Unwieldy debt dragging down college grad

Dear Annie: My daughter, “Gina,” was the first one in our family to go to college. She chose a school that was rather pricey, but she had some scholarships and loans. She graduated last year.

In college, Gina needed me to be a co-signer on her loan. Now I am discovering the cost of doing so. Gina did not get a job right after graduation, and her bills have come due in a big way.

The loan companies are demanding their money and are going to start tapping Gina’s wages. She makes just enough to get by as it is. They are not willing to work with Gina so she can pay an affordable amount each month.

I assume they will get around to going after my wages, as well, and I can’t afford that, either.

I worry for my daughter and am not sure what to do.

Stressed in Pennsylvania

Dear Stressed: We spoke with Gail Cunningham, vice-president of public relations at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. She said to first be sure that the threat of garnishment is real, since many states do not allow it.

Her other recommendations: Since both you and your daughter are responsible for the debt, but neither can make the full payment, consider splitting it. Although money is tight, a shared burden lessens it.

When a collector calls, ask to speak to a supervisor. Explain why you are behind in payments and your plan to resolve the issue.

It is important to have a workable plan to present and not to make any promises you can’t keep. It is critical that you stick to your plan, as doing otherwise will only lead to more problems.

For more information, visit DebtAdvice.org.

Dear Annie: I am married to a wonderful woman who was widowed 10 years ago. She has two adult children. The daughter is planning to be married soon.

My wife thinks I should be in the wedding photographs with the bride and groom as if we were the parents. I disagree. Perhaps pictures of my wife and me as attendees, but not in the wedding pictures as if I’m the bride’s father. We have been married for five years. Please help.

Photoshop

Dear Photo: This is up to the bride. If she wants you to be in a family wedding photograph, please agree to do so.

If she prefers that family photographs include only her mother, that is also OK.

Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column.