I plan to do a regular feature on here that’s sort of advice column-y, based on questions from readers. The rules are pretty simple: You send me an email (wantnotdotnet [at] gmail [dot] com) (could that have some more DOTs and NETs and COMs, do you think?) with your question, and if I think I have something useful to suggest, I’ll answer it here. If you have a blog you want linked, let me know; and if you’d rather be anonymous, make that clear.

You’re welcome to ask me anything, but for make-up and fashion advice you’re better off visiting Amalah, while for grammar, relationship, baseball and cat advice you want to visit Sars.

Also, you have the greatest chance of being answered/published if your question

• is polite and doesn’t insult me
• has something to do with budgeting, shopping, or general money management
• makes me laugh
• tells me I’m pretty
• indicates that you both read the site and have a genuine interest in gaining perspective on your finances, rather than, say, that you’ve clearly never read here because your question has been answered already or that you’re looking for me to tell you how you can get rich quick. (Here a tip for that one: I know this guy in Nigeria; I’d be happy to forward you his email.)

Disclaimer: I’m not a professional financial advisor. I am a professional smartass. And I’m pretty good at squeezing blood from a stone, which is a fun party trick. I’m rarely at a loss for words, but if I honestly haven’t a clue on how to advise you, I’ll tell you that. If I do suggest something, you’re free to follow my advice or not. Doesn’t matter to me. Suggested tips are dispensed with a shaker full of salt unless otherwise indicated.