cjcagle On this blog, I provide a checklist of things you can do during different stages of life to “retire with dignity.” In this article – the first in a series of four with each focused on a different stage of life – I will discuss the most important thing you can do when you’re in … Read more
Over the years, I have read a few of the reformed confessions and catechisms. I have even taught the Shorter Catechism to children in Sunday School. I recently read an article by Tim Challies titled, Use Your Catechism, Silly. It in, he extols the virtues of using these resources to understand and evaluate contemporary matters … Read more
It seems like I’m always seeing advertisements on TV for life insurance. There are almost as many as reverse mortgage advertisements. Interestingly, it seems like older people are the main targets, including retirees. There are also ads from companies wanting to buy old insurance policies. As a retiree in one of those commercials said, “We … Read more
On this blog, I often delve into specific practical areas of retirement stewardship. My goal is to simplify seemingly complex financial topics so that you can make sense of them in your own life. This topic is one of them. Not long ago, a friend whose family income is somewhat seasonal asked about paying off … Read more
A simple definition of contentment from the Holman Bible Dictionary is “an internal satisfaction which does not demand changes in external circumstances.” And not surprisingly, contentment is one of the keys to successful retirement stewardship. In fact, it is an essential part of a successful Christian life. But contentment can be elusive. I certainly struggle with … Read more
I am in my 60s and still working in a full-time job. If I were to retire tomorrow, I wouldn’t be considered an “early retiree.” In fact, because I am 64, I’m older than the average retirement age in the U.S., which is 63. It’s not that I can’t retire, I just haven’t wanted to … Read more
As you probably know, on this blog I try to remain relatively neutral when it comes to money and politics. That’s because I think stewardship principles derived from the Bible are timeless and applicable in any political climate. Furthermore, I think political outcomes tend to have a relatively modest impact on our individual finances, at … Read more
I recently read a very enlightening article titled, “Study: Money Secrets and Sluggish Savings Put Couples’ Retirement Dreams at Risk.” The study, which was conducted by nerdwallet.com and Harris Poll, showed some very concerning trends in communication by couples about retirement: 21 percent of Americans have no idea how much their spouse has saved for … Read more
From the story of the ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19), we learn that stewardship is not simply about money. Stewardship is both a principle and a practice, a lifelong attitude and activity that has many aspects. It is a realization of who God is and what he has done – how he has provided for us. … Read more
