The article presents two advice columns addressing financial and personal conflicts within families. In the first letter, a woman who overcame postpartum depression through horseback riding wants to buy a horse, but her husband opposes the purchase despite their comfortable financial situation. The columnist criticizes the husband’s controlling attitude, emphasizing that since the wife can afford the horse and it brings joy to her and their child, his veto based on personal dislike is unfair and detrimental to her happiness.

The second letter involves siblings managing their late mother’s estate, which includes a house occupied by her hoarder partner who struggles to maintain the property and pay expenses. The columnist advises the siblings to set formal lease terms to protect their inheritance and encourage the partner to clean up, or consider eviction with legal counsel, stressing that while kindness is important, they are not obligated to sustain an unsustainable living situation. Both responses highlight balancing compassion with practical boundaries in family financial matters.