Podcasts about Home equity

Many seniors today face significant financial strain—some even resort to borrowing to cover their basic living expenses.For retirees on a fixed income, a reverse mortgage can be a practical solution to access the equity in their home and bring much-needed stability. Harlan Accola joins us today with a message of hope for those looking for margin in their retirement years.Harlan Accola is the National Reverse Mortgage Director at Movement Mortgage, an underwriter of Faith and Finance. He is also the author of Home Equity and Reverse Mortgages: The Cinderella of the Baby Boomer Retirement.The Real Issue: Seniors Struggling with Credit Card DebtNearly 70% of seniors that Movement speaks with are carrying credit card debt. These aren't impulsive spenders buying luxury items. They're retired, living on fixed incomes, and they're relying on credit just to pay for basics like groceries and prescriptions. They're often asset-rich but cash-poor—sitting on significant home equity but drowning in interest rates of 25% to 35%.Many people suffer silently, too embarrassed to discuss their financial challenges. They don't realize that the equity in their home could be used to ease their burden without losing the home they love.One of the biggest hurdles is the spread of misinformation. People believe they'll lose their house, or that a reverse mortgage is inherently bad.In truth, the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)—the most common form of reverse mortgage—is federally insured and designed to protect both the homeowner and their heirs. Properly structured, it can be a safe and responsible tool.Who Should Consider a Reverse Mortgage?Anyone over 62 with at least 50–60% equity in their home should take a closer look. A typical scenario might be someone still making monthly mortgage payments, even with a small remaining balance. Those payments—$800, $1,500 or more—can strain fixed retirement budgets.One common misconception is that you lose control of your home. In fact, you and your spouse can stay in your home for life, even if one of you passes away. You can choose how to receive the funds—from monthly income to a lump sum to the most popular option: a line of credit.Whether it's a car repair or a medical bill, reverse mortgage lines of credit provide flexibility. And it's all about wise stewardship.At the heart of this decision is a stewardship principle. As Proverbs 24:3 reminds us, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.” It doesn't make sense to live in a paid-off home but struggle to pay for groceries while racking up 30% interest on credit cards. That's not good stewardship.Reverse mortgages aren't for everyone—but many avoid them simply due to fear or misunderstanding. For some, it could be a life-giving solution.If you're entering—or well into—retirement and want to explore whether a reverse mortgage might be a fit for your situation, visit Movement.com/Faith. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm 71 and still working, but I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to keep it up. Would a reverse mortgage help me eliminate my monthly mortgage payment, allowing me to manage better if I need to stop working?I have recently retired and hold a 401(k) account with Fidelity. Someone mentioned a company called Big Money Retirement Solution, which offers a 9% annual return on an annuity. Should I consider moving half of my portfolio there?I heard there's a way to get a free credit report that the government requires. How do I access that?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Movement MortgageAnnualCreditReport.comWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Selling your home in today's market, with housing inventory increasing but buyers seemingly standing back, takes strategy, precision and a competitive edge. This week, we're joined by Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist; Scott Geller, associate broker at REMAX in Jamison, PA; Ryan Melvin, Las Vegas real estate expert; Art Moreno, broker-owner of the Art of Realty; and Melissa Bailey, a REALTOR® from Arizona. Our guests share expert strategies for helping sellers stand out, from pricing a home competitively to attracting buyers with high-quality listing photos. We'll explore the surprising mistakes that can sabotage a great shot, how a home warranty can ease buyer concerns, and what recent equity gains really mean for today's sellers. Plus, in our “Hot or Not” segment—could a ‘fortress of solitude' be the next big home trend?

Selling your home in today's market, with housing inventory increasing but buyers seemingly standing back, takes strategy, precision and a competitive edge. This week, we're joined by Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist; Scott Geller, associate broker at REMAX in Jamison, PA; Ryan Melvin, Las Vegas real estate expert; Art Moreno, broker-owner of the Art of Realty; and Melissa Bailey, a REALTOR® from Arizona. Our guests share expert strategies for helping sellers stand out, from pricing a home competitively to attracting buyers with high-quality listing photos. We'll explore the surprising mistakes that can sabotage a great shot, how a home warranty can ease buyer concerns, and what recent equity gains really mean for today's sellers. Plus, in our “Hot or Not” segment—could a ‘fortress of solitude' be the next big home trend?

Who is Howard?Howard Polansky is a pragmatic individual who navigates life's financial intricacies with a focus on strategic decision-making. Recognizing common defaults in financial practices, he often critiques the conventional 30-year mortgage system prevalent in the United States. Polansky understands that while many opt to pay extra on their monthly mortgage to reduce the term, the fixed nature of the monthly payment remains unchanged, a topic he frequently discusses. His insights reflect a deep understanding of financial commitments, emphasizing the impact of additional payments and highlighting the etymology of "mortgage" as a lasting "death pledge." Through his observations, Polansky shares his wisdom on making informed financial choices.Key Takeaways00:00 "Cash Flow Chat with Howard"06:03 Pay Yourself First, Always08:01 "Ebook Insights on Home Equity"12:40 "Prepare Financially During Success"16:21 "Key Unasked Question"19:32 "Motivating Business Financial Freedom"_________________________________________________________________________________________________Subscribe to our newsletter and get details of when we are doing these interviews live at https://systemise.me/newsletterFind out more about being a guest at : link.thecompleteapproach.co.uk/beaguestSubscribe to the podcast at https://link.thecompleteapproach.co.uk/podcastHelp us get this podcast in front of as many people as possible. Leave a nice five-star review at apple podcasts : https://link.thecompleteapproach.co.uk/apple-podcasts and on YouTube : https://link.thecompleteapproach.co.uk/Itsnotrocketscienceatyt!Here's how you can bring your business to THE next level:If you are a business owner currently turning over £/$10K - £/$50K per month and want to grow to £/$100K - £/$500k per month download my free resource on everything you need to grow your business on a single page :systemise.meIt's a detailed breakdown of how you can grow your business to 7-figures in a smart and sustainable way————————————————————————————————————————————-TranscriptNote, this was transcribed using a transcription software and may not reflect the exact words used in the podcast)SUMMARY KEYWORDSCash flow, cash flow coach, financially led, debt management, high debt professions, medical debt, student loan debt, mortgage payments, fixed debt payments, paying off debt, interest reduction, offset mortgage, home equity line of credit, business owners, business cash flow, paying yourself first, tax payments, IRS, emergency fund, financial planning, risk management, business continuity, business loans, personal finance education, burnout, work-life balance, entrepreneur finances, insurance planning, financial ebook, income preservationSPEAKERSHoward Polansky, Stuart WebbStuart Webb [00:00:33]:Hi, and welcome back to It's Not Rocket Science, five questions over coffee. I haven't actually got a coffee in front of you at the moment. This is actually fruit tea, because if I drink too much coffee, after lunchtime, I start to go to sleep. And I don't wanna go to sleep right at the moment because I'm really interested in speaking with Howard Polanski. Howard is a he's a cash flow coach, who doesn't need to speak to one of those nowadays. Howard is the cash flow coach at Financially Led, and we're we're gonna get into what that means at the moment. But who doesn't wanna spend some time thinking about cash flow and how to preserve it in these days? So, Howard, welcome to It's Not Rocket Science, five questions over coffee, and I trust you're ready to take us through cash flow and financially led.Howard Polansky [00:01:26]:Thank you, Stuart. Thank you for the opportunity.Stuart Webb [00:01:30]:It's It's terrific. So let's start with, let's just start. You're you're you're a former dentist, so we'll get into how you ended up in this situation. But who is it you're trying to help with your advice on on cash flow and and financial matters overall?Howard Polansky [00:01:47]:Those that don't like being in debt. And if we're talking about people let me just use The US since that's where I'm based. Those professions that are high debt type of professions, medical doctors, dentists, chiropractors, optometrists, lawyers, where they just have these massive fixed payments that they're trying to navigate around. And sometimes it feels like all I'm doing is going to work to literally pay off these debts. When do I get to enjoy my life?Stuart Webb [00:02:25]:Yeah.Howard Polansky [00:02:25]:And and I'm not saying that there's not other industries that face that challenge, but those are the obvious ones that if there is a way for us to minimize the impact of those fixed debt payments, get them out of our lives sooner, pay less interest. Now all of a sudden, you have more money freed up at the end of each month.Stuart Webb [00:02:47]:And and and, Howard, I'm I'm sure you can you can sort of, you can help us to understand this, but was that a situation that you were in as a dentist? Did you find yourself wondering every day, why am I doing this? There must be an easier way to make a loss, and that's what you led you to where you are?Howard Polansky [00:03:05]:Well, I didn't know if that was gonna be the question now or it was gonna be question number five in terms of how I got into this. If you wanna wait until then, we can, or you want me to go through the story now, I will.Stuart Webb [00:03:16]:Yeah. I'll put it I'll put it to you as question five. Let's just talk a little bit more about how you, what you the the sort of things that the the people you've helped have got into the sort of trouble they have, and what are they trying to do to get out of it? What is it what is it you see when you sort of they they eventually engage an expert like you and you start dealing with them? So they they recognize eventually they they have a problem and they need to do something about it.Howard Polansky [00:03:42]:Yeah. So, I mean, one of the I hate to call it a mistake, but one of the ways that people are doing it just because it's either it's by default or by design. And so by default, they're like, I've got this mortgage. Let's just say that. And in The US it's a thirty, traditionally a thirty year mortgage. Well, I don't wanna pay on this for thirty years, so let me throw a little bit of additional money against this. So if I've got a $2,000 mortgage, let me put 2,200 and I know that's going to save me some time. The problem is, what's your payment the next month? It's still the $2,000 It does not change when you put extra money against the mortgage because the more mortgage is two French words put together, which literally means death pledge.Howard Polansky [00:04:39]:So the system is set up for you to make payments until the day you die or you're gonna die trying. This allows you and, again, you're we're over on different sides of the pond, so I'm not gonna keep this a secret. Over in The UK and Australia, they're known as offset mortgages. So the open ended mortgages where all of the money can go in to lower the overall balance of the debt. When you lower the overall balance of the debt, you're lowering the amount of interest you pay on a daily basis. And then when the expenses come due, you just take that much out, but you've got the excess now attacking the entirety of the debt versus the way that it's set up in The US. They have a one way street known as your house in front of you. You only make the minimum payment because you're like, if I put more money in, I can't get the money back out.Howard Polansky [00:05:42]:And when we don't have access to money, that's when people don't sleep very well. So that's the common mistake is how I'm just putting more money into this loan, but then if something happens, I get disabled, I get fired, I still have this fixed payment in front of me, and now I have no wiggle room.Stuart Webb [00:06:03]:Yeah. I I'm always very aware that a lot of business owners, disobey, for want of a better word, one of the golden rules which which I think is is something I hope you'll you'll agree with, which is they forget that they need to pay themselves first out of the income into their business. They're putting it against all sorts of other things, and then eventually they realize that there isn't anything left for them. And they they're left in a situation like you've just said where suddenly they are unable to pay the bills that have come in for their family, and they then have to get back on the treadmill and work even harder because they've now forgotten that they've got a life. And and I just think it's it's it's often this the the the the the golden rules of, you know, thinking about your cash flow and how you allocate it are so difficult for many business owners for for reasons because often we are not taught. We are not given the instruction early enough in our lives about how to manage money.Howard Polansky [00:07:04]:What's even worse than not paying yourself first is not only do you pay yourself, you take the money from the IRS that you have to pay them and use that on your expenses too. I've seen that situation happen also. That's never a good situation that I wanna be involved in.Stuart Webb [00:07:23]:Now if there's one thing you should definitely be very aware of is the tax man will find you and will hunt you down if you are if you are diligent in, not diligent in playing that that money off. Howard, look. The the the these must be times at the moment. People are are listening to you and thinking, I think I hear myself in this. This might be me. What valuable piece of advice or or or free free offer can you sort of help people with? And, and how would you sort of, you know, give them that that allow them to sort of access you?Howard Polansky [00:08:01]:Yeah. The probably the easiest way to understand a little bit more of the concept behind this is my ebook. So financiallyled.com, so that's just LEDfinanciallyled.com/ebook. It'll take you maybe about twenty minutes to go through and start to understand the three lessons on how and why this works. The second, if I'm okay if it's okay for me to get a second piece of advice, Stuart, is if you have lived in let's just keep it on the personal side for now. If you've lived in your residence for a number of years now, whether it's in overseas or in The US, it doesn't matter, Your house is probably appreciated substantially, and there is equity. There is cash literally trapped in the bricks. While you're employed, while business looks good, go get a home equity line of credit.Howard Polansky [00:09:08]:Have access to the cash because you just never know what's gonna happen in life. I mean, here's a perfect example. One of my clients is a dentist. She texts me back in November saying, guess what happened to me two months ago? I'm like, this is just out of the blue. I'm like, I don't know. COVID? It's like, no. Two ruptured aneurysms and a mini stroke. Mhmm.Howard Polansky [00:09:34]:Mhmm. She's 40 she's 46 years old, Stuart. I don't think this was in her life plan in terms of, oh, I'm gonna go I wanna be in the ICU and have brain surgery for three weeks sitting in a hospital. If it wasn't for having the business line of credit set up twelve to eighteen months ago, her business would be toast. That buffer of cash is what allowed her to keep paying the bills. Even though there was no money coming in, it was the access to cash that allowed her to pay her team, pay the bills so that she could get back to still having a a functioning business.Stuart Webb [00:10:19]:I've just put a link, on the the screen in front of you, Howard. I'm gonna put that story and the link to your ebook into our vault. Our vault, if you if it listen, guys, it if you're listening to this and you go, I need to do that. If you didn't capture what Howard just said, go to, Systemize, and that's the word systemize, but it's spelled with an s, not a zed, systemize slash free hyphen stuff. There's a vault there with with and and we'll put Howard's link, and we'll put that story in order for you to be able to sort of capture that and come back to it again and again and again because that is really valuable advice. I think that's a truth that everybody should be trying to do, Howard. It's not just dentists that have aneurysms. Anybody can have one of those.Stuart Webb [00:11:03]:You know, I I have a a a a friend who went on a very nice holiday, fell over, skiing, and they were in a similar situation. They were suddenly unable to work. And if they hadn't set up the right systems in place in in his case, it was the fact that his business carried on because he had set up teams that were working. But he had to you have to think ahead, don't you? You have to you do have to do exactly what you said. This might not be in the plan, but there is a risk that this could happen. So, therefore, I need to sort of deal with the risk before it happens, not as it happens because it takes time. These things take time to set up. They don't happen overnight.Stuart Webb [00:11:46]:You have to plan it. You have to think about it. You have to put that into your thinking, don't you?Howard Polansky [00:11:51]:Absolutely. And and look, you know as well as I do, when are banks gonna gonna be most, when are they gonna be most appreciative of giving you money? When you don't need it.Stuart Webb [00:12:06]:When you've got it.Howard Polansky [00:12:08]:That's exactly as soon as you're in distress, they're the last people that wanna help you. So get this set up while things are going goodStuart Webb [00:12:18]:Yeah.Howard Polansky [00:12:19]:And just have it there just in case because stuff happens. I mean, we're live, so I definitely don't wanna say what I normally say, but stuff happens. And it's just far easier to have this all in place before any of this stuff happens because we know it's happened to everyone. It's a it's part of life.Stuart Webb [00:12:40]:It is. And, you know, there's an old there's an old story about a man walking down the road, it's pouring with rain, and he sees a farmer digging a well. And he turned around and said, why are you digging the well when it's raining? And he said, because now the ground is soft and the digging is easy. The last thing you wanna be doing is digging a well when there is no water and the ground is hard. So if you're in a situation at the moment where your business is still doing well, I know we're going into some, economically interesting times at the moment, but if you've got a business that's doing well, now's the time to be digging that well ready for when, perhaps the the ground hardens and it's not quite as easy digging. Howard, I'm I'm I'm gonna gonna, gonna get on with this because otherwise, I think we'll be here for many, many hours talking about this. So was there a sort of we we sort of talked about the the the origin of your sort of, a realization that financially led was the way that you wanted to go. Was there a a books, a course, something that led you from from where you are as a dentist now to being, the guy that tries to advise other people that, they need to think about their cash flow?Howard Polansky [00:13:50]:Yeah. The the one book which really helped in terms of solidifying this whole concept, the author's name is Harsh Gill, h a r j is the first name, g I l l. And it's the book is something like pay off your debt sooner. That was the first time I ever heard in terms of this offset mortgage, they call it the Australian mortgage or whatever. And I was like, oh my god. This is the most logical way I've ever seen in terms of being able to pay off debt. It doesn't have to be a house. It can be student loans.Howard Polansky [00:14:29]:It can be cars. It can be business loans, whatever it is. I just realized that once I was able to utilize this for myself and I got my I got down to a $24 house payment, which might be about £20 for you. I shared that with another dentist and he could not believe what he was seeing and is like, can you help me? And I'm like, I think so. And he ended up paying off his house in eight months instead of thirty years. Wow. Wow. And and that and that's when it really the light bulb went off.Howard Polansky [00:15:07]:And then later on, I was like, wait. I think I can help apply this idea to businesses because if the business has more cash flow, where's it gonna spill over? It's gonna spill over to that owner's personal life, which is where I was trying to make the impact anyway. And the answer is, yeah, it works beautifully, for the average business owner, the cash flow improvements been over $65,000 in year one. SoStuart Webb [00:15:39]:But again, notHoward Polansky [00:15:41]:doing anything crazy.Stuart Webb [00:15:43]:For those that want a personal testimony, I had an offset mortgage. We became mortgage free quite a while ago, and, I'm very grateful for the fact that I found it. So, Howard, perhaps perhaps if I'd got this advice from you many years ago, I'd I'd have to but but I found it myself. So they're a great thing. They're a great thing.Howard Polansky [00:16:03]:For the right person, if you're gonna go and just, you know, spend on Louis Vuitton and Lamborghinis and and trips around the world and you don't have the cash flow to back that up, please don't do this. You are going to get yourself in trouble.Stuart Webb [00:16:21]:I will I will not I will not immediately go out and buy a Lamborghini then. I will I will keep that. I'll keep what I've got at the moment because, clearly, that would be the wrong wrong thing for me. So, Howard, let let me let me let me sort of, help you get back out to helping people do this rather than talking about it. Is there a question that you think I should have asked you in these questions? Is there one thing that you're thinking? I wish you'd hurry up and get to the really important question. And, obviously, once you've posed the question, you need to answer it because I don't know what the question is at the moment.Howard Polansky [00:16:55]:We've kinda hinted at it before. How the heck does someone go from being a dentist to doing this?Stuart Webb [00:17:02]:Let's talk about it.Howard Polansky [00:17:04]:Yeah. So I tell people now sometimes life leaves you little clues and other times life hits you with a two by four. My two by four moment was Sunday morning, Memorial Day weekend twenty eighteen. Jaden, my older son, is 12 years old. I'm sitting next to his bed. He realizes I'm there and he says, Dad. His voice is barely above a whisper. Yeah, buddy.Howard Polansky [00:17:30]:I lean over the bed, I put my ear over his mouth to make sure I can hear him, and he says three words I'll never forget. Am I dying? Oh. Twelve days earlier, Jaden came home with a stomachache. Three days after the stomachache were in the ICU at the Children's Hospital having emergency surgery. Woah. It was a it was appendicitis that turned septic, twenty nine days in the hospital, 19 of them in the ICU, eight straight days of sedation because he went to the Operating Room 5 times. After they take the tube out of his throat, they give him methadone and morphine to bring him down from the drugs he was on. So my 12 year old son looks like a heroin addict coming down from a high, and the very first question he will only ask me are those three little words, am I dying? My first breath was, did I hear him correctly? My second breath was, do not lose it right now.Howard Polansky [00:18:34]:I look him in the eyes, and I tell him, no. You're not dying. You've had prayers from thousands of people all around the world, and you're gonna be just fine. He looks at me, he knows I'm telling him the truth. He closes his eyes to get more rest. I walk outside the room and then I broke. I was already miserable. I was burnt out from sixteen years of dentistry.Howard Polansky [00:18:57]:And one thought seared into my mind, if life is this fragile and I'm unhappy with the path that I'm on, burn the ships, it's over. That's what I did. I sold my practice September 2018, just walked away. And if I didn't make the bold move of walking away from dentistry, I would have never had this $24 house payment and never took the shot to open open a new business and do this. So that's that's the one question, Stuart.Stuart Webb [00:19:32]:Howard, if if if that is the story that motivates people to get and think about their cash flow situation, to manage their business in such a way that they turn it from being a millstone around their neck to something which is actually an asset and something which brings them the financial freedom that you got from making that decision. I trust and pray nobody has to go through what you went through to make that decision, But we can all learn from the fact that you cannot regulate, cannot plan for life to continue being the joy that it is. So if it is currently raining in your business and the ground is soft and you are not currently digging the well and taking advice from people like Howard, I would encourage you, please go and find that stuff in the in what we've said with that, Howard. Get that ebook and get on and listen to some of the brilliant advice. Howard, listen. That is a hugely, humbling story for me to have listened to, and I'm grateful for the fact that you spent just a few minutes with us giving us that story. Let me just let me just be slightly flippant now and just say please come subscribe to our newsletter list because I would love you listening to us now to to be able to get and hear people like Howard talk about these stories and really motivate you to make your business better. If you go to www.systemize.me/subscribe, there's a simple form.Stuart Webb [00:21:06]:It just asks for your first name, your email address, and that's all I want from you. Just so I can send you an email once a week saying we've got this really great guest coming up tomorrow. Come listen to some of the stuff they do, and you can listen to some real truth bombs, like Howard's given us today. Howard, that is a powerful way to end. I'm not really wanting to say very much more other than thank you very, very much for coming on and motivating us to get control of our finances and our cash flow. And and and thank you for taking the steps that you've taken in order to be that, that cash flow coach.Howard Polansky [00:21:41]:Stuart, thank you for the opportunity.Stuart Webb [00:21:44]:It's been brilliant. Thank you. Get full access to It's Not Rocket Science! at thecompleteapproach.substack.com/subscribe

Kris Krohn challenges his apprentice Carson on a major financial decision, a $1.3 million home build, and questions whether it aligns with long-term wealth goals. They break down the difference between equity and usable equity, exploring smart ways to recover tied-up capital. From cutting luxury add-ons to leveraging rental space and tax strategies, this episode offers a masterclass in real estate discipline. It's a powerful reminder that timing, sacrifice, and strategy are key to building lasting wealth.

How can one woman's mission to stabilize families through homeownership ripple out to transform entire communities—and even the world? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with Dana Johnson, a dynamic leader in real estate and economic empowerment. Dana shares her journey from aspiring fighter pilot to real estate mogul, highlighting how owning a home can offer not just wealth but stability, resilience, and generational impact. She delves into her work with the "She's Owning It" Home Buyers Club, a 10-module course that arms women with the tools to leverage real estate for financial growth. Dana also talks about graduating from Goldman Sachs' One Million Black Women program, revealing how it enhanced her business acumen and helped scale her mission to close the wealth gap. She opens up about mentoring agents, the power of RPAC, and how grit, education, and community are foundational for success in today's real estate climate. A must-listen for anyone ready to break ceilings and build legacy. Inspired by Dana's mission? Reach out, join the “She's Owning It” movement, and take that first step toward building generational wealth through real estate. Follow Dana Johnson on social media and get involved with your local real estate associations!   Highlights: 00:00 - 13:30 Foundations of Impact Dana's passion for real estate Power of homeownership for community stability Insights from Goldman Sachs 1MBB program Social impact and access to capital Transformational success stories 13:31 - 27:50 She's Owning It Movement Creation of She's Owning It Home Buyers Club 10-step homeownership and investing course Faith-based approach to financial empowerment Addressing the wealth gap for women Real-life results and community accountability 27:51 - 41:10 From IT to Real Estate Dana's journey from tech to real estate Lessons from buying her first home at 23 Passion for education and mentorship Surviving the 2008 market crash Grit and consistency as career anchors 41:11 - 54:10 Coaching and Connection Mentoring new agents with systems and strategy Identifying agent and client personas Importance of organic networking Leveraging technology for follow-up Staying visible and intentional 54:11 - 1:08:00 Advocacy and Mindset The power of mindset in down markets RPAC advocacy and agent involvement Collaborating with top producers Real estate as a service ministry Free resources and relationship building 1:08:01 - 1:21:40 Branding with Purpose Everyday branding and marketing tips Leveraging identity and visibility Practical networking scenarios Building consistency with community Final thoughts on service and impact   Quotes: "If you stabilize a family, you'll stabilize a community. If you stabilize a community, the world is going to be better." – Dana Johnson   "We don't just sell homes—we teach women how to emotionally and financially own them." – Dana Johnson   "I was my worst client. If someone takes longer than four years to buy a home, I'm retiring." – Dana Johnson   "I'm just a speck of dust with a shelf life, but the impact I help make can last generations." – Dana Johnson   To contact Dana Johnson, learn more about her business, and make him a part of your network, make sure to follow him on his website, Instagram, Facebook.   Connect with Dana Johnson! Website: https://provincerealtygroup.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dana.o.johnson.2025 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProvinceRealtyGroup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaojohnson TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danaojohnson   Connect with me! Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com   Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com    SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW as we discuss real estate excellence with the best of the best.   #RealEstateExcellence #DanaJohnson #HomeBuyersClub #SheOwnsIt #WomenInRealEstate #GenerationalWealth #BlackWomenInBusiness #RealEstateMentor #RPAC #CommunityHousing #FaithAndFinance #WealthBuilding #JacksonvilleRealEstate #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #WomenInvestors #EconomicEmpowerment #LuxuryRealEstate #RealEstateEducation #RealEstateLeadership #MortgageMindset

Are you sitting on a goldmine without even realizing it?Whether you're dreaming of a new kitchen, eyeing an investment property, or just needing some financial breathing room—your home might be the key. In this episode of Moving Sucks, Seth and Jenn break down two powerful tools for tapping into your home equity: Cash-Out Refinances and HELOCs. But which one is right for you? And how can you avoid the pitfalls that leave others financially trapped?Seth and Jenn unpack the real-world pros and cons of each strategy, challenge the idea of your home as just a "forever home," and get real about what it means to borrow responsibly. You'll hear why appraisals, interest rates, and even your own financial habits matter more than ever—and walk away with the clarity you need to make a smart move with your money.If you've ever wondered how to turn your home equity into opportunity—without turning your life upside down—this episode is for you.

On this episode of the Optimized Advisor Podcast, host Scott Heinila speaks with industry veteran Dan Anderson who shares his journey from four decades in insurance distribution to co-founding Cornerstone Financing. Dan introduces Cheifs, a new financial tool designed to unlock home equity without debt, interest, or age restrictions. The conversation explores how this innovative product can support financial advisors and clients with smarter, more efficient planning strategies.In this episode You'll Learn the Following:Dan's background in building and selling insurance firmsIntroduction to Cheifs: a way to convert home equity into tax-free cashHow it differs from reverse mortgages: no payments, no age limit, low feesIdeal clients: affluent homeowners with high equityUse cases: life insurance funding, estate planning, retirement cash flowAdvisor access and states where Cheifs is currently available Connect with Scott on LinkedInConnect with Dan on LinkedInFor more on The Optimized Advisor Podcast click hereFor more on Cornerstone Financing/Cheifs click here  Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on InstagramFollow us on Facebook **This is the Optimized Advisor Podcast, where we focus on optimizing the wellbeing and best practices of insurance and financial professionals. Our objective is to help you optimize your life, optimize your profession, and learn from other optimized advisors. If you have questions or would like to be a featured guest, email us at optimizedadvisor@optimizedins.com Optimized Insurance Planning

Inheriting a Home Shouldn't Be This Hard…In this episode, Dr. Preston Cherry breaks down why so many families run into legal trouble when passing down their home—and how a Transfer on Death Deed (TODD) can make things much easier.Takeaways:• Avoid probate delays• Keep control while alive• Name your home's heir• Protect emotional legacy• Pair with a trust00:00 Intro00:58 The Importance of Transfer on Death Deeds01:25 Steps to Implement a TOD Deed03:01 Limitations and Considerations04:29 Final ThoughtsGet The Wealth Word — our free weekly newsletter on wealth and well-being: https://wealth.concurrentfp.com/thewealthwordExplore award-winning wealth advisory services: https://www.concurrentfp.com/Read Wealth In The Key of Life by Dr. Preston Cherry: https://drprestoncherry.com/book/Disclosure: Educational content only. Not financial advice. https://www.concurrentfp.com/disclosures/

A Note from James:Owning a home has been sold to us as the American dream. But what if it's actually a financial nightmare? In this episode, I talk with my friend Doug Hill about why I think buying a house is a bad idea—not just a little bad, but one of the worst investments you can make. Doug and I disagree on some points, and that's the fun part. This isn't about being contrarian for the sake of it. It's about questioning assumptions that most people never even stop to think about.Episode Description:In this premiere episode of the Crazy Finance series, James Altucher and Doug Hill take on one of the most sacred cows in personal finance: home ownership. James argues that buying a house isn't the milestone of success it's made out to be—it's an expensive, illiquid, and overrated investment. Doug offers a counterpoint rooted in emotional and lifestyle value. Together, they break down the numbers, psychology, and cultural narratives that shape the decision to rent or buy.If you've ever wondered whether you should buy a house—or regret that you did—this conversation challenges the conventional wisdom with real numbers and uncommon insight.What You'll Learn:Why owning a home may be one of the least financially sound decisions you can makeHow homeownership locks you into inflexible geography and limits job mobilityThe hidden costs of maintenance, property taxes, and lost opportunityWhy emotional security often drives people to buy homes, not financial logicHow rental life can be financially and psychologically freeingTimestamped Chapters:[00:00] Homeownership Is a Scam?[01:00] Introducing the Crazy Finance Series[02:00] James's 11-Item Airbnb Life[03:00] Why Freedom Costs Less Than You Think[04:00] The Myth of "Throwing Away" Rent[06:00] What Makes a House a Bad Investment[07:00] Real Estate vs. Diversified Assets[08:00] The Illusion of Home Equity[09:00] Historical Returns on Housing[10:00] "Found Money" and Forced Savings[11:00] When You Never Truly Own Your Home[13:00] Renting vs. Buying: Lifestyle Tradeoffs[14:00] James vs. Doug: Dominican Property Math[16:00] Renting as Freedom, Not Failure[17:00] The 40-Year Trap of the Down Payment[18:00] Recession Horror Stories[19:00] Emotions vs. Economics[20:00] Getting Stuck (Just Like Factory Towns)[21:00] Why James Still Owns a Home (Kind Of)[22:00] Gender, Culture, and Nesting Instincts[23:00] Listener Homework: Is It Really a Good Investment?Additional Resources:James Altucher on Twitter: @jaltucherU.S. Housing Returns Historical Data: Case-Shiller Home Price Index via FREDMortgage Interest Rates: Bankrate.comU.S. Property Tax Statistics: Tax Foundation – Property Taxes by StateChoose Yourself by James Altucher – AmazonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host: Helene Reynaud Guest: Jim Kaiser Air date: Jul 14, 2025

Homeowners have access to a record-breaking $35 trillion in home equity. With interest rates uncomfortably high, tapping into that wealth has become complicated. Traditional options like HELOCs and second mortgages are expensive, and new companies are pushing "Home Equity Investments" (HEIs)—deals that often seem too good to be true. On this episode, we break down all your options for accessing your home equity, from understanding the risks of HEIs to exploring the pros and cons of reverse mortgages, HELOCs, and traditional second mortgages. Learn how to unlock your home's cash without risking your financial future.

In today's episode, Kip breaks down yet another record-setting day on Wall Street, as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit all-time highs and the market continues its “generational bull run.” Kip dives into the key factors fueling this surge, including unprecedented market liquidity, trillions sitting on the sidelines in money market funds and home equity, and the strength of American corporations with flush balance sheets and less debt than ever before. Tune into today's podcast to learn more.

Send us a textWelcome back to the Laundromat Resource Podcast! In this episode, host Jordan Berry is joined by Amy Berkowitz—an inspiring entrepreneur whose laundromat journey is packed with lessons, laughs, and real-world wisdom you don't want to miss.Whether you're thinking about buying your first laundromat, already own one, or are exploring pickup and delivery services, Amy's story is truly for everyone. She takes us through her pivot from a longtime marketing strategist to laundromat owner after an unexpected career shakeup. Get ready to hear how she launched a branded pickup and delivery business, leveraged her industry know-how to score not one, not two, but three laundromats—including a “free” location—and wove her personal story into a nonprofit supporting breast cancer patients with free laundry service.As you listen, you'll get an inside look at the importance of building a strong brand, the power of networking, taking bold risks, and betting on yourself. Amy holds nothing back as she shares the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the realities of funding your dreams, and how to find true joy—even when you're knee-deep in dirty laundry.If you're seeking practical advice, a dose of inspiration, or just want to hear a great story from someone who truly “gets it,” this episode's for you. Grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and enjoy this uplifting conversation with Amy Berkowitz on the Laundromat Resource Podcast!In this episode; Jordan and Amy discuss:00:00 "Laundromat Mastermind Group Launch"06:33 Car Wash Advertising Expansion10:31 Seeking Change After Corporate Life19:32 "Coping Well Through Treatment"22:11 Software Donation Feature Development28:26 Mentorship, Partnership, and Marketing Success33:39 Entrepreneurship: Overcoming Loneliness Through Podcasts38:35 Power of Diverse Networking46:30 Consulting Call Reflection51:05 Leaving Corporate for Entrepreneurial Marketing56:15 Home Equity for Laundromat Investment01:00:11 Over analysis and Risk-taking Journey01:04:31 Essence of Non-Passive Entrepreneurship01:11:28 "Reopening Challenges and New Ventures"01:14:30 Opting for Cash Over Financing01:22:31 Ongoing Cleanup and Renovation Efforts01:28:09 Branding Crucial in Business Growth01:30:51 FOMO in On-Demand Ownership01:39:01 "Laundromat Acquisition Strategy"01:41:22 Community Engagement in Laundromats01:48:29 Networking and Connection Strategies01:52:28 "Amy's Instant Classic Episode"Show Noteshttps://laundromatresource.com/show202ResourcesEmail: amy@bubbleslaundryservice.comConnect With UsYouTubeInstagramFacebookLinkedInTwitterTikTok

The following guests sit down with hosts Justin White and Mat Ishbia:•   Eric Katz – Independence Home Loans•   Andi Numan – Swift Home Loans•   Ann Sullivan – Lending Heights•   Carrie Gusmus – Aslan Home Lending•   Ian Twaddle - UMortgageMat Ishbia's Favorite Moments from the First 99 Episodes of Good. Better. Broker.It's time to celebrate as Good. Better. Broker. hits the century mark. In our 100th episode, we're joined by special guest host Mat Ishbia, who looks back on his favorite moments from our first 99 episodes. Which moments made the list? Tune into episode #100 to find out.In this episode of the Good. Better. Broker. podcast, you'll hear Mat Ishbia talk about his favorite segments from our first 99 episodes. In this episode, we discuss ...  •   1:20 – Eric Katz on nailing the first 90 seconds of a sales call•   5:23 – Andi Numan on refinance business being available in any rate environment•   7:55 – Ann Sullivan on using home equity to improve financial well-being•   11:39 – Carrie Gusmus on the investment she makes in coaching her LOs•   15:19 – Ian Twaddle on obsessing over real estate agent relationshipsShow Contributors:Eric KatzConnect on LinkedInConnect on FacebookConnect on InstagramAndi NumanConnect on LinkedInConnect on FacebookConnect on InstagramAnn SullivanConnect on LinkedInConnect on FacebookConnect on InstagramCarrie GusmusConnect on LinkedInConnect on FacebookConnect on InstagramIan TwaddleConnect on LinkedInConnect on FacebookConnect on InstagramAbout the Host:Justin White is UWM's in-house brand journalist and the host of the daily news video, Inside Pass. He creates engaging content across multiple platforms to promote the benefits of the wholesale channel and partnering with UWM. A seven-time Emmy-award winner, Justin is a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.Connect with Justin on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TwitterConnect with UWM on Social Media:•   Facebook•   LinkedIn•   Instagram•   Twitter•   YouTubeHead to uwm.com to see the latest news and updates.

✈️ Retire Pilots the Right Way!

In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, we're joined by lending expert Caeli Ridge to unpack two powerful tools for real estate investors: HELOCs (Home Equity Lines of Credit) and the increasingly popular All-in-One Loan. Caeli breaks down how each product works, when and why investors are turning to them in today's high-rate environment, and how they differ from cash out refis and fixed mortgages. Learn how savvy investors are using HELOCs to scale their portfolios, how the All-in-One Loan merges banking and borrowing into one streamlined account, and what to watch out for with variable interest rates. If you're looking to unlock equity without selling your property, this episode is for you. LINKS CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE & BECOME A MEMBER (IT'S FREE)! https://realwealth.com/join-step-1 FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS The Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS Real Estate News: Real Estate Investing Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/REN FREE RealWealth® EDUCATION & TOOLS RealWealth Market Reports: https://realwealth.com/learn/best-places-to-buy-rental-property/ RealWealth Videos: https://realwealth.com/category/video/ RealWealth Assessment™: https://realwealth.com/assessment/ RealWealth® Webinars: https://realwealth.com/webinars/ READ BOOKS BY RealWealth® FOUNDERS The Wise Investor by Rich Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/thewiseinvestorbook Retire Rich with Rentals by Kathy Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/retirerichwithrentals Scaling Smart by Rich & Kathy Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/scalingsmart

Summary: In this episode of the Be a Smarter Homeowner podcast, hosts Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic delve into the essential topic of home maintenance. They discuss what constitutes home maintenance, the importance of seasonal upkeep, and the necessity of having a maintenance schedule. The conversation also touches on the choice between DIY tasks and hiring professionals, emphasizing the significance of understanding one's home and its unique needs. The hosts provide practical insights and tips for homeowners to ensure their properties remain in optimal condition throughout the year. Takeaways Home maintenance is essential for preserving the value of your home. Seasonal changes significantly impact the type of maintenance required. A maintenance schedule helps homeowners stay organized and proactive. DIY tasks can save money, but safety and skill level should be considered. Hiring professionals for complex tasks can prevent costly mistakes. Regular inspections can identify small issues before they become major problems. Energy efficiency is a key aspect of home maintenance. Maintaining air quality is crucial for family health. Understanding your home's unique needs is vital for effective maintenance. A well-maintained home can lead to significant cost savings over time.  Sound Bites "What is home maintenance?" "Maintenance is such an ongoing task." "Springing into a new season." "You need a maintenance schedule." "Every home is completely different." "You should clean your dryer vent." "Water can do a lot of damage." Chapters 00:40 Understanding Home Maintenance 10:32 Seasonal Maintenance Insights 20:45 The Importance of a Maintenance Schedule 30:39 DIY vs Hiring Professionals

While homeownership is often viewed as a pathway to building wealth, a range of challenges can hinder its effectiveness, particularly for specific groups. These include financial burdens such as rising property taxes and ongoing maintenance costs, neighborhood-based appraisal disparities, and the need to meet family responsibilities. While increasing homeownership is critical to the region's economic health, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to increasing homeownership in disinvested communities. In this episode of Trust Talks, host Matt Shomo, program manager for Homeownership & Home Equity at The Chicago Community Trust, is joined by Noreen Sugrue, research fellow at the Latino Policy Forum; Meegan Dugan Adell, director of New America Chicago; and Paul Hawkinson, co-founder of Transform Capital. Together, they examine some of the unique challenges homeowners in underinvested communities in the Chicago area face in converting homeownership into wealth.This episode was produced by Juneteenth Productions and recorded at Little Black Pearl.

Your 60-second money minute. Today's topic: Home Equity Hits A Record High

I interviewed Joe Consorti of Horizon to discuss the risks and benefits of turning your home equity into Bitcoin.*The reason it's less than $225,000 is because of origination fees—Horizon's preferred partner does not take a haircut on the property value.Check out the BitBox02 Hardware Wallet Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bitbox.swiss/bitcoinmadesimple⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ use the promo code "bitcoinmadesimple" to get 5% off standard products.BitBox wants to hear from you! Take the survey and help them learn more about what you want in a hardware wallet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bitbox.typeform.com/to/VF1DNK4

In this conversation, John Harcar interviews Ken Pitts, a seasoned mortgage professional, about reverse mortgages. Ken shares his extensive background in real estate and lending, discussing the evolution of the mortgage industry and the common misconceptions surrounding reverse mortgages. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the product and having a solid plan for its use, especially for seniors looking to tap into their home equity for retirement. The discussion also touches on regulatory changes that have made reverse mortgages safer and more beneficial for homeowners. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

In this conversation, Stephen Schmidt interviews Damahco Ousley, a reverse mortgage specialist, to discuss the intricacies of reverse mortgages, particularly for seniors. Damahco shares his background in the service industry for seniors and explains how reverse mortgages can be a beneficial financial tool for those looking to tap into their home equity without the burden of monthly payments. The discussion addresses common misconceptions, the mechanics of how lenders profit, and the importance of educating seniors about their options in retirement planning.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

Summary: In this episode of the Be a Smarter Homeowner podcast, hosts Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic discuss the importance of financial visibility for homeowners through the use of Homeowner AI. They explore how homeowners can track their home value, equity, and expenses, emphasizing the need for ongoing financial awareness. The conversation includes a demonstration of the Homeowner AI platform, showcasing its features that help users make informed financial decisions regarding their homes. The hosts stress the significance of understanding both the emotional and financial aspects of homeownership, and how AI can empower homeowners to manage their properties more effectively. Takeaways Homeownership is both an asset and a lifestyle. Financial visibility is crucial for making informed decisions. Tracking home equity helps in understanding net worth. Home expenses can significantly impact lifestyle choices. AI tools can simplify financial tracking for homeowners. Investing in home projects can increase property value. Understanding market conditions is essential for homeowners. Regularly updating financial information is key to smart management. Homeowner AI provides valuable insights into property finances. Consulting with experts is important for accurate financial planning.  Sound Bites "Your home is your largest financial asset." "Your home is both an asset and a lifestyle." "Understanding your equity is essential." "Stay on top of your home finances." "AI can help track your home value." "Use AI for smarter financial discussions." "Be a smarter homeowner with AI tools." Chapters 00:40 Introduction to Homeowner AI 03:29 Understanding Home Finances 07:19 The Importance of Financial Visibility 12:57 Tracking Home Equity and Expenses 14:51 Demonstrating Homeowner AI Features 20:38 Project Values and ROI 24:41 Using AI for Financial Analysis 31:32 Conclusion and Future Insights

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3177: Jeremy Jacobson challenges the conventional wisdom of including home equity in retirement budgeting, emphasizing that doing so can create dangerous blind spots, especially during market downturns. By treating home equity separately and recognizing the benefits of imputed rent, retirees can protect their portfolios and maintain spending power without being forced into selling their homes or taking on unnecessary debt. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gocurrycracker.com/mortgages-home-equity-and-retirement-spending/ Quotes to ponder: "Home equity is not included in our net worth for budgeting purposes. I plan to spend less than 4% of the remainder." "Exclude home equity from the portfolio." "Debt is leverage, which multiplies returns and losses." Episode references: Cfiresim: https://www.cfiresim.com/ Risk Parity Radio: https://www.riskparityradio.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3177: Jeremy Jacobson challenges the conventional wisdom of including home equity in retirement budgeting, emphasizing that doing so can create dangerous blind spots, especially during market downturns. By treating home equity separately and recognizing the benefits of imputed rent, retirees can protect their portfolios and maintain spending power without being forced into selling their homes or taking on unnecessary debt. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gocurrycracker.com/mortgages-home-equity-and-retirement-spending/ Quotes to ponder: "Home equity is not included in our net worth for budgeting purposes. I plan to spend less than 4% of the remainder." "Exclude home equity from the portfolio." "Debt is leverage, which multiplies returns and losses." Episode references: Cfiresim: https://www.cfiresim.com/ Risk Parity Radio: https://www.riskparityradio.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3177: Jeremy Jacobson challenges the conventional wisdom of including home equity in retirement budgeting, emphasizing that doing so can create dangerous blind spots, especially during market downturns. By treating home equity separately and recognizing the benefits of imputed rent, retirees can protect their portfolios and maintain spending power without being forced into selling their homes or taking on unnecessary debt. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gocurrycracker.com/mortgages-home-equity-and-retirement-spending/ Quotes to ponder: "Home equity is not included in our net worth for budgeting purposes. I plan to spend less than 4% of the remainder." "Exclude home equity from the portfolio." "Debt is leverage, which multiplies returns and losses." Episode references: Cfiresim: https://www.cfiresim.com/ Risk Parity Radio: https://www.riskparityradio.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke dives into a major trend in housing finance: Americans tapped nearly $25 billion in home equity during Q1 2025 — the strongest start to the year since the 2008 housing boom. Fueled by falling HELOC rates and rising homeowner confidence, second-lien mortgage volume surged 22% year over year. With over $17.6 trillion in total home equity — and $11.5 trillion considered tappable — the opportunity for real estate investors and homeowners is massive. Kathy breaks down the latest data from ICE Mortgage Technology, what falling interest rates mean for borrowers, and why 25% of homeowners are now considering a home equity line of credit or loan. Whether you're planning to access equity or just watching the market, this episode will keep you informed and ahead of the curve.   JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1 FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS Real Estate News: Real Estate Investing Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/REN SOURCE:  https://www.housingwire.com/articles/ice-mortgage-monitor-june-2025-home-equity-heloc-interest-rates/?cx_testId=47&cx_testVariant=cx_1&cx_artPos=1&cx_experienceId=EXAPB9I50LOS&cx_experienceActionId=showRecommendations3CFZNF3TCS4I3#cxrecs_s 

Experts start with advice to carefully compare lenders, and understand the pros and cons of home equity loans and HELOCs before borrowing against their home's value. Today's Stocks & Topics: JPST - JPMorgan Ultra Short Income ETF, Market Wrap, FLS - Flowserve Corp., What Homeowners Need to Know Before Borrowing Against Home Equity, Investing in Large, Mid or Small Caps, PCTY - Paylocity Holding Corp., Silver, Tariffs and Inflation, VOD - Vodafone Group PLC ADR, AZTA - Azenta Inc., PINS - Pinterest Inc., U.S Economy and Foreign Students.Our Sponsors:* Check out Ka'Chava and use my code INVEST for a great deal: https://www.kachava.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Think building net worth is just for millionaires or flashy influencers? Think again. This episode is your straight-talking guide to how real women—just like you—can start growingreal wealth, starting with what's right under your feet: real estate.Full Description:Whether you're just starting to think about retirement, downsizing, or finally investing in yourself after years of caretaking and career-building, this week's episode will inspire you to look at your financial future in a newlight. We're talking about net worth—what it means, how it's built, and why real estate can be your secret weapon, no matter your age or income.We'll break down why net worth is not just a number—it's a strategy. You'll learn how the wealthy use their assets (like luxury cars and LLCs) to get ahead, but more importantly,how you can leverage your most accessible and powerful asset: your home. I'll share the real-deal story of how I used my VA loan to buy my first property before age 30, turned that equity into rental properties, and even funded a couple of small business ventures—because yes, your equity can work harder than your paycheck.In this episode, you'll discover: This isn't about flipping houses or becoming a landlord overnight. It's about owning your financial power—starting with the foundation beneath your feet. You'll also hear howthe wealthy sometimes dodge taxes (hello, Montana car tricks and luxury storage lots!)—and how the real flex is building wealth that lasts and uplifts your family for generations.So grab your notebook and a cup of coffee, and let's talk strategy—not scarcity. Because the journey to financial independence doesn't require a million dollars in the bank—just a clear plan, a few smart decisions, and the belief that it's never too late to begin.If you're a midlife woman looking to lead your life with purpose, power, and a portfolio, this is your podcast!

Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals. On today's episode, Jake sits down with Tyler Smith for an episode all about his land journey. We discuss: Converting home equity into land The value in less-than-perfect properties Real estate appreciation vs. interest rates Building a rapport with financial institutions Finessing land investments from leases The strategy behind home equity usage Optimizing small property potential The balance between risk and comfort And so much more! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HOFER' to save 10% off at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theprairiefarm.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Massive potential tax savings: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ASMLABS.Net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Moultrie: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/moultrie_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Hawke Optics: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -OnX: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Painted Arrow: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/PaintedArrow

On this episode of the podcast, Alex Becerra is joined by Home Loan Manager, Casey Jenkins, to talk about all things Home Equity. Together they discuss various ways for you to leverage the equity in your home to enhance your financial wellness, the main differences between Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs,) and the most common uses for Home Equity funds. They also provide useful insights on how to determine if a Home Equity Loan or HELOC is the right choice for you… Because strategically utilizing your Home Equity to build financial freedom just makes Perfect Cents! To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. SAFE Credit Union | How A HELOC Can Help You Build Financial Freedom SAFE Credit Union | Revitalize Your Home with an Intro HELOC Rate To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To contact the podcast team, email Podcast@safecu.org

When Tom Egan walks a homeowner through the math—“If your house is worth a million dollars and you owe five hundred thousand,” he says—the traditional options surface quickly: load the balance sheet with a costly home‑equity loan or sell and hope you can find somewhere new to live. That binary choice, he explains, is exactly what Hometap set out to upend. The company's flagship home‑equity investment lets owners “access the liquidity in their home without having to sell or take on debt,” Egan tells us.The mission “to make homeownership less stressful and more accessible” shapes his every decision. By giving capital in the form of equity, Hometap leaves monthly payments unchanged and can even “improve your credit if you use it to pay down debt.” The concept, first sketched by founder Jeff Glass, resonated immediately with consumers; Hometap has completed “18, 19 thousand of these” transactions so far, Egan tells us.Yet the CFO is careful to frame the product as a beginning, not an endpoint. He calls it “a product, not the product,” an opening move toward a platform of offerings that address the full arc of ownership. Growth, he notes, is already visible as other operators enter the market—a sign of “enormous upside.”Egan's narrative reveals a strategist who sees finance as empowerment. By replacing debt with shared success, he aligns the homeowner's peace of mind with Hometap's own performance, turning equity itself into the most flexible currency a family possesses—and signaling a new era for consumer housing finance.

Segment Teaser – On this episode of Go Gaddis Real Estate Radio, we're diving into another Neighborhood Spotlight, settling a common household debate about exterior lighting, and answering your questions about home equity and how to tap into it wisely. Plus, we pause to honor the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Jason introduces Home Equity Investments (HEI), a growing industry where companies buy a portion of homeowners' equity, awaiting a future liquidity event like a sale or refinance, without requiring monthly payments. Hartman views this as a significant indicator of institutional investors' bullish outlook on residential real estate, similar to "build-to-rent" trends. He emphasizes that despite market fluctuations, real estate remains a long-term value investment. Hartman is launching his own HEI company and seeks experienced mortgage or HEI professionals to collaborate. Also, join our FREE monthly real estate masterclasses for investors EVERY SECOND WEDNESDAY of the month at  JasonHartman.com/Wednesday . Jason welcomes Michael Gifford of Spilitero.com. They discuss the home equity investment industry, its growth, and the mechanics of Splitero's home equity investment product. They also discuss the geographical presence of their company, the regulatory environment, and the size and growth of the home equity investment industry. Additionally, they touched upon the maximum investment for a property, the exit strategy, and the speed of the investment process. #RealEstateInvesting #HomeEquity #HEI #JasonHartman #PropertyInvestment #WealthBuilding #FinancialFreedom #RealEstateMarket #InvestmentStrategy #EmpoweredInvestor https://www.splitero.com/   Key Takeaways: Jason's editorial 1:36 The 2nd amendment 3:38 Home Equity Investments (HEI)   Michael Gilford interview 8:31 Meet Michael and Splitero 11:47 A more complex equation 20:15 The amount of investment and geography and regulations 24:45 Unique position & options 27:58 Bullish on the Housing Market 32:23 Brokerage and the size of the Splitero and the industry 35:49 Investors investing in Splitero   Follow Jason on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & LINKEDIN Twitter.com/JasonHartmanROI Instagram.com/jasonhartman1/ Linkedin.com/in/jasonhartmaninvestor/ Call our Investment Counselors at: 1-800-HARTMAN (US) or visit: https://www.jasonhartman.com/ Free Class:  Easily get up to $250,000 in funding for real estate, business or anything else: http://JasonHartman.com/Fund CYA Protect Your Assets, Save Taxes & Estate Planning: http://JasonHartman.com/Protect Get wholesale real estate deals for investment or build a great business – Free Course: https://www.jasonhartman.com/deals Special Offer from Ron LeGrand: https://JasonHartman.com/Ron Free Mini-Book on Pandemic Investing: https://www.PandemicInvesting.com

U.S. household debt just hit $18.2 trillion. Home equity? A record $35 trillion. So… why are homeowners drowning in 20% credit card interest while sitting on six figures of untapped equity? We break down the disconnect between debt overload and equity potential—and why it's the perfect moment for real estate agents and mortgage pros to lead bold, strategic conversations with clients. This isn't about selling a loan. It's about clarity, options, and unlocking financial freedom.

Derek Moran, Senior Vice President of US RMBS Ratings at Morningstar DBRS, joins host Patrick Dolan to explore home equity sharing agreements, their repayment structures, fees and how they compare to HELOCs. The discussion highlights key risks and increasing regulatory attention under the Trump Administration's CFPB.Listen and subscribe to the Securitization Insight podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast app.

Jason welcomes Michael Gifford of Spilitero.com. They discuss the home equity investment industry, its growth, and the mechanics of Splitero's home equity investment product. They also discuss the geographical presence of their company, the regulatory environment, and the size and growth of the home equity investment industry. Additionally, they touched upon the maximum investment for a property, the exit strategy, and the speed of the investment process. #RealEstateInvesting #HomeEquity #HEI #JasonHartman #PropertyInvestment #WealthBuilding #FinancialFreedom #RealEstateMarket #InvestmentStrategy #EmpoweredInvestor https://www.splitero.com/   Key Takeaways: Jason's editorial 1:36 The 2nd amendment 3:38 Home Equity Investments (HEI)   Michael Gilford interview 8:31 Meet Michael and Splitero 11:47 A more complex equation 20:15 The amount of investment and geography and regulations 24:45 Unique position & options 27:58 Bullish on the Housing Market 32:23 Brokerage and the size of the Splitero and the industry 35:49 Investors investing in Splitero   Follow Jason on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & LINKEDIN Twitter.com/JasonHartmanROI Instagram.com/jasonhartman1/ Linkedin.com/in/jasonhartmaninvestor/ Call our Investment Counselors at: 1-800-HARTMAN (US) or visit: https://www.jasonhartman.com/ Free Class:  Easily get up to $250,000 in funding for real estate, business or anything else: http://JasonHartman.com/Fund CYA Protect Your Assets, Save Taxes & Estate Planning: http://JasonHartman.com/Protect Get wholesale real estate deals for investment or build a great business – Free Course: https://www.jasonhartman.com/deals Special Offer from Ron LeGrand: https://JasonHartman.com/Ron Free Mini-Book on Pandemic Investing: https://www.PandemicInvesting.com

Laura answers a listener's question about getting a home equity investment loan to retire early.Money Girl is hosted by Laura Adams. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at (302) 364-0308.Find Money Girl on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more personal finance tips.Money Girl is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links:https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-girl-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDThttps://twitter.com/LauraAdamshttps://lauradadams.com/ Policygenius Link: https://www.policygenius.com/

Today we answer Jeff's question about using home equity to pay for end-of-life care — from tapping into equity for in-home support to selling the home to cover nursing home costs. In high-cost states like California, many seniors are house rich and cash poor, and this episode explores strategies to help families navigate that challenge. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 

Welcome to The Chrisman Commentary, your go-to daily mortgage news podcast, where industry insights meet expert analysis. Hosted by Robbie Chrisman, this podcast delivers the latest updates on mortgage rates, capital markets, and the forces shaping the housing finance landscape. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just looking to stay informed, you'll get clear, concise breakdowns of market trends and economic shifts that impact the mortgage world.In today's episode, we look at the latest M&A activity in the mortgage industry. Plus, Robbie sits down with Hometap's Josh Gaffney to discuss the evolving regulatory landscape for Home Equity Investments (HEIs), highlighting state-by-state approaches, industry-led initiatives, and what an ideal regulatory framework could look like as the market matures. And we reveal what the latest Consumer Price Index says about inflation as a whole.Thanks to today's podcast sponsor, TRUE and its Mortgage Operations Service (MOS) AI background worker, which transforms borrower documents into instant, trustworthy data for real-time decisioning. TRUE helps lenders accelerate decisions, cut costs, and deliver a superior borrower experience, all without a $100M tech budget. 

[CBS News] Why the 'cheapest' way to tap home equity isn't a sure bet. [AOL] I'm 72: Should I pay my taxes or lose my home? [Housing Wire] In Memoriam: Kathy Martinez. Watch our video podcast here!

On today's episode, Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler talks with JP Kelly, senior vice president of mortgage at MeridianLink, about the results of their home equity survey and growth opportunities for lenders. Related to this episode: Home Equity | HousingWire ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More info about HousingWire⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Enjoy the episode! The HousingWire Daily podcast brings the full picture of the most compelling stories in the housing market reported across HousingWire. Each morning, listen to editor in chief Sarah Wheeler talk to leading industry voices and get a deeper look behind the scenes of the top mortgage and real estate stories. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feeling like you're stuck living paycheck to paycheck?

Are you throwing money away each month and working extra hours just to pay interest? The average American pays $8,000 per year in interest alone. That's $667 every month! But the real cost isn't just the dollars—it's the extra hours you work to pay those bills. In this eye-opening episode, we expose five dangerous debt myths that could be forcing you to work harder than necessary: Why making minimum payments on credit cards could keep you in debt for 22+ years The hidden trap in Parent PLUS loans that could delay your retirement When NOT touching your home equity is actually costing you money The surprising truth about reverse mortgages (they're not always bad!) Why "all debt is bad" thinking might be limiting your wealth-building potential Key Quote: "I realized I was working for my debt instead of having my debt work for me. Once I understood the difference between productive and destructive debt, everything changed." Whether you're carrying credit card balances, considering college funding options, or wondering about your mortgage, this episode will help you identify which debts are holding you back and which might actually help you build wealth—allowing you to work less while achieving better financial outcomes. Ready to rethink your relationship with debt? Connect with us for a complimentary debt strategy session at wealthwisdomfp.com/call   01:24 Meet the Team 02:41 The Cost of Debt in America 07:32 Debt Myth #1: Credit Card Minimum Payments 14:58 Debt Myth #2: Parent Plus Loans 25:59 Debt Myth #3: Mortgage Rates and Home Equity 29:48 Exploring Home Equity Loans 30:08 Comparing Interest Rates and Savings 30:56 Understanding Home Equity Loan Payments 32:41 The Concept of Home Equity Loans 36:31 Reverse Mortgages: Pros and Cons 45:12 Evaluating 401k Loans 48:36 Good Debt vs. Bad Debt 53:12 Bank on Yourself Policy Loans 55:17 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts   Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/owG5LW26xlo 

Did you know there's a way to tap into your home's equity for tax-free cash—without having to make monthly payments? It's true.It's called a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM—what many of you know as a reverse mortgage. But today's reverse mortgage isn't what it used to be. Harlan Accola is here to help us unpack how they work and whether one might be right for you.Harlan Accola is the National Reverse Mortgage Director at Movement Mortgage, an underwriter of Faith and Finance. He is also the author of Home Equity and Reverse Mortgages: The Cinderella of the Baby Boomer Retirement. What's Changed? A Safer, Regulated OptionWhen you hear the phrase reverse mortgage, you might think of outdated financial tools with a bad reputation. However, home equity conversion mortgages (HECMs) significantly differ from those in the past.Reverse mortgages today are not the “Wild West” products of decades past. Since major reforms were enacted during President Reagan's term in 1988, HECMs are now heavily regulated under the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).No one can lose their house or have it taken away, provided they're working with a reputable lender and stay in the home while meeting basic obligations. Ownership doesn't change, and homeowners are protected.These changes addressed the risks that once made reverse mortgages controversial. Now, with strict oversight, they provide a reliable option for seniors wanting to tap into their home equity without selling.Are Reverse Mortgage Interest Rates Too High?It's a common misconception that reverse mortgage interest rates are significantly higher than traditional mortgages. But that comparison isn't apples to apples. Interest rates on HECMs are actually tied to the 10-year Treasury rate and are heavily regulated.Right now, interest rates for reverse mortgages are about the same as traditional mortgages—around 6.5%. This means homeowners aren't sacrificing much, if anything, in interest when compared to forward mortgages.What About Costs and Obligations?The closing costs for reverse mortgages are nearly identical to traditional mortgages, with one key difference: the addition of FHA mortgage insurance.This insurance offers three essential guarantees:You can remain in your home as long as you want (up to age 150!).Thanks to non-recourse debt protections, you will never owe more than the home's value.Your heirs won't be left with a bill.Yes, this insurance adds about 2% of the home's value to the upfront costs, but it's well worth it—just like homeowner's insurance is worth it if your house burns down.What Happens When the Borrower Passes Away?A major concern many have is what happens to the home after the homeowner dies or permanently moves out.The key is proper planning. Without a will or trust in place, any mortgage—reverse or traditional—can create problems for heirs. In most cases, the home is simply sold, and any remaining equity belongs to the heirs. For instance, if the reverse mortgage balance were $100,000 on a $400,000 home, the heirs would receive the remaining $300,000.Sometimes, grandchildren may want to keep the home, in which case they can buy out other heirs. Either way, the process can be managed with clear planning.Flexible Payout OptionsOne of the most attractive features of a HECM is its flexibility. Homeowners can choose to receive their funds in a variety of ways:A lump sumA line of creditMonthly income paymentsOr even a combination of these optionsThe big idea? Your home is not just a place to live—it's also a financial asset that can be used strategically, especially in retirement.Every financial situation is different. However, a reverse mortgage could be a wise part of a broader financial plan for older homeowners. When used correctly, it offers flexibility, security, and peace of mind without jeopardizing their home.Visit Movement.com/Faith to learn more about reverse mortgages or speak directly with Harlan Accola at Movement Mortgage.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My husband has taken a new job, and we have been contributing to an HSA. He wants to contribute $1,000 a month to the HSA. We still own a home and are nearing retirement age. Should we work on paying off the home or continue to put dollars into the HSA?A week or two ago, I caught part of your program about freezing credit scores. I didn't catch the whole explanation. We've never really taken out loans except for our first house 45 years ago. Is there any downside to freezing my credit?I recently received a large amount of money from a dear loved one who passed away in January. I know I'm going to tithe and pay taxes on the amount. I have an appointment with my bank to set up a CD account, but I want to know what other types of investments I can make with the money. I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing.Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly MagazineMovement MortgageBankrate.comChristian Community Credit Union (CCCU)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

In this episode of ChooseFI, Brad Barrett is joined by Mindy from BiggerPockets Money and Chris from Can I Retire Yet? to explore the concept of the "middle-class trap." They discuss the challenges faced by many middle-class individuals who appear wealthy on paper, yet find themselves financially restricted due to their assets being tied up in home equity and retirement accounts. The conversation dives into financial independence strategies, the psychological aspect of personal finance, and how to navigate the feeling of being "trapped" financially. Key Takeaways: Understanding the Middle-Class Trap (00:02:37): Individuals may appear wealthy due to equity but feel financially restricted due to inaccessibility of funds in retirement accounts. The Role of Home Equity (00:14:18): Home equity should not be included in your financial independence (FI) number unless you plan to sell the house. Psychological Impact of Personal Finance (00:05:12): The emotional aspect plays a significant role in how individuals view their financial situations, often leading to feelings of being trapped. Multiple Financial Options Exist (00:11:42): It's crucial for individuals to understand the various strategies available to access their funds before retirement age. Timestamps and Topics: 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Middle-Class Trap Setting the stage for the discussion about financial independence and retirement strategies. 00:01:59 - Mindy's Perspective Mindy introduces the concept and discusses her experiences with clients caught in the middle-class trap. 00:04:27 - Chris's Rebuttal Chris provides insights and alternative views regarding the concept of feeling "trapped" financially. 00:11:42 - Importance of Education Discusses how understanding financial choices can alleviate the feeling of being trapped. 00:21:01 - Financial Independence Strategies Different strategies including the Roth IRA conversion ladder, allowing early access to retirement funds. 00:53:01 - Addressing the Feeling of Being Trapped Emphasizes the psychological aspect of finance and personal finance education. 00:55:12 - Conclusion Wraps up the episode with actionable takeaways and a focus on education. Actionable Takeaways: Evaluate Your Net Worth (00:41:02): Understand which assets you can access and how to plan for FI. Diversify Investments (00:29:40): Consider balancing investments in taxable brokerage accounts alongside retirement accounts. Learn About the Roth IRA Conversion Ladder (00:29:00): A significant strategy for accessing retirement funds early without penalties. Related Resources: Brandon's Article on Accessing Retirement Funds Early (00:28:19) ChooseFI Episode 475 - How to Access Retirement Accounts Before 59 and a Half (00:28:19) FAQs: What is the middle-class trap? The middle-class trap refers to individuals who seem wealthy but find their assets inaccessible, mostly tied up in home equity and retirement accounts. (00:02:37) How can I access my retirement funds before 59 and a half? Strategies include the Roth IRA conversion ladder and substantially equal periodic payments. Consult a financial advisor for personalized guidance. (00:28:19) Discussion Questions: How does the middle-class trap affect your perception of financial independence? (00:05:12) What strategies can you implement to better access your funds in retirement? (00:28:19) Does home equity play a significant role in determining your financial independence? (00:14:18)

This episode is a replay from October 11, 2024.Download Farnoosh's Free Investing Blueprint to learn how to begin investing for your future.Today's show: Is there such a thing as investing "too" much? Can obtaining a home equity loan be helpful when purchasing a second home? How to find a great accountant, and more.

Learn how to stay calm during market volatility and whether a HELOC or cash-out refi makes sense for your home reno goals. What should you do with your investments when the stock market is particularly volatile? What's the difference between a HELOC and a cash-out refinance? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss coping with market volatility as well as borrowing against home equity to help you understand how to navigate uncertainty and also make smart decisions about home renovations. First, NerdWallet senior news writer Anna Helhoski and investing writer Sam Taube offer different strategies for approaching recent market volatility, including tips for ignoring short-term investment noise, building financial resilience, and understanding how tariffs affect the economy. Then, NerdWallet mortgage writer Kate Wood joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss how to borrow against your home's value. They discuss the pros and cons of home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and cash-out refinances, how to evaluate which option may suit your renovation goals, and strategies to avoid financial regret down the road. NerdWallet's free HELOC calculator can help you figure out whether you could be eligible for a home equity line of credit—and how much you might be able to borrow: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/heloc-calculator  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: stock market volatility, what to do when the stock market drops, HELOC vs cash-out refinance, home equity loan pros and cons, how to fund home renovations, building financial resilience, emergency fund tips, tariffs and the stock market, inflation and investments, Fed interest rate policy, bear market meaning, market downturn tips, investing during volatility, how tariffs affect the economy, bond ladder strategy, best time for HELOC, home equity loan risks, saving for home renovation, California home prices, budgeting for renovations, mortgage and equity options, financial impact of home improvements, refinance or HELOC for renovations, Vanguard FTSE All-World Ex-US ETF, iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF, international stocks vs US stocks, when to use a cash-out refinance, credit card debt vs investing, student loans and home equity, home improvement timeline planning, setting renovation budgets, housing equity strategies, planning for college savings, market correction vs crash, coping with investment stress, and financial planning in uncertain times. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Christopher built his rental portfolio without having to save cash for down payments.His primary house appreciated, he took that equity and put it to work by using it as down payments to buy rentals.One of his rentals appreciated over a period of a few years. He sold that property and used the equity to buy a better property.On this episode, we walk through how he built his portfolio without having to come up with any cash.  https://rentalincomepodcast.com/episode515Thanks To Our Sponsors:MidSouth HomeBuyers – Turnkey Rentals In Memphis & Little Rock. Instant Cash Flow On Day One. (Priced between $100,000 to low $200's)Fundrise Flagship Real Estate Fund – Invest in a $1.1 billion real estate portfolio, starting with as little as $10.Ridge Lending Group - Making investment Mortgage process simple and stress-free.