This world will try to convince you that your purposes, goals, significance, self-worth, ambition, and life energy should be wrapped up in material things. For many, the world’s message is simple: make as much as you can, as quickly as you can, to retire as soon as you can, to enjoy a life of leisure […]
One of the greatest threats to our walk with God is the trap of materialism. We have to work at not being lured away from Him and spending our money on our own desires. Why? Because affluence tends to blind us to the needs of others. At first glance, the scriptural warnings about riches and […]
Dear Chuck, I want to take advantage of all the good sales happening for Black Friday but I can’t afford to pay for it all in cash right now. Is it ok to put it on the credit card and pay it off when I get my Christmas bonus? It seems like a waste to […]
Dear Chuck, There seems to be an unending amount of “crazy” in the world. How can I keep my money, time and heart peaceful during the holidays? Thanks, Holiday Jitters Dear Holiday Jitters, My pastor, Ronnie Batchelor, describes this as the time of year when “…we all experience the familiar unnerving sense that we’re […]
Are you worried about money? Most Americans are. In fact, a study from CreditCards.com reveals that 65% are losing sleep because of their financial state. The most common stressor is the cost of healthcare or insurance bills. This is closely followed by concern over retirement savings and student loans. Mortgages and credit cards are not […]
Dear Chuck, I have 2 daughters that are only 2 years apart that are still in elementary school, but I’m concerned about the cost of college. When is the best time to start saving, and can you explain education savings accounts? I am thinking this is the way I want to help them get their […]
Did you know that roughly 43% of the entire adult American population has a car loan? That’s about 107 million people. What’s even more shocking is that 6 million of those people are 90 or more days late on their car payments. They’re essentially taking out loans for an item they can’t afford, but still […]
Dear Chuck, Christmas is right around the corner, and I’m having a little bit of trouble shopping for Christmas presents. I want to buy meaningful, useful gifts, but it can just get so expensive so fast. Beyond just having a budget, what advice can you give on how to prepare for holiday spending? Thanks, Making […]
Have you ever thought about what causes debt? Most people who have accumulated debt didn’t do so on purpose. It’s usually because of a series of small mistakes, one huge accident, or an assumption that “this is just the way it’s done”. But underneath all those causes are deeper, hidden problems. Paying off debt or […]
I remember the story a man shared with me years ago, about what he called God’s “answer to prayer”. While he was away on a trip, this man’s car had been seriously damaged in an airport parking lot. Unfortunately, the driver who did the damage didn’t leave a note, and the man whose car was […]