For many people, reaching retirement is something to look forward to. At the same time, too many people still have a lot of debt by the time they retire. In order for people to really take advantage of everything that retirement has to offer, they should try to find a way to pay off all of their debt before they retire. In order to make sure this happens, there are a few tips that everyone has to keep in mind. Try To Keep Housing Costs Low First, it is important for everyone to try to keep their housing costs as low as possible. Housing is one of the major sources of debt that people have when they retire. This could come in the form of a mortgage that has been stretched out for a longer … [Read more...]
Is A Reverse Mortgage Right For You?
Imagine the bank depositing monthly premiums into your account instead of you writing a mortgage check. That's basically how a reverse mortgage works. Traditional mortgages involve people paying down the interest and principal on a home loan. The goal is generally to pay off the property and cruise through retirement without that monthly installment eating at your budget. With your home paid off, those previously allotted finances can be used to relax and enjoy your retirement to the fullest. That's the best-case scenario anyway. But financial life has changed significantly over the past half-century. The formula for economic security has been chipped away by rising health care costs, … [Read more...]
Pros and Cons of Downsizing After Retirement
With Baby Boomers already rolling into retirement and Gen X looking forward to shrugging off the stress of the 40-hour work week, downsizing could be a strategic move. For many Americans, homeownership remains their single largest investment and the monthly mortgage payment their highest bill. Lowering or nixing that cost altogether can free up a considerable amount of cash that could be used for retirement security or leisure activities. Keep in mind, your "golden years" should be just that, so enjoy them. That being said, there are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to downsize to a less expensive home. Size Matters If you have raised a family and find yourself as an … [Read more...]
Your Guide To Aging In Place Home Modifications
If you've had to watch your parents transition into assisted living, you may have no desire to call such a place home. You are not alone. According to the Aging in Place Housing Survey conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), more than 90 percent of seniors want to remain in their home. Many survey respondents said that they would rather use nursing home funds towards purchasing a home that is suited for aging in place or making accessible home modifications. You’ve probably heard the buzzwords — aging in place, non-assisted living, universal design — these phrases mean the same thing: growing older in your home. Today, home modifications can … [Read more...]
