Financial Steps to Take When a Parent is Dying

A nurse in scrubs is discussing the patient's treatment with them, as they lie comfortably in the hospital bed. Medical equipment surrounds them, reminding one of a meticulous financial planner working within a budget to ensure every detail is accounted for.

Q: My father is dying from cancer, and I have a major disability. What do I need as safety net to take care of myself as aftercare for me and to take care of his expenses. A: Thanks for reaching out to me, and I’m so sorry to hear about your father’s cancer, and your […]

The Student Loan Borrower Died – Am I Responsible?

A bouquet of white and red roses with baby's breath in the foreground; blurred people and buildings in the background suggest an outdoor event, perhaps celebrating a student loan borrower’s graduation.

If you are a parent or guardian of a student who has died and they have outstanding student loans, the government will discharge the loans so that you are not held responsible for paying them back. Standard student loans and PLUS loans are discharged when the borrower, or in the case of  PLUS loan, a […]

What Happens to Your Debts if Your Ex-spouse Dies?

student loan death discharge

Q: In 2006 my husband and I decided to divorce. We had many joint debts he was supposed to pay but didn’t. Then he died unexpectedly in 2007. Now my credit is ruined. Should I file bankruptcy or let those old debts fall off my credit report? A: Under the law, any loans you co-signed […]