I recently learned that my college freshman is gambling on sports games. He said it is not a big deal, that it is a lot of fun, and that he knows when to quit. Can you write something that I can share with him to address this from a Biblical perspective? 

Concerned About My Son Gambling 

Dear Concerned About My Son Gambling, 

Sports gambling is experiencing explosive growth and is certainly not limited to teenagers. The data is alarming. Just recently, I was able to speak to an old friend who told me the heartbreaking story of his son’s journey to gambling addiction and ultimate victory. More on that to come. Let’s look at the data. 

Explosive Growth

“Today, about 22% of Americans—and 48% of men ages 18–49—report having at least one online sportsbook account.” The American Psychiatric Association estimates that more than a quarter of Americans gamble online every day.

“Before 2018, legal bets on sports totaled less than $5 billion. In just six years, it skyrocketed to $150 billion and sparked a 33 percent spike in gambling addiction,” according to a disturbing article released recently by The Hill. 

Ministry Watch reports: “So, with one in three Americans betting on sports, downloading multiple gambling apps seems to be the latest obsession for men in the U.S., with 52% of men ages 18-49 signed up for accounts with an online sports book, such as DraftKings, Caesars, FanDuel, or BetMGM.”

Governments Want the Revenue

With the 2018 legalization, states expected increased tax revenue but failed to consider the financial ramifications for families. The industry is growing rapidly. Addiction may be one of the contributing factors. 

Many people don’t realize the financial burden of a gambling addiction until it’s too late. There are serious consequences, whether winning or losing. Besides the loss of money, there’s the loss of time and the reward of advancing your career or spending time with your children. Money is gambled away that could have been given to the Kingdom of God, saved, or invested for the future.

Be Direct with Your Son 

Begin by highlighting the risks:

• The integrity of sports – Some athletes have been caught competing in the very games they have wagered on. 
• Addiction – The loss of control can drive people to lose everything dear in their life.
• Mental health impact – Addiction, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and thoughts of suicide are linked with compulsive gambling. 
• Family conflicts and social isolation – Relationships can become strained, hurting meaningful connections with others.
• Financial impact – Gambling can lead to serious financial consequences: debt, savings emptied, college funds depleted, bankruptcy.

How It Starts and Grows

Many of our young people grow up in homes where gambling is practiced. Smartphones, social media, and peers increase their exposure to online gambling. Teens are especially vulnerable because their brains are still developing. They may lack impulse control and the ability for wise decision-making. 

Some platforms run ads 24/7 to lure young people. Those who play games online may be exposed to digital ads for betting sites. Big wins are emphasized, and risks are downplayed, making betting tempting for teens. Those who manage their own bank accounts can quickly lose large sums. 

Intervention from a Loved One

This is where wise parents, grandparents, teachers, pastors, or other influencers can make a difference! Here’s a helpful resource.

Parents can lead by addressing the topic at home. Respectfully ask what they know about gambling. If you’re confronted with TV, radio, or online ads, seize the opportunity to start a conversation. Stop what you’re doing and ask if they understand the point of the ad. Do they think the promises are probable or realistic? Ask what would happen if they risked real money. This question might reveal that they already do. If so, keep the door open through respectful discussion and your concern for their well-being. 

Watch for these warning signs:

• Lying about gambling activity or how money is spent
• Changes in health, nutrition, sleep, and mood 
• Skipping class or work
• Spending less time with friends or family
• Continually asking friends or family to borrow money

Pray and Take Action 

If you sense these warning signs are present, pray and ask the Lord to give you a clear plan to have the conversation or actions needed to help your son. It may be that someone other than yourself is better equipped to have a discussion with them. The goal will be to get them to recognize they are in danger and commit to stop or seek help. 

Sports betting may be on the rise, but in the long run, the house always wins. Always! 

My friend watched his son graduate at the top of his class, begin a professional career in finance and accounting, and steadily develop erratic behavior that led him into an alcohol addiction, the loss of his job, the loss of all of his money, and utter despair. It was through the witness of a close family member that he confessed to his gambling and alcohol addiction and turned his heart back to Christ. He moved in with his parents as a young adult and rebuilt his career and life. 

As Christians, we must not put our trust in money, even money earned through investing. It will lead to our demise. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle,
but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” 

Proverbs 13:11 ESV

Whether you’ve been part of Crown for years or are just discovering us, we’d love for you to be part of our 50th Anniversary Celebration. For five decades, Crown has taught biblical stewardship principles that transform finances, strengthen families, and deepen faith. Lives have been changed. Communities have been empowered. Purpose has been rediscovered. And we’re just getting started!

This article was originally published on The Christian Post on June 5, 2026. 

The post Ask Chuck: Help with Sports Gambling Addiction appeared first on Crown Financial Ministries.

I maxed out our credit card for some unexpected home repairs, including a new HVAC. The interest rate is ridiculously high since I did not pay it off last month. I’m considering using a HELOC to pay off the credit card. Is that a good idea? 

Worried About My Credit Card Balance

Dear Worried About My Credit Card Balance, 

My first reaction whenever someone tells me that they are planning to use debt to pay off debt is to say, “You are tap-dancing on hot coals.” Moving short-term debt to long-term debt to lower the interest rate or the monthly payments may be necessary for the relief you seek, but at some point, you can get really burned. 

It would be helpful to have a full conversation to understand your overall picture. I don’t want to presume anything about your circumstances, but the next questions I would ask are: 

• Do you have a budget in place? If not, start there. Here are some helpful resources.
• Are you tracking your spending and cutting back where you can? This is the best way to start digging yourself out of a hole. 
• Can you make a different plan to pay off this credit card debt? I hope so! 
• Can you generate extra income that could go directly to paying off the credit card? 

A Better Way 

If credit card payments are becoming difficult or you want to lower the interest you’re paying each month, here are several steps and options that may help:

• First, contact the credit card company and speak with someone to negotiate the terms. If you have good credit, you may get annual or late fees waived and a reduced interest rate. Get the new terms in writing, and if possible, set up automatic payments to avoid missing one. 
• Consider a 0% APR balance transfer card. Make sure you understand all terms, including the fee and the length of the 0% rate. You must exercise self-control to pay it off on time to avoid high interest rates. Avoid adding any credit card debt during this time.  
• Set up a debt reduction plan that meets your current needs. 
• Generate extra income dedicated to paying off the credit card. This is the fastest, best option. 
• Consider a personal line of credit to consolidate debt at a lower interest rate.
• Research a home equity loan.
• If mortgage rates drop, cash-out refinancing is an option.

HELOCs – The Good and the Bad 

Only consider a home equity line of credit (HELOC) if you have a significant amount of home equity, are disciplined in your spending, and have a secure source of income. Be sure you can check all the boxes I just listed. 

While helpful in lowering borrowing costs, they come with risks. They have variable rates and are secured by your home. Missed payments can endanger home ownership. This kind of loan requires time, paperwork, possibly an appraisal, an origination fee, and closing costs from 2–5% of the loan amount. Other fees may be charged for a credit report, a notary, and a title search. These can easily cost several thousand dollars, depending on the desired line of credit. If you decide to apply for one, make sure you have a repayment plan in place. 

The amount you can borrow is determined by your credit score, debt, income, mortgage payment history, and home equity. If you sell your home before paying off the HELOC, proceeds from the sale will be used to close out the debt. Only go with a legitimate lender. Research customer reviews, ratings, and any regulatory action or lawsuits against the company. Applications received online or in the mail that you did not request are most likely scams. 

If you itemize deductions on your tax return, any interest from a HELOC that is used to buy, build, or substantially improve your primary residence or a qualified second residence is tax-deductible up to certain limits. Clear documentation is required: renovation contracts, itemized receipts, invoices, and bank statements showing payments to contractors that prove the use of funds.

Pros 

• Lower interest rates
• Flexibility
• Interest paid only on the amount withdrawn, not on what you are approved to borrow 

Cons 

• Variable rates (higher than mortgage rates)
• Equity determines borrowing limits
• Risk of foreclosure because the home is collateral 

On April 27th, Bankrate reported that interest rates on a $30,000 HELOC dropped to 7.81%. That is the lowest level seen in two years among their national survey of lenders. 

The diagram below can help you consider all of the options and make a wise choice on how to pay off this credit card debt. 

Honest Casa Diagram

Financial Slave  

The Bible never declares that debt is sin. However, Proverbs 22:7 says, “The borrower is servant to the lender.” I don’t want you trapped in a never-ending cycle, juggling the weight and stress of your debt. Choose the best path forward, and seek to avoid any new consumer debt in the future. 

Extra Reading

• Should I Take Out a HELOC?
• Fraud Protection 
• Red Flags

Consider reaching out to Christian Credit Counselors. They are a trusted partner of Crown and can help you create a debt management plan tailored to your current needs—putting you on a path toward financial freedom.

This article was originally published on The Christian Post on May 8, 2026.

The post Ask Chuck: Strategies to Pay Off Your Credit Card Balance appeared first on Crown Financial Ministries.

We were hoping to take a vacation this year, but we really can’t afford it. Any ideas on ways I can avoid disappointing the family? 

Vacation on a Limited Budget 

Dear Vacation on a Limited Budget, 

The Bible records that God rested from His work. If He needed to rest, we certainly do too! We should plan to periodically take time off to rest and reset our minds and bodies. But going into debt or creating financial stress to take a vacation is not wise. 

Several years ago, I addressed the importance of vacations. They are Biblical and can be taken without incurring debt. Many people are in the same straits as you. Emily Stewart at Business Insider says, “It’s a complicated moment for travel planning… When a lot about the world feels uncertain, there’s a comforting level of security in sticking close to home.”

Staycations Can Be Fun 

If you have not considered staying at home for your vacation, “staycations” are actually booming across the country. Many people are tired of staged vacations and tourist traps and yearn for authenticity. Rising airfare, costly hotels, and airport turmoil are several reasons to find ways to enjoy being near home.  

Some benefits of staycations include:

• Flexibility and a slower pace.
• Less expense and less stress.
• Support for local businesses.
• Discovery and appreciation for where you live.

This concept focuses on enjoying local activities and attractions without spending the night away. Imagine your home as a destination spot, and build out your agenda from there. You can discover parks, museums, historical sites, festivals, and more, usually within a short drive from your home. Take in farmers’ markets, theatres, art galleries, and sporting events. Convenient and cost-effective, staycations give you complete flexibility and the opportunity to experience your community, county, and state in a fresh new way.  

Now that our sons are grown, my wife and I often use vacation time this way. We complete projects around the house, go hiking or antique shopping, or stay overnight in the mountains just a few hours away. Some people enjoy camping or staying at a nearby cabin, hotel, or VRBO. They can afford it and find it just as fun as leaving town without the headache of driving a long distance, flying, renting a car, etc. 

Affordable Vacation Ideas

Through the years, we discovered affordable activities to do with our four sons. We fished, played tennis, and invested in yard games we could do together. Croquet, frisbee, disc golf, bocce ball, and whiffle ball are still popular entertainment with the boys and their families.  We’ve found that the most important part of the time off work is being with those you love. Entertainment can be minimal. 

Finding a way to spend time outdoors is important. If you have children, discover local, state, and national parks near you. If you have a home, consider setting up fun games like “bucket golf,” disc golf, or an obstacle course to surprise your children. 

Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate. This is when a collection of board games is handy. We have fun memories of Monopoly extending for days—even after the boys got married. Read great books, enjoy a classic movie, and cook together. 

Find some more great staycation ideas here. An article at Travel and Tour World also provides interesting data. 

Destination Vacations Can Be Fun—but Costly!

Some people love the adventure and thrill of traveling. The break from routine allows them to recharge. Those who travel to the same place year after year build memories of tradition. The annual trips create deep family bonds. 

However, there are some downsides to consider:

• They are expensive and can create financial stress.
• Travel delays create headaches and unexpected costs. 
• They may fail to meet expectations set by social media or advertising.
• Overcrowding is increasingly disappointing vacationers and irritating locals.

Make a Plan, and Be Cautious

A vacation takes planning. If you decide to go this route, beware of third-party scams! Sarah Hopkins at AAA says, “According to the American Hotel and Lodging Association, 23% of consumers said they were misled by third-party booking sites on the phone or on the web, translating to more than $5.7 billion in online booking scams. Customers are led to believe that they are booking through an official hotel or airline site, but they’re actually doing business with a third-party middleman. This can lead to lost reservations, incorrect accommodations, undisclosed fees, or worse.” 

A deal pops up online showing discounted flights, a beautiful rental, or a hotel at a price that’s too good to ignore. You click, book, and pay and then discover you’ve been scammed.

So how can you protect yourself?

First, book directly with the airline, hotel, or official rental website. Third-party sites can be legitimate, but they’re also where many scammers hide. Going straight to the source reduces your risk. Second, be cautious of prices that seem unusually low. Scammers use urgency and deep discounts to get quick decisions. If it feels too good to be true, pause and check before you commit. Third, verify the listing, and use secure payment methods. Double-check property listings. Sometimes scammers copy photos from legitimate sites. Avoid wiring money or using debit cards or payment apps when booking a reservation. I recommend using a credit card because of the protection it offers. Some extra diligence now can save you from a lot of stress later. 

Create Memories, Not Debt 

It’s important to reorient our hearts and minds to what really matters. Rest during time off prepares us to work as unto the Lord, no matter our vocation. So whatever you decide to do, create great memories, not financial headaches.

If credit card debt is a financial burden for your family, reach out to Christian Credit Counselors. They are a trusted partner of Crown and are able to help consolidate debt and get one on the road to financial freedom.

This article was originally published on The Christian Post on April 17, 2026.

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