Jeanne PhillipsDEAR ABBY: I co-signed a college loan for my grandson. Unfortunately, he didn’t earn passing grades and was kicked out. He frequently misses loan payments, and I end up getting a late-payment letter.
I am afraid his inattention to this debt will adversely affect my credit. I can make the late payment or pull the money out of my savings and pay off the loan. If I pay off the loan, I plan to deduct that amount from his inheritance.
He’s very apologetic about it when I talk to him, but I’m tired of it hanging over my head. How should I handle this? – TIRED OF PAYING
DEAR TIRED OF PAYING: Your grandson’s irresponsibility WILL reflect on your credit if it hasn’t already. Pay off the loan and do not co-sign for him again. He should repay the money he borrowed from you as well as any penalties when he begins earning his own money. However, if he doesn’t, you are within your rights to deduct the amount from his inheritance.
DEAR ABBY: I have become completely unemotional. I don’t feel sad when there is a death. I feel no joy when I see a baby and, in fact, think people are selfish for having children in the world we live in today. When a couple get married, I also feel … nothing.