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Square One
11 December 2004 @ 9:08 p.m.
We had everything figured out. Where the money would come from, who would go where when, how much the insurance would be. Research collected was studied thoroughly. Notes taken, compared, studied. Talks with friends, experts, insurance agents, salesmen occurred. We were ready.
This was to be the first step toward our future, for his future. I was, hell I still am, so proud. Everything was lined up� save one thing.
His parents.
Chewba and I walked into the car dealership with all of our ducks in a row today at 2:00 p.m. The salesman we had been dealing with came right out to meet us and point out the car we had selected � sparkling in the scant rays of sun in the parking lot. Freshly washed, gas in the tank, air in the tires � all set to go. We shake hands and walk inside to finish the paperwork. Leasing a car for the first time takes work, planning, research, and money. We thought we had it all. Chewba finishes filling out the paperwork, salesman goes to run the numbers on our trade in. It�s lower than we expected, but still within the range we were hoping for. Fine, it will work fine for the down payment. We come to the part where the financial officer of the dealership wants a co-signer for the lease. Chewba and I had discussed this and hoped they wouldn�t ask, but if so, I�d co-sign if they would allow it. But I don�t have the type of history they are looking for.
I know it�s standard procedure to require a co-signer for a first time loan for a house, car, even some student loans. I was brought up with this knowledge and that you ask the family. My family is huge and loans and co-signatures are standard practice. Chewba�s on the other hand, didn�t work out so much.
After several phone calls to his family, we left the dealership in my old car. Me driving, him almost in tears because his parents refused to help him take a positive step in his life. They will not co-sign anything � not for a car, not for a house, not even to go back to school. The car was our step towards building credit as well as stepping up the transportation issues. It was safe, under warranty, brand new, and reliable. Not some sports car or fancy thing � a four-door car with anti-lock breaks, great fuel economy, and a 5 star crash rating.
Now I sit here worrying that my station wagon won�t get him home safe after work. And that all our work to get everything lined up was for naught. I�m researching other options but it�s difficult to buy a reliable car when you are just starting out � used or new � unless it�s under the table from a friend. And that won�t help you in the long run when your dream is a home for your family.
We thought things were looking up� good stable jobs, budgeted money, talks of the future together. Now I feel like we�re back to square one.
currently listening: Law & Order reruns
currently reading: -
