Originally posted at Christian Post July 15, 2016.
Dear Chuck,
I saw recently that the former Baywatch star David Hasselhoff headed to court to try and challenge the judicial order to pay his ex-wife $21K a month in alimony. I’ve read his assets went from $1.2 million in the bank to $600 after his divorce. What happened here, and how can I avoid this kind of financial fall?
Bummed for Baywatch Star.
Dear Bummed,
After decades of being known as “the most watched man on TV,” actor David Hasselhoff said in legal documents that his finances are a disaster, telling the court that his monthly expenses are $72,415 a month, including $21K in alimony to ex-wife Pamela Bach, and more than $18K a month going to support his two adult children who live with him. He’s asking the court for some relief, including an end to the alimony payments from the breakup of his marriage in 2006.
There is a lot for all of us to learn from this tragic story.
Famous, infamous, or unknown to the world, it is best to work to stay married because divorce is disastrous for everyone. And it’s been that way from the very beginning. In Matthew 19, the Bible records this exchange between Jesus and religious leaders of the day on the subject of marriage.
“Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?”
“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
In the beginning, literally, God created marriage to end man’s loneliness. He so desires that we marry and reap the benefits of our union that in Malachi 2:16, the Bible says directly that God hates divorce. Anyone who has been through this nightmare can certainly understand why.
I believe that one of the many reasons that God hates divorce is because of the emotional and financial devastation that occurs for those whose marriages come to an end. Now clearly, I don’t know everyone’s personal circumstances, and if someone is in danger, they should seek help. But the reality is that when you consider the big picture of the impact of divorce, a terrible toll is paid by all in the family, which should be avoided if at all possible.
About 1.3 million couples a year will go through a divorce. Just like in the report of David Hasselhoff, finances can become chaotic. The Heritage Foundation notes “families with children that were not poor before the divorce see their income drop as much as 50 percent. Almost 50 percent of the parents with children that are going through a divorce move into poverty after the divorce.”
There are many reasons to work for a strong marriage, including the reality that it usually has a terrible emotional and financial impact on everyone in a family.
Tip #1: When it comes to building a strong financial foundation, get married and stay married, because two ARE BETTER than one.
Research indicates that married couples have the highest average income and net worth of any other form of living arrangement. Theaverage net worth of married couples is higher than if you are never married, divorced and live alone or living together. The greatest setbacks to our net worth occur during divorce or widowhood.
Tip #2: When it comes to managing money, always spend less than you earn.
Sadly, how many times have we seen this scenario in the lives of celebrities, lottery winners or sports stars; no matter how much they earn, it is quickly lost through big-spending lifestyles. You can’t guarantee that every TV show will be an international hit or that you can buy another winning ticket. You can’t depend on the turn of a card or a game-winning touchdown. In times of short-term gain, put that money away to preserve your resources. You really can’t know if you will have that prosperity again. And the truth is, you probably will not.
Repeatedly in the scriptures, we are advised to build up our resources with steady work and through careful, steady plodding. In fact, the Bible warns against Get-Rich-Quick schemes. Proverbs 13:11 observes, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”
Tip #3: More money does not solve financial problems.
It has been estimated that David Hasselhoff earned more than $100 million throughout his television and film career. Yet today, he says he is struggling to pay his bills. Who would have thought he could spend or lose that much money in a lifetime?
Spending less than we earn is a key lesson for all of us, no matter how much or how little we earn. Understanding how you view money and its purpose is as important as budgeting.
Originally posted at Christian Post July 08, 2016.
Dear Chuck,
I’m embarrassed to say that I really messed up at work. I’m not sure what to do next, and I’m wondering how to win back the good will of my employer. Is it possible to resurrect a reputation at work?
Weeping over Work
Dear Weeping,
The answer is yes! You certainly can recover from terrible mistakes at work. In fact, it is an opportunity to improve not only your reputation, but also your overall work relationships. 
Rest assured, no one is perfect. Find me a person who has never made a mistake on the job, and I’ll show you a person who has never held a job. We are all vulnerable to errors and misjudgments.
While I don’t know just what went wrong, I do know that the Bible has clear instructions when it comes time to make a change and to transform a life (or a career).
Step One: Humbly Confess
James 5:16 says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed…”
Don’t pretend you were not wrong or try to cover it up. Begin the process of restoring your reputation by letting your employer know that you understand the mistake you made. A good way to rebuild an employer’s trust is to let him or her know that you understand their concerns about what happened, acknowledge the problem, and state that you are willing to change. An employer can’t forgive you and begin the process of trusting you again if you insist that you’ve done nothing wrong.
A failure to repent – on the job or in the Christian life – indicates that the behavior will probably continue. If you don’t admit the mistake or if you insist it is no mistake at all, an employer will have every reason to be uneasy about the choice you’ll make if the same circumstances arise again.
It’s better to be the one who admits a mistake than to be found in the middle of a cover up. In Luke 12:2-3, Jesus notes that secrets come out, saying, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.”
Most employers are likely to show grace towards those who are honest and willing to admit fault; they want an employee who is willing to learn from mistakes and move on.
Step Two: Work Diligently
Colossians 3:23 notes, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
Even though your employer seems to be the one who controls your work life and whether you are seen as succeeding on the job, in fact, we all work for the Lord. Apply yourself to work heartily – with all your heart, mind, strength and purpose – so that your employer and your Father in Heaven can see that your apology was sincere and that the mistake does not reflect your true abilities and work ethic.
Step Three: Don’t Take It On as Your Identity
Ephesians 2:1-5 states: “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
You made a mistake, like all of us have, but by grace, we can all be forgiven – at work, in our personal life, and in our own hearts too. It’s easy to think that you will be defined by a failure. It’s easy to be your own worst enemy, berating yourself for your mistake. But this is not your identity! And remember, one of the glorious things about our faith is that the mercies of the Lord are new every morning.
It’s not the end of the world to fail, but it is an end to your career if you refuse to press on – with integrity, humility and perseverance.
The great Christian writer, C.S. Lewis observed, “Failures are finger posts on the road to achievement.” Judging by your email, I wager that you have no intention of making the same mistake twice. Congratulations – you’re already making progress.
Crown has some wonderful resources and classes for building a career and living by your God-given design. It’s wise to become an expert in your field, to offer skills an employer can’t live without. But begin this transformation by being the kind of person you would like to hire, begin by being the faithful servant whom God would commend.
Dear Chuck,
For so many of us looking for work, the first step always seems to be to get a resume together. Do you have any tips for me on what makes a good resume and on any advice from the Bible for putting my best foot forward?
Writing a Resume … Again
Dear Writing,
With fewer good jobs available right now, a good resume can be the perfect advertisement for the amazing miracle of creation that is you. It’s easy to be discouraged and think that you are just one more resume in a pile. In Psalm 77, the discouraged writer ultimately remembers that he cries out to a God who can lead us with miracles and in new and mysterious ways … even on “a path through the sea.”
Start writing your resume with hope in the God who can lead you to the next great job for you, his dearly loved child, even if the journey leads you places you never expected to go.
There are many resume templates out there to choose from, so pick one that highlights what is wonderful about you. Forget the rules. Think about your unique skills.
Proverbs 22:29 observed: “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.”
Employers are looking for proven workers who can get a job done. Most of the time, skills are better as a focus than the timeline of employment or the job titles, which can be overly emphasized on many resumes. You are selling your abilities, so discuss what you can do for a company. If you are an amazing accountant and want to continue working with money, highlight that skill set woven through all your employment. If the most interesting thing about your work is how well you manage a team, highlight the projects you’ve led, maybe even at your church or school as a volunteer. Think through what you want to do in your day and how your work would benefit the company with the openings. Crown has some additional advice here on things you can consider adding.
Proverbs 27:2 observes, “Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.”
Choose your references carefully. This is not a throwaway in your resume. If you’ve targeted a company for employment, can you get a reference from someone connected to that business? Consider the people who are impressive in your life and able to sing your praises. As Christians, we are taught to avoid praising ourselves, so let others talk about you. If you’re having trouble selling yourself to an employer, include a letter from one of your references and let them do that for you.
1 Peter 4:10 observes,“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace”
The purpose of our lives is not to enrich us alone. As Christians, we should be about the business of helping others, and with so much competition for jobs, including service on your resume shows prospective employers that you are a team player, able to show concern for the needs of others. In Matthew 25, Jesus talked about the kind of hands-on care he wants people to show to others: “For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in; naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me.” Today’s employers also like to see that their prospects are community minded. Make others part of your story.
Proverbs 22:1 observes, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
In today’s interconnected world, employers (like everyone else) will be checking you out on social media. Consider carefully the picture of yourself shown to the world. Read through your posts, blogs and twitter accounts – and any other social media – to be sure that you want your future boss to see exactly what went on in some party in college. It’s probably time for a social media diet. And after editing your social media, join other online communities that are good for you. Take your resume and accomplishments and look at websites like LinkedIn or professional sites in the field you’ve chosen. Be deliberate in getting the word out about your skills and about limiting what others see. It’s a digital world, so leave a careful and deliberate social footprint.
Leviticus 19:11 commands, “Thou Shalt Not Lie.”
Don’t give in to the fear that you won’t get a good job and pad your resume with lies and half-truths. Once you are found out, the truth of whom you are will get lost in the lies you told to get the job. You do have talents, and if there are skills you need to get to the next level, then take a class or talk with your prospective employer about what can be done to get you there. Put your hope in God and highlight your skills, plans, and dreams.
Now that the resume is ready to go, put it in the hands of your friends and key members of your network and personally ask them to launch into their circle of contacts. Word of mouth referrals remains the best way to land an interview.
Remember, God has a plan for your life. Proverbs 16:9 is a calming reminder: “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”
Originally posted on the Christian Post June 10, 2016.
Originally posted at Christian Post May 27, 2016.
Dear Chuck,
With kids in college, I’m very worried about whether they can get a job after graduation and about the debt they’re going to need to manage because my wife and I can’t afford to pay for their educations free and clear. But it’s hard to get a good job without a college education. Do you have advice for us on making the most of a college degree?
Worried Parents
Dear Parents,
With four sons, my wife and I can relate to your concerns as we have worked with our boys to get a college education without debt. I’m especially concerned for today’s graduates because I believe that they are on the verge of suffering through another economic bubble poised to burst – a college debt bubble – just like the housing bubble that burst, leaving people stuck with homes worth less than the mortgage debt. Similarly, many graduates will owe more than they can afford to pay back because of low-paying or unavailable jobs. According to the Wall Street Journal, 2016 college graduates broke the debt record set in 2015, leaving college today with an average debt of $37,172. With so many young people burdened as they start their adult lives, it’s important to make a plan that ensures their investment pays off.
Because the costs are so high, I believe parents and students need to seek lots of counsel before going into debt for a college education. Proverbs 15:22 notes, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Know Yourself. We are all “fearfully and wonderfully made” by a loving God who intended us to accomplish His purposes on this earth. The question is, what is God’s purpose for our lives? Crown has developed Career Direct as an assessment tool to understand a person’s unique gifts and talents, because those are the skills best developed into a career. It’s important information to have as so many young adults get into additional debt because they’ve chosen the wrong majors for themselves, leading to higher costs and delays to discovering the right path.
Dr. Richard Neuman notes: “The sad truth is that most college students do not graduate on time. Only one out of three students (33%) graduates from a four-year bachelor’s degree program in four years. In fact, after six years, only a little more than 60% of college students will have completed their college degree.” And every year of additional college adds costs to your bottom line.
The cost of investing in the wrong career can be even higher, as time is lost and extra education is sometimes needed to get back on track. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that only 27 percent of college grads are working in jobs related to their majors. Even more tragic is that they also found (in 2010) that more than 6 in 10 graduates were in jobs that did not require a college degree at all.
Getting wise career counseling before college and during will make a significant difference in costs and the long-term return on your investment.
Get Counsel from Working Professionals. Having identified a career you’re interested in and chosen a field of study, additional knowledge and experience can make all the difference. Networking with people in your chosen field, leading to a mentor relationship can help you avoid common mistakes as well as make important connections. Internships within a company where you would like to work are a great way to interview for a job from the inside, showcasing your skills and proving before being hired that you would fit into the team.
Even knowing what you want to do, you still need advice on how to do it well. Consider that the disciples were called by Jesus himself into ministry, yet they spent three years being trained by their Master.. A career takes time, experience and a lot of good advice to develop even when you are on the right track.
Get Counsel from Those Who Care for You. Take the time to ask people who actually know you, love you and are truly committed to you about the choices you are contemplating. They may have some insight into whether you really will prosper in a career you are considering. You may not like what those closest to you say, but when someone is truly on your side, their words – good or bad – are often insightful. While students may not welcome the advice, parents are a great resource on decisions like this as most truly desire their children’s best.
Get Counsel from He who Made You. Remember to spend time in prayer, as He who made you is the greatest resource for the path you should take. Remember Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you hope and a future.”
Originally posted at Christian Post April 29, 2016.
Dear Chuck,
I’m a little afraid of selling things on the Internet. This month a man was sentenced to life in prison for helping his stepsister beat to death a man she met on Craigslist that she intended to rob. She’s in prison now too. So many people I know have made a lot money by selling things on the website or buying things at what seems to me to be an international garage sale, but I am a little afraid to use it because of all the stories you read like this one. I know Crown advises people to simplify and to sell things to downsize and earn money when possible, but do you think it is safe to use it?
Scared of the Worldwide Web
Dear Scared,
It’s very appropriate to be concerned about any exchange on the Internet, whether it’s money or just information on Craigslist or any other site. Just because we are Christians, and hope for the best, that doesn’t mean we don’t want to be wise about how we conduct business. In Matthew 10:16, Jesus said, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
Here are a few tips that I recommend when using such a service.
Hopefully, you can continue to use online services without fear of harm, loss or scam artists. In today’s world, unfortunately that requires vigilance.
Dear Chuck,
Procrastinators Unite! This weekend, my husband and I will be crashing on our tax returns, due Monday, April 18th, and we’re hoping to receive a return. What do you suggest we do with the money?
Procrastinator
Dear Procrastinator,
It is never best to wait until the last minute to do your income tax return but it is better than not filing or filing late!
Since the majority of filers will receive a refund, this is a great question; especially when the average tax return in 2015 was $3,120. Usually, I wouldn’t turn to a poll to offer advice, but I’m going to make an exception today after reading about a new one out from Bankrate.com. Despite assertions that the economy is doing well and unemployment is down, most people are experiencing stagnant wages with little job growth.
Bankrate found our present economy is impacting how people intend to use their money with “84 percent of Americans receiving refunds intend to pay down debt, save or invest their windfall or use it for everyday necessities.” In fact, only 7 percent said they intended to spend the money or take a vacation with the cash.
I thoroughly applaud the more than 8 out of 10 Americans intending to hold on to that cash. At Crown, we advise that a good budget begins with $1,000 in an emergency fund followed by a plan to get debt free and stick with a plan. According to the Pew Charitable Trust, 80 percent of Americans are in debt, though that does include people with a mortgage. Still, about 4 in 10 people have expensive consumer debt like credit card debt, student loans or car loans.
Debt is an anchor that destroys the freedom of being available to do whatever God calls us to do.. When we owe money, we are obligated to meet the terms of the one who holds our finances hostage. Proverbs 22:7 puts it like this, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
If you are getting a refund, already have an emergency fund AND are debt free, consider investing in a Roth IRA, which allows you to prepare for retirement. Because you would have paid tax on the money invested, you don’t have to pay taxes on the withdrawals during retirement. This kind of investment makes sense and will help save on future taxes, especially for people in the lower and middle-income range.
And while I will always encourage people to save for their later years, consider changing your deductions to eliminate most of your withholding if you are getting a large tax refund. In essence, you’ve made an interest-free loan to the government. On the average tax return of about $3,000, a change in withholding could mean about $250 more a month in your pocket to put in savings now and earn some interest on your money.
Of course, the most important caveat of that withholding change is that you do save the money!
