Can you help me understand the differences — including the relevant pros and cons — between the various kinds of retirement accounts now available? What’s the wisest way to provide for my needs once my paycheck stops?
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.
How can I adjust my schedule so as to bring about a healthier equalization between the time I spend at work and the time I devote to the rest of life’s activities and demands? I’ve really tried to do this, but it seems that something suffers no matter what I do. Besides, I don’t think …
Can you help me prepare for the challenges of caring for an aging parent at home? My mother is no longer able to care for herself and has come to live with my husband and me. We preferred to do this rather than place her in an alternative facility, but we’re not sure that we’re …
What does the Bible say about moderate alcohol consumption? I see an increasing openness to social drinking in our circle of Christian friends. In fact, this seems to be the new norm, but I’m not sure I feel comfortable with it.
Could depression be demonic in nature? My personal view is that it can be traced to demonic powers and that mental illnesses almost always have a spiritual basis. If this is true, then only God can take them away, and medications and psychological remedies will only mask the real issue. A person needs deliverance from …
How can I trust God enough to be released from drug and alcohol abuse? I once heard a Christian speaker who had suffered from addictions describe how he found healing when he turned his life over to God. I’ve prayed for this, but I guess I’m not trying hard enough or don’t really know what …
How can our church minister most effectively to victims of disaster and trauma? I’m the pastor of a small congregation in a mid-size town. Over the past month our community has been devastated by a terrible flood. Many families in this area have endured the loss of their homes, interruption of work and school, loss …
What’s wrong with marijuana? Personally, I don’t see any reason why it shouldn’t be legalized. Many people have assured me that pot isn’t addictive. Besides, several states have already legalized it for medical or recreational purposes. Can you tell me why it shouldn’t be legal across the board?
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?
As a recovering addict, how can I find someone to walk with me through the difficult beginning stages of the healing process? Do you have any advice on choosing an accountability partner and what this relationship should look like? I’d really appreciate any suggestions you can offer.
Is a nursing facility the only option for my mother? Her health has been in decline for a long time, and it’s recently become clear that she can no longer live on her own. She doesn’t want to move, and I don’t like the idea of putting her in some kind of “institution.” What are …
How does God view social gambling between friends? My buddies and I enjoy getting together for a game of poker now and then. Everybody who knows anything about the game understands that it’s just not the same if it doesn’t include a real risk of some kind, however small. How do you feel about Christians …
Is there anything I can do to help my aging mother when she gets blue and down in the dumps? She used to be a very positive person, but now she can barely speak to us when we visit her in the nursing home where she’s been living for just over a year. Is depression …
What are the progressive stages of drug addiction, especially as it plays out in the life of a teenager? My oldest son has been exhibiting some strange behavior lately, and I’m worried that he may be getting involved with some form of drug abuse. Can you provide me with any helpful hints and clues?
Is it a good idea to have provisions in my will for charitable bequests?
Can you help me deal with the roller coaster of emotions I’ve been on since finding out that I’m going to have a baby? I feel scared, alone, and completely overwhelmed. So far I haven’t shared this with anyone.
Do you have advice for someone who might be obsessive-compulsive?
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 …
Now that our grown son and his girlfriend have lost their kids to the authorities due to a long history of drug abuse, should we try to gain custody of our grandchildren? We don’t feel that we have the physical energy to raise them, but we don’t want to see them lost in the foster …
