DEAR ABBY: Our financial adviser, "Wally," who has managed our finances for a number of years, sent us a letter asking us to donate to a charity he is starting.
We feel like we are being held hostage because he knows how much money we have and how we spend it. We feel Wally has crossed the line of professionalism. What do you think, and what should we do? -- SOLICITED IN OHIO
DEAR SOLICITED: You are entitled to your feelings, and here's how to handle it. Write Wally a small check for his new charity and enclose with it a short note wishing him success with his newfound cause. Close by telling him that everyone has causes that are close to their hearts -- including you and your husband -- and because you know this one is important to him, you are sending him a ONE-TIME donation. If he solicits you after that, find another financial adviser.