Dear Dave, My husband and I are on Baby Step 2 of your plan, and we’re working hard to pay off all of our debt. We’re Christians, but would it be a good idea to decrease our traditional 10 to 15 percent tithe while we work through the debt snowball?
Dear Dave, My mom filed bankruptcy about five years ago, and I thought that taught her a lesson. She’s on disability now, and makes only $600 a month. On top of all this, she’s piled up about $30,000 in credit card debt again…
I have a friend with $30,000 in credit card debt, an $80,000 second mortgage, and a car loan, and is considering using a credit counseling service to help. They say they can negotiate her credit card debt down to almost half of what it is now. What are your feelings about this?
Dear Dave, I’ve been trying to work the Baby Steps, including building my emergency fund and creating a monthly budget. However, I’m having trouble transitioning to living on a budget. I get paid in the middle and end of each month, but my bills are due at different times. Can you help?
Dear Dave,
I’m currently a junior in college. I don’t have any debt, and my school is paid for through scholarships. Next month, I’ll receive an inheritance of almost $50,000. I don’t want to blow it, but I don’t know much about stocks, mutual funds, or investing, either. Do you have any advice?
Do I need a will or a trust?
Dear Dave,
Can you please explain the difference between a will and a trust? Which do you recommend?
Mark
Dear Mark,
Everyone needs a will, but not everyone needs a trust. A trust is something you put money into after your death by [...]
Dear Dave, What do you think about online bill payments or automatic monthly deductions to pay for everyday bills?
Our son is 21, and he’s embarking on a career as a professional soccer player. The beginning money isn’t huge. He’ll only be making about $30,000 a year, and we want to know how we can help him manage this money and not get caught up in the idea that he has to live a glamorous lifestyle.
Dear Dave, I’ve been playing the lottery a bit lately. I’m a Christian, and I was wondering what your views are on this. We’ve been struggling financially, and it seems that a chance to win millions is worth a buck or two. Your advice and opinion on this would be cherished.
Our daughter is 24, engaged to be married, and we can’t afford to pay for the kind of wedding she wants. Should we let her know the situation up front, and how can we keep from feeling guilty about things?
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- Do not despise small beginnings.
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