• Quick visual breakdown on the benefits of lifelong learning
• Curated topics affecting us & Good News stories
• Feature Story: Navigating Reverse Mortgages
• Today’s Poll
• Face The Facts (& do something about ’em)
• Hidden alternative solutions for our 55+ crowd
• 🍩Reply to this email with “yes” for a chance to win a Dunkin Donuts gift code!

Upsides Of Lifelong Learning

Never stop learning. There’s a boatload of benefits for our 55+ crowd. Here's a quick look:

Curated Countdown

Feature Story

Friend Or Foe? Reverse Mortgages

The problem is...

• Many seniors struggle with cash flow in retirement
• Home equity is often the biggest asset for older adults
• Regular mortgages may be difficult to qualify for on a fixed income
• Reverse mortgages are often misunderstood

7 organizations that can help you

• Navicore
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
• National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association
• Credit Coalition
• National Council on Aging
• Local Religious Organization (financial counselor)

How you can get involved to help

• Educate yourself & share knowledge with peers
• Attend workshops on senior financial planning
• Volunteer with organizations that provide financial counseling to seniors
• Advocate for stronger consumer protections in reverse mortgage lending

Roadblocks

• Pressure from family members or financial advisors
• Fear of losing the family home
• Difficulty qualifying due to property conditions
• Can’t access home equity
• Potential impact on kids’ inheritance
• Shady lending practices target seniors

Upsides & ways to beat roadblocks

• Mandatory counseling sessions before signing up for reverse mortgage
• Option to receive funds as a lump sum, line of credit, or monthly payments
• No monthly mortgage payments required
• Non-recourse loans mean you can't owe more than the home's value
• Ability to stay in your home as long as you meet loan terms

5 takeaways

• Carefully consider all alternatives first
• Understand all costs, including ongoing fees & interest
• Plan for property taxes, insurance, & home maintenance
• Consider impact on your heirs & estate planning
• Seek independent financial advice before a decision you can’t take back

Face The Facts (then punch ’em in the nose)

Know the facts so you can overcome or take advantage of them.

• Write down 3 positive moments each day (handwritten better than typing)
• Positive self-talk (refer to yourself as “you” versus “I”)
• Put indoor plants near where you spend your time
• Catch our lizard brain complaining & force ourself to say "but I'm grateful for..."
• Email yourself when you're happy as a dead pig in the sunshine. Search your inbox for these emails on the 1st & 15th each month.
• Be still & know that God loves you (I’ll bet you this one works. I shouldn’t gamble, though🙂)

Alternative Solutions You May’ve Never Heard Of

• Intentional neighborhoods with private homes & shared common spaces
• Residents actively participate in design & operation of their community
• Boosts social connections & support

• Membership-based organizations helping seniors age in place
• Provide services like transportation, home repairs, & social activities
• Usually run by volunteers with some paid staff

• Match older homeowners with renters (often younger folks)
• Homeowners get extra income & help around the house
• Renters get affordable housing plus a chance to build intergenerational connections