Are the entertainment media really as powerful as we’re often led to believe? The argument is regularly made that violence in society is directly attributable to violence in movies, television, and popular music. Is this really true? I’ll admit that I’m skeptical. It’s hard for me to believe that people actually go out and commit …
Life Changes Q&As
Should I withdraw money from my IRA for a down payment on a new home? The stock market’s been underperforming, but I’m optimistic about long-term home values.
Should I use my savings to pay off my credit card? I have just enough in the bank to cover the debt. What do you think I should do?
Would it be wrong to use part of our tithe to pay for a nursing facility for aging parents? We’re finding out what the term “sandwich generation” really means. Just as our kids are entering college we’re faced with providing some kind of care for my wife’s mom and dad. What do you think we …
How much time should I devote to my work? My job requires me to put in long hours every week. As a result I’m not able to give as much attention to other things — including my family — as I’d like. In your opinion, how much time is too much time for work? Do …
How do I know when it’s time to take on more personal responsibility for the physical well-being of my aging parents? They’re getting older, and I can already see that I’m going to have to assume a larger portion of their care in the very near future. What can I expect as they age?
How do we know when the right time has come to move my aging father-in-law out of our home and into a professionally staffed nursing facility? He’s been living with me and my husband for the past couple of years. I don’t want to abandon him just when his need is greatest, but recently I’ve …
Where does giving fit in with wise financial planning? These days it seems that pastors, churches and ministries are constantly asking for my money. In the process, they’re always talking about the importance of giving and telling me that it’s a crucial part of the Christian life. I’m not sure I buy this argument. What’s …
As a widow in my mid-sixties, should I pay off my home or invest the money my husband left me? What’s the very best use I can make of these funds?
Is my husband going through “male menopause”? Lately he’s been irritable and moody, but when I ask him about it he says he can’t put a finger on anything. We’re both in our mid-fifties, and I remember that when I went through menopause I felt a lot like my husband seems to be feeling now. …