Chuck Bentley is CEO of Crown Financial Ministries, a global Christian ministry, founded by the late Larry Burkett. He is the host of a daily radio broadcast, My MoneyLife, featured on more than 1,000 Christian Music and Talk stations in the U.S., and author of his most recent book, Seven Gray Swans: Trends that Threaten Our Financial Future. Be sure to follow Crown on Facebook.
I heard “buy now, pay later” data will soon be reported to credit bureaus. I hope this is true! My daughter got into financial trouble during her first year out of college by getting sucked into these easy payment plans. How do I help her and her friends open their eyes to the dangers of this type of debt?
Our 11-year-old son was invited to try out for a competitive baseball travel team. We have three children, and I’m not convinced it’s the best use of our time and money. My husband and I are divided over the decision. Where do you fall on the issue?
My husband has Alzheimer’s. Should I use my retirement to fund his care? It will go quickly due to his medical bills, and I won’t be able to leave my daughters anything. An alternative is to have him go on Medicaid should I pass away first.
We’re a large family who vacations ten nights per year over spring break and summer. In your opinion, is a vacation club (like Marriott) a good purchase, or should we look at purchasing a timeshare resale?
Someone I care about routinely overspends with the justification it will help “grow his business.” The effort to give an impression of success is causing him significant financial stress: a new car, a Swiss watch, expensive clothes, etc. How would you address the situation?
We believe in helping the poor, and we actively support numerous organizations along with our church’s benevolence program. Help us know how to educate those who think guaranteed basic income is a compassionate way to help the hurting.
Before my grandfather was put on hospice care, he shared his estate plan with our family. He was a generous man, but we had no idea he had accumulated SO many assets. As a result, my wife and I will be inheriting a lot of money. At age 30, we have no experience managing this kind of money. We need some guidelines.
My husband is convinced that we should convert our entire 401k into gold. He’s concerned about several things, including our nation’s debt, the potential of a stock market bust, and now World War III. I am opposed and told him I would ask you to offer us your opinion.
I just started my career. Can you give me some simple tips that could help me improve my finances? I really struggle with procrastination. How do I set and meet financial goals?
I am 32 years old and a fairly new believer. I am depressed by my poor handling of money. Can you give me advice to do better with money from a Christian perspective?
