Dear Dave,

Would it be okay to go on a tenth anniversary honeymoon while we’re working on our debt snowball?

Karen

Dear Karen,

I don’t think so. I mean, it’s not against the law or anything like that. I just don’t think it’s a good idea. I wouldn’t do it, and I wouldn’t suggest taking the trip then rolling it into your debt snowball either. I know this probably sounds mean, but I’m just not a big romantic when it comes to people who are deeply in debt.

A rare exception may be a situation where you have a really small debt snowball and a nice, fat income. But most people in your shoes have average incomes and mountains of debt. On top of that, they want to take a big celebration vacation? I would say no.

At some point you have to stop the spending and concentrate on getting your finances in order. Besides, you’ve got a lifetime together to take romantic vacations and celebrate your marriage. Just wait until you can afford something like that. Trust me, you’ll enjoy it even more!

—Dave

Dear Dave,

We have three children, ages 15, 10 and nine. With our oldest starting high school and just being a teenager, we’re spending lots more money on her than the others. It’s almost like she’s the favourite child. Should we spend more on the other kids to make things seem a little more fair?

Julie

Dear Julie,

I don’t think so. In five or six years, it’ll be their turn and you guys will be spending that kind of money on them, too. That’s the way it is with teens.

Here’s a question for you. When the 15-year-old is 23, and you’re buying prom dresses and all the other teenage stuff for the younger kids, are you going to turn around and give the older child extra money just to “even things up”? Of course not — that would be silly. She had her moment in the sun, and now it’s their turn.

Just make sure you hug on all of them equally, and let them know you love them!

—Dave

Dave Ramsey is one of America’s most trusted voices on money and business. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover, EntreLeadership and Smart Money Smart Kids. His newest best-seller, Smart Money Smart Kids, was written with his daughter Rachel Cruze, and recently debuted at #1. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than eight million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.