[Spridgets] to co-sign or not

[Fisher, Ed]

This, of course, is just an opinion.  Your daughter, without consulting you,
made a decision.  She and the dealership must work out her decision; else, the
lesson is not learned.  My son had a series of adult decisions at around this
age, and was accountable for their consequences.  He learned in short order.
It was very painful to watch, I wanted to jump in and save him more than I can
articulate here, but did not give in to that impulse (the same sort of impulse
that I was trying to teach him to control).  I think you are spot on about not
signing and not coughing up any money, even as badly as you may want to do
either just to relieve the pain and hassle.  That said, now that you are
involved somewhat, if your daughter asks, you can advise her to have the
dealership call the difference between the trade-in value and retail on the
Mustang 1,400.00 and call it even.  They will not lose, and if they do, there
is a lesson here for them as well.  Finally, I hope she pours over the
contract to find what her options are, and then confers with you, albeit
somewhat after the fact now, it is a good experience in reading comprehension
and speaking intelligently to someone with experience and knowledge on the
subject, much as we do when making important decisions.  Ah, the circle of
life, sorry that you and she are experiencing this, just know that you are not
alone, it seems inevitable at some point for us all.  Like my grandfather used
to say, "Pay me now, or pay me later" (shrug).  His shrug, not mine.  A
favorite quote of mine says, "If we don't learn the easy lessons they get
harder.  Pain is the way to get our attention".

Empathically,

Ed Fisher
Dallas, Tx

Texas Instruments Inc.
DLP(r) Packaging R&D
972-995-6305 office
214-882-9488 cell
972-995-0438 fax
edwd at ti.com<mailto:edwd at ti.com>