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 wedding without debt? It’s really simple. You have a wedding with the money you have. There’s nothing wrong with small, inexpensive weddings. And once you accept that and start thinking about things from a mature, adult point of view, you’ll start realizing you can scrimp and save and have a really nice, small wedding.
Lots of people have beautiful, memorable ceremonies and even small receptions for less than $1,000. Sure, you can run out, go into debt and wear an $8,000 wedding dress for a few hours on one day of your life. Or, you can find one that’s much cheaper — even something that’s been worn one time — for a couple hundred dollars. Think that’s tacky? Well, let me tell you what’s even more tacky and dumb — going $15,000 to $20,000 in debt for one day!
To have a wedding without debt you have to be creative and think within your budget. That means growing up and not throwing a temper tantrum just because you can’t have every little thing you want. Most people don’t have lavish, expensive weddings, and guess what? Years down the road they’re still married, madly in love and laughing and hugging when they remember the best day of their lives.
Please, don’t turn what’s supposed to be a happy occasion into a financial mess that will take years to clean up!
—Dave
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Monday, November 16, 2015
Resumes are not the only way to find the best candidate for a job
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 have any suggestions? How do you handle situations like this? — Denise
Dear Denise: Over the years, I’ve found that you can reduce a lot of the fear when it comes to hiring simply by doing your due diligence — and then some — during the hiring process. I get what you’re saying, though. It’s kind of a gamble anytime you hire someone. But if you do your job during the hiring process, I’ve found that in most cases it turns into an investment rather than a gamble. Even then, some investments are better than others.
In your line of work, you need a lot more than a warm body in a chair. You need someone who really cares about your cause and is really gifted when it comes to physically, mentally and spiritually involving people in the community. In a sense, a development person is kind of like a salesperson. Good ones are worth their weight in gold, while bad ones will only cost you a ridiculous amount of time and money, while potentially tarnishing your good name.
Look for the best of the best, and don’t rely on resumes to tell you the whole story. At my office, we always have numerous interviews, and the process can go on for months. We’re also OK with not hiring someone and putting the position on hold for a while if we can’t find the person who is an exact fit professionally and personally. And remember, Denise. Like with all things, it never hurts to ask God for a little guidance!
Dear Denise: Over the years, I’ve found that you can reduce a lot of the fear when it comes to hiring simply by doing your due diligence — and then some — during the hiring process. I get what you’re saying, though. It’s kind of a gamble anytime you hire someone. But if you do your job during the hiring process, I’ve found that in most cases it turns into an investment rather than a gamble. Even then, some investments are better than others.
In your line of work, you need a lot more than a warm body in a chair. You need someone who really cares about your cause and is really gifted when it comes to physically, mentally and spiritually involving people in the community. In a sense, a development person is kind of like a salesperson. Good ones are worth their weight in gold, while bad ones will only cost you a ridiculous amount of time and money, while potentially tarnishing your good name.
Look for the best of the best, and don’t rely on resumes to tell you the whole story. At my office, we always have numerous interviews, and the process can go on for months. We’re also OK with not hiring someone and putting the position on hold for a while if we can’t find the person who is an exact fit professionally and personally. And remember, Denise. Like with all things, it never hurts to ask God for a little guidance!
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Sell house after fixing it OR sell as is
Dear Dave,
My husband and I are about to relocate to another part of the country. We’d like to sell our house, but we’re thinking about taking out a small loan to have some work done first. We could get in the $180,000 range selling it “as-is” but closer to $200,000 if we installed new roof, carpeting, exterior paint and concrete work. I know how you feel about debt, but what are your thoughts in this scenario?
Kim
Dear Kim,
From what you just described, and assuming the concrete work wouldn’t be too extensive, you looking at going into debt probably $12,000 to $15,000 in order to get $20,000 more out of the deal. I’d just sell it. I wouldn’t go to all that trouble for $5,000.
Every piece of debt you take on compromises your financial security and robs you of your largest wealth-building tool—your income. Even if you guys are in good shape, you’ve got a lot of uncertainty and the potential for unexpected expenses in the months ahead. Just sell the house and get on with your lives. It’s not worth the hassle.
—Dave
My husband and I are about to relocate to another part of the country. We’d like to sell our house, but we’re thinking about taking out a small loan to have some work done first. We could get in the $180,000 range selling it “as-is” but closer to $200,000 if we installed new roof, carpeting, exterior paint and concrete work. I know how you feel about debt, but what are your thoughts in this scenario?
Kim
Dear Kim,
From what you just described, and assuming the concrete work wouldn’t be too extensive, you looking at going into debt probably $12,000 to $15,000 in order to get $20,000 more out of the deal. I’d just sell it. I wouldn’t go to all that trouble for $5,000.
Every piece of debt you take on compromises your financial security and robs you of your largest wealth-building tool—your income. Even if you guys are in good shape, you’ve got a lot of uncertainty and the potential for unexpected expenses in the months ahead. Just sell the house and get on with your lives. It’s not worth the hassle.
—Dave
Monday, November 2, 2015
Finding a good roommate to live with
Finding a good roommate can be tough. You need to choose someone you like and get along with, but someone who is responsible and has a little maturity, too. Sometimes you’ll have different schedules, and this may lead to people working, studying or playing at all different times. You also have to be respectful of each other’s needs and values, and remember, too, that certain things about another person will eventually get on your nerves a little.
Spend a lot of time talking to people and try to find someone with whom you have a lot in common. You won’t always be on the same page with another person, but, if you take some time and try to choose wisely, it can be a fun and rewarding experience.
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