I don't think there is anything to be ascared of. If nothing else, a call couldn't hurt just to see what they are all about. Worst case, they are not right for you and everything stays the same. Best case, they can help lower your monthly payments. worrying about money all the time is exhausting.

When I asked that "new car" question a few days ago, some people said "Don't count brakes, maintenance, and the like as 'extra' costs when balancing against new car payments."

I guess part of the heart of my question was about "the like." I need to replace my catalytic converter. Now, there's no reason for them to last forever, even if they aren't as predictably scheduled as brakes. Other than that, the big deal had to do with the coolant system. Some was covered under warranty, and I have a suspicion the whole thing was tied to my accident a few years ago anyway.

It's the converter-type repairs that I don't want to have to bankroll...so if they're expected around now (this 2000 Jetta is doing way better than my Accord was at this age, and Accords were supposed to be reliable), then I'm looking more seriously at a new car. If they're not expected, I have to then set myself a tolerance threshold.

I am saddened to report that I heard ita's gross joke when I was in Jr. High.

Well I applaud the fact that you did not feel the need to tell it to ita. On the other hand, I am a little scared to find out this is the kind of joke that kids tell in junior high school, although it *does* have the whiff of junior high on it.

*does* have the whiff of junior high on it.

I am not sure that whiff should be used in conjuction with that joke, as it just adds more possibilities.

I know I have heard the joke before, and I am assuming it was in 9th or 10th grade, since I can't think of anyone I have been around since EVER telling me that joke. Because it isn't really funny.

Also, I am not so much ascared of the debt consolidation as that I am actually unable to use the phone for non-work and non-completely personal reasons. I realize I should probably seek therepy, but I find it unpossible to even do things like order pizza on the telephone.

It is amazing to me the weird things I do to avoid my nueroses-- like, I just don't use the phone. Or, because I hate finding a parking spot and parking (it makes me nervous) I only go places where there is plentiful parking, even if I have to pay.

Timelies all!

I got my first credit card in college. I still have the card.(It's actually the only card I really use) Aside from when I was unemployed a few years back, I've payed each month's bill in full. Just how I am, I guess.

My office does not care enough about my ass, I must say. They won't replace my office chair that has lost all cushioning. My ass is killing me, all day long!

t /first-world problem

I am a little scared to find out this is the kind of joke that kids tell in junior high school

well, junior high school 20 some odd years ago! I have a very strong feeling that it was a joke overheard and retold. My guess is none of us really understood it at the time.

Aw Sophia, that is unfortunate. If you have free counseling through work I would totally look into it and see if it helps at all.

new car

I'd look at getting a new car (and by new I mean low-milage used) if the repairs cost more than a down-payment AND I have enough cushion in my monthly budget for whatever the monthly payment will be, or if I have enough savings to just pay cash.

if the repairs cost more than a down-payment

Okay, I'm a ways from that.

Sophia, they've recently prosecuted a bunch of consolidation guys, so it should be a cleaner more honest market out there. Doesn't cost anything (I think) to dip your toe in.

is it wrong that I want to pat your head and say bunny bunny bunny?