Comments on: Reader Mailbag: Memories of Near Misses

By: Robin S

Robin S — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 19:43:47 +0000

I totally agree that Marcus should give his daughter the full increase. She’s smart enough to know she is otherwise getting shafted. My family and I have a toxic relationship because my parents refused to treat us consistently based on age(ie. we are 5 years apart, but my brother was allowed to date at 13 when I wasn’t allowed to until I was 18, stuff like that). Go the extra mile, because losing your child’s respect isn’t worth a few cents a week.

By: bookaunt

bookaunt — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 01:31:49 +0000

@Johanna – Actually I do believe an allowance increase would be in order. Also that the money education opportunities could be expanded.

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 21:18:08 +0000

Q5: You don’t say what your credit limits are on your Amex & Chevron card so it’s hard to estimate the effect closing the Chevron would have.

Things to consider are what % of your total credit card limits is your Chevron, how much total credit do you have and what does your current credit report look like?

If the Chevron is not a significant % of your total credit, you can probably go ahead and close it. I would also ask Capital One for a credit limit increase. If you pay in full every month, they should not have an issue with that.

By: Joan

Joan — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 20:21:38 +0000

#4 You must be very proud of your daughter, she gave you good reason for an increase in allowance.

By: Joan

Joan — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 20:16:46 +0000

#4 The daughter is very motivated, I would give her a larger allowance, possible not 30%, but at least larger.

By: Johanna

Johanna — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 11:53:57 +0000

@bookaunt: Again, why should she have to pay for things that her sister didn’t have to pay for at the same age?

By: bookaunt

bookaunt — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 03:29:53 +0000

Q4 Give her a larger allowance but begin to have her be responsible for some expenses you now cover (e.g. school supplies, school lunch).

By: bookaunt

bookaunt — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 03:16:35 +0000

Q7- ranch dressing seasoning mix: onion flakes or powder, garlic powder, parsley flakes, salt, pepper

By: kc

kc — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 22:48:54 +0000

After all, he negotiated the sale of his blog to a company that has ruined it.

By: kc

kc — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 22:47:13 +0000

Q4 Not sure Trent ought to give any advice on negotiating.

By: Johanna

Johanna — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:59:01 +0000

If Marcus gave his eldest daughter $6/week at age 12, he should give his youngest daughter the same – adjusted for inflation – unless he has a compelling reason not to.

By: Johanna

Johanna — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:57:59 +0000

Parents of multiple children should treat their children as fairly as they can.

By: jim

jim — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:38:39 +0000

Why would Marcus’ daughter be entitled to a cost of living adjustment? Did mom and dad promise one? Why would people think Marcus’ daughter is entitled to any free money?? Its OK to tell your children ‘no’.

By: Johanna

Johanna — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 18:44:29 +0000

Marcus, tell your daughter she’s absolutely right, and adjust her allowance forthwith (after possibly doing some more research into what the correct adjustment should be).

By: Johanna

Johanna — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 18:41:19 +0000

Q4: I don’t understand why people think Marcus’s youngest daughter should have to do extra work to get the same allowance (in inflation-adjusted terms) that her older sister was getting at the same age.

By: jim

jim — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 17:36:07 +0000

Marcus: You could tell your daughter that lots of people don’t get inflation raises. What did she do to earn more money?? Its not automatic. She seems mature enough to argue for inflationary increasees so maybe she’s mature enough for some reality.

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 16:57:25 +0000

@Jackson #1 – I actually tried to comment earlier, and my comment never showed up (not even to say it was in moderation). So I wonder if that’s happening to others as well, and if this one will make it through.

By: Carole

Carole — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 16:54:14 +0000

Q7: I don’t like to eat raw eggs. Some people don’t seem to mind.

By: Jackson

Jackson — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 16:37:56 +0000

Crickets. Coupon.