By: Chuck Bentley, Crown Financial Ministries Dear Chuck, I read an article recently about how many Americans live paycheck to paycheck and question how many really have to live that way. I don’t want to be calloused, but doesn’t the Bible tell us not to live that way? Financially Secure Dear Financially Secure, Unfortunately, I am all too familiar with … Read More
6 Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Finances
By: American Bankers Association (ABA) With the arrival of spring, consumers are encouraged to add a very important item to their spring cleaning to-do list: organizing their finances. As you kick off the spring season by cleaning, sorting, and tidying up around the house, don’t forget to rearrange your financial house. “Spring is the season of renewal, which means it’s … Read More
Ways to Improve Your Financial Capability Now
By: America Saves Are you ready for National Financial Capability Month? Here are three actions you can take now to make sure you are prepared for any financial disaster, big or small. 1. Have a Disaster Plan for Your Finances. Sure, you keep bottled water, canned goods, flashlights, and batteries close at hand, but you should also have a disaster … Read More
7 Better Ways To Use Your Tax Refund
Are you expecting a tax refund soon? If you’re like most Americans, you’re probably expecting somewhere around $3,000 to show up in your mailbox over the next months. Receiving a refund check has become a strangely normal piece of financial planning for Americans – we count on receiving that extra cash and plan to spend it. But your refund check … Read More
Cybercriminals File Fraudulent Tax Returns
It’s that time of year again – tax season. Hopefully, you’ll get a nice refund. As you work with your accountant or submit your return through do-it-yourself software, what happens if you learn that a return has already been filed under your name and your refund has been stolen? Tax-return fraud has become such a significant problem that the government … Read More
CFPB: Make a Plan to Save Some of Your Tax Refund
Making a plan to save at tax time The start of the New Year means its tax season again. As you gather your tax records and prepare to file, why not use this annual responsibility to take another step towards building financial security for yourself or your family? For many Americans, a tax refund is the largest check they will … Read More
Gift Giving on a Budget
By Connecticut Saves As the holiday season approaches, do you find yourself looking forward to the festivities, but concerned about the impact on your wallet? You are not alone. By doing some planning now, you can simplify your gift giving. Here are ten ways you can enjoy this special time of year and keep spending in check: Food. Consumable items … Read More
5 Holiday Mistakes That Could Cost You
By America Saves The holidays are just around the corner, which means it’s time to enjoy vacations, catch up with family and old friends, and eat great food. While the holidays are about quality time and making memories, it’s easy to get caught up with spending money. Here are five holiday mistakes to avoid this year so you can enjoy … Read More
Ask Chuck: Overcoming Holiday Comparison
By Chuck Bentley Dear Chuck, My husband and I have not been married very long. We grew up in homes where the holidays were celebrated in a grand way. I’m feeling pressure to do the same but my husband refuses to go into debt to do so. We have student loans and he wants those paid off as soon as … Read More
“Inquiries” on my credit report – what are they?
By Jim Garnett What Are “Inquiries” On My Credit Report? Q: Can you explain what an “inquiry” is on a credit report? A: An “inquiry” is the listing of the name of those who have accessed your credit file information. They have done so to “inquire” about your credit history. Four Sources Of Inquiries One source for an inquiry could … Read More