Dear Chuck,
My husband and I have a lot in common, but we also have a WHOLE lot of differences. When it comes to money, we are complete opposites. Help!
Financial Opposites
Dear Financial Opposites,
You have asked the right person about this challenge! My wife and I are as different as a pit bull and a poodle. Yet, we have worked hard at turning this into an advantage!
Created 180° Opposite
I am an extrovert while Ann is an introvert. I like to talk. Ann likes to think. I tell her I can talk and think at the same time. That never goes over very well.
I am a big-picture person. Ann wants to know the details. If I tell her I want to do something big or spontaneous, she listens politely then drills me with questions. Do you have a plan? What is it? How much will it cost? This can get on my nerves.
I like to spend. Ann likes to save. Get the picture? Sound familiar?
Financial decisions were hard for us—almost impossible—for years. We were in constant conflict over whether or not to have a budget, much less how to abide by it! We went backward, not forward, whenever we tried to reach financial goals.
Though not unusual, differences can be discouraging and stressful in a marriage. Couples often don’t realize just how different they are until after they say “I do.” I realized that although opposites do in fact attract, they later attack!
Once daily financial decisions have to be made, small issues, like what brand of toothpaste to buy, can become divisive. Differences can cause misunderstandings, friction, and fatigue, which seem to magnify when children arrive.
Change Your Perspective
Decades into our marriage, it occurred to me that our stark differences were not a liability, problem, or mistake that needed to be fixed. Rather, it was God’s sovereign plan to bring together two very opposite people and make them one because we were incomplete without the other. He designed us to complement one another.
It was then that we began to see our differences as our strengths.
God knew I needed an introvert to place some boundaries around my extroversion; I needed a thinker to temper my desire to talk; and I needed a detailed person to bring reality to some of my hopes and dreams that would never be achieved without a plan. I needed help to perceive the risks and dangers ahead; I needed a compassionate, sensitive person to help me learn to filter my words and think about their impact; and I needed a mate who would balance my desire to give spontaneously without regard for the future, to help me save and make progress in providing for the needs of our family. I would be a mess without Ann!
God knew Ann needed a fearless extrovert to go out and make things happen, to meet new people, and to create new opportunities for our family. She needed a husband eager and willing to talk to resolve our differences instead of retreating into his thoughts. She needed a husband willing to share his dreams and ambitions that she could help shape and improve upon. She needed a husband who would lead, take risks, and dare to do what God called us to attempt together. She needed a man who would complement the areas where she was not gifted.
A 360° Marriage
Imagine standing back to back with your spouse. You don’t see the world the same way. Now imagine interlocking arms to become one. As you rotate, one of you looks to the east and the other to the west. You have a complete view of the world, becoming a 360-degree couple. You literally have each other’s backs and can protect and strengthen one another.
“You are each God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works.” (Ephesians 2:10 ESV) He knows your strengths and weaknesses. Submit to Him, and invite Him into your marriage. Assuming you are united in Christ, then you each bear fruit of the Spirit.
Together, you can become good stewards who depend on one another and God. Pray for character traits like flexibility, forgiveness, adaptability, compromise, kindness, and support to flow from each other.
Let go of the past, and move forward with great hope. “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV)
Ann and I recently wrote a book, Money Problems, Marriage Solutions, that you may be interested in reading. Crown.org also has many more resources to help your marriage and family thrive financially.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on July 30, 2021.
Dear Chuck,
Can you help me understand all the buzz about DeFi (decentralized finance)? I just don’t get it.
Traditional Boomer
Dear Traditional Boomer,
You and I are in the same boat, as traditional boomers! I know enough to be dangerous, so I asked my team to do some research to help us both understand the big picture. This is an important development that we should all be paying attention to.
What is DeFi?
Decentralized finance, or DeFi, as defined by Investopedia.com, “is a system by which financial products become available on a public decentralized blockchain network, making them open to anyone to use, rather than going through middlemen like banks or brokerages.”
Got it? Just joking. We need to dig deeper to understand both the challenges and opportunities.
Investopedia offers more detail that I will try to simplify.
“DeFi refers to a system by which software written on blockchains makes it possible for buyers, sellers, lenders, and borrowers to interact peer to peer or with a strictly software-based middleman rather than a company or institution facilitating a transaction. Thus a decentralized system can consist of a mix of open-source technologies, blockchain, and proprietary software.
Smart contracts that automate agreement terms between buyers and sellers or lenders and borrowers make these financial products possible. Government-issued ID, Social Security numbers, or proof of address are not necessary. Regardless of the technology or platform used, DeFi systems are designed to remove intermediaries between transacting parties.”
Opportunities and Challenges
DeFi offers better interest rates for borrowing and lending and low barriers to entry compared to traditional banks. Interestingly, DeFi loans are collateralized with other crypto assets. These financial products, mostly run on Ethereum, were worth around $1 billion a year ago but have surged since the pandemic. As a result, the World Economic Forum published a policymaker toolkit here.
SmartAsset.com reports that DeFi offers the advantage of cost, speed, and security. Some believe hacking would be reduced.
A major disadvantage is the inability to protect asset values due to market fluctuations. These can be frequent and extreme like Mark Cuban experienced. He was trading a DeFi token that crashed to zero on June 16th. Fraud was first suspected, but panic selling and the algorithmic code were blamed. The cost of trading could become expensive due to fluctuating ethereum transaction rates. Weaknesses in the recent technology of DeFi apps (dapps) along with future regulations and tax implications are additional concerns.
According to a Bank of Japan-issued review:
Potential benefits of DeFi:
Potential risks:
It was noted that “the tamper-proof nature of blockchain networks could work against DeFi in the world of finance—as in extreme cases, a smart contract could trigger a series of ‘meaningless’ automatic program executions that human users would be powerless to stop.”
Be Cautious
Technology that is dependent on coding, value fluctuation, and lack of regulation or insurance are risks for everyone considering this financial platform. Experts recommend thorough research with the reminder to only invest what you can afford to lose. $156 million were stolen in hacks between January and April—more than all of 2020. The Federal Trade Commission says consumers have reported losses of more than $80 million to crypto-investment scams since October.
Mark Cuban is calling for stablecoin regulation. So are others. Dan M. Berkovitz, one of five commissioners of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, expressed his concerns in a meeting on June 8th. He stressed that the U.S. financial system is strong because of the legal protections investors enjoy when investing in our markets, primarily through intermediaries.
Summary
My long-term view is that DeFi will likely catch on and become a meaningful alternative to traditional banking systems. Anything that displaces intermediaries has the potential to save time and money. However, it will also move us a step closer toward a cashless society, which I believe is inevitable. Remain cautious, and before investing, remember to seek lots of advice.
“…in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14b ESV)
Before diving into the DeFi space, if you need help getting your traditional credit in order, Christian Credit Counselors is a trusted resource that seeks to free individuals and families from credit card debt.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on July 23, 2021
Dear Chuck,
Housing prices are astronomical here but so is rent. It seems I am throwing money down the drain every month. Would it be a mistake to buy so I could at least build some equity?
Buy Now or Wait?
Dear Buy Now or Wait,
This year’s real estate market has been crazy! Housing shortages in parts of the country and lumber scarcity pushed prices beyond historic records. Bidding wars are common with all-cash bids and higher down payments, even for houses that have not been seen in person. My son sold his home in Nashville to someone who never stepped foot in the house—only to then receive a back up offer for 10% greater than he was in contract for!
Homebuyer Regrets
Bankrate surveyed 1,400 homeowners, revealing that 64% of millennials (ages 25-40) regretted buying their homes. The main reasons? Cost of maintenance and overpaying for the house. Many first-time home buyers joined the buying frenzy and paid beyond market value in an effort to avoid missing out. Those who lost several offers compromised their budgets in order to win, move, and get settled. Millennials were more likely to buy fixer-uppers than new homes and borrow to make improvements. Reality hit after closing and pricing out the renovations for their instagram worthy dream home.
The pandemic is partly to blame. Travel restrictions and social distancing guidelines made visiting houses prior to purchasing difficult. While more millennial homebuyers regretted their purchases, 33% of baby boomers (ages 57-75) did as well. Lack of experience and FOMO (fear of missing out) may have affected the younger buyers more than the older ones.
Key findings among surveyed buyers:
Advantages of Renting
A growing housing trend is “renting by choice.” This means that although a potential homebuyer is financially qualified to own a home, they choose rather to rent. They cite some advantages: the apartment is “maintenance free” if anything goes wrong, no real estate taxes, the ability to “lock and leave” if they want to do extensive travel, and a greater sense of freedom should they experience a job change or prefer to live in a different part of the country working remotely. Many developers are catering to this market by loading multi-family units with attractive amenities for the discerning tenant. All that to say, renting is not throwing money down the drain. You get a nice place to live and lots of flexibility and freedom for your costs.
If You Decide to Buy
Take time to see the home in person, or work with an experienced friend or agent to avoid the disappointment in location, layout, or size of a home. Study housing comps and research the schools, crime statistics, flight patterns, industry trends, traffic patterns, and homeowner association issues (HOA) to make an informed decision. The condition of a home, cost of utilities, property taxes, HOA fees, and other factors can prepare potential buyers for known costs. Home ownership comes with unforeseen repairs and maintenance, which is why an emergency fund is crucial. A budget is a useful tool to plan for a purchase and think beyond just the selling price of a home.
To know if you are financially prepared to buy a home, answer these questions:
Buyer Beware
Scammers are becoming more proficient in duping the innocent during this hot market. RealHomes.com and Bankrate.com list some of the common ripoffs in real estate transactions such as loan flipping, foreclosure relief, and moving scams.
Bottom Line
Without knowing how you respond to the questions I posed above, I cannot say whether you should continue renting or buy now. I hope I have given you enough information to make a good decision. Let us know how we can help. We have plenty of free resources and calculators at crown.org.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on July 16, 2021.
Dear Chuck,
I’m considering dropping support of some of the organizations and institutions I’ve helped in the past and putting that money to better use. It’s been disheartening to see a drift in values. Do you have a guide for Christian givers?
Redirecting My Charitable Giving
Dear Redirecting My Charitable Giving,
We are experiencing a sea change in our nation. Epic shifts away from Judeo-Christian values and beliefs are underway at almost every level of society; schools, corporations, churches, ministries, and families are adapting to cultural philosophies and pressuring others to join them.
We should analyze not only where our giving is being directed but all of our spending, too. We can vote with our wallets, as the old saying goes.
Larry Burkett’s Advice
Years ago, long before the radical philosophies of our time were emerging, Larry Burkett, Crown’s late founder, addressed the question you posed, in his book, The Complete Guide to Managing Your Money. I have quoted him extensively below.
“Christians should be very sensitive, not only concerning whom they assist, but how the money is used. God has established the requirements for us. The standards are clear for individuals – assess whether they are willing and able to work. Also, are they asking for needs, or wants, or desires?”
“Get personally involved with the people you help if possible. Share God’s principles of finance with them. Help them establish a budget and live by it. Find out how they are living. Would they spend the money you might give them for alcohol? Are they wasting their present income in foolishness? If so, you have no requirement to support them. In fact, by doing so you may well be interfering in God’s plan for them.”
Christian organizations should be assessed likewise. Not only does God provide opportunities for giving to the needs of the saints but also to invest tithes, offerings, and sacrifices into His work. Unfortunately, today Christians are besieged by charitable requests from every side. Many are deserving, but some are poorly managed, unfruitful, and even dishonest. Seek God’s wisdom before giving. Get literature from them that thoroughly describes the organization and its doctrine. Talk to others who have invested. Require references if you have never heard of the group before. Let the organization know why you are questioning them. Be discerning; be a good steward of God’s resources.
A Minimum Checklist of Questions
“Share willingly according to God’s plan, but be discerning and cautious as a steward. Accept nothing less than excellence for the Lord’s money.”
Ministry Watch
A great resource is to check out Ministry Watch. They keep tabs on organizations that are to uphold the principles of God’s Word and report on both those that adhere to high standards of excellence and those that are missing the mark. You can learn about them here: MinistryWatch.org
Thank you for your desire to support organizations that honor the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word. Your action multiplied over millions of others will have a profound impact!
For more guidance on how to best steward the resources that God has entrusted to you, Crown.org has several courses to help, such as MoneyLife and Multiply: A Biblical Guide to Investing. These courses and others can be found here: https://crownonline.org/crownonline.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on July 9, 2021.
Dear Chuck,
I’m an American who believes our religious and financial freedoms are being threatened. I want to discuss this with our family during our 4thof July gathering. I am grateful to be an American but feel the country I love is quickly disappearing. Any insights for me?
Troubled American
Dear Troubled American,
This is the month that we celebrate our nation’s independence from the British empire and the resulting freedoms we have historically enjoyed … many of which are in fact threatened today.
Hooray for the Red, White, and Blue!
I join you in gratitude to God for my American citizenship; we were wrong to ever take it for granted.
My memories of our Independence Day celebrations are some of the best of my life. Our family traditions included a weekend at the lake, grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, hand-churned peach or banana ice cream, watermelon, and endless fun and games culminating with a spectacular fireworks show. Seldom did anyone give a talk about our freedom; it was assumed that the price that had been paid for it would forever solidify its value in our hearts and minds.
Are We Really Losing Freedoms?
Economic freedom is frequently assumed to be a given right in the United States and most of the developed world. It is proven to be the most effective means for stimulating human flourishing. But what if economic freedom is impossible without religious freedom?
In a new working paper, and summarized in a recent op-ed, Christos A. Makridis shows that religious liberty is a prerequisite to economic freedom. Using a sample of over 140 countries between 1996 and 2018, he shows that improvements in religious liberty pre-date improvements in economic freedom, not the other way around. The article states, “Since religious freedom fundamentally involves granting individuals the autonomy to think and worship in whatever form they wish, it is arguably the most basic of all freedoms.”
The study reveals that this cornerstone of all our freedoms—the freedom to worship God as we choose—is declining in many developed nations. Between 2010 and 2020, it dropped 16.2% in the UK, 36.7% in France, and 29.6% in the United States. In general, the decline is occurring in developed nations where religious liberty has traditionally been strong.
This is the logical conclusion to the study: Should we lose religious freedom, economic freedom will soon follow.
Our Hope is Not in America
America has changed, but, thankfully, God has not. We face financial risks, evil, and threats to our freedom on all sides, but we can confront our problems with wisdom, courage, and faith. Like Joshua, we must “be strong and courageous” as we face the “giants” in this land. (Joshua 1)
Jeremiah grieved for his land, but he held fast to what he knew was true: “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’” (Lamentations 3:21-24 ESV)
Practical Advice for Your Family
The Bible advises that we should all operate with prudence. This is the wisdom to choose the right path to a worthy goal. I wrote about this in my recent book, Seven Gray Swans. A prudent person does not live at the mercy of their circumstances but takes action to be ready for the days ahead in a similar way that passengers buckle their seat belts if the pilot says, “Ladies and Gentlemen, we are expecting turbulence ahead.” Here are some of my general tips. Choose what you think will be helpful to your own family.
Increase Your Capacity to Weather Storms
Save, and keep 15 months of annual income/funds in an emergency account that is not at risk of loss and is easily accessible without a penalty. God advised Pharaoh, through Joseph, to save in preparation for the Great Famine. Keep one month of cash on hand. Store it in a waterproof and fireproof location in your home. These funds will carry you through a disruption in online banking or any emergency that requires that you flee. Keep a small amount of gold coins on hand as insurance against a currency collapse.
Get Free of Encumbrances
Eliminate debt in order to avoid entrapments or obstacles that limit your personal financial freedom, mobility, and choices. Be as liquid as possible in order to have access to resources if quickly needed. Liquidity means having sufficient cash on hand to meet financial responsibilities. Maintaining liquidity above the bare minimum is considered wise in order to guard against unexpected expenses.
Liquid assets may be cash or property that can readily be converted to cash without substantial loss in value. Illiquid or fixed assets are possessions of value that are held long-term, like real estate or equipment.
Reduce Vulnerability and Diversify
Diversify investments into different assets classes via publicly traded companies or funds that perform well in scenarios of deflation or inflation. Some experts recommend hard assets like precious metals, art, real estate, or oil and gas as a hedge against fiat currency devaluation. Another strategy is to hedge for downside risk by holding a small position in ETF funds that run contrary to market downturns.
Recognize What You Cannot Lose
Live in the moment. Shed the shame of the past and any fear of the future. Find good and godly purposes for any pain or suffering that you may experience. Nothing is wasted in God’s economy, especially loss. God turns it all to good when we love Him and are called to His purposes. Replace any fear of the future with confidence in God’s faithfulness. Hebrews 10:35 tells us: “So, do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” (NIV)
Faith is of greater value than gold, precious jewels, bitcoin, and financial security we could accumulate. Take life one day at a time, give thanks, and trust the Lord. Your true allegiance should be to a Kingdom not of this world.
I pray you will have a meaningful discussion with your family as you celebrate all the wonderful freedom we continue to enjoy today. If you’d like to read more practical advice for preparing for the future, check out my most recent book, Seven Gray Swans: Trends that Threaten Our Financial Future.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on July 2, 2021
Dear Chuck,
I really hate my job. I want to quit, but I was taught that it is better to find a job before you quit what you have. Any tips for finding a job before bailing out of this miserable situation?
Stuck in a Bad Job
Dear Stuck in a Bad Job,
I have lots of advice that will be helpful for you.
Be Grateful
The first tip is to be grateful for what you have no matter how hard or difficult it is. Looking back on my own journey, I started working outside of our home at age 14. I have had plenty of bad bosses or just plain hard work. Yet, I always learned something that built my character, taught me a new skill, or benefited my life in some way.
Don’t Jump Ship Quickly
One of my sons was doing contract work for an organization that clearly treated him unfairly. There were lots of reasons to quit, walking out of the commitment he had made. When he asked for my advice, I encouraged him to complete the remaining 3 months of the contract even though he was not being paid what he was promised. He stuck it out. Looking back on it today, it was during those three painful months that the biggest breakthroughs in his career began to happen. Coincidence? I don’t believe in them. God used the character qualities of humility and perseverance on display in my son’s life to bless him.
Don’t Burn Bridges
You should avoid burning bridges unless absolutely necessary because it forever alters a relationship. There is no turning back to the way things used to be. Once something is said or done, the “burn” can permanently scar.
Life is built around relationships and connectivity. Good relationships build more relationships. They expand your business and influence. Referrals and references result from your connections with others. People are important. Fellowship and community are life-giving in business, church, neighborhood, family, and friendships. In fact, healthy relationships ultimately impact your emotional and physical wellbeing.
Some relationships are beneficial. Some are not. Discernment is key to determining when to move on from people who struggle with sin like self-control, anger, pride, misplaced dependency, etc.
There are times when distance is necessary. If something unethical is asked of you, or you discover it in your employer, do not compromise. If you are in any sort of danger, get help.
Seek wise counsel. And remember to hold your tongue to avoid false accusations, slander, or gossip.
“He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.” (Proverbs 22:11 ESV)
Transform Your Job, or Look for Another One
Oftentimes, people who hate their jobs have never analyzed the reason why. Have you? What is it that makes you miserable? Are you working outside of your gifts and talents? Check out Crown’s Career Direct assessment to learn of your unique design. Are you bored or frustrated with your responsibility? Ask for a new challenge, or a transfer to an area you enjoy more. Are you working with people that you do not get along with? Seek to be a peacemaker, and transform your work relationships and office environment. If this does not help, make a plan to find a new job.
I believe it is true that the best time to look for a job is when you are employed. Ask family, your friends, folks you know at church, or even a professional search firm to help you find what you are looking for. Most jobs today are found through personal referrals which is why it is important to remember the advice I started with above. Don’t forget to summarize your job search into two sentences or less so others can understand very specifically what you want. Here is an example: “ I am looking for a job in advertising sales with an online company, and I need a base salary plus commissions. I’m willing to relocate but prefer to work from home.” Share this as you seek help from others so they can do more than just wish you well.
In some rare cases, you may be able to discuss your desire to find a new job with your current boss or team. This often is a very helpful decision on many levels. Don’t do this if you are working in a hostile environment or in a company that is not built upon trust and mutual respect.
Pray
The Lord knows what you need. Invite Him into your current misery and your job search. He can open doors and move mountains to get you where He wants you to serve.
If you do find yourself in a situation where you are cash-strapped, Christian Credit Counselors may be able to provide some guidance. They are a trusted source of help, seeking to free individuals and families from the burden of credit card debt.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on June 25, 2021.
In honor of our Fathers, today I want to share four financial lessons that my Dad taught me.
Life was not easy for my dad. He was raised in poverty but found his escape by lying about his age and joining the Marines at only 17. He survived through the brutal Koren War but was seriously injured in a terrible car accident and honorably discharged from the military. Remarkably, he saved all his money while in the service in order to purchase his mom her first house with indoor plumbing. With great determination and sacrifice, he earned a college degree in accounting on the GI bill while working full time and raising a family. As we grew up, we realized that he had denied himself what he wanted so my brother and I could attend college at a private Christian university. He even bought us a new car for a wedding present.
I don’t know how many more Father’s Days I’ll be able to celebrate with my Dad. He is now 88, and although he is in good health, neither one of us takes a single day we can be together for granted. That’s why I am reflecting on just how much I have benefitted from the financial lessons he taught me.
Value of Hard Work
Dad believed in teaching us to be hard workers. We always had opportunities to work with him around the house on projects, but he wanted us to learn under another boss or leader outside of our home. My first job was at an amusement park. I was only 14 years old. I worked in the oil fields beginning at age 16 and owned my own business raising and selling thousands of parakeets while in high school. Yes, you read that correctly. We started with only a dozen breeding pairs of these colorful pets and grew it to 1200 breeding pairs. Needless to say, they created a lot of mess to clean up!
Hard work teaches you the value of money and how to get along with many different people early in life. These work lessons are a cornerstone for our future careers. Hard work is a Biblical principle (Proverbs 14:23) and is essential for anyone who desires to glorify God through his/her labors.
Priority of Giving
Dad always demonstrated generosity. I can remember him putting checks into the offering plate at church. He was very consistent at tithing. We were raised knowing that honoring God with our money was a priority for our family.
Consistency in Saving
Dad always encouraged us to save money. It started with coin books for pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. I also opened a passbook savings account, purchased US Savings Bonds, and stocked away extra income whenever I could. I was able to save enough money to buy Ann’s wedding ring with cash. Although I did not follow this advice early in my marriage, I later developed a deep appreciation for his efforts to train me to curb my desires to spend. He was trying to help me avoid becoming a fool. (Proverbs 21:20)
Absolute Integrity
Dad prepared income tax returns for extra revenue to support our family. He typically would work on those while sitting at the dining room table. I recall how he would explain that you never lie to the IRS. He believed that God expected us to be completely honest, especially when dealing with money. (Exodus 20:16) When Dad’s boss died, he entrusted my Dad with the management of his entire estate. Dad’s integrity blessed him with stewardship of money that set a great example for me.
“The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!” (Proverbs 20:7)
I am so grateful to have had the Father that God gave me. He has been a blessing to me in every way. These financial lessons have served me well but are just a tip of the iceberg of what I learned from my Dad. To all of you other Dad’s, don’t underestimate the lasting impact you create by example.
Crown has a variety of online courses for people at different stages of life. Whether you want an in-depth Bible study, a topical workshop, or ideas for your next date night, check out our offerings. We want you to experience genuine transformation in your life and finances.
This article was originally published at The Christian Post on June 18, 2021.
Dear Chuck,
My neighbor says we should consider a reverse mortgage. My wife and I are split about it. Can you break the deadlock?
Reverse Mortgage Deadlock
Dear Reverse Mortgage Deadlock,
I am not sure that I can break the deadlock you describe, but I can give you my perspective and supporting data. I would vote no, even though your wife and neighbor like the idea.
What is a Reverse Mortgage?
A reverse mortgage is for people over 62 who want to borrow against the value of their home. I’m not a fan because I do not like the risk of anyone losing their home. Reverse mortgages are complicated and expensive.
Here are some basic facts:
A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) is the most common, but all types have financial implications. Money can be provided in a lump sum, in equal payments over a fixed period (months or years), as a line of credit, or as a combination of these. There are numerous costs.
Initial Costs Are Not Good
These include origination fees and closing costs that include an appraisal, a title search, surveys, inspections, recording fees, mortgages taxes, credit checks, etc. An initial mortgage insurance premium is charged by the lender and paid to the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This guarantees that loan payments advance but is in addition to homeowner’s insurance.
Ongoing Costs Are Not Good
These include interest, servicing fees, and the annual mortgage insurance premium, in addition to homeowner’s insurance, property taxes, and flood insurance (if applicable). The larger the loan balance and the longer the loan is kept, the higher the ongoing costs will be due to accumulated interest. Keep in mind that taxes, insurance, and homeowner association fees may increase along with repairs and maintenance for an aging home.
If a future move is a possibility, a reverse mortgage is impractical due to the high costs involved. If a sale occurs, borrowers have six months to repay the loan. When homeowners live longer than expected and borrow the limit of their loan proceeds, they may have no other source of capital. However, if the property significantly increases in value, it could be sold and the profits used to move. Wise management of funds is necessary so the borrower does not face a serious predicament. Heirs are the losers because debt increases and equity decreases.
Better Options
Thoroughly research all options. Cash-strapped seniors are vulnerable to ‘solutions’ that can fix their financial problems. The extra fees and fine print can be difficult to understand. Work with a reputable lender to avoid any banking scams. Those who are home-rich but cash-poor may find a reverse mortgage to be an option, but the financial commitment must be fully understood.
Pray, and seek wise counsel. “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14 ESV)
In my recent book, Seven Gray Swans: Trends that Threaten Our Financial Future, I consider economic threats that we should keep in full view as we navigate a volatile economic environment. I think you will benefit from reading it.
This article originally published on The Christian Post on June 11, 2021.
Dear Chuck,
My husband and I have good intentions when it comes to using money wisely, but we just don’t follow through. We need help!
Stuck Without a Budget
Dear Stuck Without a Budget,
In my years of counseling couples about their finances, I have met many just like you who want to have a structured approach but can’t seem to get there or stay there. I have three tips: put in the time to plan, write out your plan, and then, faithfully implement it.
Time to Plan
One of the primary obstacles is that most couples don’t take the time necessary to work on their finances. You probably spent plenty of time together when you were dating/courting. Now, you need to invest time in your financial future.
Planning takes time, but it is an essential element for any financial program. God is an orderly provider and expects us, His stewards, to be the same. Set aside a weekend for you and your spouse to begin the process of discussing your goals and putting a plan together to get there. If that is not possible, start with just an hour per week at a time and place where you are relaxed and able to focus.
Sound financial management is an aspect of the Christian life that requires God’s wisdom. We must rely on His Word to make financial decisions for the short term (for the duration of our lives) and for the long term (beyond our lives into eternity).
A Written Plan
A written plan provides goals to work toward and helps you measure progress. It will help you stay on track by referring to your original objective. You will analyze priorities and develop effective habits. Working as a team, you can encourage and motivate one another to stay focused. Your mindset and behavior will change as you strive to manage money by Biblical principles. As Ron Blue said in his book, Never Enough, “Goals tie our habits to our hearts.”
A budget is a tool that shows how much you can spend based on what you allocate to giving, saving, and investing, or vice versa. Certainly, a budget is an important aspect of getting your finances under control, but it should be viewed as a means to achieve your larger goals, not the end goal. For instance, a wise financial plan will accelerate you towards achieving your life purpose, not simply paying the bills and having money for retirement. Friends of mine planned for years to be able to self-fund their full-time global mission work after age 55. They have done it and are having the time of their lives! A budget helped them accomplish their purpose.
Adjust your budget as you gain new insight and as your financial picture changes. Remember that choosing frugality is less painful than it being forced on you due to lack of planning. For help getting started, go here.
A record number of American adults say that their primary financial regret since the beginning of Covid-19 is “not saving enough for emergencies.” A financial plan could have prepared them for the unexpected. See saving tips.
Your plan should include:
Implement Your Plan
Track your giving, saving, spending, and investing. Then, put financial “dates” in your calendar. Make them a time you look forward to. Monthly budget analysis, quarterly progress reports, and yearly goal resets will help you stay the course. Crown has a great program called, “Money Dates” that you can find here.
Pick a night of the week to dedicate to your financial education. You may know a lot about money but perhaps not what God says about it. Feeding on truth, you will renew your mind and gain a Biblical perspective on money. This will help you make smart decisions and find contentment in all situations. This is also a time to review your progress.
Some Guidelines
(Wisdom of Larry Burkett from The Complete Guide to Managing Your Money)
Expect a battle. You will have to arm yourselves offensively and defensively to live out what you believe. However, the two of you, working towards defined goals, will find joy in the journey.
Paul wrote in Philippians 4:12-13, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” This perspective will help you find contentment as well as strength to press through the times you may become stuck.
My wife, Ann, and I wrote a book that you may enjoy called Money Problems, Marriage Solutions: 7 Keys to Aligning Your Finances and Uniting Your Hearts. In it, we provide real-life stories, a solid foundation from Scripture, and practical steps for application, giving you a plan to unite and conquer financial issues together.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on June 4, 2021.
Dear Chuck,
I’m getting concerned about rising prices and the possibility of high inflation. What can I do to keep up with these increased costs for gas, groceries, home improvement materials, etc?
Worried About Inflation
Dear Worried About Inflation,
Inflation is on everyone’s mind right now because it is a threat to our well being, not only individually but also nationally. It will help if I start with a true story to set up my answer.
Years ago, my wife and I lived in a region of Texas located in “tornado alley.” One afternoon, we were under a tornado watch. Suddenly, alarms sounded as the once clear skies turned to near darkness and winds began to howl, and a rush of fear came over us. Serious danger threatening our lives and property was fast approaching!
This fear prompted very swift action without panic or wasting precious time. Ann hauled important papers, valuables, and photo albums to a more secure location. We followed safety protocol to protect our lives as best we could as we waited out the storm in the most secure part of our home. Thankfully, that tornado passed over without causing damage. The point is, we were prepared in advance of the storm. We had a plan.
Plan for Economic Storms
When you have a plan, you avoid panic and the accompanying risk of making poor decisions. “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5 NIV)
The key to any threat is to stay ahead of the problem.
Crisis management involves anticipation, planning, and implementation. Being proactive can diminish potential damage. Procrastination invites it.
Anticipate
Plan
Implement
“Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous. It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice. For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.” (Psalm 112:4- 7 ESV)
Inflation May Not Last Long
Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate.com, says, “Price rebounds coming out of a recession is normal.” We are certainly seeing that! Prices for gasoline, used cars and trucks, housing, raw materials, groceries, etc. have all increased. Stimulus spending coupled with supply chain issues is driving prices up and decreasing purchasing power. Inflation accelerated at its fastest pace in more than 12 years with consumer prices up 4.2%. See the Consumer Price Index (CPI) at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Federal Reserve says that the nation’s current state of inflation is transitory. That could mean two months or eighteen. Regardless, it is eating away at income, savings, and retirement plans. If high inflation is on the horizon, the Federal Reserve will have to increase interest rates. That could hurt those who carry a lot of debt.
In my recent book, Seven Gray Swans: Trends that Threaten Our Financial Future, I consider other economic threats that we should keep in full view as we navigate a volatile economic environment. I think you will benefit from reading it.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on May 28, 2021
