Tina: So far, I’ve earned more money than I have spent. The joint account is that way as well.

Bette: Well, we just made a major withdrawal to buy that house in New Haven. I’ve made some deposits for Jim and our travel bills have not come it yet. Oh, and Christmas is coming up. So, if we are even by the New Year, consider us lucky. Remember, we have bought a studio, a home, had this home redecorated and furnished, three vehicles, moved from New York, moved our child to New Haven and various other projects.

Tina:  And don’t forget, we have had a net increase in our household by one since the beginning of the fall.

Bette: I think we can handle giving Suzanne a supplemental educational fund. We are going to have to take a look at Angie’s finances as well. Next year, we will put her on a monthly allowance rather than a weekly allowance. And we need to talk about her allowance as well. We are paying her about $2000 per month after we pay for her room and board. So, if we continue that, we would be paying about $5,000 per month. And she will be paying for her vehicle expenses which she does not have now. We need to decide if that is reasonable.

Tina: And we will be comparing that to what we are giving Suzanne. Of course, Angie will be responsible for any emergency situations with the house. So, she will need to have a contingency fund for that purpose.

Bette: What kind of contingency?

Tina: Such as the pipes bursting in the spring thaw. That usually calls for a plumber immediately and then there is the repairs from water damage. Or the AC could go out, or the dish washer malfunction. Any number of things can happen in a house and all of that falls to Angie to have to get fixed.

Bette: And that is when you and I get that middle of the night phone call.

Tina: Well, if that’s all it is, then I for one will be grateful.  I can replace a dishwasher fairly easily. But if it’s a problem with Angie, well, it’s not going to be so easy.

Bette: Yeah, I know what you mean. Let’s hope that never happens.