going into a relationship with Debt.

[disneysteve]

I am 26

- the land note is a 200 acre ranch I own. Plan to move To it when I retire

So do you plan to hold onto this piece of land for 40 years until you retire? Does the property generate any income - rental property, grazing rights, etc.? What expenses do you incur from owning it - taxes, maintenance, etc.?

As for someone owning a truck, a boat, and a motorcycle and coming here asking about debt, I think the answer is kind of obvious. Sell the stuff you don't need.

If you're unwilling to do that, I agree with spending down the savings to get out of debt faster.

[capthayes]

So do you plan to hold onto this piece of land for 40 years until you retire? Does the property generate any income - rental property, grazing rights, etc.? What expenses do you incur from owning it - taxes, maintenance, etc.?

As for someone owning a truck, a boat, and a motorcycle and coming here asking about debt, I think the answer is kind of obvious. Sell the stuff you don't need.

If you're unwilling to do that, I agree with spending down the savings to get out of debt faster.

Where do you get 40 years until I retire? On my current track I will be retired At 50.

And my question was should I let my girl friend , who insets on helping, help or should I keep on my current track and do it my self. Most answers to my question supported my question and agreed that I should not let her pay on my debt, when did this become about my things? second why on earth would I tap into my emergency fund over a non emergency? What happens if I tap into it an 3 weeks later I loose my job? what then do I live on prayer for 4 months?

For all that answered my original question thanks. We are on the same track.

fare winds and following seas. Peace

[disneysteve]

And my question was should I let my girl friend , who insets on helping, help or should I keep on my current track and do it my self.

My apologies for straying from the question. I'll refer back to my original reply. No, she shouldn't pay your debt until you're married but she can help out in other ways so that you are better able to repay the debt quickly.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

What is the interest rates on your debt? What is the interest rate on your EF? And I'm not suggesting all EF, but $15k out of $20k.

Now as to selling stuff? How will you have medical at 50? How much do you have for retirement already?

Also I asked about the wedding and the ring?

[soogar]

It seems that everybody has the same idea as myself. Her biggest argument is that she is currently paying her own rent, own utility bills ect that it is only right that she help me with mine once we move into the same house. I have actually suggested that she just put any money that she fells she wants to help out with into a savings account until we tie the knot.
Thanks again for the points of view, I have been know to be stubborn some times and not capable of seeing past my point of view and just wanted to make sure that wasn't the case here.

Let her help you. I stay with my boyfriend and even though he offered to let me stay for free, I insist on paying him some rent. She's cutting down on her living expenses moving in with you and it is much better if she pays rent. I don't think she should pay exactly half but a fair value based on her occupancy.

I think this helps out a lot in the event that there are disagreements or whatever that at least she doesn't have to feel as if she is there "on your good graces." Especially since you haven't gotten married yet. THis is her way of feeling secure because she is giving up her apartment and her independence in a way. At least this is how I view it.

[Augustine]

You make almost 3 times more than her annually, so you should be able to pay off your debt pretty fast.

I think this is a valid argument. I am also against making huge financial commitments together until you actually get married. If things don't work out and you part ways, it could get very ugly.

[ProjectDebtRelief]

I'm not a fan of combining finances until you are married but it is certainly reasonable for her to pay for her share of the living expenses in the house. If she were my friend I'd tell her to never help pay mortgage on a house unless she gets a share of ownership in the house by her name on the deed. I'm not trying to sound harsh but I've known of several people who started down that path of "oh but we will be married in a year or so" and for one reason or another in a year or so they were no longer together. I've known people that it worked out fine for too, so I'm not saying I don't believe you are really meant to be together.

The good news is that with your income, you will be able to pay off that debt quick enough.

Best of luck.

Same. Her contributing to living expenses frees up some of OP's money without placing the GF in a weird place if things go sour.

[TheKayla]

I would also normally say keep finances separate, but it sounds like you're pretty solid on the idea of getting married anyway. I'd say let her help, or perhaps compromise and allow her to help with everyday expenses more so you can really focus on your debt.

If you are going to have your debt paid off that soon though, that still gives you plenty of time to pay it off yourself and be debt free for a long enough time to plan a wedding. It's not as if you're too far behind. In the end though, I'd just say let her help in whatever way she can if she insists. After all, it depends on the livelihood of both of you in the long-run.

[Financeman]

Let her help then pay her back

So if you really do not want here to ultimately pay for your debt. Why not let your girlfriend help you pay them off. The you can always pay her pay her back at time scale more convenient to you. Also yo save the bank or creditor charges. Just a thought.
Good Luck