#606: Hospice nurse and end-of-life educator Suzanne O’Brien joins us to discuss the financial realities of dying in America — and they might surprise you.

Remember Aretha Franklin? Her handwritten will was found in her couch cushions after she passed away. Despite her substantial wealth, this simple document was legally upheld. It's a powerful reminder that having any form of will is better than none at all.

But there's more to worry about than just having a will or trust. The costs of aging and dying can add up fast.

Long-term care costs can quickly deplete even substantial savings. Suzanne shares a story about a couple with over $5 million who were shocked to learn how quickly 24/7 care for dementia would consume their nest egg.

Traditional funerals average between $7,000-$11,000, but there are much more affordable alternatives:

Home wakes and natural burials can cost just a few hundred dollars
Water cremation offers an environmentally friendly option
Whole body donation to medical institutions costs nothing while contributing to education

Planning ahead gives you control over these decisions and spares your loved ones additional stress. Multi-generational living arrangements can also reduce caregiving costs and address concerns like isolation and safety for aging family members.

Suzanne also shares stories about the emotional side of dying. Did you know some people seem to choose when they go? She tells us about a 99-year-old woman in a coma who somehow held on for days until she turned 100, then passed away that very night.

Resources Mentioned:

Anatomical Board of the State of Florida » College of Medicine » University of Florida

US Programs » Anatomical Board of the State of Florida » College of Medicine » University of Florida

NATIONAL HOME FUNERAL ALLIANCE - Home

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Can You Really Afford to Die? - with Hospice and Oncology Nurse Suzanne O’Brien 01:17:52 Share

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Can You Really Afford to Die? - with Hospice and Oncology Nurse Suzanne O’Brien