Dear Chuck,
I’ve ignored our financial problems for months. I don’t think things are hopeless, but I need to act so we can avoid a crisis. Do you have a crisis plan?
Hoping to Avoid a Crisis
Dear Hoping to Avoid a Crisis,
It is never too late to turn things around. Let’s go through some foundational principles and steps to get you on the right path.
Pain Can Be A Motivator
Pain has a purpose. When we touch a hot stove, pain tells us something is wrong. When our bodies are sick, pain alerts us to seek treatment. Financial pain works the same way. It warns us that something needs attention.
The problem is that many people respond by looking away. They avoid opening credit card statements. They postpone checking their bank balance. They ignore investment accounts, delay making a budget, or refuse to total their debt because they fear what they’ll discover.
Psychologists call this avoidance behavior or intentional blindness. We temporarily reduce our anxiety by avoiding reality. Unfortunately, what we avoid rarely improves. More often, it grows worse. Interest continues to accumulate. Late fees increase. Spending habits remain unchanged. Months become years. Years become decades. The very pain we try to escape becomes even greater when we delay dealing with it.
It’s similar to ignoring a cavity. Avoiding the dentist may spare you discomfort today, but it almost guarantees greater pain and expense.
Embrace God’s Plan for Stewards
Financial stewardship requires the opposite response. Instead of avoiding discomfort, wise stewards embrace pain early in order to experience freedom later.
Proverbs 27:23 (NIV) says, “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.” In today’s world, that could mean knowing your bank balance, understanding your spending, reviewing your investments, and honestly facing your debt. You cannot steward what you are unwilling to examine.
Jesus also said in John 8:32 (NIV), “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Notice the order: First truth, then freedom.
Many people want financial freedom without confronting the truth. Lasting financial freedom requires complete honesty.
Facing the truth can be painful, but it is necessary, because once a problem is identified, it can be addressed. And that’s where hope begins.
Ironically, the pain we fear is usually less than the pain created by years of avoidance. Can I challenge you to choose courage over comfort? The pain is temporary but often the price of long-term peace. You cannot create a budget until you face reality. You cannot implement a debt payoff strategy until you total what is owed. Every successful financial turnaround starts by choosing to stop looking away.
Step by Step to Avoid a Crisis
Though these first steps may be uncomfortable, they are a requirement to finding freedom. Faithful stewardship is not the absence of financial problems. It is the willingness to face them with honesty, wisdom, and confidence that God will guide your obedience.
Review your bank accounts, savings, investments, monthly expenses, and every debt you owe. Do not estimate. Know and record the true numbers. Set and post specific goals and timelines, then take time each week to check your progress.
It is important to compare your spending with your values. Does your budget reflect your priorities? Where are you living beyond your means? Where can you make cuts? Are you giving, saving, and planning for the future?
Resist the temptation to feel discouraged and give up. Your current financial status is not your identity. It is simply the starting point of choosing to wisely manage what God provides. Despite any challenges you may face, God can guide you forward. Consistent steps in the right direction will lead to lasting transformation.
If credit card debt is adding to your financial worries, Christian Credit Counselors can help. As a trusted Crown partner, they provide personalized debt management plans designed to reduce debt, lower financial stress, and help you regain control of your finances.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on August 7, 2026.
Dear Chuck,
My spouse and I were happier back in the days of our first tiny apartment than we are in our four-bedroom dream house. The maintenance, the bills, and the “needs” our children have are mounting. How can we break free from the financial stress we live with?
Dreaming of Less Stress
Dear Dreaming of Less Stress,
Many people can identify with your desire to escape financial stress. Even if we achieve all of our financial goals, it can leave us empty. The pursuit of the world and the things it offers is spiritually unfulfilling. True contentment is only found in Christ and the pursuit of His Kingdom. Since life here is temporary, we must learn to focus on the eternal.
We are God’s ambassadors in a world run by the prince of darkness. Materialism confronts us constantly, seeking to distract us from our mission. The enemy wants us to believe that fulfillment is one purchase away, while Christ invites us to find our satisfaction in Him.
Let me suggest three areas to help reduce your stress: delighting in the Lord, making lifestyle adjustments, and enjoying the benefits of simplicity.
Delight Yourself in the Lord
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalm 37:4 ESV
This verse does not mean God will give us whatever we want. The truth is more powerful than that! When we delight in the Lord, He shapes our desires. Our hearts become aligned with His heart, and our priorities begin to reflect His priorities. So delight in Him, follow hard after Him, and wisely manage what He’s entrusted to you. When our greatest delight is God, money loses its power to control us. We are less driven by comparison, status, or the endless pursuit of more. We begin to ask, “How can I honor God with what He has entrusted to me?”
Delighting in the Lord cultivates contentment. We become grateful for what we have rather than constantly chasing what we don’t. This protects us from overspending, unnecessary debt, and the pressure to keep up with others.
It also fuels generosity. When we find our joy in serving God rather than accumulating possessions, it becomes easier to give. We recognize that money is a tool for serving others and advancing God’s purposes rather than simply increasing our own comfort.
Here are a few helpful guardrails:
Proceed humbly without complaint or comparison. Practice gratitude in prayer and by verbalizing thankfulness as a family every day.
Make Lifestyle Adjustments
Significantly reduce stress by altering your lifestyle. Your question leads me to ask if you and your spouse have considered moving out of the dream home. If you are experiencing financial stress, then why not downsize? Most children are resilient and quickly adapt as long as mom/dad are happy.
Should you sell your cars? Possibly. If your cars cost you too much to insure and drive, look for less expensive used models, especially those you won’t have to finance. Seek vehicles that retain their value and have lost initial depreciation. This is a great lesson to teach children.
Reducing your mortgage and car payments can free up money to pay off debt, build emergency savings, and create margin. Selling unnecessary possessions provides income for school supplies, groceries, etc. Cut streaming services, negotiate outstanding bills, and eliminate any expenses that are not conducive to a simple lifestyle.
If your financial stress is severe, temporarily stop all unnecessary spending. Doing without can seem overwhelming for a family because it is initially foreign and uncomfortable, but decreased stress is a great payoff.
Seek the Lord; read and meditate on Scripture. Talk to financially wise older people whom you highly trust and respect. As Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (ESV). Do life with people of a like mindset so you can encourage one another.
Benefits of Living Simply
Living simply is a mindset that refuses to allow the world to crowd out Christ and His Kingdom. It affects our behavior, challenges onlookers, and ultimately impacts our future.
Living simply creates financial margin.
When we spend less than we earn, we gain freedom. We can build an emergency fund, eliminate debt, save for the future, and give generously. Instead of being controlled by monthly payments, we have greater flexibility to respond to God’s leading. Financial hardship and stress are reduced.
Living simply provides time.
When not preoccupied with supporting an oversized lifestyle, we often have more time for family, church, friendships, service, and resting in God’s presence. We discover that life’s greatest treasures cannot be purchased.
Living simply gives spiritual clarity.
Material abundance can subtly shift our trust away from God. Simplicity helps us remember that every good gift comes from God. It reminds us that we are stewards, not owners. It teaches us that money is a tool, not our master.
Living simply is a powerful witness to the world.
In a culture driven by consumption, contentment stands out. When the world says accumulate, generosity stands out. A family that values relationships over possessions stands out. People notice when we refuse to let money define our identity.
This doesn’t mean every Christian should live the same lifestyle. God blesses people with different resources and different callings. The question isn’t how much you own but whether your possessions help you fulfill God’s purposes. The battle against materialism is won long before we enter a store or click “buy now.” It’s won in the heart when we let Christ shape our desires and reject the lies of culture. It helps to remember that every financial decision is a spiritual one.
Extra Reading
Choosing to Live Like You’re Poor
10 Reasons Why a Simple Lifestyle Can Boost Your Happiness
Crown has many biblically based, practical, and empowering courses and studies that can help you reduce stress and find freedom in your finances. Learn how to be a grateful financial steward of the resources God provides.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on July 31, 2026.
Dear Chuck,
I have struggled with financial worries and stress most of my life. I brought it into our marriage, and after 21 years, I can’t shake it. I want to get better at managing money but need more than just another attempt at cutting up the credit cards and living on a budget.
Stressed to the Limit
Dear Stressed to the Limit,
Thank you for writing to us. I hope we can help set you on a new path.
Many people spend decades earning income but very little time learning how to manage it. As a result, they work hard but struggle with debt, stress, and marriage strife. I call it the “money but no margin” dilemma. It feels like living with a hole in the bottom of the bucket. No matter how much water goes in, nothing is retained.
Change Beliefs Before Behavior
Financial literacy can plug that hole in the bucket by helping you change what you believe about managing money. Too often, people are told what to do but never told what to believe. Once you change what you believe, you can begin to budget wisely, eliminate debt, save consistently, invest prudently, and make decisions that build long-term stability.
The Bible places a high value on wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) says, “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Read that again. What a profound financial statement—wisdom is priceless. And it is worth pursuing regardless of the cost, because it influences every area of life, including what you believe about money and the way you manage the money God entrusts to you.
Financial Wisdom
One of the highest-return investments you and your loved ones can make is in financial wisdom. The starting point is to learn financial literacy. It can be attained several ways: reading good books, learning from financially wise mentors, taking a biblical stewardship course, and listening to trusted financial teachers. Ask questions, and seek answers. Become a lifelong learner. And put that knowledge to action!
What we put into our minds impacts the decisions we make with money. So we need to be selective and protective. Wise financial literacy gained today can save you thousands of dollars tomorrow. It can help you avoid mistakes and enable you to experience peace and serve others.
Importance of Reading
Warren Buffett has famously said he spends much of his day reading because knowledge compounds over time, much like money. Reading broadens your perspective, sharpens your judgment, and helps you avoid costly financial mistakes.
“I insist on a lot of time being spent, almost every day, to just sit and think. That is very uncommon in American business. I read and think. So I do more reading and thinking, and make less impulse decisions than most people in business. I do it because I like this kind of life.”
–Warren Buffett
“Read 500 pages every day. That’s how knowledge works. It builds up like compound interest.” –Warren Buffett
Reading Scripture, biographies, and sound financial books equips you to make wiser decisions, recognize opportunities, and steward God’s resources faithfully. A growing mind leads to better choices, and better choices often lead to greater financial freedom and lasting impact. I estimate that I have read more than 200 books on the topic of personal finances. Not all of them were helpful, by the way. I judge them whether or not they align with God’s Word.
Importance of Reading the Word
Numerous studies cite the benefits of reading. But how do we know if the advice is worthwhile if we do not know what the Bible says on the topic? Know the Word of God, and judge all advice against it.
The impact of reading the Bible, accompanied with books by wise authors, impacts financial health in the following ways: career growth, financially rewarding employment, and discernment and understanding in setting goals—along with handling money today, tomorrow, and into eternity.
Meditating on the Word of God shapes our thoughts and reshapes how we make financial decisions, set goals, and view money altogether. It transforms our priorities because we begin to value what God values.
Regular meditation on God’s Word forms our worldview and influences our values. It shifts our focus from temporary gain to eternal purpose. This helps us pursue goals aligned with God’s Kingdom instead of personal success. It brings wisdom into decision-making so we avoid impulse spending, exercise patience and self-discipline, and seek counsel before reacting emotionally.
God’s Word cultivates contentment, freeing us from comparison and the desire for more. Consistent reflection on God’s provision and grace fuels generosity. We learn to view money as a tool to bless others. Biblical financial principles don’t just inform financial behavior; they transform the heart behind it.
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
–Joshua 1:8 (ESV)
A Case to Become an Avid Reader
According to an article at The Atlantic, many people are not reading:
“Develop into a lifelong self-learner through voracious reading; cultivate curiosity and strive to become a little wiser every day.”
–Charlie Munger
“Reading was the only amusement I allowed myself.”
–Benjamin Franklin
“We must read, not only for what we read but for what it makes us think.”
–Louis L’Amour
“A man only learns by two things; one is reading and the other is association with smarter people.”
–Will Rogers
Here are some good articles for extra reading:
Successful Leaders Are Avid Readers
If credit card debt is adding to your financial worries, Christian Credit Counselors can help. As a trusted Crown partner, they provide personalized debt management plans designed to reduce debt, lower financial stress, and help you regain control of your finances.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on July 17, 2026.
Dear Chuck,
My son is 26, single, and a professional engineer making a great salary, but he spends it all! I sent him your cures for money sicknesses to review. He was very honest that he has three of the six: pride, greed, and idolatry. How do I help him now?
Worried Dad
Dear Worried Dad,
As the father of four sons, I can relate to your concerns. The Bible says in 3 John 1:4 (ESV):
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
I sometimes humorously added to that verse when talking to my boys: “I also have no greater freedom than to see my children paying their own way in life.” The situation your son is in is both good and bad news—good that he is working and earning a good income but bad that he has not learned to properly manage it. It is also very good that he admits to having these three sicknesses.
What Are Money Sicknesses?
Let’s begin with a review of the six money sicknesses, and then we’ll talk about the cures and how you can help your son. Below is a graph of the six money sicknesses.
These are the issues of our heart that are described in the Bible. In fact, these are more emphasized than any other topic related to money. It has been popularized that getting out of debt is the number one issue for Christians when it relates to personal finance. The reality is that the number one issue is the condition of our heart.
God cares deeply about our motives and where we place our dependencies. His Word makes it very clear that money is a competitor for lordship of our lives and that we could be deceived very easily by money.
Financial Pride
According to Scripture, wealth can be very dangerous to the condition of our heart. The three issues that your son has identified are very common in today’s culture. Pride is based on a comparison of ourselves to others with a desire to have a little bit more than those we’re comparing ourselves with. Typically, if we’re running around with people who make a modest income and we have a little bit more, we tend to begin to think of ourselves as possibly smarter or superior to them. Pride is confidence inappropriately placed in our own abilities. It is a blessing that your son has recognized this in himself!
Greed Is Not Good
Greed is wanting more of what we already have. You stated that your son makes a great income, which is fantastic. However, the Bible says we should be grateful for what we have and live with contentment. You see, from my own experience, I realized that greed destroys contentment and causes us to live on a treadmill of seeking more, more, more. Solomon said that those who love money never have enough (Ecclesiastes 5:10). It’s a very true statement to this day!
Learning to be content with what you have enables you to achieve your financial goals because you do not spend everything, but with pride and greed at the very core, you are taken captive to the behaviors that fulfill the desires of your flesh. This is exactly what Satan would like to do—get us pursuing temporal riches, taking our eyes off eternal riches.
Idolatry of Money
The admission of idolatry is so rare in today’s culture. In fact, it is often celebrated!
Idolatry is recognizing that you have a god that is worshipped and served instead of the true God who came to redeem us from our sin. We are all being controlled by something we actually love. The easiest way to identify it is to ask yourself, “What do I fear losing the most?” Whatever you fear losing the most is likely what you love the most. If it is money, then it has become your master.
Overcoming Money Sicknesses
The chart above lists not only the most common money sicknesses but also the Scriptures that reference how to overcome them. Observe them, and you will see that the Bible gives the cure or solution to these sicknesses of our heart.
Pride to Humility
The first is to move from pride to humility. Humility means taking our eyes off of ourselves and sincerely focusing on the needs of others above our own. That is expressed in 1 Peter 5:5–6 (ESV):
“Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.”
Share with your son that humility is God’s way of protecting us from humiliation. If we remain prideful, we set ourselves up for a great fall. Your advice can protect him from this mistake.
Treasures on Earth to Treasures in Heaven
Your son also identified a struggle with greed, which is wanting more of what you already have. Greed is driven by a focus on having treasures on earth. The solution is placing treasures in Heaven. Luke 12:33–34 (ESV):
“Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Clearly, treasures on earth can captivate our heart and cause us to be unfulfilled. Help your son recognize that this is not our true home. We have better and lasting treasures to come.
From Love of Money to Love of God
Quite remarkably, he identified idolatry as an issue. This is placing our identity, security, and purpose in money and possessions instead of Christ. The idolatry of money is the sin that captured my heart. The only solution is to develop a love for God, where we place our identity, security, and purpose in the living God and obey His Word.
Repentance
In my case, cures from these sicknesses required repentance—a true changing of my mind and beliefs, a turning from what was a lie to what is good and true. I suggest that you counsel your son to join a Crown Bible Study, then send him this article and tell him you’d like to talk with him about it. He is stuck in a vicious cycle. Proverbs 21:20 in the Living Bible says, “The foolish man spends whatever he gets.”
I would recommend that you begin meeting with him regularly to help him escape the trap he is in. I hope this article will be a big help to you and your family.
Crown has many biblically based, practical, and empowering courses and studies that can help your son find freedom in his finances. He can learn how to be a grateful financial steward of the resources God provides.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on July 10, 2026.
Dear Chuck,
The prosperity gospel seems to be catching hold in American churches, with many placing an emphasis on building wealth. Can you help me defend my position that the Bible does not support this theology? As a Crown supporter, I want to see your message expand.
Faithful Stewardship
Dear Faithful Stewardship,
The Bible does not support the teaching of the prosperity gospel, nor does it support the opposite extreme, the poverty gospel. We cannot demand of God, nor should we, that He make us rich with the treasures of this world. We should also not condemn wealth as sinful or rich people as greedy and evil.
The Scripture teaches us to be responsible with what we have, whether a lot or a little (Matthew 25:14–30). The biblical standard is to be faithful to the Lord with our financial choices because it all belongs to Him and we are temporary stewards. But as you note, many Christians are shifting their emphasis to laying up treasures on Earth, not in Heaven.
The Final Warning Is About Money
While the church in Laodicea existed nearly two thousand years ago, its condition feels eerily familiar today. The city of Laodicea is mentioned in the New Testament—in Colossians 2, Colossians 4, and, most famously, Revelation 3. It was one of the wealthiest cities in the Roman world, known for banking, textiles, and medicine. After a devastating earthquake in A.D. 60, the city became so prosperous that it refused financial assistance from Rome, choosing instead to rebuild itself. It had become fiercely self-sufficient. And prosperity shaped its spiritual life.
In Revelation 3:17, Jesus told the church, “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”
Their greatest problem wasn’t wealth; it was misplaced dependency. Their self-sufficiency convinced them they no longer needed to depend on God; they were blind to their desperate poverty in the eyes of the Lord. This is a repudiation of the false teaching of the prosperity gospel.
Ask Chuck Is The Prosperity Gospel Wrong
Americans Compare to the Laodiceans
Financial success can subtly move our trust from the Lord to our income, investments, retirement accounts, or possessions. Oh, we may still profess faith yet quietly depend on “our” resources while failing to recognize and honor God’s provision.
The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossians included a message to the believers in Laodicea. Look carefully at what he said about riches:
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments (Colossians 2:1–4 ESV, emphasis mine).
To protect the church from the deception of worldly riches, Paul was pointing out that all the riches and treasures that have eternal value are found in Christ. I like to say that the real riches we need are all the things that money cannot buy.
Paul’s concern for the believers in Laodicea, expressed in Colossians, was that they would remain firmly rooted in Christ and not be taken captive by worldly thinking. That’s the antidote to financial self-sufficiency. Yet we read in Revelation 3 that the Laodiceans were deceived by their temporal riches to the point they believed they had no need for Christ.
We Are Called to Be Responsible With Money
Biblical stewardship is living in the reality that everything we have belongs to God. We are managers, not owners. Wealth is a gift to be used wisely, held loosely, and shared generously.
The question isn’t whether God will bless us with resources. The question is whether those resources will draw us closer to Christ or cause us to live as though we no longer need Him.
The danger occurs when self-sufficiency finds its way into the Church. Jesus looks beyond bank accounts and into hearts. What captures our affection? On whom or what do we depend? Where is our ultimate trust?
Our greatest security must never be found in wealth but in the One who gives it.
A Gift, Not a God
We live in a culture that celebrates independence, financial success, and self-reliance. We have unprecedented access to wealth, technology, entertainment, and convenience. Yet despite our abundance, we suffer with unprecedented levels of anxiety, loneliness, debt, and spiritual apathy.
Wealth is a gift—not a god. It can meet certain needs but not the most important ones. Everything we own belongs to the Lord, and every blessing should draw us closer to Him, not farther away.
The church in Laodicea wasn’t condemned because it was wealthy but because it no longer recognized its need for Christ. May we never become so financially secure that we fail to depend on the One who provides “every good and perfect gift” (James 1:17).
Are you interested in receiving ministry updates from around the world? Do you want helpful and encouraging tools and tips on financial stewardship? 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 July 3, 2026.
Dear Chuck,
I am really worried about the skyrocketing debt of our federal government. It seems that 250 years is something to celebrate, but the truth is we have more debt than we can handle. Do you think we can fix this?
America’s Runaway Debt
Dear America’s Runaway Debt?,
Certainly, Uncle Sam is loading us all up with more and more debt.
You can track the national debt using one of these helpful websites: National Debt Clock, US DebtClock.org, or National Debt Per Person. They all indicate that we are presently at about $300,000 per household in debt as of this writing.
Our founders believed that excessive public debt threatened national independence, prosperity, and future generations. Their concern was that borrowing today places burdens on tomorrow’s citizens—a principle that aligns closely with biblical stewardship and the idea of leaving a healthy inheritance to future generations.
Next week, America celebrates the 250th anniversary of her independence. Ironically, the nation is independent from foreign control but highly dependent on debt. There are reasons that citizens should be concerned and ways I think we should respond. Let’s look at the problem first.
Runaway Federal Spending
The US federal debt is the result of many factors, including entitlement spending, defense spending, welfare programs, interest on existing debt, economic downturns, and years of budget deficits. Eventually, interest payments consume resources that could otherwise be used for infrastructure, education, public safety, or tax relief.
Federal debt becomes increasingly dangerous when it grows faster than a nation’s ability to manage and repay it. The concern arises when borrowing becomes a long-term substitute for fiscal discipline.
High debt threatens flexibility during crises. If a recession, war, or national emergency occurs, a heavily indebted government has fewer options available because so much of its budget is already committed. It burdens future generations. Current citizens (and non-citizens) enjoy benefits today while passing the costs to taxpayers tomorrow.
Historical Perspectives on America’s Debt
“Avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge the debts.”
(George Washington, Farewell Address)
“To contract new debts is not the way to pay old ones.”
(George Washington, letter to James Welch, Apr. 7, 1799)
“There is no practice more dangerous than that of borrowing money; for when money can be had in this way,’ repayment is seldom thought of in time, the interest becomes a moth, exertions to raise it by dent of industry ceases, it comes easy and is spent freely, and many things [are] indulged in that would never be thought of if [they were] to be purchased by the sweat of the brow…. in the mean time the debt is accumulating like a snow ball in rolling [sic].”
(George Washington, letter to his nephew, Samuel Washington, Mount Vernon, 12 July, 1796)
“I, however, place economy among the first and most important republican virtues, and public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared.”
(Thomas Jefferson to William Plumer, July 21, 1816)
“We must make our election between economy and liberty, or profusion and servitude.”
(Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Kercheval, 1816)
“A government that is big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have.”
(Gerald Ford, Address to a Joint Session of Congress, August 12, 1974)
“The problem is not that people are taxed too little, the problem is that government spends too much.”
(Ronald Reagan)
Can It Be Fixed?
Yes, it can be fixed but it will not be easy. A nation can move toward a balanced budget and debt reduction in two ways:
Alexander Hamilton argued that a thriving economy and productive enterprise strengthened the nation’s finances and ability to meet its obligations. Prosperity is strongest for individuals or nations built on productive work, opportunity, and responsible stewardship.
History has shown that our nationally elected officials have no interest in reducing spending. They cannot agree even with the need to live on a balanced budget! So don’t expect us to ever use austerity measures to fix this.
America needs economic growth, job creation, and spending discipline, rather than only relying on fraud reduction and the hope for austerity programs. If millions more Americans are working, earning income, buying goods, and starting businesses, government revenues rise through income taxes, payroll taxes, and business taxes—often without increasing tax rates.
What to Do?
Nobody can predict the future, but we can analyze the facts and be prepared accordingly. The reality is that economic shocks can come from many directions. A layoff, a recession, inflation, a market downturn, or an unexpected emergency can quickly disrupt even the best financial plans. Individuals should prepare practically while trusting God ultimately. This grants stability and peace instead of panic. These are wise financial moves to make now:
Ronald Reagan said, “There are no easy answers, but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.” The “we” are you and me. We must become educated and involved while motivating others to join us.
Crown has many biblically based, practical, and empowering courses and studies that can help your family find financial freedom. Learn how to be a faithful financial steward of the resources God provides.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on June 26, 2026.
Healthcare is one of the largest expenses for American families. It rivals housing and exceeds what many save for retirement each year. According to recent surveys from the Pew Research Center, many families rank healthcare affordability among their top economic worries. The high cost of insurance premiums, prescription drugs, deductibles, or unexpected medical bills places tremendous strain on household finances.
I hope this article can help those who are caught in the strain of this right now.
Why Is Healthcare So Expensive?
High costs are due to a combination of factors: advanced medical technology, rising prescription drug costs, administrative complexity, insurance overhead, provider shortages, chronic disease, and an aging population. Unlike most purchases, consumers rarely know prices upfront, which reduces competition and makes it difficult for market forces to control costs.
For a typical family of four with employer-sponsored health insurance, the total annual premium averages about $27,000 per year ($2,250 per month). Employers pay most of that cost. The average employee contribution is about $6,850 per year ($571 per month), with employers covering the remainder.
Yet premiums are only part of the cost. There are deductibles, copays, coinsurance, prescription costs, and out-of-pocket expenses. When those are included, total annual healthcare costs for a family of four can run over $35,000 (including both employer and employee spending plus out-of-pocket medical expenses).
Families who purchase insurance without employer assistance find that costs vary widely based on age, location, plan, and income-based subsidies. Unsubsidized marketplace plans for a family of four can easily exceed $1,500–$2,000 per month in premiums alone.
Practical Steps
Providers who are out-of-network often charge double in-network rates. Regular checkups, screenings, exercise, healthy eating, and preventative care can reduce long-term healthcare expenses while improving quality of life.
Aim to fully understand deductibles, copays, provider networks, and coverage options to avoid overpaying. An annual review helps you make better healthcare decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Prices for medical procedures can vary significantly between providers. For non-emergency care, compare costs, ask for cash-pay discounts, or use price transparency tools to locate substantial savings.
The tax advantages help families save for current and future medical expenses.
Set aside money to prevent healthcare costs from becoming debt burdens.
Check out generic medications, discount programs, and mail-order options.
Under- or Uninsured?
For millions of Americans, routine medical care can be financially overwhelming. Thankfully, there are options.
Health sharing programs can cost 30–50% less than traditional coverage. This can be an excellent option for those without major health conditions. See pros/cons and charts at the link.
Many hospitals and healthcare systems offer financial assistance programs for low-income and uninsured patients. These can significantly reduce, or in some cases even eliminate, certain medical bills. Simply ask if you qualify.
Community health clinics and federally qualified health centers often provide primary care, screenings, and preventive services on a sliding fee scale based on income. They can be an affordable alternative for ongoing healthcare needs.
Negotiate medical bills. Many providers offer discounts for prompt payment, self-pay patients, or payment plans.
Lower prescription costs through generic medications, discount programs, manufacturer assistance programs, and pharmacy comparison tools.
Review eligibility for public programs such as Medicaid or state-specific healthcare assistance. Circumstances change, and some families qualify without realizing it.
You may qualify for free or low-cost health insurance. Read this GoodRX report.
Recently, two of my friends sought medical care out of the United States. While costs may appear much lower at face value, be very careful to determine the overall costs and quality of care before making this choice.
Medical Billing Errors
The Patient Advocate Foundation estimates that about half of all medical bills have some kind of mistake. If you suspect an error, dispute the charge. Be persistent and patient. It usually takes several calls to get a resolution. Wait to pay the bill until receiving an explanation of benefits (EOB) or a Medicare Summary Notice. See Kiplinger.com.
Steward Your Health
From a stewardship perspective, caring for our health and that of our family is a God-entrusted responsibility. We cannot control healthcare prices, but we can take wise steps to seek care, ask questions, plan ahead, and use resources applicable to our situation.
Healthcare challenges can feel overwhelming, but small, informed decisions today can make a significant difference tomorrow. As costs continue to rise faster than wages, proactive stewardship through healthy living, emergency savings, understanding insurance options, and planning for medical expenses becomes increasingly important. Addressing health concerns early is usually less expensive than a trip to the emergency room.
Healthcare costs remind us of a stewardship principle that involves planning ahead. “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5 ESV). We cannot control every medical expense, but we can prepare wisely and make informed decisions.
Healthcare costs will likely remain a challenge for many families. Remember to pray and ask the Lord for His help. Many have experienced God’s intervention in healing and provision. We can also do our part with personal diligence, planning, healthy habits, and wise stewardship. My prayer is these steps will ease some of the financial pressure and help you navigate rising costs more effectively.
If credit card debt is stretching your budget and making healthcare costs feel overwhelming, Christian Credit Counselors can help. As a trusted Crown partner, they provide personalized debt management plans designed to reduce debt, lower financial stress, and help you regain control of your finances.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on June 19, 2026.
Dear Chuck,
As a former professor, I encountered many young people who were skeptical of capitalism. We need more people to expand their understanding to protect the economic philosophy upon which this nation was founded. Can you give some Biblical support for capitalism?
Protector of Economic Freedom
Dear Protector of Economic Freedom,
I am happy to add my perspective to your efforts to defend and protect free-market economies. Let’s start with a definition of capitalism from IntelligentEconomist.com:
“Capitalism is an economic system in which private individuals and/or companies own the four factors of production. The four factors are land, capital, land/natural resources, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, investments are based on private decision-making rather than that of the public/government. Free market competition governs the production, pricing, and allocation of goods.”
America’s founders aimed at creating a prosperous, democratic nation that promoted private enterprise and protected property rights as essential to political and personal liberties. The problem lies in the fact that people have not been properly educated in economic history. Gratitude for all America offers has been overshadowed by complainers and disruptors of society, who often know very little about how nations suffer under the alternatives to a free-market economy.
Socialism Is Growing in Popularity with Many Young People
As William Adkison says in his article “Capitalistic Criticisms,” “Many see capitalism simply as an excuse for a purely materialistic pursuit of wealth. Wealth and money are means to ends, not ends in themselves. Capitalism is about the conditions and system that enable the pursuit of happiness spoken of by Jefferson in the Declaration. It’s about allowing individuals to grow and flourish, to have protected rights, and to pursue their own ends. Capitalism uniquely provides a structure where transactions between individuals seemingly create profits for both parties out of nothing. Capitalism is not perfect. . . . But that does not mean it is not the best system available to us. . . . The innovations, technologies, improved lifestyles, increased lifespans, and greater ability to give charitably to others—all these elements of our current world—were made achievable by capitalism.”
Many well-meaning Christians often confuse the role of the Church and government when advocating for socialism as a means to serve the poor. Serving the poor is a right, responsibility, and joy of the individual and the Church. Governments are responsible for protecting citizens’ rights to allow the people to flourish. Flourishing eliminates poverty, while charity from individuals and the Church helps those who cannot work.
The Bible Teaches the Value of Work
“If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.”
2 Thessalonians 3:10 NIV
The Apostle Paul emphasized the importance of personal responsibility within a community: resourcefulness, work, and fulfillment of the creation mandate to “be fruitful and multiply.”
“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.”
Proverbs 10:4 ESV
Throughout Scripture, from the first pages of Genesis, God supplies men and women resources for their good and the good of others. Responsibility is given to the individual, not delegated to the government. This upends the very premise of democratic socialism for collective, centralized control of solving the wealth gap. The parable of the good Samaritan is another example of taking personal responsibility for the welfare of our neighbor.
The Flaw of “Kinder, Gentler Economics”
Most young people are uncomfortable with the “wealth gap” and believe in redistribution of funds from the rich to the poor. Under a socialist economic model, people have limited ownership of property and businesses. The government controls and regulates the use of profits and personal property.
Anti-capitalists argue that socialism builds a kinder, gentler society. The government decides who gets what in the name of helping the less fortunate. This assumes that good-hearted people—the government—seize assets of the less worthy to give to the more deserving. They pick winners and losers and decide the definition of deserving. Those who work and achieve can be demonized as unworthy, while those who contribute nothing can be rewarded. Radical demands in the form of ever-increasing taxes on the wealthy become common.
I’ve traveled the world and seen the devastation of government-controlled economies. These economic philosophies are contrary to what the Bible teaches. God provides mankind with resources and holds them responsible for how they’re used. He tells us to work and produce so that we can generously give to the less fortunate from our earnings. While we are called to pay taxes, the government is never charged with the same responsibilities as the individual.
However, capitalism, like any other economic system, is flawed because of man’s sinful nature. God’s Word speaks to the heart of each individual and calls for turning from selfishness, greed, coveting, and dishonesty. This is the system He designed to guard against the abuse of a free market.
Christ Came to Set Us Free
Christ came to set us free from sin and death and from yokes of oppression. We must celebrate our freedoms and the joy of the blessings of honest, hard work. Engaging with others in a common purpose, whether in business or community, combats destructive competition by promoting a spirit of cooperation and support. By protecting our freedoms, we help others benefit as well. Success must be seen through the lens of relationships, faithfulness, and purpose rather than financial status.
High schools, community colleges, and universities have the responsibility of preparing students by expanding their ability to produce in constantly evolving environments. They can remove the fear and encourage innovation with critical thinking skills, in addition to basic development and training. We must help our society understand that they are capable of making a positive impact through their work so long as we have freedom of economic decisions, ownership, and stewardship of the fruit of our labors.
I join you in praying that we, followers of Christ, will protect this important freedom as we approach the 250th anniversary of our great nation.
Are you interested in receiving ministry updates from around the world? Do you want helpful and encouraging tools and tips on financial stewardship? 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 June 12, 2026.
Dear Chuck,
I recently learned that my college freshman is gambling on sports games. He said it is not a big deal, that it is a lot of fun, and that he knows when to quit. Can you write something that I can share with him to address this from a Biblical perspective?
Concerned About My Son Gambling
Dear Concerned About My Son Gambling,
Sports gambling is experiencing explosive growth and is certainly not limited to teenagers. The data is alarming. Just recently, I was able to speak to an old friend who told me the heartbreaking story of his son’s journey to gambling addiction and ultimate victory. More on that to come. Let’s look at the data.
Explosive Growth
“Today, about 22% of Americans—and 48% of men ages 18–49—report having at least one online sportsbook account.” The American Psychiatric Association estimates that more than a quarter of Americans gamble online every day.
“Before 2018, legal bets on sports totaled less than $5 billion. In just six years, it skyrocketed to $150 billion and sparked a 33 percent spike in gambling addiction,” according to a disturbing article released recently by The Hill.
Ministry Watch reports: “So, with one in three Americans betting on sports, downloading multiple gambling apps seems to be the latest obsession for men in the U.S., with 52% of men ages 18-49 signed up for accounts with an online sports book, such as DraftKings, Caesars, FanDuel, or BetMGM.”
Governments Want the Revenue
With the 2018 legalization, states expected increased tax revenue but failed to consider the financial ramifications for families. The industry is growing rapidly. Addiction may be one of the contributing factors.
Many people don’t realize the financial burden of a gambling addiction until it’s too late. There are serious consequences, whether winning or losing. Besides the loss of money, there’s the loss of time and the reward of advancing your career or spending time with your children. Money is gambled away that could have been given to the Kingdom of God, saved, or invested for the future.
Be Direct with Your Son
Begin by highlighting the risks:
How It Starts and Grows
Many of our young people grow up in homes where gambling is practiced. Smartphones, social media, and peers increase their exposure to online gambling. Teens are especially vulnerable because their brains are still developing. They may lack impulse control and the ability for wise decision-making.
Some platforms run ads 24/7 to lure young people. Those who play games online may be exposed to digital ads for betting sites. Big wins are emphasized, and risks are downplayed, making betting tempting for teens. Those who manage their own bank accounts can quickly lose large sums.
Intervention from a Loved One
This is where wise parents, grandparents, teachers, pastors, or other influencers can make a difference! Here’s a helpful resource.
Parents can lead by addressing the topic at home. Respectfully ask what they know about gambling. If you’re confronted with TV, radio, or online ads, seize the opportunity to start a conversation. Stop what you’re doing and ask if they understand the point of the ad. Do they think the promises are probable or realistic? Ask what would happen if they risked real money. This question might reveal that they already do. If so, keep the door open through respectful discussion and your concern for their well-being.
Watch for these warning signs:
Pray and Take Action
If you sense these warning signs are present, pray and ask the Lord to give you a clear plan to have the conversation or actions needed to help your son. It may be that someone other than yourself is better equipped to have a discussion with them. The goal will be to get them to recognize they are in danger and commit to stop or seek help.
Sports betting may be on the rise, but in the long run, the house always wins. Always!
My friend watched his son graduate at the top of his class, begin a professional career in finance and accounting, and steadily develop erratic behavior that led him into an alcohol addiction, the loss of his job, the loss of all of his money, and utter despair. It was through the witness of a close family member that he confessed to his gambling and alcohol addiction and turned his heart back to Christ. He moved in with his parents as a young adult and rebuilt his career and life.
As Christians, we must not put our trust in money, even money earned through investing. It will lead to our demise. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle,
but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”
Proverbs 13:11 ESV
Whether you’ve been part of Crown for years or are just discovering us, we’d love for you to be part of our 50th Anniversary Celebration. For five decades, Crown has taught biblical stewardship principles that transform finances, strengthen families, and deepen faith. Lives have been changed. Communities have been empowered. Purpose has been rediscovered. And we’re just getting started!
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on June 5, 2026.
Dear Chuck,
I’m tired of watching my sisters bum off my grandmother’s generosity. They ask her for money for everything, even though they are married and should be supporting themselves. It looks like financial abuse to me. I have kept silent, but I really hope you can give me some tips to be ready to speak up.
Protecting My Grandmother from Financial Abuse
Dear Protecting My Grandmother from Financial Abuse,
As with every question, I always wish I had more context, such as ages, financial condition, motivations for the requests, etc. However, there are some principles that I think will be helpful to you and to anyone who has witnessed a similar situation where an elder appears to be financially abused.
While this does not fall into the category of fraud, it is particularly hard to watch a family member’s generosity being misused. It is a difficult situation for you to be in. Let’s look at some principles and then determine whom you should speak to and how to address this without condemning your sisters.
What the Bible Says
It is good that your grandmother wants to help. The Bible encourages generosity. Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” God honors a willing and open heart, but discernment must be exercised. Scripture calls us to give and care for others while wisely stewarding resources. That involves setting healthy boundaries.
Generosity was never meant to enable dependency when someone is capable of taking on responsibility for themselves. The Apostle Paul addresses this issue directly in 2 Thessalonians 3:10: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” This is not meant to be harsh. It clarifies the difference between helping someone in genuine need and supporting someone who avoids responsibility. When generosity becomes enabling, it can harm the person you think you are helping.
You do not indicate whether this generosity is harming your grandmother’s finances. Regardless, God entrusts us to manage what He provides. Luke 16:10 reminds us that faithfulness in small things matters, including time, energy, and finances. When a relationship is draining resources in an unhealthy way, it is time to reevaluate whether you are actually helping.
Boundaries are not unloving. They are often necessary to truly help in the spirit of love. Galatians 6:2 says to “carry each other’s burdens.” Then, in verse 5, it says each person should “carry their own load.” Both are true depending on the specific circumstances. We help to relieve a burden but not to carry what someone else is responsible for long-term.
How You Can Help
Practically, this may mean having an honest, respectful conversation with your grandmother. Keep your sisters out of it, and speak to her about your concerns for her well-being.
First, express your concern for her. Try to determine if she is giving out of love or out of guilt, pressure, or fear of conflict. Second Corinthians 9:7 reminds us that giving should be done willingly, not reluctantly or under compulsion. Ask if she would like you to help her set limits on what she can and cannot continue to provide. My guess is she may be giving to many others who ask and not just your sisters.
Demonstrate how she can lovingly decline the requests while also offering guidance, accountability, or temporary assistance with clear expectations. Present options that the church, city, or county offers in the way of financial help for family members if cutting them off entirely seems inappropriate.
Finally, help her trust God with the outcome. She is not the ultimate provider for your sisters. God is. Help her understand that setting boundaries is not abandoning someone. It is trusting God to work in that person’s life, even in the discomfort and change. It is commonly called “tough love,” but it is actually just expecting others to grow up and take responsibility for their finances.
Teach Them A Better Way
The solution isn’t just protecting your grandmother’s finances; it is also a matter of helping those who keep asking her for money with building skills, confidence, and accountability. With the right support and a willingness to grow, most people find dignity in living free of the handouts of others.
If your sisters are truly struggling with their finances, offer to help them learn to manage their finances. Some people genuinely struggle to grow up and live independently, and it’s rarely caused by just one issue. More often, it’s a combination of things that causes financial problems: bad habits or addictions, entitlement, incorrect mindset, lack of direction, or mental health issues.
Many in today’s culture face financial instability. Housing and medical costs, debt, and inconsistent income can make financial independence feel out of reach. A person who does not know how to budget, save, or manage money well, even with a steady income, can struggle to make ends meet.
Some people are held back because they lack life skills. Managing bills, buying groceries, preparing meals, maintaining a home, or handling unexpected expenses are not always taught. Without those skills, independence can feel overwhelming. When someone lacks confidence or self-discipline, they may struggle to move forward. Years of bad habits like overspending, procrastination, or avoiding accountability only reinforce that cycle.
Scripture speaks to both responsibility and growth. Proverbs consistently highlights diligence and planning, while Galatians 6:5 reminds us that each person is responsible for their own load.
I hope the conversation with your grandmother goes well and you can be a catalyst for change to help your sisters become better stewards of their finances as well.
Crown has many biblically based, practical, and empowering courses and studies that can help your family find financial freedom. Learn how to be a faithful financial steward of the resources God provides.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on May 29, 2026.
