Chuck Bentley
Chuck Bentley
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 […]
If you or someone you care about are among the millions of Americans who have recently been furloughed (usually a temporary work interruption), laid off (dismissed permanently), or lost a contract job that provided all of your income, be encouraged. There can actually be an upside to this season of unemployment. The key is to […]
Dear Chuck, I just don’t understand how America can implement another massive bailout/stimulus without some long-term consequences. Aren’t we already carrying too much national debt? Stop the Debt Please Dear Stop the Debt Please, You and I agree that we have a long-term problem. America is carrying almost 25 trillion dollars in national debt. […]
Dear Chuck, The coronavirus has caused economic and societal changes I never thought I would see in my lifetime. What do you think will be the long-term effects of this and what adjustments to my finances should I be making now? Pondering the Future Dear Pondering the Future, I hear a lot of people […]
Dear Chuck, Our income has fallen dramatically since sheltering at home. We need help to work our way through the next few months. Can you help? Can’t Work from Home Dear Can’t Work from Home, I am very sorry that you can’t do your job from home and are under financial pressure. Don’t forget […]
