I have a very long history of credit and even a few credit cards. My wife, on the other hand, graduated from college recently and has no credit history (her parents took care of college).
Is it enough just add her on my existing credit card account (and get her a card) or should I have her sign up for her own account?

Thanks.

For watching our future evaporate (comment #60):
My heart goes out to you, your husband and mostly to your parents-in-law. The life changes they are facing are in the future for most of us. I’ve seen others face these changes (loss of independence, mobility, fear of a fragile future, etc.), in my own family and my work as a geriatric nurse. Tough stuff. I can’t offer any suggestions for you, as all situations are different. I’ll keep you in my prayers. Hopefully those of us who see what may happen to us in our futures, will plan for it so as not to cause these problems for our children or others.
My husband tells a story he heard when he was a young boy and it’s stuck with him:

A man told his son to fetch a large gunny sack out of the barn and come with him. The boy retrieved the bag, and went with his father to his grandfather’s room, where Grandpa, now withered with age, was lying in bed. The man put Grandpa in the gunny sack and told the boy to help carry Grandpa in the sack, with the intent of throwing him into the river. The boy asked why, and the father answered that Grandpa was too old to do anything anymore, and no good to anyone, so it was time to throw him into the river. When they got to the river, they tossed Grandpa in. The father was walking back to the house and noticed that his son wasn’t with him. The father turned to see the son struggling with the sack at the river, and asked the boy what he was doing. The boy replied, “Saving the sack.”

Trent, I’ve had similar fears that you describe (dying too young). Maybe these are normal fears, especially when you have so much to live for (family) and a history of unstable health. I didn’t have health issues when I was young, but I was convinced I’d die before I was 21. I didn’t. Then I knew I’d die before my Dad. I didn’t. Now, I’m worried I’ll die before my Mom, husband and others who depend on me. The jury’s still out on those (thankfully). Maybe that’s an indulgence in a sort of self importance. But it’s sure an awful worry to carry around. Maybe some therapy would help. Prayer helps me. I still struggle with it, but prayer helps. Knowing that I’m not the only one who has these worries helps, too. If these worries are fairly common, then they are less to worry about. Talk with your friends. Maybe you’ll find you’re not alone with your fears.

God bless us all.

The time travel question is interesting as well. With so many world-changing events that have occurred throughout history (even limiting ourselves to terrestrial, within the range of recorded human history), I doubt I could limit myself to a dozen events, let along one. Being the conspiracy buff I am, I would definitely want to see the truth history between such mysterious structures as Easter Island, the pyramids, and the Nazca Lines. Although, again, there’s just so much to see.

So pretty please, with sugar on top: If you’re going to have spoilers for Lost (or anything else) in a posting, put that at the beginning of the article. It’s just common courtesy.

For the car, I’d take the 1990′s model rather than a 1970′s one that has been sitting around rotting. Vehicle technology has come so far since 1970 it’s not even funny, and something from the 90′s is going to be considerably more reliable, all other things considered. Maybe the better guideline is picking the better maintained vehicle with a good track record (for example, checking Consumer Reports for “best used car bets”). At this point, most cars from the 1970′s are antiques, better used for the occasional Sunday drive than getting to work.

My husband wanted a surpise proposal, but knowing how particular I am about jewelry he wanted me to pick my own ring.

He bought a small solitaire to propose, and then we shopped together to choose my wedding ring. I now wear the solitaire on my right hand and plan to eventually have the stone put into another ring.

And the 3 months pay rule is nuts! I would not be comfortable wearing a ring that made me a target for muggers.

Buying a ring together also seems like a great way to get those finances out in the open early, few things put strain on a relationship like a big purchase. Cynically, if your financial tastes are different, several thousand dollars is well worth that knowledge :)

My wife “hinted” (I’m pretty obtuse), at the ring she would want some day at a mall store. When I did get around to proposing many months later, I then went to every jewelry store in 30 miles (50+ stores) to try and find one like it. I eventually got lucky, and I’m pretty damn sure no one else has one like it. We bought our wedding bands together and I still haven’t recovered sufficiently to enter a jewelry store again. Luckily my wife doesn’t like to wear jewelry very often.

Also, because I didn’t feel like the ring was a sufficient surprise, I worked extra hard to make the proposal special and surprising.

The three month rule is ridiculous, regardless of your salary.

works out cheaper, too.

You’ve posted a couple times in the past about starting up a serious exercise regimen. I was just wondering how that is going and also if you have any tips on staying motivated. Thanks!