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Doctor advises cancer patient to live it up, rack up debt

At 64, he has about 4 months left and is single with no remaining siblings or parents.

DEAR HARRY: I have just been diagnosed with a particularly aggressive cancer. My doctor said that I have about four months to go, fortunately with little pain. In our most recent conversation, he also recommended that I do everything I can to enjoy what I have left. He urged me to rack up as much debt as I choose in that effort, because no one will be responsible for it when I'm gone. I'm a single guy, 64 years old, with no remaining siblings or parents. I haven't seen my nieces or nephews in many years. My doctor said that I might as well go out happy. I have a very good credit score of 790. This whole idea is a little bit iffy. Maybe I fear what's next for me. What's your take on it?

WHAT HARRY SAYS: Wow! He may be one great physician, but I don't like his ethics or his financial views. Somebody will be hurt, perhaps very badly, if you follow his advice. That's true even if your spending is with large organizations. I fully understand his thought that you should enjoy what you can, so let me stick my neck out. Set aside enough for a decent burial, then spend the rest so you have remaining as close to zero as you can when you go. This will hurt no one, and you'll have a clear conscience. You also will not have to worry about "what's next" for you. I hope your remaining months are happy ones.