive. Recognize emotional marketing that traps consumers into buying unneeded or unplanned items, like “once in a lifetime,” “doorbusters,” and “limited time offer.” I like to remember that nothing is truly scarce or worth pushing and shoving to get.
Overspending Is Common
According to the National Retail Federation, 197 million shoppers participated in the five days of Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales in 2024. They spent an average of $235 on holiday gifts, including clothing, accessories, toys, gift cards, food, candy, personal care, and beauty items. A survey conducted by Experian found that 63% admitted spending too much during the holidays. 56% felt stressed about their finances during the holiday season. There’s a graph on this website that shows how people overspent. Nearly half of the consumers felt obligated to spend more than they could afford on holiday gifts, making it hard to enjoy the season. A third worried that spending would negatively affect their credit.
Pros of Black Friday
Cons of Black Friday
Thankfully, there is a growing trend toward conscious consumerism, leading many people to prioritize sustainability and ethical considerations over discounted prices.
Beware of Materialism
John Bunyan referred to the danger of materialism at Vanity Fair in his classic work Pilgrim’s Progress. Christian and Faithful were distracted by all the temptations and then suffered for refusing to participate in the folly.
Charles Dickens visited America several times and was dismayed at the obsession with material possessions and the lack of genuine human connection.
We should prayerfully discern if and how we have fallen for the world’s ways. We can avoid it by being grateful. We can guard our hearts (and wallets) by limiting media consumption and time with people who encourage us to spend too much money—knowing and avoiding our triggers. We can declutter and donate what we do not need while passing valuables on to loved ones.
Celebrate Well
Spend time with your family this Thanksgiving! Enjoy this season free of stress. Let the true meaning of Christmas reign in your heart and home. May it overflow to your neighbors and co-workers.
I am all about giving! Just know why and for what you are shopping. Ask family what they want for Christmas. In the years when our kids all get together, we use an online tool to draw names and enter our gift requests. A spending limit allows all to enjoy without the stress of money.
I challenge you to think less about what you want and more about what others need. Ask God how you can help the poor, needy, widows, orphans, prisoners, and persecuted church.
“And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’”
Luke 12:15 (ESV)
Here’s an additional resource you may find helpful:
10 Ways to Avoid Overspending on the Biggest Shopping Day of the Year
If credit card debt is a financial woe, Black Friday shopping can lead to even more stress. Consider reaching out to Christian Credit Counselors. They are a trusted partner of Crown and are able to help consolidate debt and get you on the road to financial freedom.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on November 7, 2025.
Dear Chuck,
I finally graduated with my master’s degree and would love to buy a new car. My spouse and I do not agree; she wants me to keep driving my 2017 clunker and pay off the student loan debt. Who is right?
Ready for My Dream Car
Dear Ready for My Dream Car,
So glad you asked. Let me turn this around and ask you some questions before I reply. Let’s start with a few probes so you and your spouse can get on the same page.
Context of Your Financial Picture
When a Dream Car Becomes a Nightmare
I have written previously about how people are getting in over their heads with massive car payments. With rapid depreciation before the new car smell even wears off, young couples often regret their choice to buy new. For transparency, my wife and I can afford to buy new cars without debt, but we choose to drive what some may consider clunkers. Last year, I upgraded to a 2018. Her vehicle is a 2016. We are happy to live without a new car.
If driving a new car raises your debt load, consider whether that is more important than driving your current car and experiencing financial freedom.
It has become an accepted way of life in America to have a mortgage, car payments, and consumer debt. Unfortunately, many people sleepwalk into this scenario without thinking through the long-term ramifications.
Some are asking if owning a car has become a luxury. Is owning one or two even necessary? For couples or families with multiple vehicles, consider whether having two or more is really necessary. Selling an unnecessary vehicle can provide margin in several ways, including paying down debt, saving for a home, or paying off student loans.
Young couples need to analyze their priorities and take a serious look at personal debt in general. If possible, driving dependable, older model vehicles is a way to avoid paying interest on value-depreciating new ones. A recent article at BankRate.com found that Americans pay $575 per month in hidden ownership costs. That is almost $7,000 per year. That could go a long way to paying off student loans or other debts early in life!
Many couples, if willing to get beyond the stigma, can figure out how to get by with one car, especially if they live in an area where it is possible to walk, bike, carpool, or use public transportation. Check out the following pros of taking your wife’s advice.
Pros
Questions to Discuss With Your Spouse
Delayed Gratification Is Always Wise
Just because you can afford to replace a car doesn’t mean you need to. We often fail to give thanks for the way a car has lasted because we’re more concerned with how it looks or how we are perceived by others. In what other ways could that money be used? What will you have to give up to own it? How about the joy of making your spouse happy; why push for what may divide you?
Buying new may be best in certain situations. But learning to discern between wants and needs is important for financial wellness. Above all else, staying united in your marriage pays long-term dividends!
“Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?”
– Isaiah 55:2 (ESV)
Before you make a final decision, here are some important articles that will give you more perspective:
Crown’s Family & Finances Podcast is a great resource for those who want to dive deeper together. Chuck and Ann Bentley discuss lessons they’ve learned and offer wisdom in the areas of marriage and family related to finances.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on October 31, 2025.
Dear Chuck,
How can I have Christmas without putting it all on a credit card? January bills have stressed me out for three years in a row, and I’m resolved to avoid that this year!
Christmas Without Debt
Dear Christmas Without Debt,
The “Holiday Debt Hangover” is a cycle that can and should be broken. It is a vicious trap for you and millions of Americans. You don’t have a lot of time, so let’s look at some drastic measures.
Try a Spending Freeze
Ever heard of “No-Spend September”? It doesn’t matter that the month has already passed! Any time during the year works to help you reset your spending to save for a specific goal. Here’s how it works: pay your regular bills, but cut out all discretionary spending. In other words, cover your needs, and curb your wants. You may be shocked at how much money you can save by carefully freezing all unnecessary spending.
Kiplinger reports that a one-month freeze is eye-opening. It is not easy, and you can burn out unless you modify spending around certain life situations. So aim for flexibility in your effort to reach the goal you set. Keeping track of how much you save can motivate you to steward your finances with care in the months following. Besides being financially beneficial, you will be rewarded emotionally. If you continue spending with care, you will develop habits that can benefit you for a lifetime.
Before you start, ask God for wisdom and self-control. Ask Him to help you be content with what you have and depend on Him more during this time. Look for ways to give thanks for all that you have and all you can do, rather than complain about what you can’t do.
Do
Don’t
Generate Extra Cash
Try selling personal items you no longer need. Do you have a storage unit that can be emptied with a weekend sale? What about listing some items on Facebook Marketplace that you no longer need? Or take on extra work. Seasonal jobs are in demand during the holidays.
Meanwhile
Develop a budget for Christmas shopping that helps you avoid spontaneous decisions. Remember that you are a steward (manager) of all God provides. You have been entrusted to wisely spend what you earn. The world has countless ways to get us to part with money, and our enemy enjoys putting Christians in financial bondage. The more interest we pay on debt, the less we can give to the Kingdom.
Also, we don’t need to spend like the world spends at Christmas. Materialism is a trap. It hurts our children and our marriages and distracts from the true meaning of the season. Instead of getting caught up in the pressure of the season, sit back and think through what really matters.
Research shows that experiences have more of an impact than gifts. Consider a card for each of your loved ones that promises to take them to their favorite destination or experience in the coming year. Discover ways you can spend time with friends and family and give what matters most: love expressed with quality time together.
Scripture
“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13 (ESV)
Remember the poor, the lonely, and the isolated. Invite them into your Christmas plans. I can’t help but think of Dickens’ Christmas Carol. After experiencing three vivid dreams, Scrooge woke up a changed man. The realization that he was still alive filled him with overwhelming joy and led him to bless the Cratchit family and others abundantly. It costs nothing to spread Christ’s love and joy during this celebration of our Savior.
May each of us experience that kind of joy in the days ahead!
Here is some extra reading for more ideas on how to steward resources during the holidays:
If credit card debt is a financial burden for you in general, consider reaching out to Christian Credit Counselors. They are a trusted partner of Crown and are able to help consolidate debt and get you on the road to financial freedom.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on October 24, 2025.
Dear Chuck,
I’m a 28-year-old professional female, a committed Christian, and single. Although I date occasionally, I am in a waiting pattern for the right man. So many of my friends say I am too picky, but I want to marry a man who knows how to manage money well so we have financial security. What is the best way to know if they are good with money?
Looking for Mr. Right
Dear Looking for Mr. Right,
While you have a great general idea, I am so grateful that Ann and I got married in spite of my financial shortcomings. We married in December 1979, during our senior year in college. It took us 21 years to get on the same page financially. We had our share of struggles over money, but our commitment to the Lord and one another enabled us to stand against the storms.
I will give you some guidelines, but remember this: the world will use anything to subvert marriage and strong families. Our enemy definitely wants to prevent Christians from marrying, having children, and filling the world with more Christ followers!
The Capstone Model vs. the Cornerstone Model
Like you, many couples want to have their finances in order and certain goals met before getting married. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal addresses how marriage seems to increasingly be for the “affluent:”
The idea of both parties waiting to build a career or wealth before tying the knot is called a capstone model of marriage. It has replaced the “cornerstone” approach, where couples married in their early 20s and worked together to meet financial goals: buying a home, building a nest egg, and progressing in careers. Brad Wilcox, sociology professor at the U of VA and fellow at the Institute for Family Studies, says, “You achieve a measure of success educationally and professionally before you put a ring on it.” It’s what’s driving up the age at which people are first married or postponing it all together [sic].
Kasen Stephensen at the Institute for Family Studies writes that the capstone model comes with two major risks:
He cites a study showing that merging bank accounts actually increases marital satisfaction. Couples fight less about money and are more satisfied with how finances are handled.
“By seeking marriage earlier rather than postponing it indefinitely, you’re creating the opportunity to dance through life’s challenges and triumphs with someone who loves you, supports you, and helps you grow.”
Marriage Is Good for Women
A recent survey of American women conducted by the Institute for Family Studies and YouGov concluded that marriage and children are both good things. They found that married women are happier than unmarried women, and married mothers are the happiest of all. They report:
Marriage Is Good for Men
Another recent article explains why marriage is good for men. The data cited points to married men as:
Marriage and Charlie Kirk
Charlie wrote on Instagram, “Having a family will change your life in the best of ways, so get married and have kids. You won’t regret it.” He was a powerful influencer, and I hope many young adults listen to his advice.
Look for These Qualities in a Future Spouse
A foundation based on Deuteronomy 6:5 is necessary in marriage: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Cement it with Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” In a future spouse, look for someone who:
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”
Hebrews 13:4–5 (ESV)
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”
Proverbs 18:22 (ESV)
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
Psalm 127:3 (ESV)
It is time young adults recognize the lies because statistics verify the great benefits of marriage. They must recognize the world’s idols they have fallen for and repent: sex outside of marriage (sexual sin in general), financial “success,” and the freedom to pursue self-interests without the “burden” of a family.
I hope pastors and parents will counter the lies of the world by modeling the beauty of marriage. Fertility rates are dropping. Young adults cannot assume they will have a lot of money and a family if they postpone marriage for years and years.
Financial security is a worthwhile goal, but don’t let it stop you from finding God’s best for your future spouse! Faith and character are more important than money. With those two traits, a couple can learn to handle money wisely while married.
Here are some extra articles that may be helpful:
Crown has many beneficial resources regarding family and finances. From podcasts and videos to courses and calculators, let Crown encourage you as you pursue a godly marriage.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on October 17, 2025
Dear Chuck,
I know that Christ commands us to give, but I am struggling to justify it while trying to provide my family with all they want. I feel that the world is selfish, and I am stuck in it.
Stuck in a Selfish World
Dear Stuck in a Selfish World,
Thank you for your honesty. In many ways, we are all stuck in a selfish world, but we do not have to conform to it.
Many sincere Christians struggle with giving because the “wants” in our lives always eat away at the money we could give. As a result, we may think we can’t afford to give.
We Are All Generous
I like to say it this way: we are all generous. The question is, will we be generous only toward ourselves or toward God and others? You see, when our “wants” are in control of our spending, we tend to be perpetually stuck in generously spending on ourselves.
Giving overcomes the control that the world has on our lives and demonstrates the degree of our love for Christ. Fear overrules if we become too earthly-minded. God wants us to trust Him and to depend on His provision, even—and perhaps especially—if it defies logic. He can provide in ways beyond our comprehension, causing us to respond in gratitude, knowing He sees the sacrifices we make. Consider this promise to those willing to overcome the desire to spend everything we have on ourselves:
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency
in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written,
“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever.”
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply
and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
2 Corinthians 9:8–10 (ESV)
God Promises to Repay Us
God does not promise to make us rich on Earth like the false prosperity gospel teaches. Sometimes, He does reward us financially. Other times, He refreshes us spiritually or emotionally. He also gives in ways we do not immediately recognize, for example:
Proper Motivations to Give
Biblical generosity is not a tax or law but rather a principle that God says is good for us. We must give with a proper heart attitude. Here are some key concepts and verses to guide you:
How to Give
Some Rewards of Giving
Give Better
Since God owns everything, ask yourself, “How much of God’s money should I spend on myself?” instead of, “How much of my money should I give to God?” This will transform your attitude and help you take giving seriously.
Check your spending. Are there areas where you can cut back—things you don’t really need? Constantly giving in to wants robs us (and our children) of learning to be content. It ruins the joy of occasional splurges, and luxuries can become expectations. Our flesh is never fully satisfied, so we must take control. Read and meditate on Psalm 112.
Getting Unstuck in a Selfish World
How we manage money, according to the Bible, will impact eternal rewards, which will not compare to earthly comforts. Take hold of that which is truly life by wisely stewarding whatever God entrusts to you. It helps to develop a lifestyle of giving more than just money. You can be generous with words of encouragement, spiritual gifts, time, talents, possessions, wisdom, and experience. One day, each of us will stand before the Lord to give an account. Generosity is for our good but, more importantly, for His glory!
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty,
nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God,
who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,
thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future,
so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
1 Timothy 6:17–19 (ESV)
Here are some extra resources if you want to read more:
If credit card debt is holding you back from being generous, consider reaching out to Christian Credit Counselors. They are a trusted partner of Crown and a valuable resource to help you get on the road to financial freedom.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on October 10, 2025.
The assassination of Charlie Kirk is an inflection point in American history. He is the first non-public office holder assassinated in the United States since Martin Luther King Jr. Ironically, both were public figures who called for nonviolence. Just as the senseless death of Dr. King sparked the transformational Civil Rights movement, it is certain that much good will come from the senseless killing of Charlie Kirk. But we must resist the temptation to react with anger, bitterness, name-calling, and violence.
I propose that those of us who name the name of Christ learn to fight for peace using genuine love as our weapon without compromising truth or justice.
Grace for Enemies
The polarization between those who loved Charlie Kirk and those who loathed him has made the once invisible war of worldviews now visible. We can see it with our own eyes. It is visceral and disturbing. Both sides see the other as the fascists, the haters, and the deceived. This is a very dangerous cultural moment. We are in an “us-versus-them” frame of mind. We are not seeing people on the other side of the divide. Ideology and language are painting each other in broad strokes, leading to rejection and condemnation.
Our faith informs us that the most potent and powerful way to push back darkness is with sincere love and truth. This does not mean we accept evil. Sin has consequences. But it does mean we are not free to fight evil with evil. As many have noted, if we still practiced the law of “eye for an eye,” the entire world would be blind. None of us is without sin, and we must show grace to the sinner and allow justice from our legal system to do its work as needed.
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”
– Luke 6:27 (NIV)
Lessons from Rwanda
The assassination and funeral service of Charlie Kirk all happened while I was traveling in Africa—interestingly, in Rwanda, the nation with the painful past of the worst genocide in modern history. Most of the people I talked with had never heard of Charlie Kirk, but this tragedy garnered many questions about the polarization and violent outbreaks we are experiencing in America. Today, I pulled from lessons learned in Rwanda and from Scripture that I believe can help our nation heal from the extreme political, cultural, and spiritual divide we find ourselves in now.
Break the “Us-Versus-Them” Paradigm
An oversimplification of the roots of the genocide that saw over a million people slaughtered in 100 days by their neighbors, sometimes their former friends, was an “us-versus-them” divide. The tribal majority harbored hatred toward the tribal minority and often referred to them as “cockroaches.” The hatred and rejection were fomented by the media and political rancor until there was an organized, full-scale assault on innocent, unarmed men, women, and children. The Church failed to bring peace and, in some cases, was complicit in the hellish evil that was unleashed. In so many ways, we are witnessing similar “pre-genocide” conditions of hatred and division in our nation.
Celebrate Unity, Not Diversity
Most shocking to many visitors to Rwanda is that it is now united and one of the safest nations on Earth. Instead of celebrating their diversity, they now identify only as “Rwandan.” Tribal identification has been outlawed as it only led to more strife and bitterness. After massive efforts to bring the key perpetrators to justice, community tribunals were formed for forgiveness and reconciliation so that neighbors could return to being neighbors. It took genuine love to restore what had been generationally devastating to the victims. The grotesque, sickening result of the anger of “man versus man” left a lasting scar in the souls of the people—all the people. Once the horror was brought to an end, the result was a revulsion to the heartless carnage of violence that cannot be forgotten.
Avoid the Horror of Unconstrained Evil
Evil reared its ugly head and spilled out into the streets. Yet today, the Rwandans look back in regret, horror, and lament over how they got to such a senseless, unimaginable place of unconstrained violence. A visit to the Genocide Museum is a sobering reminder that now is the time to rise up and fight for peace.
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”
Galatians 5:14–15 (NIV)
Love and Acceptance Are Powerful Forces
Many of those spewing hatred today are the lonely, disenfranchised, outcast, or rejected. I grew up with an awareness that a wounded dog would lash out at those who tried to offer help. We should not be surprised that many of those carrying out violent acts today respond in a similar way. These are people suffering on the inside who want to live in a world where they are understood and accepted.
When I encounter people like this, I seek to understand their fear, pain, or perspective. Many people held captive to lies are operating from a place of deep hurt. Rather than mock or condemn, ask if you can pray for or with them. It shows you care, and God may open their hearts.
So we must become fighters, not for vengeance, power, or control but for peace. This does not mean we accept sin or evil. But it does mean we don’t fight the way Satan fights, with lies, deception, division, and destruction. If we don’t participate in the cultural divide but rather love our neighbors, we will do more for our country than those casting stones.
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This article was originally published at The Christian Post on October 3, 2025.
