“When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes.”

If I believed in reincarnation, I'd say Erasmus is alive and well and living in my house.

Last year, we started giving our kids a chunk of change twice a month and turned over responsibility for buying clothing and other necessities. We showed them how to make a budget and suggested line items for clothing, saving, church, and fun, but we let them make their own. Alex's budget is fun heavy. That's one reason he gets Kohls and JC Penney gift cards for his birthday and Christmas. Putting money aside is sporadic unless he wants something big, like now. He's gone into tightwad mode to buy a new guitar.

We were in the car the other evening, and he asked me how I had two children who handled money so differently. He's a spender; Vicky's a saver. I told him that his parents were the same way--one spender and one saver--but we've rubbed off on each other over the years.

He did find *his* guitar on-line, and they offer a payment plan. He asked me if he could do it, and I said no. I was about to tell him he is not going into debt while he lives in my house, but he asked if it's because he's a minor, so I just said yes! It's a close enough answer!

Speaking of on-line, I found hiking boots, and L. L. Bean does 2 day shipping. They should be here (hopefully) Friday. No luck on summer dresses, but I'll take what I can get.