DEAR HARRIETTE: My son is 16 years old. Instead of being obsessed with getting his driving permit or going on dates, he has decided to dedicate his free time to getting accepted to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He has two years, but there is a strenuous physical examination in addition to serving four years in the Navy afterward.

My son, “David,” is strongly considering this. I never told him to not follow his dreams, but I’m honestly hoping the 7.9 percent admission rate at the Naval Academy will mean he’ll have to attend a regular university. David can already run a 5.30- minute mile and is pushing himself in the gym whenever he isn’t doing work. I love this level of commitment and have never seen him this passionate; however, this all scares me. My son could be in a war zone in less than seven years. Should I let him apply to the Naval Academy and secretly hope he doesn’t get in? I don’t know how to convey how dangerous it could be to serve our country. – No Navy for Teen, Washington, D.C.

DEAR NO NAVY FOR TEEN: It is understandable that you would have some reservations about your son going into the military. At the same time, there are tremendous benefits to the experience. Among them, he will cultivate tremendous discipline, learn useful skills and be employed. Rather than discouraging your son, talk to him about what he hopes to learn. There are many different jobs in the Navy. If he knows his specific areas of interest up front, it may help him to focus when he enters.

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DEAR HARRIETTE: One of my aunts works in finance at a top firm. She lives in New York City and constantly talks about the “Big Four.” As a man in my early 20s, I’m just trying to make ends meet and get on even financial footing. At any family gathering, you can bet my aunt makes a beeline to me and pesters me with questions. I am admittedly private, so people must ask questions if they want to know information, but I believe she goes too far. She wants to know about my investments, what credit cards I have and how much I have in my checking, savings and emergency accounts. She can tell I am uncomfortable when this conversation comes up, but she insists she just wants to help me. I just want her to stop prying.

I know my aunt may have good intentions and is very knowledgeable, but I don’t want to be ridiculed or scolded for my finances. Besides, everyone says to keep business and family separate! How can I get my aunt to stop attempting to help me while she intrudes on my finances? – Bad Balances, Jersey City, New Jersey

DEAR BAD BALANCES: Let your aunt’s intentions spur you to get your own financial adviser. It’s fine not to discuss your personal finances with her, but don’t ignore them. Find a professional who can guide you to do the very things your aunt is asking. You do need this, even if you don’t want to do it with her.

— Lifestylist and author Harriette Cole is president and creative director of Harriette Cole Media. You can send questions to [email protected] or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.