I decided to take a serious look at Bitcoin for the first time in October of 2012. I was well aware of the digital currency, but did not think an article was warranted. It was, however, increasingly becoming the subject of questions we were receiving from readers. As part of my initial research into the digital currency, I purchased a modest $20 amount. This was primarily to go through the 'buying' process which can be a little involved, and was integral to my piece. At the time of my purchase, the cost of a single Bitcoin was only $12. My... Read more →

In this episode - Are you ready for higher interest rates? What moves to make now on your mortgage, investments, and more. Should you buy long term care insurance? Social Security - claiming retirement vs. spousal benefits. Click here to download… Read more →

Dave Ramsey is doling out dangerous advice on retirement planning? That is the charge made by Motley Fool blogger Brian Stoffel. The argument has spilled over to Twitter, where Dave has been engaging in a debate that has caught the attention of the financial media. Investment News even calls it a 'Twitter War.' Dave invited Stoffel to appear on his radio show on Tuesday to defend his article. It may be the only time you ever hear Dave this angry, so it was quite a unique moment to listen in to. You can hear the segment by going to Dave's... Read more →

In this episode - Is there an Alex Jones conspiracy to crash the Bitcoin? You might be surprised to learn who one of the largest holders of Bitcoin is? An update on the suspension of trading of the Bitcoin this week, and is a Bitcoin exchange traded fund coming soon? Hosted by James L. Paris and Robert G. Yetman, Jr. Click here to download… Read more →

There are many financial "traditions" that we all simply accept as true. One of the things I have done as a financial writer is to question many of these traditions to see how valid they really are today. This article will attempt to address the dozens of emails that I receive every month on the question of whether or not it is better to rent or buy a home. Right now, with the millions of empty homes on the market, rent is cheap. I would not venture out and even consider buying a home unless you have a minimum of... Read more →

Last summer I started hearing quite a lot of buzz about a digital currency called Bitcoins. Ultimately, my research led me to the decision to purchase a small amount of Bitcoins. I made my purchase when Bitcoins were valued at just $12. Today, while writing this article, the value has jumped to more than $100. I did not make my purchase as an "investment" but am very excited to see this dramatic rise in value. What are Bitcoins? Bitcoins are a digital currency that is decentralized, meaning that there is no controlling entity or government involved. The currency got its... Read more →

You may consider it odd, but Dave Ramsey and I have both been writing and speaking on the topic of Christian finance for more than twenty years, but until ten days ago we had never met. I received a personal e mail from Dave a few weeks ago inviting me to visit his offices in Nashville and get an inside look at his operation. There is a very funny backstory here that I must share to give context to our meeting. Dave had become aware of some negative blog posts about him and the blogger had a very similar website... Read more →

Good News For Profitable Sunrise Investors? Nancy Jo Frazer and co-defendants admit to violating Ohio Law and agree to a financial settlement of $108,000. Details Here. Update January 16, 2015 - Highly Unusual Developments In Trial Update August 28, 2014 - Nancy Frazer Subject Of Illinois Order Update July 2, 2014 Frazer Trial Postponed To Feb 2015 Update Jan 27, 2014 Ohio Trial Of Nancy Jo Frazer Set To Begin On Sept 15, 2014 Kansas Lawsuit Against Nancy Jo Frazer Dismissed Profitable Sunrise Gang Threaten Blogger - Stop Writing Articles On Us Or Else Nancy Jo Frazer Faces Tough Questions... Read more →

Peer To Peer Lending (P2P) is a new and unique way for individuals to borrow money and for investors to earn superior returns to CD's, savings accounts, and government bonds. An individual seeking a loan fills out an application at a P2P lending site such as Lending Club, Prosper, or Peerform. If their credit is approved, the loan is then funded by a group of investors. Based on the credit profile of the borrower, the interest rate will then be determined. Investors can receive returns from 5 -13 percent. Although the concept has been around for at least six years,... Read more →

This graduation season many people are stumped settling on a gift idea. I was thinking about this the other day and remembered how popular it was when I was working as a stockbroker for clients to buy a single share of stock and gift it to a young person. In some cases, they even went so far as to frame it. I always thought this was a really unique idea. It was especially popular to gift a share of stock in Walt Disney Corp as they have a terrific looking certificate design. I heard feedback from clients that their gift... Read more →

My curiosity was piqued recently when I began to hear a number of conservative radio talk show hosts promoting diamonds as an investment. For those who are my regular readers, you know that I don't much put stock in the investment advice of talk radio hosts as they seem to be willing to pitch anything. We have covered extensively a company called Goldline which is aggressively promoted by Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck. Goldline sells gold and gold coins and was criminally charged in 2011 and recently settled those charges by refunding $4.5 million dollars to affected customers. It seems... Read more →

Several months ago I wrote an article addressing the rising number of complaints against one of Glenn Beck's sponsors, Goldline. The big money for gold dealers like Goldline is not in selling gold, but gold collectible coins. My prior article outlines this in detail and raises the important warning that gold coins are sold for as much as 30 to 40% more than the dealer cost. This means that if you 'invest' in gold coins you must see the value go up 30 to 40% just to cover the dealer profit. To put it a better way, if you invest... Read more →

Although I still hold my licensing as a financial adviser, I no longer work with individual clients. I was fortunate during my career to have an endless stream of clients due to the popularity of my books within the Christian community. One question I am asked frequently is how to find a good financial adviser. On Tuesday, Christian Money.com launched a nationwide directory of Christian Financial Planners. Press announcement about Christian Financial Planner.US What Makes A Financial Adviser Good? Don’t be fooled, there are no financial planners that you will find that have a 100% perfect track record on picking... Read more →

In this episode Jim shares an easy method of rebuilding credit after bankruptcy, foreclosure, or other life event. He also discusses an exchange traded fund for those that expect oil prices to go higher. 15 year mortgages hit new record low rate. Hosted By James L. Paris Editor-In-Chief of www.ChristianMoney.com The show is live on Fridays from Noon to 1 pm Eastern www.jimparislive.com Download From iTunes Helping you make the most of God’s money! James L. Paris Editor-In-Chief ChristianMoney.com Follow Me on Twitter Twitter.com/jameslparis Christian Financial Advice Jim Paris 24 Hour Radio Read more →

Even those that don’t follow the financial markets daily became fixated this week on the downgrade of the United States' credit rating by Standard & Poor’s. In this week’s article I wanted to answer the question, ‘Who is Standard & Poor’s' and also share with you some some additional forecasts made by this organization. Although not given headlines, these lesser reported forecasts will likely have an enormous impact on us all. Who Is Standard & Poor’s The company, started back in 1860, represents one of the three major financial ratings services (in addition to Moody’s and Fitch). Standard & Poor’s... Read more →