In your profile you state that Mother wants you to pay her debts. I think that is a bad idea. It is not your debt. If you have extra money and you want to help her pay for new glasses or hearing aids, etc., as a gift to her, I think that is OK. If you don't have the money available that is very understandable, too.
There are community organizations that help people deal with their debts. You can generally locate them by calling United Way. They can provide advice.
If your mother's only income is SS, I don't think that the credit card companies can do much to her in trying to collect the debt, except ruin her credit rating, but that is not likely to be a Big Deal at this point in her life, is it?
I am a believer, not as good as a follower, or Dave Ramsey's financial advise. Basically, I think he would say the following.
If your mom has no assets and is living on social security, then she is safe. Let them sue, she doesn't have anything they can attach. The main thing, is she must stop using the cards, because if she can't pay, that is basically theft.
Now if she has assets, that's a different story. She should pay by selling whatever she can.
You shouldn't pay. You will never be financially liable for any of her debts as long as you don't sign anything. Her estate will be liable, but that includes things like her house or cars in her name. Not life insurance.
Too often seniors look to their high interest credit cards when short some funds. There are credible money management specialist that can help. One should determine if this occurred from a one-time event, or is this due to a regular shortage of income. If it is the latter, I recommend looking at ways to supplement income. In my consultations, that is the most common request - "where do I get more money?"
Let her spend what she wants. It is her responsibility. In my Mom's case, our attorney told us (since she died) that we and her estate will not have to even pay the cc bills.
There are community organizations that help people deal with their debts. You can generally locate them by calling United Way. They can provide advice.
If your mother's only income is SS, I don't think that the credit card companies can do much to her in trying to collect the debt, except ruin her credit rating, but that is not likely to be a Big Deal at this point in her life, is it?
I am a believer, not as good as a follower, or Dave Ramsey's financial advise. Basically, I think he would say the following.
If your mom has no assets and is living on social security, then she is safe. Let them sue, she doesn't have anything they can attach. The main thing, is she must stop using the cards, because if she can't pay, that is basically theft.
Now if she has assets, that's a different story. She should pay by selling whatever she can.
You shouldn't pay. You will never be financially liable for any of her debts as long as you don't sign anything. Her estate will be liable, but that includes things like her house or cars in her name. Not life insurance.