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credit card debt

Q&A: Credit card debt doesn’t disappear when you die

April 14, 2025 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: I am an 80-year-old female in generally good health. My only family is my unmarried 54-year-old son. The only debt I have is credit card debt of about $30,000 at 0% interest. It’s in my name alone. My house and car have been registered with “transfer on death” designations. My son’s name is on my modest checking account. When I die, is there a legal situation where he would be required to pay the credit card debt? There will be no probate.

Answer: Credit card debt doesn’t just disappear when you die. The debt would become the responsibility of your estate. Transfer-on-death options avoid probate, the court process that otherwise follows death, but creditors can still go after the property that’s been transferred.

Depending on state law, creditors may have longer to make their claims than if your estate had gone through probate or if you had used a living trust, says Jennifer Sawday, an estate planning attorney in Long Beach.

That’s among the reasons why transfer-on-death designations may not be the best solution. Consider making an appointment with an estate planning attorney to discuss your situation and possible alternatives.

Also, your 0% interest rate is temporary. Once the current teaser rate ends, you’ll likely pay a much higher interest rate and your monthly payments could jump. If you can pay off this debt, that’s probably the best course. If you can’t, you may want to discuss your situation with a bankruptcy attorney.

Filed Under: Credit & Debt, Estate planning, Q&A Tagged With: beneficiaries, credit card debt, Estate Planning, investment account beneficiaries, transfer on death, transfer on death deeds

This week’s money news

September 25, 2023 By Liz Weston

This week’s top story: The home and auto insurance crisis and how to keep your coverage. In other news: 5 options if you’re crushed by student loan and credit card debt, why Delta’s elite status changes matter, and 8 Latino financial influencers to follow in 2023.

The Home and Auto Insurance Crisis and How to Keep Your Coverage
What good is insurance if you can’t afford it? More people across the U.S. are finding out.

5 Options if You’re Crushed by Student Loan and Credit Card Debt
Make the most of the 12-month on-ramp period by coming up with a debt-payoff strategy.

Ask a Travel Nerd: Why Delta’s Elite Status Changes Matter
Delta is adopting requirements that raise the bar to earn elite status, leaving loyalists annoyed — and for good reason.

8 Latino Financial Influencers to Follow in 2023
Latino financial experts offer advice for building trust in financial systems, generational wealth and how financial institutions can better serve their communities.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: credit card debt, Delta airlines, Delta's elite status changes, Latino financial influencers, Student Loan, The home and auto insurance crisis 2023

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

April 19, 2022 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Credit card debt has dropped, but inflation may change that. Also in the news: How to make summer 2022 travel plans that actually happen, how the end of the mask mandate could increase travel costs, and how much house you can get for $350K.

Credit Card Debt Has Dropped, But Inflation May Change That
Americans made big gains in paying off credit card debt over the past few years, but it may not last.

How to make summer 2022 travel plans that actually happen
After two years of cancellations, deferments and marathon sessions with airline customer service, many travelers are hoping to book summer trips that actually pan out this year.

Passengers cheered the end of masks on flights, but they won’t be cheering these prices
More people are taking to the skies than at any point since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. And it’s costing them more as a result.

Here’s How Much House You Can Buy for $350K
The median home price gets you a studio apartment in some cities and a mansion in others.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: credit card debt, home prices, inflation, real estate, travel costs

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

April 12, 2022 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Flying is likely the cheapest option for spring and summer trips. Also in the news: 8 tactics to break credit card debt cycles, dealing with bank mergers, and negotiating COVID-19 medical bills.

Flying is likely cheapest option for spring, summer trips
According to NerdWallet travel writer Sally French, despite the feeling that everything is more expensive these days, traveling by airplane is actually cheaper on average than it was before the pandemic.

8 tactics to break credit card debt cycles
Take a deep look at your credit card relationship.

If your bank merges, should you shop around or stay put?
How to handle changes with your bank.

Can You Negotiate Your COVID-19 Hospital Bills?
Insurance companies have stopped waiving COVID-19 treatment costs, but there are ways to appeal a huge medical bill.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: bank mergers, COVID-19 medical bills, credit card debt, summer travel

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

March 31, 2022 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: 3 tasks for new retirees that will pay off later. Also in the news: Credit card interest vs. buy now, pay later, forget the fed, pay off your credit card debt, and cities where it’s cheaper to buy than rent.

3 Tasks for New Retirees That Will Pay Off Later
Taking care of one more to-do list early on can set you up for a better retirement.

Credit Card Interest vs. Buy Now, Pay Later: Which Is Better for My Budget?
Key differences, like how rates are calculated and how much debt you can take on, are crucial to consider when weighing each financing option.

Forget the Fed, Pay Off Your Credit Card Debt
Credit card debt is always expensive, no matter what interest rate changes the Federal Reserve makes.

It’s Cheaper to Buy a House Than Rent in These Cities
Purchase prices and rents are skyrocketing, but there are areas where homeownership isn’t entirely out of reach.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: buy vs rent, credit card debt, credit card interest vs buy now pay later, new retirees, Retirement

Monday’s need-to-know money news

June 7, 2021 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: When it’s OK to let your good credit score drop. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on crypto credit cards and short-term investing, why balance transfer cards are starting to make a comeback, and how a 24-year-old crushed $20K+ in credit card debt.

When It’s OK to Let Your Good Credit Score Drop
Don’t let possible score damage stop you from putting your credit to use in an emergency or to grab an opportunity.

Smart Money Podcast: Crypto Credit Cards and Short-Term Investing
A look at the best funds for short-term investing.

Why Balance Transfer Credit Cards Are Starting to Blossom Again
As the economy recovers from the effects of COVID-19, credit card issuers are bringing back these offers. Here’s where to find them.

She Crushed $20K+ in Credit Card Debt at Age 24
Annika Hudak’s road map included reviewing expenses, using balance transfers and tracking her progress.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: balance transfer credit cards, credit card debt, Credit Scores, crypto currency credit cards, short-term investing, Smart Money podcast

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