Women who are 50 and older are feeling the pinch of rising costs and economic uncertainty, even as they enjoy time with their family and hobbies, according to a new AARP survey. The research, part of AARP’s “She’s the Difference” series, highlights financial concerns that weigh heavily on older women — particularly when it comes […]
Fairway Home Mortgage on Tuesday announced a partnership with the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) to unveil a new educational credential for NAIFA members. The Certified Home Equity Advisor (CHEA) credential aims to help financial and insurance professionals “responsibly integrate home equity into comprehensive retirement planning,” Fairway explained in a press release.
More than one-third of working-age Americans lack access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, and those who do have median balances of just $40,000, according to a new study from the National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS). The analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data from December 2022 paints a stark picture of retirement preparedness for the
Home equity props up retirees as savings fall short Read More »
Reverse mortgage professionals struggling with consumer hesitation may find their most effective entry point isn’t home equity, but rather Social Security. That was the message from Thomas Drapala, director of strategic partnerships at the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts (NARSSA), who on Thursday led a webinar hosted by the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders
Social Security planning could open the door for reverse mortgage conversations Read More »
Ryan Ponsford, a veteran financial adviser with more than 25 years of experience in wealth management, real estate and lending, is unequivocal: “The reverse mortgage line of credit is one of the most misunderstood, underutilized tools in retirement planning today.” “The scary part — put five reverse mortgage people in a room and ask them
Reverse mortgage line of credit remains underused — but advisers may be receptive Read More »
Long-term retirement accounts are increasingly serving as sources of emergency funds as American workers confront rising costs and persistent financial anxiety, according to multiple recent studies. Surveys from Allianz Life Insurance, Payroll Integrations and F&G Annuities and Life show Americans cutting back on retirement contributions and tapping savings meant for later life to cover immediate
Retirement accounts become emergency funds as financial stress rises Read More »
Rising health care costs, paired with minimal rate growth for Medicare Advantage plans, could accelerate insurer withdrawals from states and counties nationwide, potentially disrupting coverage options for millions of older Americans. Several of the nation’s largest insurers — including UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Elevance Health and Humana — have already scaled back Medicare Advantage offerings in 2026
Fewer Medicare Advantage plans could create tough choices for senior homeowners Read More »
A new WalletHub study compares all 50 states to identify where retirees may find the most favorable balance of affordability and quality of life — with Wyoming taking the top spot. The analysis highlights wide disparities between states, with some offering budgets that stretch much further than others. Following closely behind Wyoming were Florida, South
WalletHub says these are the best states for retirees in 2026 Read More »
The House of Representatives approved legislation last week to bolster customer service efforts at the Social Security Administration (SSA), advancing a broader funding package aimed at avoiding a government shutdown at the end of this month. Lawmakers paired the funding increase with oversight requirements, instructing the SSA to avoid closing field offices or cut direct
House approves funding boost for Social Security Administration Read More »
The Trump administration has proposed nearly flat payment rates for private Medicare plans in 2027, a move that could significantly affect insurers that rely heavily on the Medicare Advantage program. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) said payments to Medicare Advantage plans would rise by an estimated 0.09% on average in 2027 —
White House proposal would keep Medicare Advantage rates stable in 2027 Read More »