Housing and Home Equity

Find insights below whether you are a first time home buyer (it can be one of the smartest decisions you’ll ever make) or are looking to downsize for retirement or perhaps even buy a vacation home.

Housing is most people’s biggest expense. And, if you own your home, it is likely your largest asset. Your home equity is the value of your home minus your mortgage balance and any other debts secured by the home. This value can be used strategically to improve your financial situation over the long term.

Your home is also a big factor for your happiness. Where you live determines a lot about your life.

Besides the financial considerations of housing, there are obviously a lot of lifestyle factors. Here are all the resources you need for finding your best place place to retire.

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How to Determine the Best U.S. State for Your Retirement

Explore 10 things to think about – lifestyle and financial factors – when considering the best state for retirement.

February 29, 2024
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Which Are the Most Tax Friendly States for Retirees 2024?

Are you in a tax friendly state for retirees? Explore the best states for taxes and review the income and sales tax rates in all 50 states.

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Will Retirees Use their $12.39 Trillion in Home Equity for Income? A Back Up Plan? As Inheritance?

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The Pros and Cons of Using Your Home as an Inheritance for Your Heirs

Explore some of the issues around the family home and how it works as an inheritance.

November 22, 2023
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Should You Pay Off Mortgage or Invest?

Get insights for the best way to use your money. What are the pros and cons of paying off mortgage vs. investing?

November 21, 2023
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7 Reasons to De-Clutter Your Home for Retirement

Explore why de-cluttering is the ultimate retirement and estate planning task. 7 compelling reasons to clean out your closets this year.

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November 21, 2023
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5 Ways to Tap Home Equity in Retirement and 7 Times When it May Be a Good Idea to Do So

Have financial holes in your retirement plan (like not enough savings or unknown risks? See if you should use home equity to fill them.

November 20, 2023
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Average Home Equity: If You Are Middle or Lower Class, Your Wealth is in Your Home

Learn about average home equity and how it impacts your wealth, especially if you are in the lower or middle classes.

September 21, 2023
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Downsizing for Retirement: 15 Tips for a Happily Ever After

Downsizing for retirement is a great strategy – especially for those who have not quite saved enough. Get 15 tips for a big exciting move!

July 10, 2023
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Why Buying a Home is a Smart Financial Decision if You Do it Responsibly

Buying a home could be among the smartest and most impactful things you do in life. Find out why and how to do it responsibly.

May 29, 2023
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Should You Secure a Home Equity Loan Before You Retire?

A home equity loan at retirement may seem counter intuitive. However, there are some compelling reasons to consider taking on this debt.

March 30, 2023
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4 Arguments for Retaining Your Mortgage in Retirement

You might be surprised to learn that paying off your mortgage may not be the right financial decision. Even if it is the right emotional choice.

February 23, 2023
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Climate Disasters: How to Protect Your Money, Home, and Retirement Well Being

Learn how climate disasters could impact your retirement and take steps now to protect your health and wealth from possible negative impacts.

January 4, 2023
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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Retire: 26 Lists, Quizzes, and Tips for Making the Best Relocation Decision for You

The ultimate guide to retirement relocation: 20 best places to retire lists, 6 calculators, and tips to help you find your ideal locale.

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Winners and Losers with the Recent Interest Rate Hike

As with any economic shift, there are winners and losers. See who benefits and who will suffer more from the recent interest rate hike.

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Why is Your Property Insurance So High? 10 Ways to Lower the Cost

Explore the 3 main reasons why your property insurance is so high and discover ways to reduce your expenditure.

June 2, 2022
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Why the Housing Market is More Important than the Stock Market for Most People

People often worry about the wrong things. You might be watching the stock market, but other metrics are significantly more important to most.

June 2, 2022
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The Surprising Benefits (Freedom and Optimism) of Residential Mobility (Moving)

Residential mobility may have surprising emotional benefits. However, most people want to stay put. Explore pros and cons of relocating.

March 3, 2022

Is a Tiny House the Big Solution for Your Retirement Plan?

Six reasons tiny homes are increasingly popular for retirement and how to see if it is a good option for you.

August 25, 2021

Is it Time to Sell Your Home? Will it Help You Get the Retirement You Want?

Your home is an important part of your retirement lifestyle and finances. With housing prices at record highs, is it time to sell?

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The 17 Best Places to Retire in the World: Explore Unexpected Locations!

Far flung locations are some of the best places to retire in the world. Explore a range of 17 surprising retirement destinations.

July 7, 2021

8 Ways to Cut Housing Costs for Retirement

Should you try to cut housing costs? Is there an option that is right for you? Downsizing? Retire abroad? Refi? Explore your options.

April 29, 2021

Rethinking Where and What You Want to Call Home for Retirement

Authors Amanda Lambert, a geriatric care manager and consultant, and Leslie Eckford, a licensed clinical social worker and RN with a focus in mental and geriatric health, have published Choose Your Place, Rethinking Home as You Age. The book is great for anyone who is thinking about retirement and is willing to consider where they…

February 1, 2021

Podcast: Melissa Fredette — Financial Independence via Real Estate

Episode 51 of the NewRetirement podcast is an interview with Melissa Fredette — former President of Postgraduate Programs at Hult International Business School — and discusses what she learned during her journey to FI and as she transitions into retirement before 50 using a portfolio of rental properties. Listen Now: Don’t miss out on future…

January 19, 2021

NewRetirement Planner

Take financial wellness into your own hands and do it yourself retirement planning: easy, comprehensive, reliable.