By: Crown Financial Ministries Dear Chuck, Many of the young people in my Bible Study are frightened of the Coronavirus and the threat to their families. I understand their fear. But, as an older American, I’m also concerned about their economic well-being in the aftermath of this crisis. What kind of financial advice can I offer them? Sheltered in The … Read More
How to Use Your Tax Refund to Build Your Emergency Funds
By: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) During tax season, there’s a lot to think about. Do you have the right forms? Where did you put those receipts? Did you do the math right? But there’s one more thing you should be thinking about: how you can use your tax refund to ramp up your emergency funds or reach other savings … Read More
4 Steps to Spend Your Stimulus Check and Tax Refund Wisely
By: America Saves Most Americans don’t have an emergency fund. While we’re all experiencing this pandemic very differently — some having only minor inconveniences and others finding themselves without a job or having to close their business — those without a savings cushion are vulnerable to feeling the ramifications of COVID-19 for a very long time. With stimulus checks and … Read More
Money-Saving Tips for the COVID-19 Pandemic
By: Crown Financial Ministries The Crown team makes it a priority to “practice what we preach”. During this pandemic, as we recommend to cut back your living expenses by 25% for the next 90 days, we’ve made a list for you of the ways we’re doing that ourselves. There are some natural savings that happen when you follow social distancing … Read More
Protecting Your Credit During the Coronavirus Pandemic
By: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Your credit reports and scores play an important role in your future financial opportunities. You can use the steps below to manage and protect your credit during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Get a copy of your credit report If you haven’t requested your free annual credit reports, you can get copies at AnnualCreditReport.com. Each … Read More
Protect Yourself Financially from the Impact of COVID-19
By: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Steps to take if you have trouble paying your bills or meeting other financial obligations If you have trouble paying your bills/loans or paying on time, there may be a number of options to help, especially if you reach out early to your lenders or creditors. Contact your lenders, loan servicers, and other creditors … Read More
Ask Chuck: The Bible, Money, and Love
By Chuck Bentley, Crown Financial Ministries Dear Chuck, I’m growing weary of our society’s overuse (and misuse) of the word love. I hear and see it in advertising, on social media, and in conversations. If the first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God, it appears we’ve confused our priorities. It appears we love money more than Him … Read More
Test Your Knowledge: Take the Credit Score Quiz
Credit scores are important! A borrower with a low score could pay thousands more in interest over the life of a typical five-year car loan than a consumer with a high score. Past quiz results have indicated that many Americans could improve their credit score knowledge and ability to manage their scores. How much do you really know about your … Read More
How Credit Score Can Affect Relationships
By NACCC Personal finances are rarely discussed but often the biggest strain on a couple. Even in early courtships, a newly dating couple may fret over who will pay for dinner, or have different tastes in entertainment based on affordability. Topics such as careers, hobbies, and interests can easily spill into money talk. Money is just as important as other … Read More
Ask Chuck: Breaking the Cycle of Overspending
By: Chuck Bentley, Crown Financial Ministries Dear Chuck, My husband is tired of my overspending. I struggle living on the budget he’s made because I make quick purchases rather than planning ahead. Then I feel guilty defending my decisions when the bills arrive. How can I get out of this cycle? Spontaneous Spender Dear Spontaneous, First, be thankful you have … Read More