<p>It’s amazing to me how kind everyone is on this CC forum, and I hope I can “pay it forward” to you one day soon! I truly appreciate all your helpful suggestions above. </p>
<p>As for family savings, the $75K AGI was last year and this year may not be as high. My dad started his own business a few years ago and was doing progressively better each year with a stellar reputation, but some business opportunities have slowed down recently with the strained economy (people cutting back), and I know he’s working very hard to secure additional business and is a very good businessman and hard worker.</p>
<p>I don’t want you to think my parents are poor savers. My mom has a serious chronic health problem, prescription and medical costs (even with co-pays) add up, and she has been completely unable to work for several years. I work part-time and also help my mom at home because my dad is concentrating on business. I know they’ve also been hard hit by declines on Wall Street, but I’m not involved in those details. I work part-time and return to my parents the cost of car insurance, pay for my own personal expenses, and set aside extra when I can.</p>
<p>Thanks again everyone! Thanks for helping me.</p>