Dear Dave,



Dear Brian,


I love real estate, and I want you guys to own your own home again. But even more than that, I want to see you two get out of debt and stay out of debt!

I know this wouldn’t be a popular plan with some folks, but if you’ve got no debt--along with a decent, inexpensive place to hang your hat for a couple of years--you’ll be able to save money like crazy for a fat down payment. It will also give you time to become familiar with the area and find a place you both really like.

When you lose the debt, Brian, you gain control of your largest wealth-building tool--your income. That’s when the fun begins!


Dear Dave,

I’m one of five sisters, and our parents’ fiftieth wedding anniversary is just around the corner. My two oldest sisters made plans for a party without consulting the rest of us. Now, they want everyone to chip in $1,000 to help pay for things. I’m trying hard to get out of debt, and I just don’t have that kind of money right now. How can I be fair about this? -Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

A $5,000 party is pretty big stuff. Since you weren’t asked about this ahead of time, and had no say in anything, fair would be for you not to pay a dime! That kind of planning without consulting the people involved and helping pay for the event is way out of line.






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