DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: I’ve heard from three of my friends who interned at this lab I have been offered a job at that they don’t treat their staff very well. But the program I applied to and was asked to join is one of the few in the country that fits in perfectly with my education and interests. It’s the kind of experience that could really work for me and advance my career.

How much should I consider my friends’ warnings when I decide whether or not to take the lab’s offer? --- NOT SURE WHICH WAY TO GO

DEAR NOT SURE WHICH WAY TO GO: If your friends’ only experience working at the lab was in the capacity of interns, they may have a fairly narrow view of life there.

If there aren’t any on-line ratings for the company that runs the lab, to get a wider view of working conditions, you might try reaching out to someone who either works there currently or has been there in the recent past in positions other than temporary interns.

Even if you hear less than glowing reviews, you need to keep in mind the high level of fit this job offers you and your career goals. It might be worth putting up with less than ideal conditions ─ provided your health, safety, or good name aren’t compromised ─ for at least long enough to gain experience that could pay off down the road.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: My new husband is one of the coolest, sweetest, nicest guys I know. He has so much going for him ─ except when it comes to being handy around the house.

Our house isn’t exactly a fixer-upper, but it is older and already we have needed to make some repairs, like replacing a garbage disposal, fixing a toilet, replacing a ceiling fan, and installing a new garage door opener. My husband decided to tackle all those jobs, and more. The end result was that we had to hire professionals to come out and fix his fixes.

I don’t want to crush him, but I just don’t know what to do to keep him from DIYing us broke. Suggestions appreciated. --- WIFE OF MR. NOT HANDY

DEAR WIFE OF MR. NOT HANDY: The next time he proposes to take on a home repair himself, gently reminding him of his track record might be a good place to start. While none of us likes to be told we’re aren’t as good at something as we fancy we are, sometimes we need to hear it, for our own good and that of those around us ─ not to mention how expensive it gets to constantly to throw good money after bad.

Check around to see if any of the local hardware/building supply stores hold seminars on different topics taught by professionals. Even if the offerings aren’t directly related to the next home project, seeing how things are done by the pros might help set your husband on a better course.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: We helped pay for our wedding, and shortly after that, we used all the gift money we got from the wedding to help put a down payment on a three-bedroom condo.

That was nearly a year ago, and even though we make OK money combined, my husband doesn’t want to spend any money on anything other than the very essentials. We barely go out. Our house has nearly no furniture, and all we have in the kitchen to work with is the stuff I got for my shower or off our bridal registry.

I get his wanting to be careful with money, but every time I bring up our going out or spending something on the house, he shoots it down, saying we can’t afford it. If I ask him when he thinks we’ll be able to afford it, he gets angry and walks away.

I don’t want to fight about money, but this seems strange to me. Is it? --- BRIDE OF A FRUGAL GROOM

DEAR BRIDE OF A FRUGAL GROOM: How a couple manages their finances is a core component in any marriage, and right now, it sounds like you two are on different pages. If you can’t come to an agreement on a basic philosophy of how to use your money, there’ll be trouble down the road.

With two incomes coming in, one suggestion is to set up a separate savings account, dedicated to household expenses. Agree on the amount you’re each going to put in per pay period. You could do the same for a fun fund.

Your husband may still be reluctant to touch any of the savings, but you can make the argument that this money was put away to be used when needed, without affecting your everyday budget.