Dear Chuck, Are we headed towards negative interest rates? If so, how in the world do I prepare for that? Rates Below Zero? Dear Rates Below Zero, This is a great but very challenging question. With our federal funds rate (the cost for our banks and financial institutions to borrow money) essentially at zero […]
Dear Chuck, The real estate market in our area is booming! We are thinking of buying an upgraded home with these low rates but are worried we may not be able to find what we really want or need. Can you give us some tips? Homebuying Fever Dear Homebuying Fever, We are in the […]
Dear Chuck, My daughter and son-in-law have decided they will not have children due to overpopulation and the cost. I don’t understand how they could make such a decision. Can you give me some good stats to share with them? Hoping for Grandchildren Dear Hoping for Grandchildren, Since I have five grandchildren already, I know […]
Dear Chuck, I’m new to investing and don’t really understand the ramifications of inflation and deflation. I would like to position myself to minimize loss regardless of what happens. Any tips? Novice Investor Dear Novice Investor, I am not a professional investment advisor but can give you some Biblical financial principles that will help you […]
Dear Chuck, My wife is urging me to retire. I am not ready yet and do not know if I ever will be. I enjoy working. However, what do you think are the best financial moves to be ready? Prepping for Retirement Dear Prepping for Retirement, This year has caused many people to consider […]
I grew up with a generalized investing philosophy espoused by my grandfather: invest during a Democratic administration (market down), sell during a Republican administration (market up). Since I am going to write about what I think is the worst-case scenario for investors post-November 3, 2020 when the nation selects its next President, I decided […]
Did you see the recent headline of three men posing as pastors to scam about 1,200 unsuspecting, gullible Christians out of more than $20,000,000 in three states with an investment scheme called “1st Million”? How about the California pastor who swindled his very own congregants out of a million dollars in a Ponzi scheme? Or […]
Dear Chuck, I had high hopes of making financial progress while working from home since March. I have a good job, a stable marriage, and good friends. Unfortunately, my wife and I blew through money and took on some consumer debt. We need a financial reset. What is step one? Financially Stuck Dear Financially […]
Dear Chuck, We recently had a family member hospitalized with COVID-19. It has made us acutely aware of the need for a will. Do you have any advice? Getting Our House in Order Dear Getting Our House in Order, This is a good idea whether we have the threat of COVID-19 or not. I […]
Dear Chuck, Can you explain the concept of Universal Basic Income? It seems more like a Robin Hood plan than good economics. Concerned Taxpayer Dear Concerned Taxpayer, Universal Basic Income (UBI), known by many other names, is defined by its most ardent supporters like this: “It is a regular income paid to everyone without […]