Dear Auntie Linda,  My parent are in their seventies.  I am their only child.  They are more than comfortable.  My husband and I have two children.  We’d like to move into a better school district but would really struggle to make the payments.  I’ve asked my parents but they don’t want to loan us the money for a down payment.  I am hurt, since I am their only child and heir.  Is this selfish of me?  Only Child

Dear Only, Without knowing the whole story, it’s hard to say.  Your parents may have every penny tied up.  Maybe, like me, they don’t loan what they can’t afford to gift.  A loan, not repaid, creates hard feelings.  It’s always better not to go in too deep.  Your parent’s money, however much or little it is, is theirs to do with as they please, not something you are entitled to.  They may live long enough to need every cent. Best to spend only what you can afford, not rely on anticipated money.   Auntie Linda

Dear Auntie Linda,  My husband drives me crazy picking his toenails.  He knows this  but doesn’t stop.  What do I do?  Whacked out.

Dear Whacked, There’s nothing you can do except walk out of the room or try to ignore. Does it bother him that you hate it.  He could avoid being barefoot when relaxing. Hope he doesn’t start picking yours!  Aunt Linda.

Dear Auntie Linda, I called my mom to tell her my new boyfriend and I were dropping by in a few minutes for coffee.  When we got there, she was stomping around out in the backyard in knee-high black-rubber boots, green plaid knee-pants, and an orange polka dot top with the sleeves cut out chopping on a snake with a machete.  Why would she do this when she knew I was coming over?  Embarrassed

Dear Embarrassed, When a snake’s got to be chopped, it’s got to be chopped.  They don’t wait around for introductions.  How did it work out with the boyfriend?  Auntie Linda