“Dear Steve,
I am a 49 year old male who was diagnosed with prostate cancer eight years ago (Guys…..get your prostate checked early and often! I know that men hate the exam….but if caught in time, it is one of the most curable cancers…..so much for my soapbox).
When mine was discovered, it had metastatized to my bone, spine and brain…..and I was given 6 months. After many long years of chemo/radiation/etc….I am still kicking. However, I lost my beloved job in the airline industry, and even though I am fortunate to have insurance, the years of treatment and medications put me in remission, and into debt to the tune of $70,000.00 (credit card).
It was not the wisest move….but one of desperation. Having run through my 401K/savings, I finally rented out my home for the income and to be closer to my treatments. Long story short…..my cancer has moved to my liver and lungs. I have managed to pare down my debt by $36,000 through debt reduction. I still have around $34,000 of debt left.
My question is…i can no longer afford the $1,250.00 per month I was pumping into reducing my credit card debt. I am not extravagant….but do have a funeral to arrange, and would like to travel a bit in my last days. I cannot declare Chapter 7 since I have a home over the exemption in Arkansas.
What can the banks do to me (besides place a judgement on my house) if I just stop paying. I realize this sounds selfish (and probably is), but this debt is making me more ill and unable to enjoy the time God will give me.
I have tried to work, but my treatments eventually get the best of me. My income is strictily SSDI, pro-rated pension and a private LTD policy. I have no family….and thus responsible for no one but myself in this matter.
Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.
My best to all of you. Robert”
The Answer:
Dear Robert,
Stop paying the cards and go enjoy the final days of your life. Once you fall behind the creditors are going to try to collect and may sue you but it is what it is. They can’t toss you in jail or take anything from you. It does not sound like you’ve got a big account full of cash sitting out there. So what if they put a lien against the house, right?
Unfortunately it sounds like it is time to plan the death cruise. So many people I’ve worked with over the years have done exactly the same thing. They’ve seen the end is nearing and they plan a last big trip, and it’s typically a cruise, thus the death cruise reference.
If I could wish any one thing for you it would be for you to find acceptance that the debts are going to be past due, and put that aside in your head, focus on what you need to do in your upcoming last days. Not a single compassionate and reasonable person is going to blame you.
Rest easy my friend.
If you have a credit or debt question you’d like to ask just use the online form. I’m happy to help you totally for free.