So...I wrote recently that I was frustrated with my husband for buying gas for his son after we discussed making him budget for his own gas...given that it's his only expense.

DH and I talked about it and, in turn, decided to have a conversation with SS about budgeting and making sure to set priorities / cover his own expenses. In our conversation we discover that 1.) SS technically still had a job at the mall...but that the place had been closed down for renovations for two weeks and had only been scheduling him one night a week before that and that 2.) BM has been making him cover half or more of his auto insurance...both things have combined to make him short on cash for gas. Now, keep in mind...we're fine with SS paying his insurance if that's what everyone agrees to. But when we suggested it, BM was against it, and we didn't know the arrangement had changed. We paid for a full year (16-17) and had the expectation that BM would pay for a year (17-18) and then SS would take over. That's how we did it with OSD, I thought.

Another good thing came out of this talk...I told SS about a friend of ours who owns an upscale restaurant and that I'd seen a help wanted sign in the window. He went in and got the job (host) immediately...and he made over $200 in tip-share this week. He called DH this morning to tell him all about it. He feels like he hit the jackpot and is so excited about the new job.

Now...if only we can get him this excited about applying for colleges...and if only we can keep BM from taking his money...SS will do anything for her and it kind of makes DH sick.