Dear Chuck, My spouse and I are on the opposite sides of Christmas. He’s kind of an Ebenezer Scrooge, doesn’t want to spend any money and thinks most decorating is a waste of time and resources, but I love the excitement of the season, and gift giving is a way I like to show my […]
First of all, protect yourself from advertising overload. Companies know how to play on our emotions to get us to purchase their products. Rather, pray for legacy-building ideas that don’t require money. Intentionally plan a stress-free holiday that allows you to focus on Christ, the best gift of all. What do you have? Think about […]
Recently I shared some good reasons to buy a home at year end. Today, I want to share why it is good to list your home for sale during November and December. Three years ago, we sold our home in November after listing it with Nikki Bonds. She is a successful realtor with some good […]
I did some checking online looking for a study on this dilemma many Christians face. So far, I have not found any solid research on the subject! Most articles talk only about increasing your savings, not your giving. The Bible clearly instructs us to make giving our top financial priority. Proverbs 3:9-10 says, “Honor the Lord […]
According to a new Bankrate.com survey, “People who earn more than $75,000 have a greater fear that they’ll run out of money in retirement. Overall, 23% of survey respondents say their top worry is that their savings will run out, but 29% of those in the $75,000-and-up income bracket say the same.” According to an […]
Dear Chuck, I cannot believe that it’s Thanksgiving week and Christmas is coming in weeks. Most of the time, I feel more stressed than thankful at this time of year (unless you count how thankful I feel when it’s all over!). Have any advice about making Christmas more about Jesus’ birthday and less about a […]
My challenge to you is to escape the trap that nearly 70% of Americans are in: Living with less than $1,000 in savings! Here are a few more tips to find that $1,000 and put it away for future emergencies. Cut cable. I have friends who spend more than $100 per month for their cable […]
10 Ways to Avoid Overspending on the Biggest Shopping Day of the Year According to the Balance, 133.7 million Americans went shopping on Black Friday weekend in 2014 and spent a total of $50.9 billion. Stores count on bringing in at least 30% of their annual sales just between Thanksgiving and Christmas, making you the […]
Originally posted on the Christian Post on November 18th. Dear Chuck, I’m in a company where it feels to me that people who are good at flattering the boss – but not necessarily are good at their jobs – get promoted, while more talented people get ignored or passed over. It’s so frustrating to look around […]
Dear Chuck, My wife and I are struggling with the costs of our children’s extracurricular activities, which seem to be getting more expensive all the time. One of our sons wants to be on a travel team for sports, which is not only expensive, but includes the costs of hotels, food, and all kinds of […]