[KimM]

That's a tough, and of course controversial subject. Sometimes the most responsible and financially stable folks have tough financial times and we don't really know this person's circumstances. She may just be having a rough patch. I think I would sell everything I had if I had tough times not to give up my babies. But I also save for "rainy" days.

If someone is purchasing pets and knows it's beyond their means, then I believe they should not have the pets. As far as smoking? I'm a smoker and can tell you it's extremely additive (don't smoke in the house with the kids). However, if it were the smokes or my "kids"? I'd quit smoking. I was raised rather in the old-fashioned way that if you can't afford it, you don't buy it.