Dear Dolores:

I want to buy a bigger home, but my stingy husband is against it. He always points out, among other things, that our eldest daughter is starting college next year. What's your advice?

—Cruzing in NJ

Dear Cruzing:

My advice—and you won't hear me say this that often—is to listen to your hubby. The instability of the economy these days is enough to make anyone think twice about such a move. It also sounds like your children are close to adulthood. In a few years they will be moving out and your home will seem much larger, at least large enough for you and your marido! Helping your children pay for college will offer them better paying jobs, which is the equivalent of lifelong shelter for them and their children.

—Your man is a wise miser, D