DEAR ABBY: We bought a vacation home last year and spent a lot of money remodeling it. The problem is, lots of our friends and relatives constantly ask us to use it. The upkeep costs us $400 per month (which goes up when someone uses it). We have never charged anyone to stay there.
We are getting tired of footing the bill for other people's vacations. We wouldn't mind so much if they would offer a little money to offset the extra expenses. Is there a way we can politely ask for it? We are not wealthy, and this was a dream of ours. Thanks for your advice. -- OUR DREAM IN TENNESSEE
DEAR DREAM: Yes, there's a way. The next time someone asks to use your vacation home say, "We'd love to let you do it, but the place costs $400 a month in upkeep, and the expenses go up if someone is staying there. How about splitting the cost with us?" You should not be expected to pay for these people's vacations, and what you are asking is more than fair.