November 13, 2018 • Page 2 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Dave Says Strained Relationship Over Borrowed Money? BY DAVE RAMSEY Dear Dave, I borrowed some money from my parents in January, and it took a few months longer to pay them back than originally planned. Since then, I’ve noticed our relationship seems to be strained. They will sometimes make remarks about money when I’m around, and it’s obvious the things they say are aimed at me. I don’t want things to be like this between us during the holidays. I have taken steps to become more financially responsible, like watching my spending and living on a budget, so how can I address this issue with them? —Robbie Dear Robbie, I’m sorry you’re going through this, but I hope everyone has learned a valuable lesson. It’s okay to give money sometimes, as long as you’re not enabling irresponsible behavior in the process. But loaning money to or borrowing from friends and relatives will often lead to bruised feelings. Dave If you paid them back, especially if it took longer than expected or agreed upon, there’s not much you can do if they choose to hold a grudge. With some folks, it just takes a little while for those kinds of things to heal. And considering it’s your parents, my guess is they’ll become more and more forgiving with time. Until then, maybe you could look for opportunities during conversations with them to mention your new RAMSEY The latest topic du jour at the world dilemma think tank is Dud Campbell’s trapline. It should be noted that no animals were harmed in the production. In fact, the “victims” of Dud’s trapline probably gained a pound or two during the ordeal. It all began not long ago now when Mrs. Miller complained about having a raccoon come around at night and eating the cat food she’d left on the back porch for Sissy. After about five cups of coffee down at the Mule Barn, the elders there, aka the Supreme Court of Dang Near Everything, decided the ‘coon had to go, but nobody wanted to kill the thing just for wanting to eat cat food. So Dud said he’d take care of it. About two weeks later, Dud invited the guys out to the parking lot to see what was in his pickup, and there was a ‘coon, hissing at the world through the steel mesh of a live trap. “What did you use? Where did you put it? How long did it take to catch him? Are there more ‘coons in town? Where will you release him?” And one by one the questions were answered. Oh, as the weeks went by, Dud had figured out the perfect bait to entice them into the trap. Oh yes, a delectable combination of peanut butter, marshmallows and sardines. And it worked. Soon, Dud had two of these traps working, so that he could refer to it as the trapline and not just “the trap.” Sounded better. Before long, the score was quite impressive. Three ‘coons, one bobcat, a raven, one cocker spaniel, Sissy (who was released on her own recognizance into Mrs. Miller’s custody and was immediately placed under house arrest.), and a skunk. “How’d you turn that skunk loose, Dud?” Doc asked. “Very carefully,” was our resident trapper’s reply. Jacob loved music. He sang while he milked the cows, changed sprinkler pipe, or rode his horse. But he lacked confidence in his ability. One of his brothers had heard him singing once and had made fun of him, so Jacob was careful to only sing when he thought no one else was around. There wasn’t much in the way of music in Jacob’s small, rural community. The high school that he attended didn’t have a band, a choir, or anything. But in his junior year, a new approach to finances. Something as math teacher was hired who also had a minor in music. She simple as referring your budget, or was going to teach a choir class. getting excited about how much you Jacob was thrilled at the thought of having a music class were able to put into savings from your each day. But then he realized others might hear him sing, last paycheck, might get their attention. and that scared him. He thought about it for a long time. He A few subtle hints that you’re actively would get the determination to join the class only to have his working to gain control of your finances resolve waver. When it came time for registration, he learned might go a long way with your parents. that there was no audition. The teacher was willing to take If they realize you’re starting to anyone, especially boys. Grades were based solely on attendhandle your money more wisely, I’ll bet ance in class and at the concerts. you’d start to notice a real difference in Jacob decided that he could just mouth the words, and their attitudes! no one would know. He could fake like he was singing and just —Dave enjoy listening to the others. So, with a little bit of trepidation, he signed up. However, as soon as the teacher started class the first day, Jacob realized he would at least have to Dave Ramsey is CEO of Ramsey sing something so the teacher could determine what group Solutions. He has authored seven bestselling books, including The Total Money to put him in. As each choir member sang a short phrase from “America Makeover. The Dave Ramsey Show is the Beautiful” and the teacher listened, Jacob began to tremheard by more than 14 million listeners ble. But he realized that most of the class didn’t know much each week on 600 radio stations and about music, either. Oh, there were a few who seemed to. multiple digital platforms. Follow Dave And there were others who didn’t sound that good but were on the web at daveramsey.com and on full of confidence. When it was Jacob’s turn, he sang so quiTwitter at @DaveRamsey. etly that the teacher had to move up close to him and have him sing again. “You sound like you’re a baritone, Jacob,” she said. “You could probably do either tenor or bass, so I will see where I need you most.” What’s a baritone?” Jacob asked one of his friends. “It is a barely tone, which means a person can barely sing,” the boy replied with a laugh. “That beats being tenor—ten or eleven notes off,” another boy joked. Jacob tried to smile at their humor, but it wasn’t making him feel better. As the weeks wore on, Jacob loved the music. He started out mouthing the words, but sometimes he became so caught up in the joy of what they were doing that he forgot and actually sang. One day, Jacob was late to school, as usual after milking the cows, and he missed the beginning announcements. The teacher passed a roll around in class, and when the paper came, Jacob signed it. But a few minutes later another paper came. “What’s this?” he asked the boy standing next to him. “The roll, duh,” the boy answered. “Then what was the last paper?” Jacob asked. “It was to sign up for a solo,” the boy replied. “If you ever came on time, you’d know.” Jacob was so frightened he couldn’t even think of the words to mouth them all class period. When class was over, he hurried to the teacher and explained his mistake and that he couldn’t sing a solo. “Jacob,” she said, “I know that a lot of times you just mouth the words, but I can tell when you sing, and you actually have a beautiful voice. I hope you will reconsider.” The teacher promised to work with Jacob during lunch hour. Added to that, Melonie, a girl Jacob liked, would sing M I S S O U R I VA L L E Y the female solo part. The three of them met each day, and Jacob sang with more and more confidence. Their duet at the concert turned out well, and they received a standing ovation. Through the years, Jacob and Melonie continued to sing together, and after high school graduation, they were married. As he took Melonie into his arms on their wedding day, he told her that signing that solo paper by accident was the best mistake he ever made. She smiled and said she was glad M I S S O U R I VA L L E Y he had. MV Shopper DENR Accepting Shopper MV Clean DieselApplications For EPA Grant Program In Print and Online! • 665-5884 Want your business to be seen? Get your display ad here! PIERRE – The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is accepting applications for the EPA Call 605-665-5884 Or Drop By At 319 Walnut St. Save 10 Off A Gallon Of Gas When You Use Your Sinclair Card ¢ st Prices Be n Town! 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