Don’t Tithe with Credit Cards Dear Dave, What is your opinion of churches encouraging members to do e-giving with credit cards and debit cards? —Melissa Dear Melissa, I’m against debt, so I’m not particularly fond of churches asking people to use a debt vehicle to pay their tithes. I realize that few businesses and organizations distinguish…
Dating and the Budget Dear Dave, I’ve been following your plan, and I’ve finally gotten out of debt and feel I have control of my finances. I’m also single, and I was wondering if you have any tips for how to gracefully mention financial topics and budgeting when you’re on a date. —Paula Dear Paula, Well,…
Avoid the Gimmicks Dear Dave, What kinds of insurance should I avoid? —Rhonda Dear Rhonda, Well, in the life insurance world, you should buy only term life insurance. Avoid any kind of insurance that has a savings program built into it — things like whole life, universal life and variable life. Another thing to avoid is…
Seminary Money Dear Dave, My wife and I recently followed your plan and became debt-free, and we’re committed to never going back there again. Currently, I work for the state but I’ve been feeling God’s calling to the ministry. We’ll get an income tax refund of about $4,500 this year, and we’ve both agreed to…
Refund or Better Planning? Dear Dave, Do you recommend having people keep their W2 numbers as close to their tax return numbers as possible, even if they might have to pay at the end of the year or have more taken out? Every year I get a big tax return. But after listening to you…
Hold On For Now Dear Dave, My husband was laid off a month ago from a job making $80,000 a year. We have no debt except our house payment. We owe about $82,000 on it, but it’s valued at approximately $300,000. We’ve also got an emergency fund of $30,000, and I work part-time making about…
What to Do with Restricted Stock? Dear Dave, My husband works for a large company and receives restricted stock bonuses of approximately $5,000 each year. We’re not sure exactly how long they’re restricted, and we both wonder if we’re allowed to sell these options? —Patty Dear Patty, You said your husband works for a large company,…
How Do You Have a Wedding Without Debt Dear Dave, How do you have a wedding without debt? —Lynn Dear Lynn, Wow, where do I start on this one? I guess the best way is to tell the truth. Honey, that question kind of makes you sound like a little princess. How do you have a…
A Hiring Predicament Dear Dave, I work as the executive director of a nonprofit charitable organization. Lately, I’ve been wondering if I should hire an employee as a development person. I don’t want to damage the work we do, and I can’t help but look at bringing in someone new as a gamble. Do you…
Pursue Nursing Another Way Dear Dave, I’m 45 years old and a single mom. I have a decent job, but I want to go back to school to become a nurse. The money would be much better than what I make now, but I’d have to take out student loans to make this happen. Is…
