Pay Dirt is Slate’s money advice column. Have a question? Send it to Kristin and Ilyce here. (It’s anonymous!)

Dear Pay Dirt,

When I was 18, I got a credit card and proceeded to wreck my credit. It took me years and years to recover from that and some other setbacks along the way. Now I have a credit rating in the 700s, a mortgage, a car note, and two credit cards I use fairly sparingly and pay more than the minimum on. I also have a good job in health care that isn’t likely to disappear.

I have friends I’ve known for over 20 years who are in a bad situation. The wife is a writer and while she has sold a number of books she isn’t a best seller or famous. She makes just over $10,000 in advances and less than $1,000 in residuals. Her husband is semi-disabled and drives Uber. They are currently in a town where supply of Uber is way more than demand. For a variety of reasons they have decided to move, including to a place where it is possible to make at least a decent living doing Uber. The problem is that their very low income has left their credit wrecked. They have two evictions to their name, and at least one default on a mortgage.

This has made finding housing they can afford difficult as many places run credit checks. One place has asked for a co-signer. They have reached out to me asking if I’d be willing.

I don’t want them homeless but I’ve spent a long time making sure I was stable for housing and everything I need. What would happen if they get evicted or something doesn’t work out and they bail on the apartment? What would my responsibilities be and what might it do to my credit?

—In a Position to Help, But Should I?

Dear Should I,

This breaks my heart. Your friends have made poor financial decisions, which likely stem from a lack of awareness or understanding about how the digital financial system works.

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Your credit score is your financial lifeline. It’s the key to unlocking lower interest rates on credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and personal loans, but it’s also helpful in getting lower insurance rates. And, as your friends have discovered, landlords use it to decide whether you’re likely to be a good tenant. When your credit score or income doesn’t quite meet the minimum threshold, landlords worry the applicant is bad credit risk. So, they’ll either ask for a larger amount in cash or require a co-signer. That’s where you come in.

As you’ve surmised, co-signing brings its own risks and challenges. There is a real risk this couple won’t be able to pay their rent. If they don’t, you’ll be on the hook for the entire rent payment each month. Can your budget support that? If not, then your credit history and credit score are at risk, too.

Since you’ve worked this hard to right your own financial ship, it would be risky to attach yourself financially to this couple, although they clearly need a helping hand. So, maybe you can offer to show them how you’ve rebuilt your financial life, while regretfully declining their request.

Please keep questions short (

Dear Pay Dirt,

I am an 84-year-old grandmother of eight. I had four daughters, and one of them is deceased. In setting up my will I have divided any inheritance four ways: my three remaining daughters and the child of my deceased daughter.

I am now wondering if I made the right decision. Is this fair to my other grandchildren? Should I take other factors into account? The kids of my living children will most likely inherit from their parents and the other grandchild probably won’t. But also, she received a settlement from the auto company that caused her mother’s death and will get another payout at age 35.

I’m also only talking about $500,000 total for my estate, so it’s more about doing the equitable thing. I am so confused! I have talked to my kids and they say to do whatever I feel is right. Help please.

—Fair-Minded Grandma

Delia Cai
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Dear Fair-Minded Grandma,

As I’m sitting here, reading your letter, I wanted to reach out and hug you and your granddaughter. I lost my father suddenly when I was 18 years old. It changed my life, as I’m sure it has for you and your granddaughter.

It’s always smart to think through your options, and possible unintended consequences stemming from those options, before making a financial move. But I think you’re thinking about it in the right way. Dividing your assets equally amongst your three living daughters and the child of your deceased child feels very fair to me. Regardless of the amount she is left, it will mean the world to her knowing you loved her mother equally, in life and death.

—Ilyce

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I’m in the process of divorcing my husband, after less than a month of marriage. We dated happily for five years previously, but our situation is truly what “irreconcilable differences” are made for. He’s against the divorce, but I just want out. I’ve moved in with a friend. I’m trying to get a place for myself, but I wasn’t financially prepared for this and it’s tough. I know that my parents and family would love to give me a place to stay, help with attorney fees, and take care of me, but it comes with strings. My mom is the most gossipy person you can imagine.

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