Sneaking hubby's cash for brother OK?

DEAR AMY: I feel very bad about my brother. He has problems, and I do not know how to help him. Last night he called me and asked for money. I am broke, but I want to help him. I do not have the money, but my husband does. I need to ask my husband if I can borrow $500 from him, but I know he will say no. Do you think it is a good idea to take the money without his knowledge? I feel desperate to help my brother.Desperate SisterDEAR DESPERATE: You know it's a terrible idea to take money without your husband's knowledge, mainly because, well -- it's stealing. So cross that option off your list. Furthermore, it is really your brother's problem, and your response to him should be straightforward: "I don't have any money to give you, but my husband might. If you want to borrow it, you'll have to ask him."

DEAR AMY: Our grandson's first birthday is coming up, and we have received a list of items his mother has decreed he should receive. That totally takes the joy out of our gift-

giving. We like picking out presents. Should we comply?Frustrated GrandparentsDEAR GRANDPARENTS: Approach this by giving this mother the benefit of the doubt. Many new parents have a natural desire to control every aspect of their baby's life. Your grandson's mother might have thought this list would provide a helpful boost for people who weren't sure what to give the baby or who didn't know what books, jammies or stuffed toys the child already possessed.

Give the child whatever you want to give him. There is no need to reference the list or explain your reasons for not adhering to it.

If the child's mother has the temerity to question why you haven't chosen something from her list, you can say, "Thank you for the gift ideas, but we decided to go another way."