Tools and resources for a better,
more financially secure retirement.

As an older American adjusting to the post-pandemic “new normal,” you may not only be looking at half-empty restaurants, airplanes, stadiums and cruise ships, but also a retirement picture that is quite different from last year or even just a few months ago. If you have money invested in an IRA or 401(k), you probably […]

Along with chilled air, icy drafts, and the sight of smoke curling above chimney tops, expect winter to bring higher energy bills as more Americans continue to work and shelter from home in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to energystar.gov, a typical household in the U.S. spends more than $2,000 a year on […]

The first modern stock market crash occurred in 1907-08, precipitated by the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. To begin rebuilding the largest city and financial center west of the Rockies, the U.S. government furiously moved capital from East to West, when moving capital literally meant moving gold by ship or train. Other stock market crashes occurred […]

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) can be a convenient way to borrow money. It can be much be less expensive than a credit card installment plan or personal loan. Also, with a HELOC, you pay interest only the amount of the line you use. Nevertheless, a HELOC also has some drawbacks you need […]

Receiving funds from a reverse mortgage loan will not impact your Social Security.  Similarly, a reverse mortgage has no impact on Medicare. Both Social Security and Medicare are non-means-tested programs, meaning these public benefits are not dependent on your amount of income, savings, capital, or assets, including how much money you receive from a reverse […]

Since their introduction in 1961, reverse mortgages have been continually improved and strengthened, making them an even better financial option for older Americans seeking to live in the home they love while gaining extra cash for their retirement. One standout improvement has been increased financial protection and security for non-borrowing spouses. A non-borrowing spouse is […]

When is the best time to get a reverse mortgage loan? If you are at least 62 (the minimum age for applying), the best time might be now. That’s because, included in a reverse mortgage’s many payout options is the reverse mortgage line of credit. By taking out the line of credit as close to […]

If you have qualified for a reverse mortgage in the past, you should find the qualifying criteria similar for a refinance of your reverse mortgage. You must: Be 62 or older. Use the home as your primary residence. Have sufficient equity in your home. Demonstrate the financial stability to meet the loan’s ongoing obligations, such […]

If you are approaching the age of Medicare eligibility (generally, age 65), you probably have lots of questions about how the program works. The sooner you get answers to your questions, the sooner you can start planning and budgeting — because Medicare coverage is not free. Indeed, if you fail to sign up during your […]

Upgrading your home doesn’t require investing a small fortune or having a room out of commission for weeks. If you’re ready, willing, and able to do the work, here are some great ways to brighten up your home without blowing a hole in your budget: 1. Paint — A little dab’ll do ya. To renew […]