FivestarMan

Today, Dave covers a question about emergency funds and also answers a reader interested in knowing whether unmarried couples should combine their finances.

Dear Dave,

What’s the best way to respond to a sibling who continually makes poor choices with money and often asks to borrow money? I don’t want to be heartless, but they’re out of control asking for money anytime they want. I’m currently on Baby Step 2 of your plan, and I’m six months away from being debt-free. Do you have any suggestions?

Dear Dave, I’m about to complete Baby Step 3. I’ve been very intense about following your plan, but I was wondering if there’s ever any kind of frustration or letdown after you’ve come this far.

Dear Dave, I have an idea for a small business I think is needed in my area. How do you feel about me keeping my current, high-paying job, and hiring a full-time manager to handle the day-to-day operations while I oversee things and handle accounting?

Dear Dave, I make big commissions leasing cars, but I’d never lease one myself. Should I quit? -Stan

Dear Dave, We have a special needs child, who will likely be under our care for the rest of her life. The doctors say there’s a good chance she’ll live to be about 40. How does the situation with our little girl affect our retirement planning and college funding?

Dear Dave, My husband lost his job a few months ago. He’s found another one since then, but we’re still trying to rebuild our finances. At the same time, our daughter plays softball on a travel team. It’s a great character-building experience, but the costs involved can be pretty high. Do you think we should cut down on the travel team activities for a while?

Dear Dave, Do you feel that some people are born leaders, or do you have to read and study to become one?

Dear Dave, What are the advantages of using a real estate agent versus going the for-sale-by-owner route when it comes to selling a home?

The rule is no new debt. Dear Dave, My wife wants to go back to school to complete her degree. Right now, we’re on Baby Step 2 of your plan, and we’re about 12 months away from being debt-free, except for our house. Should we work the budget to cash flow her going back to [...]