Creating a Christmas budget can bring financial freedom and reduce holiday stress. Focus on the reason for the season and prioritize family togetherness. Consider simplifying holiday cooking and shopping, and make time for spiritual reflection and Advent celebrations. [... more]

Saving for college can be a daunting task, but starting early and involving kids in the process can make a big difference. Mark Biller discusses the pros and cons of various college savings programs, including 529 plans, Coverdell ESAs, and Roth IRAs, to help families make informed decisions and minimize student loan debt. [... more]

Preparing for college requires careful financial planning, and biblical wisdom can guide decision-making. Art Rayner shares strategies for minimizing debt and avoiding costly misconceptions. Meanwhile, listeners seek advice on retirement planning, investment strategies, and faith-based investing, highlighting the importance of aligning financial decisions with one's values. [... more]

College is expensive, but many organizations offer scholarships to help students pay for tuition and fees. By applying for scholarships, students can reduce their financial burden and avoid taking on debt. Online resources such as FastWeb, the College Board, and niche.com can help students find and apply for scholarships that match their qualifications and interests. [... more]

College is a significant financial decision, with varying earning potential depending on the major. Data shows that engineering and computer science degrees offer the highest return on investment, while education and humanities majors rank lowest. Understanding the earning potential of a major can help individuals make informed decisions about borrowing and investing in their education. [... more]

Helping your teenager navigate the college transition requires open communication about finances, budgeting, and credit cards. As they enter adulthood, discuss career choices, life in the real world, and the importance of financial independence. Meanwhile, for those nearing retirement, consider annuities and long-term care to ensure a secure income stream and peace of mind. [... more]

Preparing for college and managing student loan debt requires discipline and biblical wisdom. Financial author Art Rayner shares strategies for minimizing debt, including saving, taking college-level courses, exploring scholarships, and being willing to work while in school. He also discusses common misconceptions about student loans and the importance of educating oneself on the commitment involved. [... more]

In North Carolina, the landscape of education is shifting with more families choosing schools of choice over traditional public schools. The Opportunity Scholarship Program has seen significant growth, with 25,000 students currently enrolled, and a waiting list for scholarships. Advocates argue that this expansion will help families make choices based on what's best for their children, rather than economics. [... more]

North Carolina's junior U.S. senator gained a national audience during recent Supreme Court confirmation hearings. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a major impact on the state's businesses, with private bars being particularly hard hit. Meanwhile, North Carolina school kids have finished up the first quarter of the school year, some 100 percent virtual, some a hybrid of virtual and in-person learning, and the question now is what comes next for the kids, for the teachers, for the faculty, for the parents. [... more]

North Carolina's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has raised questions about the accuracy of data used to inform public policy decisions. An expert analysis of trade with China challenges a popular narrative that American trade relationships with China have been bad for America. Meanwhile, the state's fiscal policy has been successful in keeping spending growth at or below the rate of population plus inflation, protecting North Carolinians' purchases and paychecks from tax hikes. [... more]

Carolina Journal Radio celebrates its th weekly episode marking more than years of documenting interesting developments in N C politics and public policy Using that milestone as a starting point John Locke Foundation CEO Amy Cooke looks ahead to the future for JLF efforts to spread the message about individual freedom personal responsibility and limited constitutional government Plaintiffs tied to the N C Association of Educators teachers union are challenging Opportunity Scholarship school vouchers in court Opponents contend vouchers violate the state constitution despite the fact that the N C Supreme Court upheld Opportunity Scholarships in Jeanette Doran president and [... more]