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I had no clue Sarah was in so much debt, Adrian said.
It felt like I was grieving all over again.
Adrians story isnt unique.
Many people find themselves on the hook for a loved ones debts after they pass.
Heres how he dug himself out of thefinancial holewhile keeping his own credit intact.
I wanted to stick my head in the sand, he shared.
But I knew that wouldnt solve anything.
He gathered all of Sarahs financial documents and made a list of debts.
After he knew what he was facing, he was able to make a plan.
However, after realizing he couldnt do this alone, he talked to his brother and children about it.
Luckily, they stepped into to help.
His brother offered him an interest-free loan to tackle the highest-interest debts.
The familys support wasnt just financial but also emotional.
I felt less alone, said Adrian.
I was a little surprised that they would work with me, he shared.
Most of them lowered the interest rates, and a couple even agreed to reduce the balance.
You hear it a lot, but its true: It never hurts to ask.
I listed them from highest interest rate to lowest, he said.
Then I threw every spare penny at the highest-rate debt while making minimum payments on the rest.
It was slow going, but it worked.
My advisor drilled it into my head: Dont mess up your credit over this,' Adrian shared.
But he did it.
Id love to say I felt elated.
I just felt… empty.
If He Had To Do It All Again
So, whats the moral of my sob story?
A few things: 1.
Never underestimate the power of financial honesty in a relationship.
When life throws you a curveball or ten dont be too proud to ask for help.
Theres always a way out, even when it feels hopeless.
You just have to be willing to take it one step at a time.
Oh, and maybe check your spouses credit report once in a while.
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