Are prices rising ahead of your paycheck? When that happens, it can really put a crimp in your budget. You have to look for ways around the house where you can cut expenses. But what if your house itself is a money pit? You certainly don’t want to waste money on energy and repairs when you can avoid it. So today we’ll look at ways to keep your house from eating you out of house and home. Financial planner and teacher Rob West has some ideas. Then he’ll take your calls and questions at 800-525-7000.

If you haven’t checked with your utility about ways to save energy, you should. For example, sometimes they’ll install an energy saving device on the outside of your home, usually for free.

You can lower your thermostat in the winter. If you do that by just one degree for eight hours a day, it’ll save up to 2-percent on your heating costs.

Another freebie is turning off your lights. But another is unplugging chargers and computers when you’re not using them. These and other appliances are called vampire energy wasters because they still use power if plugged in.The EPA says Americans waste 10-billion dollars a year in vampire costs.

Vacuumyour refrigerator coils, maybe twice a year. Dusty fridge coils could cost you up to 50-percent efficiency. Then, don’t run the dishwasher or clothes washer unless you have a full load.

Switch to LED and CFL light bulbs. They cost more, but last longer and use less energy, sometimes up to 75% less.

Install ceiling fans. They don’t cost much to operate, but they could allow you to keep the thermostat a few degrees higher in summer. Each degree saves you about 1-percent in cooling costs.

When a major appliance breaks down and you have to replace it, make sure you get one that’s Energy Star compliant.

Have your heating and cooling systems serviced. Also, make sure to change the filter regularly, at least every three months. This’ll keep those units running efficiently.

On theoutsideof your house, periodically inspect your rain gutters, downspouts and the roof. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause ice damming in colder climates, and that can lead to roof leaks, and they can lead to mold formation

Make sure you don’t have any torn or curling shingles and that the flashing is in good shape.

Here are some questions we answered from our callers on today’s program:

Sometimes I feel that certain mutual funds are morally irresponsible. Where do we draw the line, as believers?

How can a person avoid their will going through probate?

I am an interior designer and sometimes have clients that spend excessively on furnishings. How do I balance furthering my career and feeling morally responsible for people overspending on frivolous things?

I heard you talk about the financial verses in the Bible. Do you have a resource that lays all of these out?

Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

Are prices rising ahead of your paycheck? When that happens, it can really put a crimp in your budget. You have to look for ways around the house where you can cut expenses. But what if your house itself is a money pit? You certainly dont want to waste money on energy and repairs when you can avoid it. So today well look at ways to keep your house from eating you out of house and home. Financial planner and teacher Rob West has some ideas. Then hell take your calls and questions at 800-525-7000.

If you havent checked with your utility about ways to save energy, you should. For example, sometimes theyll install an energy saving device on the outside of your home, usually for free.

You can lower your thermostat in the winter. If you do that by just one degree for eight hours a day, itll save up to 2-percent on your heating costs.

Another freebie is turning off your lights. But another is unplugging chargers and computers when youre not using them. These and other appliances are called vampire energy wasters because they still use power if plugged in.The EPA says Americans waste 10-billion dollars a year in vampire costs.

Vacuumyour refrigerator coils, maybe twice a year. Dusty fridge coils could cost you up to 50-percent efficiency. Then, dont run the dishwasher or clothes washer unless you have a full load.

Switch to LED and CFL light bulbs. They cost more, but last longer and use less energy, sometimes up to 75% less.

Install ceiling fans. They dont cost much to operate, but they could allow you to keep the thermostat a few degrees higher in summer. Each degree saves you about 1-percent in cooling costs.

When a major appliance breaks down and you have to replace it, make sure you get one thats Energy Star compliant.

Have your heating and cooling systems serviced. Also, make sure to change the filter regularly, at least every three months. Thisll keep those units running efficiently.

On theoutsideof your house, periodically inspect your rain gutters, downspouts and the roof. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause ice damming in colder climates, and that can lead to roof leaks, and they can lead to mold formation

Make sure you dont have any torn or curling shingles and that the flashing is in good shape.

Here are some questions we answered from our callers on todays program:

Sometimes I feel that certain mutual funds are morally irresponsible. Where do we draw the line, as believers?

How can a person avoid their will going through probate?

I am an interior designer and sometimes have clients that spend excessively on furnishings. How do I balance furthering my career and feeling morally responsible for people overspending on frivolous things?

I heard you talk about the financial verses in the Bible. Do you have a resource that lays all of these out?

Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that its your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

The coronavirus pandemic forced us to practice social distancing. Six feet of separation became the rule for just about everything except our credit cards. And add cash to the list of things not practicing social distancing! So it’s no wonder why many of us have embraced digital transactions like never before. Kingdom Advisors’ President Rob West talks about that today on MoneyWise.

A digital wallet is the digital form of your credit and debit card accounts and they’re held on a secure, third-party platform. Digital wallets aren’t just safe as far as avoiding germs, they’re also convenient, reducing the time required for online and in-store purchases. These would include: Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Amazon Pay, and PayPal. If you have a smartphone made during the last few years then you probably have one of these apps on your phone.

A lot of people have gotten used to using peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo and Cashapp to send money. But you may not realize you can also do that with a digital wallet. Typically you just need an email address or a phone number for the transaction. Not only are these transactions faster, but you also don’t have to carry your cards. All you need is a form of ID and your phone.

You can store a lot of other card information in your digital wallet for transactions like restaurants, store cards, and frequent flyer reward accounts.

For example, your favorite bagel chain probably has its own app. You’d use that to pre-order. Then use one of the digital wallet apps like Google or Apple Pay to make the transaction. So when you go to check out in person, they just hand you your order.

At the heart of this is something called radio frequency identification (RFID). You would set that up first with your digital wallet app, entering your card number and security code (which is that 3 or 4 digit number on the back of your card). You don’t have to touch the reader or wave your phone around. Digital wallet systems have a lot of additional security features beyond just using a different, encrypted card number. Some require you to unlock your phone screen with a password or fingerprint to complete a transaction. You can even erase your data remotely if your phone gets lost or stolen.

Finally, we don’t think this is for everybody. No doubt younger folks gravitate to thisyou have to be comfortable with this type of technology. But since this makes buying somuch easier, you have to be careful that any purchase you make, digital or otherwise, fits within your budget.

Here are some questions we answered from our callers on today’s program:

How should I handle investments that use companies that I as a believer don’t agree with spiritually?

How can I avoid having my will go through probate? Should I get a living trust to avoid this?

Do you have a resource that lists all the Bible verses that talk about money, possessions, and tithing?

Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

The coronavirus pandemic forced us to practice social distancing. Six feet of separation became the rule for just about everything except our credit cards. And add cash to the list of things not practicing social distancing! So its no wonder why many of us have embraced digital transactions like never before. Kingdom Advisors President Rob West talks about that today on MoneyWise.

A digital wallet is the digital form of your credit and debit card accounts and theyre held on a secure, third-party platform. Digital wallets arent just safe as far as avoiding germs, theyre also convenient, reducing the time required for online and in-store purchases. These would include: Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Amazon Pay, and PayPal. If you have a smartphone made during the last few years then you probably have one of these apps on your phone.

A lot of people have gotten used to using peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo and Cashapp to send money. But you may not realize you can also do that with a digital wallet. Typically you just need an email address or a phone number for the transaction. Not only are these transactions faster, but you also dont have to carry your cards. All you need is a form of ID and your phone.

You can store a lot of other card information in your digital wallet for transactions like restaurants, store cards, and frequent flyer reward accounts.

For example, your favorite bagel chain probably has its own app. Youd use that to pre-order. Then use one of the digital wallet apps like Google or Apple Pay to make the transaction. So when you go to check out in person, they just hand you your order.

At the heart of this is something called radio frequency identification (RFID). You would set that up first with your digital wallet app, entering your card number and security code (which is that 3 or 4 digit number on the back of your card). You dont have to touch the reader or wave your phone around. Digital wallet systems have a lot of additional security features beyond just using a different, encrypted card number. Some require you to unlock your phone screen with a password or fingerprint to complete a transaction. You can even erase your data remotely if your phone gets lost or stolen.

Finally, we dont think this is for everybody. No doubt younger folks gravitate to thisyou have to be comfortable with this type of technology. But since this makes buying somuch easier, you have to be careful that any purchase you make, digital or otherwise, fits within your budget.

Here are some questions we answered from our callers on todays program:

How should I handle investments that use companies that I as a believer dont agree with spiritually?

How can I avoid having my will go through probate? Should I get a living trust to avoid this?

Do you have a resource that lists all the Bible verses that talk about money, possessions, and tithing?

Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that its your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

As the covid crisis and social distancing drag on, most churches are still seeing a marked drop in attendance and some have yet to open their doors. What impact has that had on giving? We don’t have to guess. Today host Rob West welcomes Brian Kluth of the National Association of Evangelicals to give us the numbers, good and bad.Pastor Brian Kluth is a noted speaker and author on church giving and currently serves as director of the NAE’s multi-year initiative to address the economic needs of pastors.Then we open the phone lines for your calls and questions at 800-525-7000.

One of the key factors determining church income is the personal income of members. 5% of members saw no change and only 21 percent saw a decrease. That’s really good news that 75% of people have not experienced any change in their household income since COVID19 started.

But one out of five people have seen their household giving decline. Across our country there isa growing economic crisis emerging for many households. An August 27, 2020 New York times article reported the 32% of Americans had fallen behind on their mortgage or rent payments. This percentage will only worsen now that the $600/week federal unemployment benefits ended in July.

Churches need to prepare to minister to a portion of the families in their church and community who will find it more and more difficult to meet their basic needs because of a lack of work and steady income.

64% of churches have seen giving stabilized or increased. But while things have improved for many churches, still more than a third reported a decrease in giving since April.

Over the summer tens of thousands of churches added online/digital giving options to their church families and onsite services and collections have started up again. Many faithful givers also made sure their church received their donations and some even increased their giving during this time.

More than 9 out of 10 churches surveyed now have online services available, while 87% have returned to onsite services in some fashion. 58% of churches are reporting that half or less of their members are attending.

86% of the churches surveyed said they were able to pay their salaries and benefits in full. 75% anticipate being able to pay full salaries and benefits the next 6 months. That’s the good news, but there will also be some cuts in the months ahead.

One out of four churches will postpone major projects. One out of five will see their ministry program decrease. About 12% will have to cut salaries and benefits. And about 8% of churches say they'll have to cut funding for missions.

Bless Your Pastor is an initiative of the National Association of Evangelicals to connect and equip denominations and churches in the area of pastor finances. We can break it down into 3 steps:

oStep 1: Share the 50 Creative Ways to Bless Your Pastor list with your church, so everyone can do something to bless your pastor. You can do the list at BlessYourPastor.org.

oStep 2: Take up an appreciation offering for your pastor. Imagine your pastor’s face when receiving an unexpected financial gift from the church body.

oStep 3: Once you’ve blessed your pastor, we’ll want to bless them too. Complete the gift card form, and a $250 Amazon card from us (thanks to a generous grant!) will be on its way to your pastor.

Pastor Brian Kluth of the National Association of Evangelicals has been our guest today. You can get more information at StateofthePlate.info and BlessYourPastor.org.

Here are some questions we answered from our callers on today’s program:

My wife’s uncle passed away and left his inheritance to my wife and her sisters. What is the best use of our portion of this money?

Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

As the covid crisis and social distancing drag on, most churches are still seeing a marked drop in attendance and some have yet to open their doors. What impact has that had on giving? We dont have to guess. Today host Rob West welcomes Brian Kluth of the National Association of Evangelicals to give us the numbers, good and bad.Pastor Brian Kluth is a noted speaker and author on church giving and currently serves as director of the NAEs multi-year initiative to address the economic needs of pastors.Then we open the phone lines for your calls and questions at 800-525-7000.

One of the key factors determining church income is the personal income of members. 5% of members saw no change and only 21 percent saw a decrease. Thats really good news that 75% of people have not experienced any change in their household income since COVID19 started.

But one out of five people have seen their household giving decline. Across our country there isa growing economic crisis emerging for many households. An August 27, 2020 New York times article reported the 32% of Americans had fallen behind on their mortgage or rent payments. This percentage will only worsen now that the $600/week federal unemployment benefits ended in July.

Churches need to prepare to minister to a portion of the families in their church and community who will find it more and more difficult to meet their basic needs because of a lack of work and steady income.

64% of churches have seen giving stabilized or increased. But while things have improved for many churches, still more than a third reported a decrease in giving since April.

Over the summer tens of thousands of churches added online/digital giving options to their church families and onsite services and collections have started up again. Many faithful givers also made sure their church received their donations and some even increased their giving during this time.

More than 9 out of 10 churches surveyed now have online services available, while 87% have returned to onsite services in some fashion. 58% of churches are reporting that half or less of their members are attending.

86% of the churches surveyed said they were able to pay their salaries and benefits in full. 75% anticipate being able to pay full salaries and benefits the next 6 months. Thats the good news, but there will also be some cuts in the months ahead.

One out of four churches will postpone major projects. One out of five will see their ministry program decrease. About 12% will have to cut salaries and benefits. And about 8% of churches say they'll have to cut funding for missions.

Bless Your Pastor is an initiative of the National Association of Evangelicals to connect and equip denominations and churches in the area of pastor finances. We can break it down into 3 steps:

oStep 1: Share the 50 Creative Ways to Bless Your Pastor list with your church, so everyone can do something to bless your pastor. You can do the list at BlessYourPastor.org.

oStep 2: Take up an appreciation offering for your pastor. Imagine your pastors face when receiving an unexpected financial gift from the church body.

oStep 3: Once youve blessed your pastor, well want to bless them too. Complete the gift card form, and a $250 Amazon card from us (thanks to a generous grant!) will be on its way to your pastor.

Pastor Brian Kluth of the National Association of Evangelicals has been our guest today. You can get more information at StateofthePlate.info and BlessYourPastor.org.

Here are some questions we answered from our callers on todays program:

My wifes uncle passed away and left his inheritance to my wife and her sisters. What is the best use of our portion of this money?

Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that its your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

Compound interest is a double-edged sword. Albert Einstein reportedly called it the 8th wonder of the world, saying He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn't pays it.

Einstein knew that compound interest is a force to be reckoned with. Today, financial planner and teacher Rob West explains how you can either make it work for you or let it work against you. Then it’s your calls at 800-525-7000.

A recent financial literacy survey found that individuals who fail to grasp the concept of interest that compounds have higher transaction fees, run up more debt, and pay higher interest rates on credit cards and other loans.

Simple interest is what you pay on the original amount you borrowed or what you have in the bank only.Simple interest applies a fixed rate, meaning that the dollar amount you pay in interest remains the same for the life of the loan or account.

Compound interest is calculated on your principal amount, plus your accumulated interest. So the amount you pay, or receive, in interest will change, it will grow over time.

Compound interest works for you if you’re saving money, but against you if you’re borrowing.

To take advantage of compound interest,do not carry a balance on your credit card. Pay off any consumer loans as quickly as possible, making additional payments on the principal if you can.

Here are some questions we answered from our callers on today’s program:

I am going through a divorce and am having to give 40% of my house to my ex. I am thinking of allowing my son to rent the house from me. Another option is to sell the house and use the money to pay off debt. What is your advice?

Would it be smart to sell stocks and pay off the remainder of our mortgage?

I am a beginner at buying stocks. Where do I start?

I had a life insurance policy with my job. I have been encouraged to obtain life insurance outside of my job also. I have a student going into high school. Where should I start?

Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

Compound interest is a double-edged sword. Albert Einstein reportedly called it the 8th wonder of the world, saying He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn't pays it.

Einstein knew that compound interest is a force to be reckoned with. Today, financial planner and teacher Rob West explains how you can either make it work for you or let it work against you. Then its your calls at 800-525-7000.

A recent financial literacy survey found that individuals who fail to grasp the concept of interest that compounds have higher transaction fees, run up more debt, and pay higher interest rates on credit cards and other loans.

Simple interest is what you pay on the original amount you borrowed or what you have in the bank only.Simple interest applies a fixed rate, meaning that the dollar amount you pay in interest remains the same for the life of the loan or account.

Compound interest is calculated on your principal amount, plus your accumulated interest. So the amount you pay, or receive, in interest will change, it will grow over time.

Compound interest works for you if youre saving money, but against you if youre borrowing.

To take advantage of compound interest,do not carry a balance on your credit card. Pay off any consumer loans as quickly as possible, making additional payments on the principal if you can.

Here are some questions we answered from our callers on todays program:

I am going through a divorce and am having to give 40% of my house to my ex. I am thinking of allowing my son to rent the house from me. Another option is to sell the house and use the money to pay off debt. What is your advice?

Would it be smart to sell stocks and pay off the remainder of our mortgage?

I am a beginner at buying stocks. Where do I start?

I had a life insurance policy with my job. I have been encouraged to obtain life insurance outside of my job also. I have a student going into high school. Where should I start?

Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that its your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

Most people understand that investing involves the potential for both risk and reward. There’s the risk of losing our money and the potential reward of growing it. But is that all there is to it? Are there other risks more important than money? And are rewards greater than a healthy bottom line? Today our host Rob West talks with Jason Myhre to find out.

Jason Myhre is Managing Partner and Director of Advocacy at Eventide, a Boston-based investment company practicing faith-based investing and a financial underwriter of MoneyWise. Jason’s passion is telling folks about the importance of considering our values whenever we invest.

When we talk about the risks and rewards of investing, we speak in terms of money. But we need to know that there are greater risks and rewards to investing than just losing or making it.

There’s also the risk of losing life’s intended wholeness and integrity by profiting from businesses and activities that go against our beliefs and values.

For most investors, investing looks like account statements, ticker symbols, news reports about the market, and Wall Street. Most of us aren’t thinking about companies. But the problem is the not knowing. Investing is like being married to a crime boss. The wife of the crime boss enjoys great profits and a luxurious life. But she has no idea where the money’s coming from. She doesn’t ask the hard questions about what’s happening on the other side of the door.

For Christians, faith-based investing is an approach that provides investment vehicles to Believing investors whose returns don’t flow from companies and sources like tobacco companies. And in some cases, as with the company I work with, to actually take a step further and to seek to generate returns that flow from companies we believe are aligned with God’s heart.

Faith-based investing can join in God’s work. When we read Scripture for indications of God’s design for work and business, we learn that God intends for his children to further his good work of creation through our own good works. Investing can be a way for us to participate in that work.

Learn more about putting your faith to work in investing atInvestEventide.com.

Here are some questions we answered from our callers on today’s program:

Will closing our unused, store credit cards (we have no balances on them) affect our good credit score?

I signed up for a PACE program which will put a lien on my house. Should I cancel this program? They gave me a good rate: 3.8% for 30 years.

I’m in the DROP program with my employer and this is my last year before I retire. What’s the best way to invest the money I’ll receive upon retiring (it should be about $200,000, pre-tax).

Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

Most people understand that investing involves the potential for both risk and reward. Theres the risk of losing our money and the potential reward of growing it. But is that all there is to it? Are there other risks more important than money? And are rewards greater than a healthy bottom line? Today our host Rob West talks with Jason Myhre to find out.

Jason Myhre is Managing Partner and Director of Advocacy at Eventide, a Boston-based investment company practicing faith-based investing and a financial underwriter of MoneyWise. Jasons passion is telling folks about the importance of considering our values whenever we invest.

When we talk about the risks and rewards of investing, we speak in terms of money. But we need to know that there are greater risks and rewards to investing than just losing or making it.

Theres also the risk of losing lifes intended wholeness and integrity by profiting from businesses and activities that go against our beliefs and values.

For most investors, investing looks like account statements, ticker symbols, news reports about the market, and Wall Street. Most of us arent thinking about companies. But the problem is the not knowing. Investing is like being married to a crime boss. The wife of the crime boss enjoys great profits and a luxurious life. But she has no idea where the moneys coming from. She doesnt ask the hard questions about whats happening on the other side of the door.

For Christians, faith-based investing is an approach that provides investment vehicles to Believing investors whose returns dont flow from companies and sources like tobacco companies. And in some cases, as with the company I work with, to actually take a step further and to seek to generate returns that flow from companies we believe are aligned with Gods heart.

Faith-based investing can join in Gods work. When we read Scripture for indications of Gods design for work and business, we learn that God intends for his children to further his good work of creation through our own good works. Investing can be a way for us to participate in that work.

Learn more about putting your faith to work in investing atInvestEventide.com.

Here are some questions we answered from our callers on todays program:

Will closing our unused, store credit cards (we have no balances on them) affect our good credit score?

I signed up for a PACE program which will put a lien on my house. Should I cancel this program? They gave me a good rate: 3.8% for 30 years.

Im in the DROP program with my employer and this is my last year before I retire. Whats the best way to invest the money Ill receive upon retiring (it should be about $200,000, pre-tax).

Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that its your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.