What Has Shifted?

Why have thought leaders like Ed Slott, CPA, Best selling Autor and America’s IRA Expert, Robert Powell, CFP, editor of Retirement Daily and a widely recognized expert in retirement planning and elite advisor Matt Curfman, CFP, endorsed the prudent use of reverse mortgages in retirement planning? In today’s evolving financial landscape, retirement planning requires more than just managing investments and Social Security timing. It demands a holistic strategy—one that recognizes the significant role that housing wealth can play.

“Reverse mortgages are no longer a last resort—they’re a prudent option in today’s retirement income planning.”
—Ed Slott, CPA, Best-Selling Author, and America’s IRA Expert

In today’s evolving retirement planning environment, reverse mortgages have transformed from a reactive tool into a powerful proactive strategy.

📺 Watch the Webinar Replay

In this 60-minute session, hosted by Robert Powell, CFP®, editor of Retirement Daily, I had the pleasure of joining Ed Slott and Matt Curfman, CFP® for a candid and insightful discussion on how reverse mortgages have evolved and how financial professionals are using them today.

Why This Conversation Matters

This isn’t just theory—it’s about practical strategies you can use with your clients or for your own retirement. The conversation covered:

• How to reduce taxable distributions by tapping housing wealth

• Strategies for long-term care funding without liquidating retirement accounts

• The risk reduction that comes from having a standby line of credit

• And why smart advisors are no longer ignoring reverse mortgages in holistic planning

If you’re a financial advisor, or a retiree making critical financial decisions, this session is one of the most timely, actionable, and eye-opening discussions you’ll see this year.

⏩ Jump to the Topics That Matter Most to You:

1. Introduction 00:00
   We began by introducing the changing perception of reverse mortgages and the shift toward their use as part of a proactive retirement plan.
2. Five Conversations You Can Have 02:03
   We discussed five key conversations financial advisors can start with their clients to open the door to reverse mortgages as a strategic financial tool.
3. Bob and Sally Case Study | The Long-Term Care Conversation 05:41 
   Using a real-world case study, we explored how reverse mortgages can be used to fund long-term care needs, preserving other retirement assets.
4. The Power of the Reverse Mortgage Line of Credit 09:30
   We dove into how a reverse mortgage line of credit can act as a financial safety net, providing flexibility and security for retirees.
5. Ed Slott | Multiple Sources of Tax-Free Savings 14:28 
   Ed Slott shared his expertise on the value of reverse mortgages as a tax-efficient tool, highlighting how they can contribute to tax-free savings alongside other strategies.
6. 4 Ways to Use the Reverse Mortgage for Long-Term Care Structuring 16:41
   We reviewed four specific strategies for integrating reverse mortgages into long-term care plans, allowing retirees to secure their healthcare needs.
7. Ed Slott | Why the Reverse Mortgage is Important to Understand 19:12
   Ed Slott explained why understanding reverse mortgages is crucial for advisors, especially as they work with clients to secure a more stable retirement.
8. Tax Management Using Reverse Mortgages – Part 1 24:00
   We delved into how reverse mortgages can be leveraged to minimize tax burdens, particularly in conjunction with other tax strategies.
9. Why CFPs and Other Advisors Must Include Reverse Mortgages 26:38
   This section focused on why certified financial planners (CFPs) and other advisors need to incorporate reverse mortgages into their holistic planning approach.
10. Roth Conversion Case Study 29:18
    A case study on Roth conversions illustrated how reverse mortgages can be used to manage taxes and retirement account distributions effectively.
11. Cash Flow/Mortgage Management Conversation 35:27
    We explored how reverse mortgages can improve cash flow by eliminating monthly mortgage payments, providing clients with more financial freedom.
12. Market/Volatility Buffer Conversation 38:12
    This conversation covered how reverse mortgages can serve as a buffer against market volatility, offering retirees a stable source of funds during uncertain times.
13. Benefits of Using Housing Wealth 41:20
    We discussed the broader benefits of using housing wealth—particularly reverse mortgages—to address common retirement challenges.
14. Changes in the Reverse Mortgage 44:44 
    We highlighted recent changes in the reverse mortgage industry and how these updates make the product even more appealing for retirees today.
15. Ed Slott | Reverse Mortgages to Sleep Better in Retirement 46:47 
    Ed Slott shared insights on how reverse mortgages can provide peace of mind, ensuring retirees can sleep better knowing their financial needs are covered.
16. Q/A | What Are Borrowing Limits on a Reverse Mortgage? 41:20
    A quick Q&A session answered common questions about borrowing limits and how they are determined based on home value and other factors.
17. Q/A | Can You Delay Social Security with a Reverse Mortgage? 46:47
    We explored how reverse mortgages can be used as a tool to help retirees delay Social Security benefits and maximize future payouts.
18. Q/A | Can You Buy a House Using a Reverse Mortgage? 52:23 
    This Q&A covered the possibility of using reverse mortgages to purchase a new home, which can be a powerful tool for aging homeowners.
19. Q/A | Has a Name Change Ever Been Considered? 55:12
    We wrapped up with a fun discussion on whether the term “reverse mortgage” could be rebranded to better reflect its modern role in retirement planning.
20. Why Did a Nobel Prize Laureate Promote the Reverse Mortgage? 57:35
    We concluded by discussing the endorsement of reverse mortgages by a Nobel Prize laureate, highlighting the growing recognition of their value in financial planning.

Guest Bios

Robert Powell
Robert Powell is the editor of Retirement Daily and a widely recognized expert in retirement planning. He has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry and is passionate about helping retirees make informed decisions for a secure financial future. Robert’s insights are highly regarded, and he regularly interviews top experts in the field, including those featured in this webinar.

Ed Slott
Ed Slott is America’s IRA expert and the author of several bestselling books, including The New Retirement Savings Time Bomb. He is a recognized authority on retirement planning and tax strategies. As a CPA, Ed’s advice is highly sought after, and he is a frequent contributor to various media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. His passion for helping individuals save for retirement with tax-efficient strategies has made him a go-to expert in the industry.

Matt Curfman
Matt Curfman is the president and co-owner of Richmond Brothers, a financial advisory firm specializing in retirement planning and wealth management. He is a member of Ed Slott’s Master Elite IRA Group, and his firm has helped clients navigate complex retirement planning challenges for more than 25 years. Matt’s expertise spans tax planning, investment strategies, and estate planning, with a focus on securing his clients’ financial futures.

Don Graves
Don Graves is the president and founder of the Housing Wealth Institute, a retirement planning and reverse mortgage advisory firm. He is also the author of The Retiree’s Guide to Housing Wealth. As a reverse mortgage expert, Don educates both financial advisors and retirees on how to integrate housing wealth into broader retirement strategies. He has been featured in leading financial publications and podcasts, and his mission is to empower retirees to make the most of their home equity.