DR. WALLACE: Our family has an ancient desktop computer, and for years, I've had to use it for various projects. I've had to turn in for classes at my high school. Over the last two weeks, the computer has been starting to fail miserably. I've told my parents about this, but they seem in no hurry to assist me in either getting it fixed or getting a replacement.

Do you feel it would be realistic for me to ask my parents to front me the money to buy a very basic laptop computer? I'm a junior in high school and I'll definitely need access to a computer for the next couple of years of high school. Plus I'm planning to go to college after that.

I'm the oldest sibling, as my two younger brothers are in grade school and middle school, respectively, so they don't spend much time on the computer at all. Would I be out of line asking for something special just for me? — Need the Right Tool to Keep Up, via email

NEED THE RIGHT TOOL: There's no reason why a laptop couldn't become a "hand me down" item for your siblings when the time comes, as technology will continue to develop. At some point, you may have the resources to buy a newer replacement laptop yourself once you're in college, and you could give the first one to your siblings to use.

Therefore, I agree with your idea, and perhaps you could step up and tell your parents that you'd be willing to buy the laptop yourself. Ask them to buy it and allow you to repay the cost out of your allowance and a few part-time jobs you can secure in your local neighborhood. Asking for a computer while simultaneously explaining that you'll repay them for it over time is, in my opinion, the best way to get the positive answer you seek.

I SIMPLY CAN'T COMPETE AT THEIR LEVEL WITH FASHION

DR. WALLACE: I'm a girl who is a junior in high school and I take my appearance, fashion, choices and presentation very seriously. I have a group of girlfriends who think the same way, and we always tend to present very well, even on regular days in our high school. We're not the type to overdress, but we're definitely not sloppy or casual either.

My challenge is that my family has far fewer resources and less means to help me buy clothing, whereas my friends come from families that are more upwardly mobile. Therefore, they have the latest fashions, and of course, they look great wearing them.

I thought about trying to get a part-time job beyond the occasional babysitting that I do, but I don't have a lot of free time because I'm also playing varsity sports. Do you think it's worth giving up sports to have time to work so I can buy clothing that I truly would enjoy wearing? — Can't Quite Keep Up, via email

CAN'T QUITE KEEP UP: My advice is to continue playing varsity sports and not consider quitting simply in an attempt to work to buy more clothing or different fashions.

Playing any level of high school sports, in any sport, develops character, requires sacrifice and discipline. Also, as a byproduct, you enjoy increased physical fitness and camaraderie with several of your teammates.

It's great that you have a keen sense of fashion and wish to wear all of the latest styles, but my advice would be to have you focus more on accessories rather than new garments. Accessories cost less per item than trying to buy the bigger brand names of expensive garments.

Use what resources you do have from babysitting and hopefully an allowance and do your best to present yourself the best you can, given your current situation. Soon enough, you'll be an adult with a full-time job, and you'll be able to make a lot of fashion decisions from a new perspective. You'll learn all about achieving a budget, paying your bills and managing your discretionary spending accordingly.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: Kari Shea at Unsplash