Listen up, darlings—Ms. Rizzlerina is here to dazzle, divulge, and drop some truly morbid money tea. Pop quiz: What happens when a fashion-forward fabulous human sips their last martini and struts off this mortal runway with credit card debt still tagging along like an ex at the afterparty? Well, grab your feather boas and your financial curiosity, because this, my glam-loving ghouls, is one story where death *definitely* comes with fine print.
Let’s get one thing straight: No, the Grim Reaper is not coming with a credit score check. But honey, the debt collectors *might*—and here’s the real tea on what happens when your favorite diva kicks the diamond-studded bucket with a pile of plastic-powered purchases.
First off—good news. In most cases, unless you’ve co-signed or share a joint account (looking at you, partner-in-Venmo-crime), you’re not personally responsible for someone else’s credit card debt when they die. Yes, even if Aunt Kathy spent half her golden years galloping through Gucci. Credit card companies typically can’t target family members to pay up—unless they signed up for luxury right alongside her.
Instead, those debts shimmy their way into the “estate”—which is just a fierce legal term for the glitzy collection of all the assets the dearly departed leaves behind. Think: designer handbags, leftover cash, that suburban condo she swore was “just temporary.” The estate’s executor (a.k.a. the chosen diva or dude running the farewell finale) sells off assets or dips into the deceased’s account to pay those bills. If there’s not enough glitter in the estate to cover the charges? That’s the end of the line, sugar. The debt dies too. *Poof.*
But don’t get too comfy in those feather-trimmed slippers just yet. There are juicy exceptions that could drag you into the drama:
💋 Joint Account Holders: If you and your late lover were doing the credit card cha-cha in sync, you’re still very much on the hook. Sharing is caring—until the bill comes due post-funeral.
💋 Community Property States: In some states (I’m side-eying you, California and Texas), marriage means sharing everything—including debt. So if you’re bound by love and law in one of these places, better double-check the fine print on your financial vows.
💋 Authorized Users? Don’t panic. You’re usually safe, babe—unless you strutted from “authorized” into full-on signed co-owner status. Then it’s a different sparkle show.
So what’s a glam god or goddess to do?
✨ Tip One: Know what’s in your (and your boo’s) wallet. Credit karma isn’t just a cute catchphrase—it’s essential.
✨ Tip Two: If death does part, call the credit card companies—fast. Let them know Beyonce has left the stage and there will be no encore. They’ll guide you or your glittering executor through next steps.
✨ Tip Three: Get that estate plan. I know, not as thrilling as red carpet gossip, but trust me—handling the drama while alive dramatically reduces drama after.
At the end of the day, death might do us part—but bills still send invitations to the after-party. The real trick? Be so fabulous in life that you haunt your creditors in style.
Stay fierce, stay fabulous, and check the small print before you swipe.
With sparkle and sass,
Ms. Rizzlerina 💋
