Breadcrumb Trail Links
Published Sep 14, 2025 • Last updated 9 hours ago • 2 minute read
You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.
Photo by Getty ImagesArticle content
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.
DEAR ABBY: I’ve been married for 19 years to my second husband, “Jack.” Our children are grown. When we met, I was a business owner, and he was retired. He has had numerous medical issues and procedures, and I have always insured him on my health plans and been his advocate. We have always had separate bank accounts and a household account we equally contribute to. Jack has numerous CDs and funds that he manages. We do not commingle those funds. I have never asked for money from him and have always contributed to any of the household needs.
Advertisement 2
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authors
Article content
I still work full time and recently began receiving my Social Security, which I’m banking for my retirement as I don’t anticipate receiving any of Jack’s money. Maybe I will, but I need to be proactive on my own behalf.
Article content
Article content
Jack is now seeing my increased income and wants me to contribute a larger portion of my salary to the household account. I don’t think his expectation is fair or warranted. I do most of the household and yard chores since he has become limited in his ability and strength. Please advise. — WORKING GAL IN WASHINGTON
DEAR WORKING GAL: The way you have described it, your marriage seems more like a business relationship than a partnership. If you are included in your husband’s estate plans, you should know what they are. Because you don’t know any details, and you may need those funds later, you should discuss this with YOUR financial adviser before putting any of your retirement money into the household account.
Your Midday Sun
Thanks for signing up!
Article content
Advertisement 3
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
DEAR ABBY: My niece recently received her doctorate, and I have been invited to a celebration. A small bakery will be catering the meal. I have celiac disease, which means I have dietary restrictions (no wheat) that my family is aware of because another niece also has celiac. The bakery is small and is located in a small rural community. I tried looking up their menu online without success.
How do I handle this? I inquired and was told they will have a baked potato on the menu. Should I bring my own food to the celebration? Should I not attend or attend and have only the baked potato? I like baked potatoes, but I would probably need more to eat than that. Should I bring up my dietary restrictions prior to the celebration or drive the four-hour round trip in silence? — RESTRICTED IN OHIO
Advertisement 4
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
DEAR RESTRICTED: It says in the Bible, “Seek and ye shall find.” Because the bakery doesn’t have an online presence doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a telephone. Use it, tell them about your dietary needs and ask if you can be accommodated beyond a baked potato. You may be pleasantly surprised, especially since you aren’t the only relative who has dietary restrictions. However, if the answer is no, bring something along you CAN eat and consume it near the end of your four-hour drive rather than suffer in silence.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Article content
Share this article in your social network