Newest Articles

{Case Study} How Eliminating a Mortgage Gave These Grandparents Retirement Security and the Lifestyle They Desired

Client Scenario Mike and Jenny (age 74/69) own a home worth $615,000 with a mortgage balance of $239,000 with 26 years remaining on the balance and a monthly payment of $1,310. Assets: $347,000 in IRA’s, mutual funds and savings. Social Security: $2780/month Pension: $1410/month Distributions: Taking RMD’s of $7300/year Goals | Concerns Longevity Concerned about inflation and health care costs.… Read More…
Can Social Security Be Delayed Using the Reverse Mortgage?

The Power of a Monthly Payment Once a HECM reverse mortgage is initiated and the initial line of credit amount is determined, the clients may choose the tenure or term payment option. In the chart below, you will see an illustration of the initial line of credit and monthly tenure payment amounts based on three… Read More…
7 Ways to Incorporate Housing Wealth with a Million Dollar Client – Dr. Wade Pfau

My good friend and colleague, Dr. Wade Pfau, conducted a research study using a Monte Carlo simulator 10,000 times to demonstrate the best and worst possible outcomes for a retiree with $1 million in tax-deferred assets, a home value of $500,000 and a 4% annual draw. Below is an explanation of his findings. (A 25 percent… Read More…
How Does the HECM Reverse Mortgage Get Repaid?

When I speak with advisors and their clients, one of the most common questions is, “How does repayment work?” Remember the four words that can put everyone at ease? It’s just a mortgage! Reverse mortgage repayment is pretty straightforward, and even has safeguards in place to protect the borrower and their families. Check out the 3-minute… Read More…
What Happens When Reverse Mortgages Come Up at the Family Picnic? Four Words that May Help

The Family Picnic Has this ever had this happened to you? You’re at a family gathering and someone mentions they’re thinking about getting a reverse mortgage. Some family members may sheepishly excuse themselves – sensing the approach of a conversation they’d rather avoid. A few will say, “I’ve heard about those,” and may be open… Read More…
Are Traditional Retirement Income Strategies Enough?

Three Major Retirement Problems for Baby Boomers If there’s one generation in recent history that has most dramatically changed the retirement planning game, it’s the baby boomers. They’re one of the most talked-about generations today, with a host of well-documented challenges facing them. Living Longer Instead of spanning 15 or 20 years, their retirement will… Read More…
Seven Reverse Mortgage Concerns and the Unexpected Questions Advisors Should Be Asking

Seven Reverse Mortgage Concerns In early 2017, after speaking at a large conference for advisors and following up with a routine email, I received this surprising response: “{Company Name} is an independent, registered investment advisory firm managing nest eggs for over 400 client families. We have done extensive research on the reverse mortgage business and… Read More…
Three Lessons from the World’s First Computer Mouse

In 1964, computer scientist Douglas Engelbart stumbled onto something he thought could make a difference in the way people interacted with computers. He named his invention the X-Y Position Indicator; today, we know it as the computer mouse. Engelbart went on to demonstrate his new device for leading computer experts like IBM and Hewlett Packard. He had… Read More…
5 Retirement Influencers Speak on Reverse Mortgages

This week I want to highlight five retirement planning influencers and allow them to share their insight on the newly restructured reverse mortgage. Each talks about helpful ways to incorporate housing wealth in retirement income planning. Hope you enjoy – dg Ed Slott, CPA, The IRA Leadership Program & Elite IRA Advisor Group I’ve watched Ed… Read More…
Three Half-Truths About Reverse Mortgages

My friend and colleague, Jamie Hopkins, Esq., is passionate about retirement security and believes that a better prepared public can enjoy a more secure and fulfilling retirement. Part of that preparation is becoming aware of all available retirement income planning options–one of them being reverse mortgages. The reverse mortgage often receives bad press due to… Read More…