Harriette Cole: He’s a clown, and my girlfriend doesn’t want him in our house

DEAR HARRIETTE: My girlfriend and my best friend don’t get along.

They argue about anything we talk about. She says he doesn’t respect our home, and she believes he says rude and obnoxious things. He’s what I call a clown and just likes to make jokes and have fun. It’s why we are friends.

My girlfriend doesn’t have our sense of humor, and she thinks he’s a bad influence on me because I become a clown like him when he’s around. She told me she doesn’t want him at our house anymore, and she thinks I should stop hanging out with him.

I understand why she feels that way, and he does sometimes get us in bad situations, but I can’t drop a friend just because he’s a bit immature. Can I? I can’t change him; he is who he is.

I’ve outgrown him, and I’m ready to settle down, but I don’t know how to begin to end a lifelong friendship.

Clown Buddies

DEAR CLOWN BUDDIES: You are in a classic situation that many couples face as they settle in to build a life together and, in turn, find the need to reposition some of their friendships. It is natural even as it is clearly awkward.

Rather than kicking this friend out of your life entirely, a compromise might be to reduce the frequency of engagements. Tell him that you and your girlfriend have turned a corner and are getting more serious, and you want to devote more time to her. Be less available. Visit with him away from home on occasion. Agree with your girlfriend on what times he can come over. Let her know you don’t want to ice him out of your life, but you are willing to see him less.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have never been good with money. Over the years, I have wasted so much money on stuff — clothing, shoes, jewelry. I swear I remember telling a friend that I wished I could eat my shoes one time when I was broke and hungry. Anyhow, now I am making good money, and I have started to save. I’m already in my late 40s with very little savings, but I figure if I stay committed to saving now, at least I will have something in my bank account for retirement. Do you think it’s too late to build a retirement account? Am I a hopeless case?

Saving Now

DEAR SAVING NOW: It’s never too late to save money for your future. Given your age, you will need to be an aggressive saver and investor in order to create a nest egg for yourself. Don’t do this alone. Get a financial planner who understands money management and investing who can help you decide what to do with the money that you have now.

Take the time to find a financial expert who is right for you. Ask friends and loved ones for referrals. Ask your bank about what services they offer. Then interview potential advisers to see who feels like the right fit. There are many different types of money managers. To get started, read this article that breaks down financial needs and types of service providers: www.thebalance.com/how-to-find-the-best-financial-advisor-in-7-easy-steps-4032070.

Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.