Chuck Bentley

Latest

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  Jun 28, 2024

  Ask Chuck: Is it wise to get a second mortgage?

  We want to renovate our home by using some of the equity we’ve accumulated. Our home is in a highly desirable area and has tripled in value. We have several years left on our current mortgage. How can we be good stewards of this renovation?

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  Jun 21, 2024

  Ask Chuck: Transitioning out of a miserable job

  My wife is miserable with her job, but unfortunately, her income is needed at this time to pay off a lot of debt. We need some guidance for a career transition, as her nerves are frayed every day.

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  Jun 18, 2024

  Ask Chuck: Freedom from financial fears

  I have the opportunity to buy a home from an older couple who needs to move to a retirement/assisted living situation. It’s a great house — one we can easily afford. The problem is that our home was foreclosed on in 2008 due to the Great Financial Crisis. Although we have recovered financially, I am occasionally plagued with fears of making another mistake. It was a major strain on my marriage … Should I go ahead and buy it?

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  Jun 7, 2024

  Beware of buy now, pay later debt

  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?

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  May 31, 2024

  Ask Chuck: Our family is divided about kids’ baseball travel team

  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?

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  May 24, 2024

  Ask Chuck: Struggling to pay for senior care

  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.

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  May 17, 2024

  Ask Chuck: Vacation clubs, timeshares, or none of the above?

  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?

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  May 10, 2024

  Ask Chuck: The Bible addresses the ‘fake it till you make it’ lifestyle

  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?

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  May 3, 2024

  Ask Chuck: Guaranteed income programs will create more poverty

  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.

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  Apr 26, 2024

  Ask Chuck: Managing inheritance or sudden wealth

  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.