Twice a week, our CEO and resident money guru Jean Chatzky tackles your burning questions in the HerMoney newsletter. We’ve pulled some of the best to feature on our website — and this one made the cut! Got a question for Jean? Send it her way right here.
Q: Today’s question comes from Jenn. She writes: Reverse mortgage versus home equity loan—which works better for retirees?
It depends entirely on why you need the funds. Are you trying to cover a cash-flow gap, or planning to fund a specific expense, like a home renovation?
Josh Brooks, CFP and founder of Exponential Advisors, recently worked with a couple in their late 70s facing a $500 monthly shortfall. “They initially dismissed a reverse mortgage as ‘too expensive’ — likely due to high upfront costs and common stigmas,” he shares. “But they were also confused about home equity loans versus HELOCs. They didn’t realize that both standard financing options would likely worsen their immediate situation by adding a new monthly payment they couldn’t afford.”
Brooks offers a simple framework for deciding which option – if any – fits your needs:
Home equity loans and HELOCs are generally best for retirees with strong, guaranteed income who need funds for a specific, one-time expense – think remodeling to age in place or covering a major medical bill. The key is that you must be able to comfortably handle the monthly payment without jeopardizing your ability to cover everyday living expenses.
Reverse mortgages are often better for retirees who are “house rich but cash poor.” While costs can be higher, these loans solve day-to-day cash-flow problems because there are no monthly payments, as long as you live in the home and maintain taxes and insurance.
For retirees like Brooks’ clients, taking a HELOC or home equity loan to cover a $500 monthly shortfall is often just digging a deeper hole. The takeaway here? Your specific situation will determine which path – if any – will help meet your needs without making your finances worse.
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