Co-signing loan not an obligation
DEAR ABBY: I have plans to go to law school in the next two years. I have already taken the entrance exam, and will receive recommendations from two of my college professors. The problem is, my parents are refusing to co-sign for my law school loan.
Abby, I’m not asking for money; I’m just asking for someone to co-sign the loan for me. I plan to pay off the debt myself. I don’t want to ask an extended family member for help, because even if they agree, I’d feel horrible if it prevented them from helping their own children with something.
My parents don’t have a good enough excuse to not co-sign for me, and it surprises me that it doesn’t embarrass them that I may have to ask another family member for help. What should I do, Abby? FUTURE LAW SCHOOL STUDENT
DEAR FUTURE LAW SCHOOL STUDENT: Your parents shouldn’t have to meet your criteria for what is a “good enough” excuse for being reluctant to co-sign on a loan for you. It should be enough that they are uncomfortable with the prospect of doing it.
While your desire to pursue the field of law is admirable, have you researched what job opportunities are available to new law school graduates? Currently, according to the media, these jobs are not nearly as plentiful as they have been historically.
However, if you are determined to plunge ahead, I think you already know what you’re going to have to do — and that includes seeing if you can find another source of funding for your law school education.
DEAR ABBY: I’m a female in my mid20s. I have recently hired a personal trainer at my local gym. So far, it isn’t working out as I had hoped.
My trainer isn’t really training me. He spends half the time trying to flirt. He says we could have a great time together when we aren’t in session. I’ve recently heard he does this with most of his female clients. I am a nice person, but it’s getting out of hand. What do I do? Should I tell his boss? STILL OUT OF SHAPE IN ALABAMA
DEAR STILL OUT: Do not report your trainer to his boss immediately. Talk to him first. Tell him that when he flirts it makes you uncomfortable, and you prefer to keep your relationship with him strictly professional. However, if he continues after that, you should not only report it to his boss, you should also hire another trainer.