Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/707709
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Mypartner and I have a baby boy and live together. We are nearly 40. We sold our homes during the hous- ing crash of '08 and got burned. After our son was born, we bought a home together. We've become extremely frugal in order to save more for our retirements and the baby's col- lege tuition. We are diligently saving and cut corners. We both work very hard. His sweet, loving, gay brother (age 33) lives nearby. The brother's job is physical and depends on him being in good physical shape. He's strong, but his health is deteriorating due to overeating and joint problems. He's a very hard worker, though, and has a good heart. Recently, he lost his only car to an accident. He has zero savings and many maxed-out credit cards. He told me his house- hold expenses are $1,500 a month, just for food and living expenses. I was floored! We're a family of three and our living- related bills are less than $1,000 a month. I would like to have an intervention with him about his finances or ask my boyfriend to talk with him privately about cutting his expenses so he can eventually buy a house. We want to see him become stable and learn to care about his future self more than his present self. He's also very over- weight and unattractive, and he has unattainable standards for a partner. He won't be able to marry into wealth. I'm worried that he will end up homeless, and I f ee l th at w e ha v e a re - sponsibility to warn him of the consequences of living beyond his means. Should we say it once and then back off? If he asks for money, should we lie and say everything we have is tied up in stocks? Or should we just "hope" he figures it out? We love him and want the very best for him. —Worried DEAR WORRIED » Given your own experience in the housing market, the last thing you should do is suggest that your debt- ridden and high-spending family member try to buy a house. According to you, this man has a lot of prob- lems, up to and including his weight and appear- ance, his joints and his work and personal habits. If he asks for money, that is your invitation to share your views on his money and spending issues, in order to try to help him. By all means, you should try to warn him about the conse- quences of his financial choices. And then — you should let him feel the consequences of these choices. If you don't want to loan money to him, then you must say "no." Don't lie about it. His spending and debt make him a very poor prospect for paying back any loan. His weight, relation- ship prospects and employment — these things are his business. Back off and stop judging him. Should family eking out a living plan to help brother? You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Leo(July23-Aug.22)— If you don't hesitate to share your thoughts and offer sugges- tions and solutions, advance- ment will be yours. Romance is encouraged. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Think about how your time and money are spent and how you can stretch your dollar to include healthy pastimes. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — If you make a plea for change, your voice will count. Par- ticipate in matters that concern you instead of watching from the sidelines. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Gauge what others do before you decide to make a move. Look for a unique way to make your domestic situation more accommodating. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Adventure may tempt you but caution should take precedence. Too little planning and not enough attention paid to detail will result in regret. Stick to what you know and the people you trust. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You'll have to count on yourself when it comes to legal, financial or health concerns. A positive change at home will do wonders for your attitude. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You should put together a proposal about the possibility of turning a hobby into something marketable. There is money to be made if you are willing to make a change. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Older individuals are likely to pose a problem. Stick close to home, where you can make the most out of your time. An unusual encounter is heading your way. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Discipline and hard work will lead to a better position. Your tenacity will grab the attention of someone willing to take a chance on you. Ro- mance will lead to a stronger commitment. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't get into an argument. The downside will be too great, and whatever gain you do make will be too small. Aim for peace through compromise and ham- mering out viable solutions. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — A little charm mixed in with imaginative suggestions will turn heads. A partnership will gain greater stability through carefree banter. Show how much you care. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Take the time to appreciate what's going on around you. Don't feel the need to jump be- cause someone else is quick to act or is being unpredictable. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, JULY 26 TUESDAY,JULY26,2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B