WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Dear Dave,

My brother and I recently received an inheritance after our mom died. He’s never been very good with money, so I was proud of him when he used his portion to pay off his debts. But then he went out and financed a van I know he still can’t afford. I’m afraid he’s falling right back into the same old money problems, but I don’t know how to talk to him about it.

— Diana

Dear Diana,

I’ve learned after years of trying to educate folks about their finances you can’t make people listen to you.

I think you’re smart for realizing there are some boundaries here. But there’s no reason you can’t create a situation where he can ask your opinion. You might begin with talking about some of the mistakes you’ve made in the past. This could help him connect with you, and feel more comfortable opening up about his own situation. Once he realizes you haven’t repeated the same mistakes, and have a better life for it, he might just ask how you did it. Then, the door is open. But you can’t become preachy every time someone does something dumb. That will only hurt their feelings and cause them to tune you out completely.

—Dave

Dear Dave,

Our daughter has really started turning her life around financially. Recently, she learned she needs to have some expensive dental work done. Since she just started trying to manage her money well, she doesn’t have enough saved up for the procedure or dental insurance right now. Do you think we should help by lending her the money?

— Dianne

Dear Dianne,

I like what you’ve told me about your daughter. She doesn’t need to worry about dental insurance though. You almost never get back what you put into those policies. It’s the kind of stuff a good emergency fund will cover. If she has invested her time and money into what I teach, I’d say she’s pretty serious about getting her finances in order. I’d make the money for dental work a gift, not a loan, for turning her financial life around. In your description, you never mentioned anything about your daughter being lazy or unwilling to work. You talked about a young lady who’s just starting to build her life, and you’re rewarding smart choices. I think that’s a great idea and will have a major positive impact.

—Dave

Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books, including Smart Money Smart Kids. “The Dave Ramsey Show” is heard by more than 8.5 million listeners each week on more than 550 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

Yum Yum Cooking School

Florida Hospital Waterman is offering this nutritional class, which includes easy-to-prepare recipes, hands-on demonstrations by a professional chef, and nutritional advice from a registered dietitian. 5 to 7p.m. Cost: $85 for the series or $35 per class. 1000 Waterman Way, Mattison Conference Center. Information: 352.253.3367.

MARCH 3–MAY 5

Super Noggin

This class, offered at Conry CREATION Health Center on the Florida Hospital Waterman campus, includes 10 weekly sessions and allows people to participate in brain-healthy activities. 10 a.m. to noon. Cost: $50. Information: floridahospital.com/waterman/events/ supper-noggin

MARCH 3

Stroke Support Group

While suffering from a stroke presents many challenges, finding available resources and participating in group therapy goes a long way on the road toward recovery. This support group allows survivors to gain strength and knowledge from others who have suffered from a stroke. 2:30 to 4 p.m., LRMC North Campus conference room. Information: 352.323.5658

MARCH 5

Prepared Childbirth Class

This class focuses on the 28th to 32nd week of pregnancy when mother and partner work on breathing and relaxation techniques. They also tour the Life Center for Women at LRMC. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $50. 600 E. Dixie Ave., Leesburg. Information: Karen Lynn at 352.323.5960.

MARCH 8

Better Breathers

The first step in lung disease management is learning about lung disease. This nationwide support group, sponsored by the American Lung Association, offers support and resources for those suffering from lung disease. Participants also learn techniques to manage the disease. 1 to 3 p.m. National Training Center, 1935 Don Wickham Drive, Clermont. Free. Information: 352.241.7109

MARCH 11–13

Pig on the Pond

This annual event provides fun for the entire family, including cooking competitions and a 5K run/walk. Proceeds go toward scholarship funding for South Lake County students. Waterfront Park, Clermont. Cost: $5 daily fee for adults; $3 for children ages 2-6. Information: PigOnThePond.org.

MARCH 12

Round Robin Tennis Tournament

This tournament benefits the Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation, which ensures patients in South Lake County have access to health care. The tournament is at Summit Greens Tennis Club in Clermont. The morning round-robin matches begin at 9 a.m., while the afternoon matches begin at 2 p.m. Cost: $45 per person. Informtion: Susan Taylor at 407.257.9442.

MARCH 12

Rib Run for Education

The Rib Run for Education’s 5K run/walk will be at Waterfront Park in Clermont. Proceeds benefit the Pig on the Pond Educational Fund, which provides a fouryear, $10,000 scholarship and support of a mentor to deserving South Lake high school students. 8 a.m. Information: pigonthepond. org/rib-run-for-education-5k-runwalk/

MARCH 16

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group

Share stories with others facing challenges with this disease of the central nervous system. 10 a.m. to noon. National Training Center, 1935 Don Wickham Drive, Clermont. Free. Information: 352.242.2350

MARCH 19–20

33rd Annual Great Clermont Triathlon

If you’re ready to put your endurance to the test, give this event a “tri.” Athletes will swim 1,500 meters around a triangular-shaped course in Lake Minneola, bicycle a 24.8-mile course around Lake Minneola, and run a 10K course on the South Lake Trail. Information: 352.394.1320.

APRIL 2

East Lake 5K Run to Aid Community

This community 5K run, planned by Christ Community Fellowship, will help support disadvantaged people in the community. The course is planned along Prestwick Avenue and Troon Avenue in Mount Plymouth. 7:30 to10:30 a.m. Information: Earl Hammond at 352.735.5050.

“I have cystic fibrosis and underwent a double lung transplant in April 2003. I’ve recently had problems with mucus and infection. However, I star ted feeling much better since I started going to the Salt Room. I do back-to-back sessions five days a week. My secretion has thiinned, my pulmonary function has improved, and I have less inflammation. I would definitely recommend the Salt Room to anyone with pulmonary problems.”

—Colleen Steadman, Leesburg

352.750.9909

SaltRoomVillages.com