Q: My sibling and I received an inheritance. My brother is in desperate financial straits, because he invested unwisely, and has asked for a larger share. I'm doing okay, but I'm not exactly a Rockefeller. Do I give him more?

A: "Grown people should be held accountable for their actions. Your brother accepted his fair share; now he should seek professional guidance on taking the necessary steps to rectify his financial crisis." — Rudy Rasmus, pastor, St. John's United Methodist Church in Houston

"Rudy is on target. You shouldn't be guilt-tripped into handing your brother more. That's not what your parents wanted. Tell him, 'If there's an emergency, I'll help you, but I'm not going to help you now.'" — Anita L. Allen, professor of law and philosophy, the University of Pennsylvania Law School

From the March 2009 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

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