When you are down to your last few dollars, it may be time you have a No-Spend Weekend. Amanda, creator of CentsiblyRich.com says it’s a super way to save a little cash.
Impossible this weekend? Then, aim for another. Recruit friends to 
do it with you. You will be shocked at the fun you have while not spending a cent.
Make sure you have ingredients to eat all your meals at home. Cook things the whole family will enjoy. If you have activities to attend with your children, then prepare snacks and drinks so you won’t buy food while you’re out.
We work first then play.
For example:
You name it! Just make it fun and no one will ever complain about not spending money that weekend.
According to Chris Farrell, in a recent article at Forbes.com, you can start a business in retirement.
Older workers have decades of experience, a network of contacts, and often more money than younger people to invest in a start-up company. They have lived through years of economic ebbs and flows and are often able to spot needs and market trends due to their years of study.
55-to-64-year-olds made up 15% of new entrepreneurs in the 1997 Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurship, but the number jumped to 24% in the 2016 Index.
And, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the self-employment rates among workers 65 and up, who don’t incorporate, is the highest of any age group at 15.5%.
Working into the latter years of life gives meaning to each day and the platform to invest in the lives of employees and customers. It is a way to give back to one’s community and provides the opportunity to build a business with one’s spouse and potentially children and grandchildren.
It is vital that we continue learning into our senior years. Farrell reports that there are nearly 1,000 Small Business Development Centers at colleges and state economic development agencies that offer free or low-cost business consulting and training that are open to citizens of all ages.
Read, network, and seek wisdom. Pray for creativity to fill a niche. Maybe you can be the next Colonel Sanders.
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3
In a recent article by Kelli B. Grant at CNBC, an estimated 43.5 million American adults work as unpaid caregivers; most are age 50 
and above.
It used to be that large families pulled together resources to care for parents and grandparents, but with today’s smaller families, the care is spread among fewer children. Yes, we face a situation today of fewer caregivers for a growing population of the elderly!
$5,500 is the average out of pocket expense for caregivers, but a TD Ameritrade survey puts the annual support figure closer to $13,000 to help mom and $8,500 for dad.
Caregivers are dipping into their savings, adding to their debt and delaying retirement. In addition, many have had to quit jobs, or cut back on hours. They not only worry about their own finances, they struggle with depression, fatigue, and care-induced health issues such as back pain.
Ideally, family members should plan ahead of time to work out each person’s role and responsibility, so when the time comes for assistance, each person assumes their assigned duties with knowledge and a smooth transition can occur.
Fidelity.com says five key questions need to be addressed by families.
The Lord commanded us to honor our father and mother. And, He will give us the strength we need to lovingly serve them till the end.
By preparing now, we can be a blessing not only to our parents but to our children and grandchildren!
If you only had 15 minutes to prepare for an emergency, an 
evacuation box could spare you from panicking and possibly save lives.
A number of years ago, my wife and I had to take emergency cover from a tornado headed our way. We had little time to react so Ann rushed around grabbing everything she thought was important to preserve. I remember being in the tornado shelter and Ann holding our checkbook and our wedding pictures.
Tyra, at PreparednessMama.com, assembled a list of items you should store in an easy to carry, covered container. Regardless of whether you ever need it for an emergency, you will have it organized for other purposes.
Here’s a partial list:
Some of these things may be stored on your computer, but make sure you have written down all of your passwords.
Sounds like Ann and I have got some work to do when I get home!
The good news is, that if there ever is an emergency, we have help. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Many families struggle with when to let their children in on their conversations about money. Or how to approach their parents in the desire to help or rest in the knowledge they have prepared financially.
My advice? The earlier, the better.
Depending on the ages of your children, openly discuss your budget, your financial plans, and goals. Just as you talk about the Lord as you go along the way, teach your kids about handling money throughout the week.
At least one relative outside your marriage should know the locations of key documents, codes or keys to safes and safety deposit boxes. At some point, reveal trusts, estate plans, and long-term health care wishes. If you use an investment planner, allow the children to attend a meeting and get to know the advisor.
This is important for you to do with elderly relatives as well, because you need to be prepared for the time when they are no longer able to make wise decisions.
Originally posted on the Christian Post on March 3
Dear Chuck,
Every time I turn on the news, I hear reports about new record highs 
in the stock market. I have some stock investment, but wondering if I should go bigger. Is there something I should be doing to take advantage of the energy in the stock market?
Stock Market Newbie
Dear Newbie,
Great question! With a recent report in The Balance noting that the Dow Stock Market “has set 24 new record closing highs since the 2016 Presidential election,” many people are wondering the same thing. No doubt, the market is riding a surge in optimism at the moment! The Goldman Sachs Risk Appetite Indicator hit its historic high in early 2017.
Before I tell you how you might take advantage of the current market, it’s important to lay out a course of action for surviving and even thriving whatever the state of the economy. My personal view is there remain a number of significant potential threats to the global economy: America’s massive federal debt, China’s struggling economy, the possibility for trade wars, BREXIT, the list is extensive. So while our economy seems strong right now, the greatest risk we face comes from fluctuations in the world market. It is good to continue to use caution and discernment in your investing approach, especially as a novice. In my book, The S.A.L.T. Plan, I outline some basic steps to be prepared for a massive market correction, using the themes: Save, Asset Allocation, Liquidity, Truth.
First: SAVE. All investing needs to be accomplished with funds available AFTER you’ve set aside adequate savings. Every person needs a working budget to make sure that you have handled your responsibilities, and you need savings so that emergencies don’t result in debt, especially credit card debt. In Genesis 41, Joseph recommended to the Pharaoh that 20 percent of all resources be set aside in prosperous years. When times are good, save more.
Second: ASSET ALLOCATION. Investing carries risk that must be carefully considered. It’s important to diversify your resources so that a downturn in any one area is not devastating. Ecclesiastes 11:2 advises, “Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.” Even when the stock market is growing strongly in any one segment, avoid putting more than 12-15% of your investable assets into a single sector such as precious metals (gold/silver), commodities, real estate, bonds or blue chip stocks. If you don’t understand what you are investing in, better not to invest at all!
Third: LIQUIDITY: Financial setbacks often take place when you need resources today. The best financial plans look not simply at retirement planning, but cash flow plans throughout an entire life. For example, how available are your resources for your children’s college plans? Do you have cash set aside to replace that aging roof? We have on-going needs for resources, so be careful to keep some readily accessible. Be cautious to avoid having all of your investments in long-term, tax deferred instruments that carry a penalty if you have a need to suddenly access your cash. Evaluate your cash needs before putting away all your money in a 401(k).
Fourth: TRUTH. It’s important to remember biblical truth about our resources and the purpose they fulfill. God is the owner of all that we have, and we are accountable to Him for how we use our wealth. It’s also important to remember that our plans may not come together as we imagine, so stay close the Lord. In James 4:13-15 we read a warning about arrogance.. “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”
So, Time to Invest? Proverbs 21:5 observes, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” My advice is to determine how much you can afford to invest (put at risk) and begin investing that amount each month. Steady investing over time is a strategy experts call, “dollar cost averaging.” Some days you will invest when the cost of the investment is up, other days you will invest when the cost is down. The important factor is to avoid trying to time the market.
Next, take a look at your cash flow needs and consider whether it is time to cash out a few investments. If you know of a coming expense, sell some existing investments at the top of market so that you have cash on hand for your needs. This may be the right time to get the highest return from some of your investments.
But you don’t have to do this alone. When it comes to investment, experienced counsel is always a good idea. Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
Alan Marcus, in an article at CostULessDirect.com, recommends keeping your tank at least half full at all times.
First of all, he says, if there’s ever a disaster in your area, the need to evacuate quickly, a pipeline break, or power outages, you will be able to drive for a while.
But he gives some other reasons. You are less likely to get stranded.
Condensation can build up in near-empty gas tanks when it’s very cold and cause your fuel line to freeze rendering your car unable to start. A near empty gas tank can collect water vapor. This can rust the inside of a metal tank. Or, it can mix with fuel and reduce the efficiency of your vehicle whether you have metal or plastic tanks.
Condensation and evaporation causes water to build up in gas when cars rest overnight or for long periods of time. So, when the car is started, water is the first thing to enter the fuel pump. This can make it harder on the starter, causing it to wear out sooner. The life of the fuel pump decreases, because water does not lubricate and keep it cooler like gasoline.
Fuel injectors are damaged over time. Rust formed by the water vapor tends to sink to the bottom of the tank. Small amounts of debris on the bottom of the tank can be drawn into the fuel pump and plug the filters.
I doubt you enjoy filling up the tank. But, if you put it off to avoid spending the money, you may simply be costing yourself more money in the long run! Don’t wait for the warning light! Save maintenance costs and never get stranded on the side of the road.
My wife, Ann, and I got married at Christmas our senior year in college. This year we will celebrate 39 years of marriage! Unfortunately, it took us 21 years before we were on the same page financially.
A Crown Study was what finally got us on the same page about our money in 1999. There is so much freedom when spouses are united around what the Bible says about money and setting proper 
goals. But that doesn’t make it easy!
No matter how long you have been married, it is difficult to get on the same page as your spouse about money. But there’s no better time to start than now, especially for young couples.
Knight Kiplinger at Kiplinger.com gives 5 financial tips for newlyweds:
In addition, I suggest you:
Unless your parents are paying for your wedding, your immediate goal may be paying for the big event. If that’s the case, remember to spend wisely and avoid going into debt. Yesterday’s post on how to have a frugal wedding might be helpful to you.
Fidelity.com has a Getting Married Checklist with some very practical tips. Regardless of whether you have questions about short-term needs or long-term strategies, you may benefit from their suggestions.
Finally, Deuteronomy 6:5 says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Honoring Him with all He’s provided for you is the best way to start a marriage.
Did you know that we offer a comprehensive online course in biblical financial management? The MoneyLife Personal Finance Study will help you get out of debt, increase savings, and decrease stress. It could be life changing!
Weddings are expensive! With the average cost of a wedding at $26,645, I am very thankful to have 4 boys! My church recently
announced the upcoming wedding of a young couple. The event will take place after our morning service, followed by a potluck and wedding cake provided by the ladies in the church. How practical is that!
A simple, beautiful and memorable celebration is possible if you
ignore what the world says you need. Here are is my advice for throwing an affordable wedding and tips from Trent Hamm at TheSimpleDollar.com:
1. Decide how much you can spend. A specific and intentional budget is a must for planning a wedding. There are a lot of helpful guides online that you can use as a reference to how much you need to budget. No matter how tempting, don’t spend more than you have budgeted for! 
2. Involve your family, friends, and church. Recruit those with abilities in music, photography, and baking to serve in lieu of a wedding gift. Renting a hip venue can be very expensive. So, depending on the size of your guest list, consider your church or someone’s home for the ceremony and reception.
3. Check with family-owned restaurants for catering. They tend to respect budget needs and will typically help make your wedding special.
4. DIY Flowers. Flowers can be elegant but simple with Trader Joes, Costco, or cuttings from flower gardens. When our oldest son married, his bride’s family bought the flowers and ladies in the church brought their own vases and arranged them for each table at the reception.
5. Make your own invitations and programs. There are many helpful programs online that will help you design and format invitations or programs quickly and cost-effectively. Buying your own paper and then printing them at Sam’s Club or Costco can also be very inexpensive.
6. Create your own playlist and be your own DeeJay. If you are going to include dancing, use Spotify, Pandora, or even iTunes to make your own playlist and ask an articulate friend or family member to step in as a deejay. You could also seek out university student musicians for live music.
7. Buy the wedding dress off the rack or borrow a family member’s. I know this may be more difficult or less popular for many people, but it’s practical and will save you a lot of money. Do your research and decide what you are comfortable with. There are many women eager to sell their dresses for a great price and you can make it feel like your own with little adjustments.
8. Keep the honeymoon simple and stress free. There’s no need to spend thousands of dollars on your honeymoon. Look up travel sales and consider including a road trip instead of flying to a domestic location. Airbnb is a great place to find affordable lodging in desirable areas!
Remember, don’t get anxious about it. This is a one-day event so keep an eternal perspective. The Bible says “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”
Keep what really matters in the forefront of your mind and don’t compare to what everyone else is doing! It will save you money, time, and stress.
Originally posted on the Christian Post on February 24.
Dear Chuck,
Credit cards are killing me, and it feels like getting a handle on money is some kind of 12-step program. Where do I begin?
Feeling Overwhelmed.
Dear Overwhelmed,
Well, I have some good news and bad news. The good news is that it’s not the credit cards that are killing you. The bad news is that it’s the lack of savings!
It may surprise you to learn that the first thing you need to do to break the cycle of credit card debt isn’t to cut them up or make a payment plan (more on that later) but to begin saving money. The problem so many people face is that when life happens (the car needs new brakes or the water heater goes out), they don’t have the resources to keep everything moving forward, use a credit card to pay for the expenses, and end up overwhelmed by the debt.
The Bible is very direct in instructing us to keep some things in reserve. Proverbs 21:20 says, “The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.”
So to avoid a 12-step program, I am giving you just 3 simple steps. They will require discipline, but will reward you with renewed peace and freedom!
Step One: SAVE! Commit to put away your credit cards and save $1,000 as fast as possible. You may be surprised that those two things will put you in the minority!
In 2015, a survey found that about 6 in 10 people had saved less than $1,000 but a year later, the number had risen to almost 7 in 10. What is really tragic is that a third of Americans had nothing saved at all. Credit card debt is the natural result of problems brought about by the lack of savings!
I’ve written before about “Budget Hacks” that can make a difference in freeing up some cash, and here is a new one to consider. Want to find wiggle room in your budget for savings? Cut the cable.
Leichtman Research Group reported that 83 percent of Americans are still paying for cable television, an average of $123 per month. Turn off the TV and put that money in the bank!
In Proverbs 30, the wise King Solomon points to the “wise” and “small” ant for inspiration, saying in verse 25, “Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer.” If bugs can save, you can too!
For the fastest way to pay off debt, use the Debt Snowball Method. Crown has a great calculator that does the work for you. The principle behind the Debt Snowball Method is to organize your debts from smallest to largest. Starting with the smallest debt, pay it off as quickly as possible. Then take what you were making in payments on that debt and put it all towards the next smallest debt, and so on, and so on. This method saves you both time and interest, so start using it today!
If you have more complicated or overwhelming debt, get in touch with Christian Credit Counselors. They are our trusted partners and can help you put together a plan to get out of debt, starting with a free debt analysis.
Step Two: BUDGET! As you are saving, build a functional budget. Crown has some wonderful free tools and guidelines that can assist you in getting a handle on where your money goes each month. The quickest way to reduce the stress of over-spending is to only spend money on purpose; meaning you know where every dollar will be spent before the month begins and you have built in financial margin.
Step Three: START GIVING! One of the benefits of giving to the Lord and His work on earth is that we are reminded as we write those checks that our resources come from God our Father who loves us and that we will be held accountable for how we use our resources. In counseling couples throughout the years, I’ve seen that a failure to tithe comes sometimes from the attitude that “it’s MY money” or “I can’t afford to tithe.” We should remember the words of King Solomon in 1 Chronicles 29:14 where he humbly presents the tithes and gifts of his people to build a temple, saying: “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”
As we learn that the purpose of our resources is not just to satisfy our own desires but also to honor the Lord, it becomes easier to save because we don’t hold onto our possessions so tightly. Psalm 24:1 observes, “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
So there are your 3 steps! Save, Budget and Give. It will take some effort, but you will rid yourself of that feeling of being overwhelmed month after month. Let me also recommend you get involved in learning more of what God says about managing money by enrolling in our online MoneyLife Personal Finance Study.
