Debt & Money Smarts

To prevent hurt feelings, let the girls know what a great thing you think they’re doing, but explain that your budget won’t let you buy from each one, says Mary Mitchell, author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Etiquette. Then, “ask the girls which one has sold the fewest” and explain that you want to help her since she’s behind the others. If they’ve all sold about the same, flip a coin.By being honest and including the girls in the process, you teach them that we all have to be mindful of our wallets, but it’s important to be fair and kind when turning down a request.