Dear Abby: I’ve been married to my second husband, Jack, for 19 years. Our children are growing up. When we first met, I was running my own business, and he was already retired. Jack has multiple health issues, and I’ve always ensured he’s covered under my health plan while supporting him through everything. We maintain separate bank and household accounts and contribute equally to shared expenses. Jack manages a significant amount of CDs and funds, which we don’t touch. I’ve never asked him for financial help and have consistently supported our family’s needs.
I still work full-time and have recently begun receiving Social Security. I’m saving for retirement because I don’t want to rely on Jack’s money; I think it’s better to be prepared on my own.
Now that my income is rising, Jack is suggesting that I put a substantial portion of my salary into our household account. I find this expectation a bit unreasonable. Since I handle most of the home and garden tasks due to his limited strength, I’m unsure how to navigate this. – A gal working in Washington
Dear Gal: From how you’ve described your marriage, it seems more like a business arrangement than a true partnership. If you are part of your husband’s estate plan, it’s important to understand the specifics. You might need those funds later, so it would be wise to discuss this with your financial advisor before transferring any of your retirement income into your household account.
Dear Abby: My niece recently earned her PhD, and I was invited to the celebration. A small local bakery is providing food. I have celiac disease, which means I have to avoid wheat entirely. My family is aware of this, as my other niece also has the same condition. I tried looking for the bakery’s menu online but didn’t find anything.
How should I approach this? I inquired about the menu and was told that baked potatoes are the only option. Should I bring my own food, or is it acceptable to just eat the potatoes? I do enjoy baked potatoes, but honestly, I’ll probably need something more substantial. Should I uphold my dietary restrictions or make a four-hour round trip just for the celebration? – Restricted in Ohio
Dear Limitations: It’s often said, “Seek and you shall find.” Just because a bakery lacks an online presence doesn’t mean they can’t be reached. Give them a call to explain your dietary requirements and see if they have anything besides baked potatoes. You might be pleasantly surprised, especially since you’re not the only one in your family with dietary needs. If they can’t accommodate you, consider bringing your own food so you can enjoy the celebration without worrying about your meal during the long drive.
