Hey Cherie!

I am just in eighth grade and don't pay a lot of attention to the stock market and the economy, but my parents sure do. My father is a stockbroker and my mother is a teacher. While they never talked about money often before, recently it seems that is all they discuss.

I know that this is a big problem everywhere, and that my family is lucky because we are not poor or depending on retirement, but my parents are already talking about ways in which they can save money. They are going to give up a club membership. And instead of going skiing in Colorado this weekend, we are just driving to Vermont. They also asked me to participate; they want to reduce my allowance from $60 a month to only $40. They are doing the same for my older brother in 11th grade, who is getting it even worse. His allowance will be cut in half and they want him to find a job.

Cherie, I'm only in eighth grade and not really old enough to work. Twenty dollars doesn't sound like much, but it means a lot to me. Do you have any ideas on what I should do? I save my allowance to buy big items, but now it is going to take much longer.

— Money Problems

Hey, Money!

Ouch, and ouch again. I'm not an economist, but you don't have to be one to realize that we're in the middle of the worst money crisis in a long time. You are fortunate that you have parents who are thinking about the future and making plans. In fact, you're lucky that you have a family that can go skiing. I also think you're fortunate that your parents want you to take part in what's going to be a family plan to respond to a change in circumstances.

There are just two alternatives, which are the same for all of us. You can make do with less or close the money gap. How? You can either work — baby-sitting, lawn duties, etc. — or sell stuff. If you can't find a job, then you definitely should do the latter.

How many items do you have that aren't being used? Can you spell garage sale, tag sale or eBay? One rule of thumb: If you haven't used it in three months, think about selling it. If not in six months, think seriously. If it has sat for a year, the item could be more valuable to others. If you don't have enough things, get together with some of your friends for a group sale. And readers should contact me if they have other ideas; I'll print the best ones.

Hey, Cherie!

There's this guy who got my phone number somehow, and he keeps texting me. I am not interested in him. He is not dangerous, but he is a pain.

— Texted to Death

Hey, Texted!

You have an answer: It's called parental controls. Almost all the cell phone companies allow you to block texts or calls from any number that you want. Talk to your parent(s) and they'll put it in for you. Of course, you might need to have a conversation about your texting habits, but that's not necessarily a bad idea.

Cherie Bennett is a best-selling author of books for teens and young adults. Visit her website at www.cheriebennett.com. To find out more about Cherie Bennett and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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