what are you doing right now?

[minnesotapaintlady]

Overslept again.  2nd time this week.  My alarm is set for 6am, but I must have shut it off in my sleep because I have zero recollection of doing so.  Jumped out of bed at 6:40 and still got Carrot to school for jazz and made it to work at 7:15.  Thankfully the goat was cooperative this morning, she's been kind of a poop head lately. 

At least it's Friday for me.

[chiver78]

Sept 20, 2023 22:36:04 GMT -5 busymom said:

Sept 20, 2023 20:43:38 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

it sucked, hugely! and I gave up on dual enrollment until I could just say stuff it and I'm going to <X>SC for 2nd semester b/c I've fulfilled graduation requirements and you* can't fucking stop me. (the middle finger emoji would be very useful here.....) *this is the same wench that sniffed at my college choice as a "safety school". that same school I couldn't get into in 2023 with the grades I had when I applied. fuck her, and I really hope she retired soon after I left. 

     It's been awhile since I was in high school,    but I think I only met once with my counselor the entire time I was there.  Counselors really did next to nothing then, unless you were having problems at home, or seriously didn't have a clue what you wanted to do after graduation.  But no real guidance was given, and I had to figure out the college process on my own, since neither of my parents graduated from a college.

unfortunately for me, she needed to sign off on my paperwork for the program. 🤦‍♀️

[finnime]

Lol! I love this: thankfully, the goat was cooperative this morning. Thanks minnesotapaintlady.

I'm coloring my hair. Meant to do it yesterday, but oh well. Going to meet DSis for lunch and maybe ODB, along with DH and DD.

Then I need to put together everything for the booth this weekend, but the fair is looking very much like it will be rained out. Date is Saturday, rain date is Sunday. Sunday has a slightly less likelihood of raining all day but the wind is going to be up there. We'll see. I do wish it would go on, and the weather would cooperate. This could be/could have been a good one for us and our photography.

[daisylu]

Getting things done, begrudgingly.

Also thinking about how to use up my remaining 6 days of PTO. I am determined that this will be the year that I give nothing back. It is use or lose with no payout if unused. The last couple of years I have "given" back at least a week every year - I will NEVER be doing that again.

[Cookies Galore]

Sept 21, 2023 8:05:39 GMT -5 daisylu said:

Getting things done, begrudgingly.

Also thinking about how to use up my remaining 6 days of PTO. I am determined that this will be the year that I give nothing back. It is use or lose with no payout if unused. The last couple of years I have "given" back at least a week every year - I will NEVER be doing that again.

Long weekends in October, November, December.

I'll have a similar if I'm not sick at all this fall. I get 34 PTO days a year (plus a floating holiday and the 5 days I carry over each year as "insurance" for needing more time off or getting extra time paid out if I ever leave this place). I always reserve five days for illness of that 34. The remainder of my PTO is planned out for the year, but I'll need to get creative if I end up with a surplus of time needing to be used.

[minnesotapaintlady]

Sept 21, 2023 7:00:01 GMT -5 giramomma said:

We also have like 2 different programs. Dual credit (where HS teachers teach the content) and dual enrollment (where kids go off campus and take classes offered by the tech college and the flagship).

We do have the dual credit options where the classes are taught in the HS.  It used to be the only option was to be dual enrolled in the private college in town and you received credit there at $100/credit if you got a C or more in the class, so we passed on it, but in the past couple years they started where they are also working with the community college and if you take any of the AP courses you get credit at the community college.  Of course, they're AP classes so you could get credit anyhow, but this way you don't need to worry about getting a particular score on the test to get credit.  Get a C or above in the class and get college credit...at least at the CC.  Whether or not they transfer after that point is a different story.

 

Wish that option was available when I had my "gets A's without cracking a book" kid.  It wouldn't have saved us any money because he still would have had to attend for 4 years to get his degree, but it would have lightened his load a few semesters.

[Cookies Galore]

Dinner last night was amazing. Got some complimentary cava and stuffed dates for our anniversary. There was sooooo much food! I have enough leftovers for lunch and dinner.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Sept 21, 2023 8:19:31 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Sept 21, 2023 7:00:01 GMT -5 giramomma said:

We also have like 2 different programs. Dual credit (where HS teachers teach the content) and dual enrollment (where kids go off campus and take classes offered by the tech college and the flagship).

We do have the dual credit options where the classes are taught in the HS.  It used to be the only option was to be dual enrolled in the private college in town and you received credit there at $100/credit if you got a C or more in the class, so we passed on it, but in the past couple years they started where they are also working with the community college and if you take any of the AP courses you get credit at the community college.  Of course, they're AP classes so you could get credit anyhow, but this way you don't need to worry about getting a particular score on the test to get credit.  Get a C or above in the class and get college credit...at least at the CC.  Whether or not they transfer after that point is a different story.

 

Wish that option was available when I had my "gets A's without cracking a book" kid.  It wouldn't have saved us any money because he still would have had to attend for 4 years to get his degree, but it would have lightened his load a few semesters.

Right?  We could take dual classes in HS like Spanish for college credit but you were really limited in what you could take because the program had just launched.  Only a handful of courses counted and it was really scattered/random.

Then only so many schools took credits from IWCC at the time.  A friend of mine was looking at UNO and found out only three of all the classes she took would transfer.   It wasn't even worth the effort she'd put in.

Now two years at IWCC are equivalent to the first two years at any Iowa college/university and the University of Nebraska.  You are ensured to come in as a junior.

Would have made my life SO MUCH EASIER.

I told Gwen she's doing it no exceptions.  It's an absolute no brainer she can get almost her first two years done free through TJ.  That allows the money that has been set aside by my FIL to go further.   I am also strongly pushing for her to go to either UNO/L or to a state institution.   I am not AS opposed to her going out of state if she agrees to complete the first two years here.  Her money won't go as far but it's still not nearly as expensive as if she went all four years out of state.  She'd have to figure out how to make up the difference with loans/scholarships though.

I put my foot down with DH that we will help if/where we can but I am not taking out any loans.  He'll be 55 when she graduates HS.  We need to focus on our own retirement at that point and I am not going into it with student loan debt.  I said I'd rather she have a few student loans than face having to pay for our nursing home care.   We put on our own oxygen masks first.

[bookkeeper]

Sept 20, 2023 20:33:23 GMT -5 Pink Cashmere said:

Sept 20, 2023 17:53:29 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

Has anyone informed the bank of his death? If not, just don't say anything for the 30 days needed to kick the can down the road.

Not that I know of.

When my Dad died, the filing of the death certificate prompted notice to Social Security and to banking and credit cards.

Mom's credit card was shut off within a few days of Dad's death because he was the primary card holder.  Her bank accounts remained open, as she was a joint owner.  They needed to be moved to her SS number.  I called Social Security about a week after he had passed and they already had been notified.

Her accounts are now TOD or POD.  

[chiver78]

sitting here shaking my head at something I just read on another thread. also, biting my tongue because there is nothing even remotely charitable that I can say in response to this waste of air, and I'm not sure I can even be polite about it anymore. but if any of you wordsmiths want to have a crack at it, just please heed the CoC as you do. 

[giramomma]

Sept 21, 2023 7:20:30 GMT -5 daisylu said:

Sept 21, 2023 7:10:04 GMT -5 giramomma said:

Alright, I have to shove along with my day, but I don't wanna.

Same, but I am starting to fall behind which is very unlike me.

Yeah. I don't like being behind. And we have been understaffed for closing in on 7 years now. I used to be rewarded for going above and beyond. Not anymore. So. I guess I just need to be more comfortable with being behind and getting to things when I get to them.

[giramomma]

Sept 21, 2023 8:42:59 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

sitting here shaking my head at something I just read on another thread. also, biting my tongue because there is nothing even remotely charitable that I can say in response to this waste of air, and I'm not sure I can even be polite about it anymore. but if any of you wordsmiths want to have a crack at it, just please heed the CoC as you do. 

ooh, I am intrigued.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Sept 21, 2023 7:00:01 GMT -5 giramomma said:

Sept 20, 2023 19:56:08 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

how is that a thing? dual enrollment means that your college courses count for credit toward both. 

Actually our 2 year tech college has programs where kids graduate HS with an additional credential, or get close to it. I learned last night that the district will pay for HS kids to take up to 18 credits worth of college classes.

We also have like 2 different programs. Dual credit (where HS teachers teach the content) and dual enrollment (where kids go off campus and take classes offered by the tech college and the flagship).

There's a lot of options.

It's tricky. DD1 isn't doing any activities this year, so far, other than scouts. I don't know if that's going to be enough for her for college. We have to talk about that. She did get a job..but I think she needs to be doing something else. I don't want to push her because she's taking mad hard classes, and the classes aren't enough.

Our education program is also top in the nation, and it would be good for her to take a class to see if she likes it. I also think she'd like taking a college class.

What we need to do soon, is to start looking at what courses she'll need for her college degree and see what we might be able to take advantage of while she's in HS. If anyone told me that we need to look at college graduation requirements 3 weeks into my kid starting sophmore year, I'd look at them like they have three heads.

And, DD is taking AP classes. And she's ahead in Spanish, maybe math. So. It's going to take some time to figure this all out.

2 of my nieces graduated with HS with nearly a years worth of college credit.  Unfortunately, neither of them managed to parlay that into only going for 3 years because they weren’t sure what they wanted to do.  Since your daughter knows, I think that that’s a huge step ahead of them.  

Another thing you might want to look at is seeing if there is a second major she can easily tack on.  This way, it might give her other opportunities alongside of teaching.  

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Sept 21, 2023 3:23:27 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

Everyone is asleep, but me.  Why can’t I sleep?  

I got a whopping 3 hours of sleep last night.  Today’s going to be ugly as I never nap during the day.

[giramomma]

Sept 21, 2023 9:01:15 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

Sept 21, 2023 7:00:01 GMT -5 giramomma said:

Actually our 2 year tech college has programs where kids graduate HS with an additional credential, or get close to it. I learned last night that the district will pay for HS kids to take up to 18 credits worth of college classes.

We also have like 2 different programs. Dual credit (where HS teachers teach the content) and dual enrollment (where kids go off campus and take classes offered by the tech college and the flagship).

There's a lot of options.

It's tricky. DD1 isn't doing any activities this year, so far, other than scouts. I don't know if that's going to be enough for her for college. We have to talk about that. She did get a job..but I think she needs to be doing something else. I don't want to push her because she's taking mad hard classes, and the classes aren't enough.

Our education program is also top in the nation, and it would be good for her to take a class to see if she likes it. I also think she'd like taking a college class.

What we need to do soon, is to start looking at what courses she'll need for her college degree and see what we might be able to take advantage of while she's in HS. If anyone told me that we need to look at college graduation requirements 3 weeks into my kid starting sophmore year, I'd look at them like they have three heads.

And, DD is taking AP classes. And she's ahead in Spanish, maybe math. So. It's going to take some time to figure this all out.

2 of my nieces graduated with HS with nearly a years worth of college credit.  Unfortunately, neither of them managed to parlay that into only going for 3 years because they weren’t sure what they wanted to do.  Since your daughter knows, I think that that’s a huge step ahead of them.  

Another thing you might want to look at is seeing if there is a second major she can easily tack on.  This way, it might give her other opportunities alongside of teaching.  

She wants to learn sign language. Which I think is amazing, and a good plan B for when she gets burned out from teaching. She wants to get her masters in special ed.

When I took her to see Dear Evan Hansen a few months ago, they had a person sign the whole show. We both noticed and commented. I know it's niche. I don't think that's so bad.

[giramomma]

OMG. I am really having a hard time settling in to what I nee to do.

[TheOtherMe]

Sept 20, 2023 20:33:23 GMT -5 Pink Cashmere said:

Sept 20, 2023 17:53:29 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

Has anyone informed the bank of his death? If not, just don't say anything for the 30 days needed to kick the can down the road.

Not that I know of.

Banks check for obituaries, etc.  They knew mom was gone before we told them.  The same for dad.  

Here the funeral home notifies Social Security but I had to notify mom and dad's pensions.  Mom's pension was paid a month behind so the pension she got the month after she died did belong to her.  The bank sent it back.  Called the pension and they said it happens a lot and they sent it to me by check.  They told me what to tell the bank and it worked.

Mom and dad had no credit cards so that was not a concern.

I know one of my aunts lost all of her credit cards when her husband died.  Since she had no credit history in her name, the credit card she got didn't have a very high credit line.  She still took vacations then and the people she went with would have to put some of it on their cards and she paid them back.  

[andi9899]

Sept 21, 2023 7:39:36 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Overslept again.  2nd time this week.  My alarm is set for 6am, but I must have shut it off in my sleep because I have zero recollection of doing so.  Jumped out of bed at 6:40 and still got Carrot to school for jazz and made it to work at 7:15.  Thankfully the goat was cooperative this morning, she's been kind of a poop head lately. 

At least it's Friday for me.

Would you like to borrow the twins? I don't remember the last time they let me sleep until 6 am. 5 am seems to be their witching hour, sometimes earlier.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

My niece (the one that had a full year of college credit before starting) is trying to consolidate her student loans.  She was hosed during college because even though she lived with my sister (a lower earner at the time), her father claimed her on his taxes so she got little support until her last year.  Then, I guess my sister got to claim her and she got more support.  

Anyway, she graduated from the University of MN with just over $52k in student loans.  She has managed to pay off over $4000 in the last year or so and she went to try to consolidate them.  She got an offer that’s very interesting.  They told her that if she pays $869/mo for the next 3 years, she will be paid in full.  Right now, she’s paying $400/mo on her own.  So she’d be paying $31k in loan payments to pay off $48k in loans.  I suggested she get this in writing.

Here’s my conundrum.  My sister offered her an additional $200/mo and told her to ask her dad for the other $269.  Apparently, he turned her down.  I want to offer to pay, but it pisses me off that her dad could pay, but won’t.  (We aren’t even gonna go into the spousal support mess my sister’s dealing with now).  Then, while I can afford to help her, I cannot do this for all, for parity.  

Any suggestions?

[andi9899]

Sept 21, 2023 8:38:44 GMT -5 bookkeeper said:

Sept 20, 2023 20:33:23 GMT -5 Pink Cashmere said:

Not that I know of.

When my Dad died, the filing of the death certificate prompted notice to Social Security and to banking and credit cards.

Mom's credit card was shut off within a few days of Dad's death because he was the primary card holder.  Her bank accounts remained open, as she was a joint owner.  They needed to be moved to her SS number.  I called Social Security about a week after he had passed and they already had been notified.

Her accounts are now TOD or POD.  

I didn't know that. I've never had to deal with a decedent's business. Good to know.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Sept 21, 2023 9:05:55 GMT -5 giramomma said:

Sept 21, 2023 9:01:15 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

2 of my nieces graduated with HS with nearly a years worth of college credit.  Unfortunately, neither of them managed to parlay that into only going for 3 years because they weren’t sure what they wanted to do.  Since your daughter knows, I think that that’s a huge step ahead of them.  

Another thing you might want to look at is seeing if there is a second major she can easily tack on.  This way, it might give her other opportunities alongside of teaching.  

She wants to learn sign language. Which I think is amazing, and a good plan B for when she gets burned out from teaching. She wants to get her masters in special ed.

When I took her to see Dear Evan Hansen a few months ago, they had a person sign the whole show. We both noticed and commented. I know it's niche. I don't think that's so bad.

That’s a great idea.  Did you say she did well in Spanish too?  Does she have an affinity for languages?  That might be another direction which allows her an alternative career as well.

[andi9899]

Sept 21, 2023 8:42:59 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

sitting here shaking my head at something I just read on another thread. also, biting my tongue because there is nothing even remotely charitable that I can say in response to this waste of air, and I'm not sure I can even be polite about it anymore. but if any of you wordsmiths want to have a crack at it, just please heed the CoC as you do. 

I just poked the bear again. It's actually starting to be fun at this point.

[jerseygirl]

Sept 21, 2023 9:05:55 GMT -5 giramomma said:

Sept 21, 2023 9:01:15 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

2 of my nieces graduated with HS with nearly a years worth of college credit.  Unfortunately, neither of them managed to parlay that into only going for 3 years because they weren’t sure what they wanted to do.  Since your daughter knows, I think that that’s a huge step ahead of them.  

Another thing you might want to look at is seeing if there is a second major she can easily tack on.  This way, it might give her other opportunities alongside of teaching.  

She wants to learn sign language. Which I think is amazing, and a good plan B for when she gets burned out from teaching. She wants to get her masters in special ed.

When I took her to see Dear Evan Hansen a few months ago, they had a person sign the whole show. We both noticed and commented. I know it's niche. I don't think that's so bad.

Many ASL interpreters do free lance others work for school districts or colleges. The play interpreters are fabulous and combine interpreting with show business. Some specialize in medical interpreting. When my sister had surgeries, the interpreter came right into the OR until she was asleep then came to recovery room. Others work for services and interpret via Zoom or similar.
They need to be certified for most of the above but there are ‘casual’ interpreters such as at church services who just have a working knowledge of signing but didn’t take all of the courses or sit for certification tests
The ASL interpreters our charity uses normally are paid $65/hr for minimum of 2 hours. They are amazing and kind people!

[snapdragon]

Up and waiting for the plumber to come to the condo. Not really surprised, just impatient. Of course, I was given a four hour window starting at 8AM.

Good news- I heard from the painter and there was a break in his schedule and he will be able to paint the interior of the shore house next week instead of late October or November! I also have the electricians and plumber out early next week to finish up whats needed! So I can really be moved in by late October and have the condo on the market sometime in November.     Talked with my realtor yesterday and the market is still really strong in the county where I live right now so I figure by the end of the year or early next I will be sold. 

[minnesotapaintlady]

Sept 21, 2023 9:29:51 GMT -5 jerseygirl said:

Sept 21, 2023 9:05:55 GMT -5 giramomma said:

She wants to learn sign language. Which I think is amazing, and a good plan B for when she gets burned out from teaching. She wants to get her masters in special ed.

When I took her to see Dear Evan Hansen a few months ago, they had a person sign the whole show. We both noticed and commented. I know it's niche. I don't think that's so bad.

Many ASL interpreters do free lance others work for school districts or colleges. Some specialize in medical interpreting. When my sister had surgeries, the interpreter came right into the OR until she was asleep then came to recovery room. Others work for services and interpret via Zoom or similar.
They need to be certified for most of the above but there are ‘casual’ interpreters such as at church services who just have a working knowledge of signing but didn’t take all of the courses or sit for certification tests
The ASL interpreters our charity uses normally are paid $65/hr for minimum of 2 hours. They are amazing and kind people!

We have a deaf person on the production floor, so at all the all-coworker meetings they have to have an ASL interpreter present. 

[jerseygirl]

Posted on NextDoor for a handyman. We need our windows on first floor painted and some need minor repair . Lack of paint caused some rot damage to bottom of window. Hoping this can be repaired since other than that windows are fine

[minnesotapaintlady]

Sept 21, 2023 9:19:41 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

My niece (the one that had a full year of college credit before starting) is trying to consolidate her student loans.  She was hosed during college because even though she lived with my sister (a lower earner at the time), her father claimed her on his taxes so she got little support until her last year.  Then, I guess my sister got to claim her and she got more support.  

Anyway, she graduated from the University of MN with just over $52k in student loans.  She has managed to pay off over $4000 in the last year or so and she went to try to consolidate them.  She got an offer that’s very interesting.  They told her that if she pays $869/mo for the next 3 years, she will be paid in full.  Right now, she’s paying $400/mo on her own.  So she’d be paying $31k in loan payments to pay off $48k in loans.  I suggested she get this in writing.

Here’s my conundrum.  My sister offered her an additional $200/mo and told her to ask her dad for the other $269.  Apparently, he turned her down.  I want to offer to pay, but it pisses me off that her dad could pay, but won’t.  (We aren’t even gonna go into the spousal support mess my sister’s dealing with now).  Then, while I can afford to help her, I cannot do this for all, for parity.  

Any suggestions?

Why would they do this?  Unless it's a new federal forgiveness program of some sort it makes no sense.  I'd definitely want further info and a written guarantee.

[snapdragon]

Sept 21, 2023 9:19:41 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

My niece (the one that had a full year of college credit before starting) is trying to consolidate her student loans.  She was hosed during college because even though she lived with my sister (a lower earner at the time), her father claimed her on his taxes so she got little support until her last year.  Then, I guess my sister got to claim her and she got more support.  

Anyway, she graduated from the University of MN with just over $52k in student loans.  She has managed to pay off over $4000 in the last year or so and she went to try to consolidate them.  She got an offer that’s very interesting.  They told her that if she pays $869/mo for the next 3 years, she will be paid in full.  Right now, she’s paying $400/mo on her own.  So she’d be paying $31k in loan payments to pay off $48k in loans.  I suggested she get this in writing.

Here’s my conundrum.  My sister offered her an additional $200/mo and told her to ask her dad for the other $269.  Apparently, he turned her down.  I want to offer to pay, but it pisses me off that her dad could pay, but won’t.  (We aren’t even gonna go into the spousal support mess my sister’s dealing with now).  Then, while I can afford to help her, I cannot do this for all, for parity.  

Any suggestions?

I would actually ask your Niece what she would prefer - You helping monthly, or giving her a set amount of say 5-7K at the end so she is just done? Can she keep up the $669 payments with her mom putting in the other $200 per month? Can your sister keep up with the payments too? If you help monthly for three years that's almost 9.7K

PS your ExBIL is just a crappy person.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Sept 21, 2023 9:36:17 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Sept 21, 2023 9:19:41 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

My niece (the one that had a full year of college credit before starting) is trying to consolidate her student loans.  She was hosed during college because even though she lived with my sister (a lower earner at the time), her father claimed her on his taxes so she got little support until her last year.  Then, I guess my sister got to claim her and she got more support.  

Anyway, she graduated from the University of MN with just over $52k in student loans.  She has managed to pay off over $4000 in the last year or so and she went to try to consolidate them.  She got an offer that’s very interesting.  They told her that if she pays $869/mo for the next 3 years, she will be paid in full.  Right now, she’s paying $400/mo on her own.  So she’d be paying $31k in loan payments to pay off $48k in loans.  I suggested she get this in writing.

Here’s my conundrum.  My sister offered her an additional $200/mo and told her to ask her dad for the other $269.  Apparently, he turned her down.  I want to offer to pay, but it pisses me off that her dad could pay, but won’t.  (We aren’t even gonna go into the spousal support mess my sister’s dealing with now).  Then, while I can afford to help her, I cannot do this for all, for parity.  

Any suggestions?

Why would they do this?  Unless it's a new federal forgiveness program of some sort it makes no sense.  I'd definitely want further info and a written guarantee.

Because they are not federal loans, they’re private, I think.  But like I said, I’d like to see this in writing.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Sept 21, 2023 9:38:37 GMT -5 snapdragon said:

Sept 21, 2023 9:19:41 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

My niece (the one that had a full year of college credit before starting) is trying to consolidate her student loans.  She was hosed during college because even though she lived with my sister (a lower earner at the time), her father claimed her on his taxes so she got little support until her last year.  Then, I guess my sister got to claim her and she got more support.  

Anyway, she graduated from the University of MN with just over $52k in student loans.  She has managed to pay off over $4000 in the last year or so and she went to try to consolidate them.  She got an offer that’s very interesting.  They told her that if she pays $869/mo for the next 3 years, she will be paid in full.  Right now, she’s paying $400/mo on her own.  So she’d be paying $31k in loan payments to pay off $48k in loans.  I suggested she get this in writing.

Here’s my conundrum.  My sister offered her an additional $200/mo and told her to ask her dad for the other $269.  Apparently, he turned her down.  I want to offer to pay, but it pisses me off that her dad could pay, but won’t.  (We aren’t even gonna go into the spousal support mess my sister’s dealing with now).  Then, while I can afford to help her, I cannot do this for all, for parity.  

Any suggestions?

I would actually ask your Niece what she would prefer - You helping monthly, or giving her a set amount of say 5-7K at the end so she is just done? Can she keep up the $669 payments with her mom putting in the other $200 per month? Can your sister keep up with the payments too? If you help monthly for three years that's almost 9.7K

PS your ExBIL is just a crappy person.

I am pissed that my ex BIL got the advantage of her on his taxes, but as a result she now has to deal with the most expensive way of paying for her education.  

I never liked my sister’s ex.  The list of shitty things he did to her while they were married just reinforced my gut feeling leading up to their wedding.  What he’s done since is just further validation.

If I do this, I will pay the loan directly.