Happy New Year! What a great time to establish your spiritual and financial goals for another exciting year ahead.
The Apostle John wrote, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:1, 14 ESV).
Jesus came to dwell among us! This is a direct reference to the Old Testament tabernacle where God’s glory dwelt. Amazingly, Jesus fulfilled God’s promise to dwell with His people.
Recognizing Christ’s dwelling with us transforms our belief system. Our perspective on money shifts from my rights as an owner to my responsibilities as God’s steward.
We align our lives with Biblical financial principles and embrace His purpose for our lives, choosing to wisely manage all He provides. This is the job of a steward, no matter how much or how little we may earn.
We, as believers, are called to operate under a different financial system than what the world offers. Keeping the following truths at the forefront of our minds and hearts protects us from the world’s temptations for more, bigger, better, faster, etc. Remembering who we are and what we have, because of God’s unmerited grace, helps us appreciate how He meets our needs and the ways He provides in unexpected and sometimes unbelievable ways:
Your Spiritual and Financial Action Plan
A Faithful Heart and Disciplined Hands
New Year’s resolutions often wear off before the end of January. Set some realistic goals that will make a meaningful change to your finances over the course of the next 12 months:
To accomplish any worthwhile goal, it takes a faithful heart and disciplined hands—a faithful heart to honor and obey God as first and paramount at all times and disciplined hands to be consistent as you develop good habits. Say no to what you want today so you can have what you need tomorrow.
Awe and Wonder
His presence is the greatest act of love we can know. Everything in the world pales in comparison. With this in mind, remember to:
Now, get your plans together and start strong. Let us know how we can help you along the way!
Further Reading
Crown has many financial resources that can equip and encourage you in your financial stewardship journey. From budget coaching, planning calculators, and articles to podcasts, videos, and courses, let Crown be a source of help and motivation in the New Year.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on January 2, 2026.
My wife, Ann, provides the research and support for every article we publish on the Christian Post. She is a priceless resource to me and to those of you who enjoy these weekly articles. Like a disciplined soldier or athlete who keeps their body fit, she is vigilant about what she puts into her mind. Today, in our last article of 2025, she shares her thoughts and practices that will help us have a better New Year. I know you will be blessed.
Think About What You Think About
In the days following Christmas, it’s easy to let travel, fatigue, bills, and more rob us of the joy surrounding the celebration of Christ’s birth. The tyranny of the urgent, for young and old, can steal the peace from our hearts and minds. To avoid letting Satan have his way, we must vigilantly guard what we allow into our minds. Think about what you’re thinking about!
Remember what the Apostle Paul told the Philippians:
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
(Philippians 4:8 ESV, emphasis mine)
Another way to renew your mind is to contemplate the blessings you have in Christ. To personalize the impact, I reframed Ephesians 1:3–14 (ESV) using “I”, “me”, and “my” instead of “we” and “our.” Read it slowly, focusing on the truth of your real identity:
Blessed be the God and Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed me in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose me in him before the foundation of the world, that I should be holy and blameless before him.
In love he predestined me for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed me in the Beloved.
In him I have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of my trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon me, in all wisdom and insight making known to me the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth in him.
In him I have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will. . .
In him I also, when I heard the word of truth, the gospel of my salvation, and believed in him, was sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of my inheritance until I acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
Allow God’s Word to saturate your mind at the beginning and end of every day. In addition, here are some practical ways to help avoid the after-Christmas blues and prepare for the New Year ahead:
Here are a couple of other resources for further reading:
Thank you, Ann. And thank you to all of you who read our weekly article. May God bless you and give you a wonderful New Year. Please let the Christian Post know you appreciate them for carrying Ask Chuck.
I’d like to invite you and your family to join a free Crown Bible study on the YouVersion app. Saturate your mind daily with instruction and encouragement from God’s Word in the New Year.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on December 24, 2025.
Dear Chuck,
My wife and I earn about $11,000/month combined, but with lots of student loan debt, our money is gone by the end of the month. I’m super frustrated that we are unable to save or get ahead. Something’s always coming up—causing us to overspend. It is depressing to be living paycheck to paycheck. We’ve tried many times but never seem to really make progress. Can you help us get out of this rut?
Frustrated with Our Finances
Dear Frustrated with Our Finances,
Yes, I can certainly help point you in the right direction. What immediately comes to mind is that you and your wife are better off than you may realize.
A Change of Perspective
First, acknowledge that income is not your problem. The median household income in 2024 was $83,730 annually, or around $7,000/month, according to the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement. Essentially, you are earning 57% more each month than the middle-income American.
Next, acknowledge that you need to deal with your student loan debt sooner rather than later. The Bible says that the “borrower is [a] servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7 KJV). My guess is that you may both have excessive student loans. Far too many young couples assume that they will take the long and slow approach to paying off those loans. I want to encourage you to make it a top priority to get debt-free. If you have other high-interest debt, use the Debt Avalanche method to prioritize the most expensive (highest interest rate) first.
Good Money Managers
To be effective managers of all God entrusts to us, we need to be guided by the manual He gave us. The Bible, His revealed, authoritative Word, is filled with financial principles that are for our good; but the freedom they promise cannot be experienced in full unless believed and obeyed, challenging though they may be.
Rich and poor alike can know the peace of God, who guides, strengthens, and disciplines us to rightly handle His money, as we meditate on His Word. Start by establishing a budget that will give you the ability to reach your financial goals.
A Spending Plan That Works
Living on a budget requires habitual practice. Distractions may sidetrack you, but with the strength of the Lord and the accountability of a mentor or loving spouse, you can regain focus. Don’t get discouraged, but move forward trusting Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP):
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].”
A budget empowers us to reach our financial goals. It helps our money work for us, not the other way around. Rather than limiting our spending, it teaches us how to spend the right way. It is simply a plan to wisely spend the money we have. Since everything we have is a gift from God, we are not the owners. We are the managers of what He’s entrusted to us. A budget is a great tool to make sure we are being faithful. This worksheet can get you started. More resources are available here.
If you’re planning to spend money, you need to know how much you have, where it needs to go, and how it needs to be allocated. Here are the simple steps to get you started:
Attack the Student Loan Debt
Once you get your budget established, commit to paying off your student loan debt (and any other debt) as fast as possible. Reducing the principal will help reduce the overall interest cost of the debt.
It will take time and discipline, but once you get momentum, you will have the joy of financial freedom and a new way of managing money to reach exciting financial goals.
Remember, Satan came to “steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10 NIV). He wants to keep you feeling defeated and trapped in a vicious cycle of working and spending without freedom to give and serve as God intended. Never give up. Renew your mind, and ask the Lord to help you every step of this journey.
If credit card debt is a financial burden that is also robbing you of joy, consider reaching out to Christian Credit Counselors. They are a trusted partner of Crown and can help you consolidate debt and get on the road to financial freedom.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on December 19, 2025.
Dear Chuck,
I hate paying taxes. With the many changes under President Trump, is there anything I should do differently to legally avoid paying more taxes?
Legal Tax Avoidance
Dear Legal Tax Avoidance,
I often do not agree with how tax dollars are used (or wasted), but there are many good reasons to legally pay the taxes that you owe, not the least of which is that Jesus told us to. It is also good stewardship to do your best to avoid overpaying taxes, but my hope is that you are not trying to skirt the law and escape paying what you honestly owe. It is better to seek an “income tax minimization” strategy rather than a “tax avoidance” strategy.
The following steps can assist you and potentially enable you to lower your federal tax bill.
Year-End Tax Prep
No matter how much we dread the work of doing taxes, prepping for April’s filing can be financially rewarding. However, you need to take action now.
Organize Documents
Maximize Tax-Advantaged Contributions
Review Deductions and Credits
Education Breaks
Plan for Investment Income
Defer Income
Avoid the “Kiddie Tax”
Remember Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
Schedule a Meeting with a Tax Advisor
Pay to Caesar What Is Caesar’s
The Bible makes clear that paying taxes is a responsibility of a nation’s citizens. When the Pharisees approached Jesus with a question about paying taxes, they hoped to trip him up. Upon hearing his answer, however, they marveled and went away.
“‘Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?’ But Jesus, aware of their malice, said,
‘Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.’
And they brought him a denarius.
And Jesus said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’
They said, ‘Caesar’s.’ Then he said to them,
‘Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’”
Matthew 22:17–21 (ESV)
Jesus is asking us for far more than the coins collected by Caesar; He is asking for our hearts. When we give Him our hearts, we don’t have to fear the demands that Caesar may place upon us because we belong to the Everlasting God. So pay the taxes you owe, and remember, no matter how much you do not like it, we have better and lasting treasures coming when we give our hearts to Christ.
Additional Resources
Do you want more tools and tips on financial stewardship? Are you interested in receiving encouraging ministry updates from around the world? Sign up to receive the Crown Newsletter emails by using the form on the homepage at Crown.org.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on December 12, 2025.
Dear Chuck,
We have been married for seven years and are now ready to buy a home. I know it is a little early, but would you advise us to take advantage of the 50-year mortgage for our first home purchase if it becomes available?
Waiting to Purchase a Home
Dear Waiting to Purchase a Home,
The Trump administration is floating the idea of a 50-year mortgage. It is a very controversial proposal. A quick calculation using current interest rates indicates that the total cost of a $400,000 home would rise to close to $1,000,000 with a 50-year mortgage.
Although that sounds crazy, let’s look at the reasons for the proposal first and then the pros and cons.
Home Buying Is Delayed
The average age of first-time home buyers continues to steadily increase. Realtor.com reports that it has reached 40 years old in 2025. In 2023, Zillow and The Knot conducted an analysis showing a 55% increase in couples choosing house funds for their wedding gift registries since 2018. Guests donate money toward a down payment or home renovations as a gift instead of purchasing a physical item. The money goes to the newlyweds’ bank account.
America’s current housing finance laws would need to change for government backing of 50-year mortgages. And there is some question whether lenders would be willing to offer a reasonable fixed interest rate for such a long term. Though risky, private lenders could create 50-year non-qualified mortgage loans by charging higher interest rates. This could potentially help open up the first-time home buyer market.
Pros
Cons
Better than Renting?
Supporters suggest that the 50-year mortgage is superior to 50 years of renting—especially if homeowners refinance at some point or pay it off early. However, potential consequences cannot be ignored. A 50-year mortgage may open the door to buying a more expensive home than someone can truly afford or investing in multiple homes.
The risk is that most people will not stay in the home for 50 years. As of 2024, the median tenure (the midpoint where half of homeowners have stayed longer and half shorter) stands at 11.8 years, according to multiple real estate data analyses. This is nearly double the 6.5 years recorded in 2005. If the homeowner moves or refinances in under 10 years, they will build very little equity.
Japan Has Tried Something Similar
Extremely long-term mortgages (up to 100 years, sometimes called “three-generation loans”) were introduced in the late 1980s during Japan’s asset bubble era. Low interest rates and speculative real estate fever led to lax lending practices. These allowed families to pass the debt across generations, but they contributed to financial risks when the bubble burst in 1990, causing widespread defaults and underwater loans. By the 1990s, such products had largely vanished from the market due to regulatory tightening and economic fallout.
Expert Opinions
“My fear is that the 50-year mortgage is going to attract the unsavvy consumer, and someone who doesn’t understand how finances work and how interest works. If you are in a 50-year mortgage, it’s going to take you four times as long to build the equity in the home. It’s going to attract a consumer that’s already struggling. There’s going to be an even larger disparity, once again, between the wealthy and the poor. And I think the disparity is going to get even bigger with this 50-year mortgage” (Micah Smith, credit repair expert).
“It’s not going to solve the primary issue in the housing market” (Daryl Fairweather, Redfin chief economist).
“The slow equity build would make trading up or down very difficult. It would also take almost 40 years to pay off half the balance, meaning most borrowers would not begin building meaningful equity until the final decade” (Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors).
“If too many people take out these long-term loans, it could create a bubble where home values are artificially inflated, especially if buyers are stretching their budgets just to get into the market” (Todd Luong, REMAX DFW associate, Frisco, Texas).
Some Advice
The Bible says that “the borrower is a servant to the lender” (Provers 22:7 KJV).
Long-term debt is dangerous, so:
Helpful Tools and Articles
Are 50-Year Mortgages a Viable Option? Breaking Down the Numbers
How a 50-Year Mortgage Would Differ From a 30-Year Mortgage
10 Ways to Get a Lower Mortgage
Helping Adult Children Get a House
If credit card debt is a financial burden or is hindering you from saving for a down payment, consider reaching out to Christian Credit Counselors. They are a trusted partner of Crown and can help you consolidate debt and get on the road to financial freedom.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on December 5, 2025.
Dear Mr. Buffett,
I am writing to you with a mixed sense of joy and lament after reading your recent and final chairman’s letter to Berkshire Hathaway’s (BRK-A) shareholders.
First, thank you for all that you have done for so many investors, businesses, and plain individuals like me in ways that you could never fully know or comprehend. You and Charlie Munger combined to create one of the greatest wealth-building teams in modern times.
For full disclosure, I am not a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder; no doubt you will hear from many of them whose lives and personal fortunes have been enriched by investing in BRK A or B or following your advice. But like so many others around the world, I sincerely appreciate your influence in my life by just watching and learning from afar. Not only have you accomplished much through your personal investing, but you have openly and transparently educated so many others along the way in finances, economics, and stewarding resources well.
It would be such an honor and joy if my letter finds its way into your hands because, like Alfred Nobel, whom you mentioned had a 2nd chance to recast his legacy, I believe you, too, can correct a sentiment expressed in your final letter before “going quiet.” More about that to come.
The Big One That Got Away
My dad, who is now 92, often repeated the story to us of the time when his friend convinced him to buy a share of BRK-A stock in 1986, when “Mr. Market” (as you have referred to it) valued a share at $2900. At that time, Dad thought the stock was overvalued or just too expensive for his liquidity! His friend, who encouraged him to buy the share, jumped in by purchasing a whopping 10 shares. Dad got cold feet and sold his single share for a $500 gain. His friend, on the other hand, decided to hold on to his stock. The rest is history. “Mr. Market” says that a single share of BRK-A is valued at over $753,000 today!
When you began the “Lunch Auction,” the opportunity to sit with you for a private lunch, more than 20 years ago, I tracked the first auction with daydream-like interest. It was a brilliant idea and a winsome means to generate funds to support a meaningful charitable cause. I watched as the price quickly left the stratosphere. My understanding is that every winner bid more than $1,000,000 to be invited to the steak dinner with you! This simple gesture raised more than $34 million for an organization that provides services to the poor and homeless. These bids did not come from foolish people. They were successful business leaders wanting to learn from your wisdom.
World’s Best Investor
While we do not know each other, I teach others about Biblical financial principles and often refer to you (and Charlie) as the “world’s best investors,” a well-deserved accolade and respect earned, not just from the result of your financial achievements but also from the way it was earned. Starting from a very young age, you saw and took opportunities to invest and make money grow. Few people that I have ever read about were so mature and forward-thinking as an adolescent. Certainly, I was not one of them. To the contrary, I was very foolish with money well into my young adulthood.
There is little doubt that your fortunes were accumulated through a unique gift combined with diligent study, brilliant analysis, common sense, self-control, and virtue. A very special combination of intelligence and humility always guided you. Your success did not come from an inheritance, luck, or random chance. In my frame of reference, this is summarized as wisdom.
Many have studied and chronicled the lessons in life and investing learned from you. One of my favorites is University of Berkshire Hathaway: 30 Years of Lessons Learned from Warren Buffett & Charlie Munger at the Annual Shareholders Meeting. It is only appropriate to add here that Charlie Munger was cut from the same cloth, and the two of you modeled friendship, wisdom, and humility in the way you sought and listened to each other’s counsel. Author Daniel Pecaut described his book as a summary of the “lessons, wisdom, and investment strategies handed down personally from Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger to shareholders during 30 years of their closed-door annual meetings.” He never mentioned you being lucky.
Like many of your annual letters, the final one was filled with wit and practical insights gleaned from real life. It was heartwarming to read of your heartfelt fondness for Omaha, Nebraska, as you recounted your gratitude for Dr. Hotz, a family physician with high personal attentiveness to your childhood maladies; for the friends who shared your midwestern values; for your education; for your first and only home; for good neighbors; and for the many highly accomplished fellow Nebraskans who became significant business leaders.
In pondering your personal life reflections, my mind was pulled to the redemptive story in Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life. You are like George Bailey, a hometown boy who did well for others by sacrificially saving the bank from the evil, greedy Henry Potter. He never left Bedford Falls, but by doing well for his depositors and remaining true to his values, he blessed everyone around him. The celebration in the closing scene reminds us all that character matters more than money or power. That simple story is considered one of the “Top 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.”
Now at age 95, you, the “Oracle of Omaha,” have stated that you are “going quiet.” I will miss your updates and your plain-spoken wisdom. Had I been able to attend an annual meeting or win my very own Lunch Auction and sit face-to-face, I would make one appeal for your consideration.
Your final letter makes significant reference to “dumb luck,” “luck,” and “Lady Luck.” The term is intentionally used while making self-deprecating comments about your long life and disproportionate share of financial rewards. I understand you are deflecting credit and humbly acknowledging it was not all about you. That is true; we Americans were advantaged to be born during a time of increased life spans, tremendous economic opportunity, and unprecedented global expansion. But I believe we can identify the source of all good fortune.
My worldview is that God controls our destiny, and some are set apart through wisdom. Solomon, the wisest and richest man to ever walk the Earth, said it this way, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures” (Proverbs 24:3–4 NIV). This statement closely resembles another: “The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens” (Proverbs 3:19 NIV).
I don’t, for a minute, believe your life story is attributed to Lady Luck, good fortune, karma, or random chance. God gave you the health, intelligence, and wisdom to accomplish so much. King David summarized his worldview about wealth and success like this:
“Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as being in control of everything. Riches and honor come from you alone, and you are the ruler of all mankind. Your hand controls power and might, and it is at your discretion that men are made great and given strength.”
1 Chronicles 29:11–12 (TLB)
God gave you the riches and the honor, Mr. Buffett. He deserves it in return. I pray that you will consider giving credit to the real Author of your remarkable life story.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on November 21, 2025.
This week, I am not responding to a question but expressing my personal views on the implications of the rise of democratic socialism in America.
Robin Hood is a legend in English folklore based on the illegal and daring exploits of a good-hearted crusader for the common man, or peasants. His heroic character is considered to symbolize resistance to abusive authority and heavy taxation.
Over the years, the books and movies based on this fictional character have romanticized the idea of taking from the rich (always portrayed as greedy, selfish, and corrupt), with altruistic motives, of course, to redistribute to the poor and oppressed victims. Robin Hood was never portrayed as greedy, selfish, or corrupt, only kind, just, benevolent, and generous—the perfect protector and redistributor of wealth to the masses.
It sounds very much like the modern platform of democratic socialism.
In my 2021 book, Seven Gray Swans, I offered a Biblical analysis of seven key trends that I labeled as gray swans. In the simplest of terms, a gray swan is an obvious danger that we tend to ignore. My list included, among others, universal basic income, social scoring, biometric IDs, and democratic socialism.
The threat of democratic socialism is no longer an outlier. It has landed with significant favor and force in two of America’s largest cities, Chicago and New York, with another one possibly being Seattle.
New York is home to the Statue of Liberty and a symbol of the American Dream. The words inscribed on the base of our iconic symbol of freedom since 1886 are a welcome to the world’s immigrants: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”
Ironically, in New York City, it is a significant number of those huddled masses, immigrants who are new to the United States of America, who are rejecting the American Dream and uniting with the utopian dream of democratic socialism, or Robin Hood economics, as I call it.
Economic Models Based on a Fable
Mayor Mamdani, a democratic socialist and former New York State Assembly member, centered his 2025 campaign on making New York City more affordable for working families, emphasizing housing, childcare, transit, wages, and progressive taxation. His platform drew massive voter turnout, particularly among young people and first-time voters, by promising bold economic reforms, all pointing to his adoption of Robin Hood economics:
These promises form the core of Mamdani’s “affordability agenda,” which he vows to deliver starting January 1, 2026, through alliances with state lawmakers and a compassionate City Hall.
According to experts, “It’s a recipe for economic disaster.” Read why economists loathe his housing policy, just one of his proposed reforms.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also proposes economic reform rooted in Robin Hood economics that captures revenue from large corporations and high earners to address structural deficits. This approach draws from his background as a former Chicago Teachers Union organizer and Cook County commissioner, prioritizing “people over profits” and countering federal cuts. His flagship framework is Build Better Together.
Johnson’s policies aim to balance fiscal responsibility with social equity, avoiding broad property tax hikes but proposing progressive taxes focused on affordable housing, mental health, public safety, youth services, and environmental justice. He believes he can generate new revenue with a “head tax” of $21/employee/month on firms with 100+ employees and by increasing taxes on Big Tech/large corporations and the “ultra-rich” in order to avoid increasing personal property taxes and to reduce motor vehicle taxes.
What Is Wrong with Robin Hood Economics?
No matter what names, labels, or crafty marketing slogans are given to this approach, it is an economic philosophy that is guaranteed to increase the power and size of government as well as taxes on job creators and businesses, which will drive job providers (entrepreneurs, investors, and large corporations) out of business or out of state.
Democratic socialism is based on a fable that actually increases human suffering while claiming to be morally superior and virtuous. Those who are frustrated with being locked out of the opportunities they dreamed of are most likely to fall for these poorly devised solutions proven to be catastrophic in places like Venezuela, Cuba, and North Korea.
Robin Hood economics is driven by the sinful forces of envy, greed, and coveting. The Bible warns us in the Tenth Commandment not to covet what other people have. It is a dangerous attitude based on envy and class warfare.
Reread Scripture’s description of Jezebel’s seizing of Naboth’s vineyard for her husband, Ahab. The belief that government can take from others and redistribute to whomever they choose will lead to the murderous ways of Ahab and Jezebel. Democratic socialism is dangerous and creates policies that can bring about economic collapse.
Desperate, hurting people need care and support to get back on their feet. The role of the Church is to love our neighbors who are suffering and show them a better way to flourish. None of us will benefit if the government continues to become more and more like Robin Hood.
Here are some good articles for more information:
Do you want more tools and tips on financial stewardship? Are you interested in receiving encouraging ministry updates from around the world? Sign up to receive the Crown Newsletter emails by using the form on the homepage at Crown.org.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on November 14, 2025.
Dear Chuck,
I love shopping the Black Friday deals with my friends—it’s a fun tradition for me. My husband says it’s just a marketing gimmick, and I’ll end up spending more money. What do you and your wife do?
Black Friday Shopper
Dear Black Friday Shopper,
My wife, Ann, who helps me with research and insights into every Ask Chuck column, does most of our Christmas shopping. She is not a Black Friday shopper because she finds deals all year round and sees through the hype of the so-called promos this time of year. She offers her insights in our response to your question.
What Is Black Friday?
Black Friday falls on November 28th this year. The “deals” go from Thanksgiving evening through Sunday evening and are followed by Cyber Monday. They have become the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season. The name originated back in the 1960s, identifying the time of year when retailers’ books went from red to black—that point in time when they would begin to actually profit from sales. More and more stores recognized the value of increased sales volume with the accompanying foot traffic. It has evolved into a shopping phenomenon.
Today, many companies offer sale prices before these days. Just be aware of price inflation leading up to Black Friday, making discounts deceptive. Recognize emotional marketing that traps consumers into buying unneeded or unplanned items, like “once in a lifetime,” “doorbusters,” and “limited time offer.” I like to remember that nothing is truly scarce or worth pushing and shoving to get.
Overspending Is Common
According to the National Retail Federation, 197 million shoppers participated in the five days of Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales in 2024. They spent an average of $235 on holiday gifts, including clothing, accessories, toys, gift cards, food, candy, personal care, and beauty items. A survey conducted by Experian found that 63% admitted spending too much during the holidays. 56% felt stressed about their finances during the holiday season. There’s a graph on this website that shows how people overspent. Nearly half of the consumers felt obligated to spend more than they could afford on holiday gifts, making it hard to enjoy the season. A third worried that spending would negatively affect their credit.
Pros of Black Friday
Cons of Black Friday
Thankfully, there is a growing trend toward conscious consumerism, leading many people to prioritize sustainability and ethical considerations over discounted prices.
Beware of Materialism
John Bunyan referred to the danger of materialism at Vanity Fair in his classic work Pilgrim’s Progress. Christian and Faithful were distracted by all the temptations and then suffered for refusing to participate in the folly.
Charles Dickens visited America several times and was dismayed at the obsession with material possessions and the lack of genuine human connection.
We should prayerfully discern if and how we have fallen for the world’s ways. We can avoid it by being grateful. We can guard our hearts (and wallets) by limiting media consumption and time with people who encourage us to spend too much money—knowing and avoiding our triggers. We can declutter and donate what we do not need while passing valuables on to loved ones.
Celebrate Well
Spend time with your family this Thanksgiving! Enjoy this season free of stress. Let the true meaning of Christmas reign in your heart and home. May it overflow to your neighbors and co-workers.
I am all about giving! Just know why and for what you are shopping. Ask family what they want for Christmas. In the years when our kids all get together, we use an online tool to draw names and enter our gift requests. A spending limit allows all to enjoy without the stress of money.
I challenge you to think less about what you want and more about what others need. Ask God how you can help the poor, needy, widows, orphans, prisoners, and persecuted church.
“And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’”
Luke 12:15 (ESV)
Here’s an additional resource you may find helpful:
10 Ways to Avoid Overspending on the Biggest Shopping Day of the Year
If credit card debt is a financial woe, Black Friday shopping can lead to even more stress. Consider reaching out to Christian Credit Counselors. They are a trusted partner of Crown and are able to help consolidate debt and get you on the road to financial freedom.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on November 7, 2025.
Dear Chuck,
I finally graduated with my master’s degree and would love to buy a new car. My spouse and I do not agree; she wants me to keep driving my 2017 clunker and pay off the student loan debt. Who is right?
Ready for My Dream Car
Dear Ready for My Dream Car,
So glad you asked. Let me turn this around and ask you some questions before I reply. Let’s start with a few probes so you and your spouse can get on the same page.
Context of Your Financial Picture
When a Dream Car Becomes a Nightmare
I have written previously about how people are getting in over their heads with massive car payments. With rapid depreciation before the new car smell even wears off, young couples often regret their choice to buy new. For transparency, my wife and I can afford to buy new cars without debt, but we choose to drive what some may consider clunkers. Last year, I upgraded to a 2018. Her vehicle is a 2016. We are happy to live without a new car.
If driving a new car raises your debt load, consider whether that is more important than driving your current car and experiencing financial freedom.
It has become an accepted way of life in America to have a mortgage, car payments, and consumer debt. Unfortunately, many people sleepwalk into this scenario without thinking through the long-term ramifications.
Some are asking if owning a car has become a luxury. Is owning one or two even necessary? For couples or families with multiple vehicles, consider whether having two or more is really necessary. Selling an unnecessary vehicle can provide margin in several ways, including paying down debt, saving for a home, or paying off student loans.
Young couples need to analyze their priorities and take a serious look at personal debt in general. If possible, driving dependable, older model vehicles is a way to avoid paying interest on value-depreciating new ones. A recent article at BankRate.com found that Americans pay $575 per month in hidden ownership costs. That is almost $7,000 per year. That could go a long way to paying off student loans or other debts early in life!
Many couples, if willing to get beyond the stigma, can figure out how to get by with one car, especially if they live in an area where it is possible to walk, bike, carpool, or use public transportation. Check out the following pros of taking your wife’s advice.
Pros
Questions to Discuss With Your Spouse
Delayed Gratification Is Always Wise
Just because you can afford to replace a car doesn’t mean you need to. We often fail to give thanks for the way a car has lasted because we’re more concerned with how it looks or how we are perceived by others. In what other ways could that money be used? What will you have to give up to own it? How about the joy of making your spouse happy; why push for what may divide you?
Buying new may be best in certain situations. But learning to discern between wants and needs is important for financial wellness. Above all else, staying united in your marriage pays long-term dividends!
“Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?”
– Isaiah 55:2 (ESV)
Before you make a final decision, here are some important articles that will give you more perspective:
Crown’s Family & Finances Podcast is a great resource for those who want to dive deeper together. Chuck and Ann Bentley discuss lessons they’ve learned and offer wisdom in the areas of marriage and family related to finances.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on October 31, 2025.
Dear Chuck,
How can I have Christmas without putting it all on a credit card? January bills have stressed me out for three years in a row, and I’m resolved to avoid that this year!
Christmas Without Debt
Dear Christmas Without Debt,
The “Holiday Debt Hangover” is a cycle that can and should be broken. It is a vicious trap for you and millions of Americans. You don’t have a lot of time, so let’s look at some drastic measures.
Try a Spending Freeze
Ever heard of “No-Spend September”? It doesn’t matter that the month has already passed! Any time during the year works to help you reset your spending to save for a specific goal. Here’s how it works: pay your regular bills, but cut out all discretionary spending. In other words, cover your needs, and curb your wants. You may be shocked at how much money you can save by carefully freezing all unnecessary spending.
Kiplinger reports that a one-month freeze is eye-opening. It is not easy, and you can burn out unless you modify spending around certain life situations. So aim for flexibility in your effort to reach the goal you set. Keeping track of how much you save can motivate you to steward your finances with care in the months following. Besides being financially beneficial, you will be rewarded emotionally. If you continue spending with care, you will develop habits that can benefit you for a lifetime.
Before you start, ask God for wisdom and self-control. Ask Him to help you be content with what you have and depend on Him more during this time. Look for ways to give thanks for all that you have and all you can do, rather than complain about what you can’t do.
Do
Don’t
Generate Extra Cash
Try selling personal items you no longer need. Do you have a storage unit that can be emptied with a weekend sale? What about listing some items on Facebook Marketplace that you no longer need? Or take on extra work. Seasonal jobs are in demand during the holidays.
Meanwhile
Develop a budget for Christmas shopping that helps you avoid spontaneous decisions. Remember that you are a steward (manager) of all God provides. You have been entrusted to wisely spend what you earn. The world has countless ways to get us to part with money, and our enemy enjoys putting Christians in financial bondage. The more interest we pay on debt, the less we can give to the Kingdom.
Also, we don’t need to spend like the world spends at Christmas. Materialism is a trap. It hurts our children and our marriages and distracts from the true meaning of the season. Instead of getting caught up in the pressure of the season, sit back and think through what really matters.
Research shows that experiences have more of an impact than gifts. Consider a card for each of your loved ones that promises to take them to their favorite destination or experience in the coming year. Discover ways you can spend time with friends and family and give what matters most: love expressed with quality time together.
Scripture
“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13 (ESV)
Remember the poor, the lonely, and the isolated. Invite them into your Christmas plans. I can’t help but think of Dickens’ Christmas Carol. After experiencing three vivid dreams, Scrooge woke up a changed man. The realization that he was still alive filled him with overwhelming joy and led him to bless the Cratchit family and others abundantly. It costs nothing to spread Christ’s love and joy during this celebration of our Savior.
May each of us experience that kind of joy in the days ahead!
Here is some extra reading for more ideas on how to steward resources during the holidays:
If credit card debt is a financial burden for you in general, consider reaching out to Christian Credit Counselors. They are a trusted partner of Crown and are able to help consolidate debt and get you on the road to financial freedom.
This article was originally published on The Christian Post on October 24, 2025.
