Chuck Bentley

Latest

• 
  May 15, 2026

  Graduation money: 7 biblical principles to safely invest $5,000

  My grandfather is giving me $5,000 for my college graduation that he wants me to invest. He says too many people wait until they think they can afford to invest, but starting young is crucial. He is giving me freedom to pick stocks or funds but expects to see proof.

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  May 8, 2026

  Should you use a HELOC to pay off credit card debt? Pros, cons and risks

  I maxed out our credit card for some unexpected home repairs, including a new HVAC. The interest rate is ridiculously high since I did not pay it off last month. I’m considering using a HELOC to pay off the credit card. Is that a good idea?

• 
  May 1, 2026

  Why you shouldn’t trash your budget when money gets tight

  I know all the steps to financial health. I’m just experiencing extreme frustration because of such slow progress. We were making headway until the price of gasoline jumped; now everything seems to be falling apart. I’m tempted to just trash the family budget completely and do the best I can month to month.

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  Apr 24, 2026

  Should I put money into my 401(K), or should I wait?

  I’m in my 40s and have put off saving for retirement. My current job offers an employer-matched 401(k), and I’ve been advised that it’s foolish not to participate. I’m afraid to make automatic deductions in case money gets too tight. Should I do it anyway?

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  Apr 17, 2026

  4 benefits of a staycation you probably haven’t considered

  We were hoping to take a vacation this year, but we really can’t afford it. Any ideas on ways I can avoid disappointing the family?

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  Apr 10, 2026

  How to survive rising costs: A financial guide for overwhelmed soccer moms

  I’m what you’d call a "soccer mom." We have three kids, and I feel like I run a taxi service for all their sports. Our health insurance is going up, gasoline prices are up, and groceries are killing our budget. I doubt we can afford a bigger house now that interest rates are high. How do good stewards deal with all of this at once?

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  Apr 3, 2026

  Midlife money reset: How to plan for the future when you feel behind

  Is there such a thing as depression brought on by financial stress? We have reached midlife and have very little to show for it. It seems we had money but not enough common sense to set some aside for our retirement years, which are quickly approaching.

• 
  Mar 27, 2026

  Is eating out worth it these days?

  We are juggling careers and family and cannot find the time to cook at home. We are spending a ton of money eating out or ordering meals to go. It is getting ridiculously expensive. My husband and I know we have a problem, but we can’t seem to change our habits.

• 
  Mar 20, 2026

  The world is not overpopulated. Have more children

  My husband and I are 28. We would love to start a family, but I don’t know how we can afford it, even with both of us working. Do you have a financial plan for starting a family?

• 
  Mar 17, 2026

  We're young, but we're drowning in debt. How do we dig ourselves out?

  My husband and I are both 29 with no children yet. We have about every form of debt you can imagine—student loans, car loans, credit cards, etc. We have tried a few programs unsuccessfully. Can you tell me what will really work to get us out of the deep hole that we have dug for ourselves?