ANNIE’S MAILBOX: She loses sleep over his finances

November 13, 2010 at 5:15p.m.

By Kathy MitchelL and Marcy Sugar

Dear Annie: My husband is overextended on his credit cards and sometimes skips several months of payments or juggles between one card and another. Creditors and collection agencies call our house all the time, and I’m losing sleep over it.

These accounts are in his name only. Our only joint possession is the house, which is paid off because I took over the mortgage payments years ago.

When I tell my husband that creditors are calling, he laughs and tells me not to answer the phone. How much financial risk am I assuming by continuing to be married to him, even though these debts aren’t mine?

No Name, Please

Dear No Name: Some states have statutes that hold a spouse responsible for debts incurred for the benefit of the family. If your husband’s credit cards are overdrawn because he purchased groceries, medicine, etc., you could be sued to collect the debt. Even if you signed over the house and divorced him, you would still be liable for debts incurred during your marriage. Talk to an attorney, and find out what the law is in your state.

Dear Annie: As people enjoy their neighborhoods before winter begins, I’d like to pass along a few “good neighbor” reminders:

As you walk or exercise, please respect other people’s property. Don’t cut across their yards or gardens, don’t litter, and if your pet makes a mess, clean it up.

Property owners: Please keep your shrubs and trees trimmed away from the sidewalks. It is not safe to force a pedestrian to walk in the street. This includes low tree branches.
When driving through a neighborhood, please slow down. The few extra seconds you save by speeding are not worth the lives you are risking.
As the days shorten, walkers, runners and cyclists need to be sure they are visible at dusk. Reflective mesh vests and small lightweight lights are available online and at most sporting goods stores. You might be alert, but the driver of the 4,000-pound car might be tired, distracted or even under the influence. You need to make sure they see you.

Good Neighbor in Bakersfield, Calif.

Dear Neighbor: Thank you for the excellent suggestions.

Dear Annie: I’d like to voice my opinion to “Confused,” whose fianc objects to her using a hyphenated name when they marry. While I agree that he’s being immature and controlling, I’d like to tell her a hyphenated name becomes a pain.

“Suzy Smith-Jones” is a mouthful, even when the names are one syllable. It takes longer to sign your name. People get confused about how to address you. Often the order of the names gets reversed and results in difficulty locating your name.

I was attached to my maiden name, but after 10 years of marriage, I just think of myself as “Mrs. Smith.”

Don’t Do It

E-mail your questions to anniesmailboxcomcast.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Ste. 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

Creators Syndicate