If they sell the car and buy a cheaper one, "there afraid they would be buying into problems" Don't they ALREADY have a PROBLEM - losing their house???? Is this for real that anyone would be reluctant to sell a possession (car) that would provide enough cash to fund the conversion to a fixed loan that would save the roof over their heads? You ask what is available to help them? Counseling (financial or psychotherapy) to help them rethink their priorities. Apparently they have the means to manage their immediate problem. Realistically, the car represents a luxury beyond their means right now. By disposing of the car, they could likely afford to buy a late model used basic reliable car, like a Toyota Corolla, etc., and have enough $ left to fund the fixed conversion, and bank the rest for emergency reserve. Busymom, I hear you. I have struggled and done without a LOT that many would consider 'necessities' today - cell phone, cable, etc., because I made what I considered to be the only possible and logical decision/choice to select the more expensive (in the moment) fixed rate when I bought my small, basic house in an affordable (i.e. less desirable)zipcode. Choices deliberately made to position me for maximum stability in my future. It does frustrate me that the people who opted for living essentially beyond their means, and maybe using that lower temporary rate to fund their lifestyle, now may get the goverment to bail them out while other taxpayers are STILL GOING WITHOUT in order to pay our own taxes and mortgage, etc., I realize some people were victimized, but I also personally know people who made choices that put their futures at risk because they wanted instant gratification. One couple I know of chose an ARM despite warnings, because they wanted to be able to have all new furniture (and the fancy car) - now they are in serious trouble. Another wanted the fanciest zipcode, maxed themselves out, and now with their two children are facing foreclosure. They also are still holding onto their luxury car (and large plasma TV and houseful of furniture....) OP, I hope your friends, who have had a lot of really tough and unfortunate breaks, are able to let go of the idea of owning a really nice car, and set realistic goals that will better serve them. -Penny

Definitely see a credit counsellor, but first check with your local consumer protection agency (here it's through the Attorney Generals Office) to make sure they're legit. Nothing could be worse than signing up with a shady credit counsellor and finding yourself worse off than before. Don't fall for payday loans or other quick-relief schemes. And tell your friend you're handling it. My in-laws listened to a 'friend' and filed bankruptcy even though their credit was sterling. The only deal was that they couldn't make their car payment and credit card payments and still have enough to get by every month comfortably. Meaning there was no cushion. They didn't even have their cards charged up to the max, and were not behind on payments, EVER. Their total debt less than $10,000...most of that being the car loan. Some shyster got them to file bankruptcy using scare tactics and the same baloney logic you seem to be getting from your friend. Later, after it was discharged, they financed another car, but because of the bankruptcy they had a very high interest rate. Then those payments got too high for their comfort, so they traded in that car and got the balance added to the new loan (negative equity) so now they drive a car worth no more than $3000 that they owe $17,000 on and their payments were lowered only $20/mo, but spread out for 7 years. All because some one told them to file bankruptcy. How far out on your car loan are you? Can you sell it and get out from under it with any equity? Any way to unload the other party? Or at least make them start contributing? Best of luck, I feel for you!

Hi again everyone, I think the problem that's depressing her so, is that he doesn't really take part in many of the responsibilities of being a homeowner. He helps her with the dishes, laundry, and running the kids around, but he doesn't know how to care for the furnace, watersoftener, lawn equipment, cars, etc. He doesn't even know how or who to call. He never takes any initiative or responsibility for any improvements or even plain maintenance of things. Sure, it's great that he helps with dishes, but he's totally uninvolved in all those things you think a man should be in charge of, or at least help with. She loves her flower garden in the back yard, for example, but the rabbits keep eating them. He keeps promising her a fence, but never does it. She has had to build all the shelves and storage in her house, be in charge of any changes and repairs that are ever made. Her husband works hard at his job, but has no interests or motivations for anything in the home. She has tried talking with him, but he gets angry and blows up. I think, unfortunately, it's one of those "irreconcilable differences" relationships. She's an interesting, bright, funny, perceptive person, who enjoys all sorts of things, but has become limited because of her fibromyalgia. Her husband is content to work too much and come home and have no motivation or personality left. I feel really badly for her. I guess I just need to encourage her to do things that bring her pleasure and comfort and listen to her. But it's sad, that she feels so trapped in this relationship. Thanks again for your suggestions.

I have an all gas 30" Wolf with the 5 inch riser, all of which are a little more than 1 year old. I have a glass backsplash. I too experience exactly what you are experiencing regarding the condensation on the backsplash. The condensation is so much that it literally drips down the backsplash. BUT, when I turn my hood on the condenstaion dries up quickly. I have a FABER (Stilo) hood, 600 CFMS. Level 2 dries up the backsplash pretty quickly. if I remember to fire up the hood while I'm heating up the oven I don't see any condensation on the bs at all. I've had another issue with my Wolf range, regarding the ignition on the stovetop constantly clicking even when the fire is on. Although they have been very helpful, they have said some stuff that just isn't true. ie: NOBODY EVER complains about this. You are the first complaint we've had about this. Well, in the research I have done, YES, people do complain about it. So long story short, I guess you can't believe everything they say???...and it seems you're going to get condensation from this gas range. I know I do. I hope your hood is powerful enough to dry it up!!!! I've never had a "pro" range, or a backsplash, or a hood before in my life, so I'm learning stuff as I go along. Hope this helps :) ~E