Chuck Bentley
Chuck Bentley
My heart aches. I lament the cruel treatment of black people, the senseless loss of life. I have shed tears in private. I am disturbed by my only recent real sensitivity to the obvious pent up hurt and hopelessness in the black community. They are tired, frustrated, and longing for lasting change. So am I. […]
Dear Chuck, I wasn’t ready for the pandemic. My health has been fine but my finances have not. How can I get ready if we are faced with another crisis? Prepping for Another Pandemic Dear Prepping, I am sorry you were not ready for the pandemic but I am grateful that your health is […]
Dear Chuck, My home’s air conditioner went out. We’re getting by with some fans but need to replace the unit soon. Should I use a low interest rate credit card or borrow from my 401(k)? Hot in Texas Dear Hot in Texas, Having grown up in Texas myself, I understand this is a need […]
Dear Chuck, I can retire in two years at age 65. Our home is paid for but we have almost nothing saved for retirement. We can get by on Social Security but it will be tight. How are others getting by who are in this shape? Retirement Planning Dear Retirement Planning, It is great […]
Dear Chuck, With interest rates so low, should we refinance our house? We bought it in 2014 for $220,000. We put 10% down and still pay PMI. We think it is worth $240,000 now. We also have some troubling credit card debt we want to pay off in the refi. Refi Now? Dear Refi […]
The late Rob Moll (1977-2019), a writer and former editor at Christianity Today, was a friend of mine. Our friendship began when his life impacted my life in a very unexpected way, via an article he wrote in August 2008 for the Wall Street Journal, “Want More Growth in China? Have Faith.” While I typically […]
“Cash is King!” is a popular financial phrase used to describe the strength of adequate cash flow or cash reserves particularly during a crisis or downturn. It sounds good to the ears, is memorable and easy to believe, but it is not true. I happen to own a 100 Trillion-dollar bill. That is a one […]
Dear Chuck, I have not spent my $1200 stimulus check since I have no real savings. I am insecure about losing my job but really want to do something else anyway if I get laid off. Should I invest in getting training for a future job or just keep the money in an emergency account? […]
Dear Chuck, I’m fatigued from all the “fake news,” flawed forecasts, imagined scenarios, and conspiracy theories that are circulating in the world today. How do I know what is true or false anymore! I am trying to decide what to do with my investments but feel paralyzed right now. In a Holding Pattern Dear […]
Dear Chuck, Many we know have been hurt financially due to the coronavirus shelter-in policies. What should I know to encourage others as they try to survive this? Trying to Help My Neighbor Dear Trying to Help, The coronavirus has created a lot of uncertainty in every sector of the population. I cannot address […]
