Son’s work a chance to teach important budgeting skills

Dear Mom: “What to do” is to calmly and privately remind your husband that Elijah is 14, and his decisions aren’t always mature ones.

Then suggest that he and Elijah work out an agreement for Elijah to put into savings a certain percentage of any money he earns. Another portion can be allocated for necessities, and the rest for purchases at his discretion.

This is called budgeting, and it’s an important lesson every teenager should learn.

Dear Abby: My parents — both in their early 90s — have lived with me for three years because they need care. We have maintained their home all this time, but they won’t be able to return there.

Both have mild dementia and haven’t returned to their house for two years. We have hired an auctioneer and plan to sell their house as well as many of their belongings and their furniture.

Our dilemma is whether or not to tell them. Is it kinder to let them think things are as they have been or to tell them differently.

Dear What’s Right?: You say your parents suffer from mild dementia. The respectful thing to do would be to talk with them about it before you do anything. When you do, remind them that, because it has been two years and twp households are expensive to maintain, you think this would be the prudent thing to do.

You didn’t mention whether you have your parents’ power of attorney. If you don’t, you should discuss what you’re planning to do with a lawyer.