Car indiana loan title

Don't let best friend skip out on loan

Dear Annie: I have been in a relationship with a wonderful man for two years. "Rusty" is my best friend, and we recently have been talking about getting married. He has a great job and owns his own house. He also races cars, which is a very expensive and time- consuming hobby, but I enjoy his enthusiasm.

A couple of months ago, Rusty saw an expensive enclosed trailer that would be perfect to hold his race car. I offered to put up the money so he wouldn't have to get a loan from the bank. Our understanding was that Rusty would pay me back as soon as he received the title from the owner.

Well, he received the title last month. I mentioned it recently, and he said he would "put some numbers together." I haven't heard any more about it, and it seems to have slipped his mind.

How do I mention this loan again without sounding as if I am demanding my money? I don't want this to affect our relationship, but I would like to know my best friend isn't taking advantage of me. -- Texas Tina

Dear Tina: This is why financial transactions always should be in writing. It's possible Rusty doesn't have the money to repay you and he's embarrassed about it. However, that's no excuse to ignore the loan. Say, "Rusty, I hate to nag, but did you put those numbers together yet? It's starting to put a crimp in my savings."

You also might suggest he give you a small amount every week until the loan is paid off. To salvage his pride, consider setting up a separate bank account where he can deposit the money directly instead of handing it to you.

Dear Annie: After being out of work for two years, my husband found a good job. "Carl" works long hours and is pulled in a dozen different directions. When he gets home, he is totally depressed and exhausted.

I don't know how to make his situation less stressful. People have a tendency to take advantage of Carl's easygoing nature. He tries to please everyone, but he is stretched beyond his capabilities. When he gets home, I make sure he has a quiet, comfortable evening, and I try to be positive and loving. But I am worried about him.

He is such a loving, gentle soul. What else can I do? -- Frustrated Wife in Idaho

Dear Idaho: You are doing your part. The rest is up to Carl. Some people have a hard time saying no. Carl needs to understand that his co-workers will have greater respect for him if he sets reasonable limits on his time. Show him this letter and tell him you wrote it. Let's hope it makes a difference.

Dear Annie: I am almost 60, so I guess I am not in the mainstream when it comes to television watchers. However, the number of TV commercials being bombarded at me during a program really turns me off. And the increased volume for these ads is like fingernails on a chalkboard.

These commercials are so annoying that the only way I can tolerate watching is to pre-record the show, then fast-forward through the multiple ads. I know the producers won't change their tactics, but maybe if the public boycotts the advertisers, the big boys would get the message. What do you say? -- Frazzled in Indiana

Dear Frazzled: We say, save the boycotts for truly objectionable stuff. The ads pay for the TV shows, and the networks cannot afford to drop them -- although we agree that the sudden increase in volume can knock you right out of your seat and, in some instances, encourage you to mute the sound -- which defeats the purpose. The good news is, some commercials are better than the TV programs.

Annie's Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to anniesmailboxcomcast.net, or write to: Annie's Mailbox, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, IL 60611. © Creators Syndicate Inc.