Q. I think my wife is shoplifting - just little things - but stealing all the same.

We both retired about 3 years ago so we are on a fixed income, but we have money, at least we're comfortable. She never did this before (at least not that I know of) Why now?

What do I do? Do I confront her? Thank you.

A. The first thing you must consider doing is to lovingly confront her on this issue.

If she does admit to this "petty theft" you describe, I believe it will be much less traumatic for her to be confronted by you vs. the police.

The issue of the fixed income you mentioned may be a motivating factor for this behavior, possibly based on your wife's fear that there is not enough money for the two of you.

If in fact this is the case, it would help for you to assure her that in fact there is.