Dear Bruce: I work for a family member in his business and am paid under the table. Instead of paying me weekly or biweekly like clockwork, sometimes I have to ask for my money. Do you think this is right? I don't think I should have to ask for my wages. — Frustrated family member, via e-mail

Dear Frustrated: Being a member of the "underground economy," there are problems that can arise and, among others, if someone doesn't pay you, what do you do? You can't complain to the local government because you have been screwing it out of uncollected taxes. I can understand that you're uncom-fortable with the situation. I'd suggest that you go out and find work elsewhere.

Dear Bruce: My husband, who is 50 years old, refuses to get a will, firmly believing it is "not necessary." We have two children, and I want to make sure that all of us are protected. How can I convince him that this is not a good situation and that we all need to be protected? — Reader, via e-mail

Dear reader: Your husband is acting like a child. A will is absolutely necessary! However, you are the only one who needs to be protected. As it stands now, if your husband passes away, you would only get one-third of your husband's estate in most states and the remaining two-thirds would go to your children. Hopefully, the kids would be wise enough and be willing to sign off. But why go through all of this? You need to tell your husband that it's time to grow up! A will is simply a document that says, someday, you're going to die, and a lot of people have a problem with that. Everyone needs a will. Your husband is no exception.

Dear Bruce: I am 70 years old, work part time and am considering a reverse mortgage. I do have a small nest egg put aside. I have studied the pros and cons of a reverse mortgage, and my conclusion is that it seems to be a nice way to cap extra money for my "twilight" years for travel and fun. My heirs will still receive a handsome inheritance. I read your column often, and I would like your response. What would you do in my position? — M.I. in Pennsylvania

Dear M.I.: I have no problem with a reverse mortgage. It's nice that you want to spend some money on yourself. You haven't told me, though, how much your home is worth. You are also a little on the young side for a reverse mortgage, so you probably will only receive 50 percent to 60 percent of the value. If there is equity left after retiring, the obligation upon your death will go to your heirs. The idea of spending that money for travel and other fun-related activities makes great sense to me.

— Send your questions to Smart Money, P.O. Box 2095, Elfers, FL 34680. E-mail to bruce@brucewilliams.com.