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When it comes to older adults and homeownership, there’s good news and bad news, suggests a new federal report that shines a light on a growing debt problem. The good news is that the 65+ demographic has the highest homeownership rate in the United States of any age group. The bad news: more and more […]

Imagine this: Bill, a 65-year-old man, has been getting ready to go on a big swim. He’s not completely sure how long this swim is going to last—although he has an approximate distance in mind—but he’s been preparing for it for decades. But without knowing exactly how long this swim will be, Bill isn’t sure […]

When you’re planning for retirement, you’re often trying to determine the best mix of investments for your retirement portfolio. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and your planning process has to take into account your own particular situation and needs. One potential investment you may want to consider is a lifetime annuity, and there are a few […]

Have you recently retired without a comprehensive financial plan to take you through the coming years? It’s not too late to make one. A December 2013 survey from Fidelity found that more than half of Americans are at risk of not covering their essential expenses in retirement. PwC reported similar findings on its 2013 survey […]

Many people have a countdown to the official retirement age of 65 — or whatever age you might be targeting.  However, many of us are looking for ways to retire even earlier.  Here are a few good ways to reduce your spending in such a way that you can knock a few years off your […]

Are you one of the millions of Americans approaching retirement and are thinking of moving to a top retirement destination? Whether you are seeking golf, an oceanfront locale or an urban environment with accessible amenities, there are many cities and towns nationwide that are increasing in appeal among retirees. Each year, TopRetirements.com compiles a list of the […]

Today’s version of the saying “Strike while the iron’s hot” may apply to getting a reverse mortgage while interest rates are favorable, suggests new academic research recently published in the Journal of Financial Planning. You’ve probably seen commercials and other advertisements touting reverse mortgages, but what you may not realize is that there’s also brand […]

If you’re approaching retirement age, you’re in good company—millions of boomers are right there with you. In the next few decades, one out of every five Americans will have reached or surpassed Social Security’s “full retirement age” of 65, according to the most recent U.S. Census data release. “Between 2012 and 2050, the United States […]

Over the past few months, the federally-insured reverse mortgage program has seen a lot of changes—including the introduction of new, consumer-friendly loan products like the HECM MAX5. The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program allows borrowers age 62 and older to access the equity they’ve built up in their homes in the form of a non-recourse […]

Interest rates have fallen and that means that most reverse mortgage borrowers now qualify for more money. (And, you pay less in interest.) Get a new estimate of your reverse mortgage loan amount right now! All the great benefits of the loans still apply: 1. You still own your home: A reverse mortgage is just […]

If your mom and dad (or just one of your parents) are considering a reverse mortgage, chances are they let you know about it—and you probably have some questions of your own. Read on for a primer for adult children of prospective and current reverse mortgage borrowers. What is a reverse mortgage? Let’s start with […]

A reverse mortgage can be a good way to supplement cash flow in retirement, or open a line of credit for unforeseen future expenses. But it’s not for everyone. Here are 5 reasons a reverse mortgage might not be right for you. 1. You are planning to move soon. While there is a fairly new […]

Many retirees consider their home equity as part of their retirement plan. Because it is an investment that has grown over time, it’s often a major consideration as an asset that can be used to help influence cash flow and/or savings in retirement. If you have been considering a reverse mortgage as a way to […]

You may be considering a reverse mortgage, or you may already have one. Like any financial decision, it’s a good idea to talk with family about the impact this kind of loan will have on your financial future—and theirs. Here are 5 things your heirs should know about your reverse mortgage: 1. They’ll still inherit […]

For many retirees, the most important aspect of their retirement portfolios is stable investments. But what if you could find an investment that not only grows, but is also guaranteed by the federal government? Enter: reverse mortgages, and specifically the line of credit option available through the federally-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage pr oduct. The […]

Falling interest rates can often signal a negative impact on a long-term retirement portfolio, as a lower rate environment means less money saved for retirement. But low rates can also have a silver lining for retirees, especially when it comes to reverse mortgages. The Federal Reserve has been keeping downward pressure on interest rates post-recession in […]

One of the biggest benefits to the home equity conversion mortgage program is that, unlike conventional mortgages or home equity loans or lines of credit, you are not required to make monthly payments toward the balance of the loan. The federally-insured HECM program requires that loans be repaid when the borrower dies, leaves the home, […]

A reverse mortgage is a loan. You are borrowing against your home equity. However, unlike traditional mortgages, with a reverse mortgage you do not have to pay back the money borrowed as long as you are living in the home. If a reverse mortgage is right for you, it can offer great financial relief. Reverse Mortgage […]

Updated May 2025

Reverse Mortgage or HELOC – Which is Best?  If you’ve decided to tap into your home equity during retirement, there are a few different ways to go about doing this. Most likely, your options will come down to a Reverse Mortgage or a home equity line of credit, or “HELOC”. Reverse Mortgage vs. HELOC A […]

Over time, many people have developed misconceptions about reverse mortgages based on inaccurate media coverage. The truth is reverse mortgages have never been safer and they’re a viable retirement option when they are understood. Here are several common misconceptions about reverse mortgages as well as the truths behind them. Misconception: The bank (or government) owns your […]

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will be instituting major changes to the Reverse Mortgage program. Changes taking effect this month, effective September 30, 2013 include: Limits to the amount of money that you can access in the first year of the loan A new mortgage insurance fee structure which may mean higher […]

The Reverse Mortgage Stabilization Act was signed into law on August 9th. As we’ve reported earlier, this new law gives the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) the authority to strengthen the HECM Reverse Mortgage program by making significant, but not overly drastic adjustments. We expect HUD to announce these changes before the end […]