Dear Judy,
Around 10 months ago, I totaled my car. I was given enough to settle what I owed on that car, and also given $4,000 towards a new car — my grandmother did all this for me, because I couldn’t even qualify for a loan at the time. The total came to $20,000.
She told me that if she died I wouldn’t have to pay back the money, but I know there is nothing in writing because she recently died. Her children are now wondering what happened to her money! All I’ve paid back while my grandmother was around was $3,200.
Please tell me what I should do, if anything.
Rita
Dear Rita,
People say a lot of things while they’re alive, but if they really mean what they say, they usually put it in writing. Your grandmother didn’t.
I think you know what you have to do: tell your grandmother’s grown children (who may count among them one of your parents!) about her generosity towards you. Then tell them you’ll pay it all back.
You may tell them it will take time. You may also tell them what she promised you, but never put in writing. But do pay back the money.
I think you know yourself what you have to do.
You just needed an outsider to back up your good instincts.
Thank you for writing
Judy
