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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average home equity

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
downsizing for retirement

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
buying a home

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
home equity loan for retirement

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
mortgage in retirement

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
climate change and your retirement

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
Tap home equity for retirement

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 3, 2022
best places to retire

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.

September 29, 2022
interest rate hike

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.

June 16, 2022
property insurance

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
housing market

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
residential mobility

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

Will Retirees Use their $10 Trillion in Home Equity for Income? A Back Up Plan? As Inheritance?

Your home is a valuable asset. It is also a powerful financial tool for retirement. Explore 5 ways to use your home equity. Read now…

February 2, 2022

7 Reasons to De-Clutter Your Home in Retirement

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

Read now…

December 29, 2021

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?

December 9, 2021

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?

August 4, 2021

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
how to retire abroad

How to Retire Abroad: 12 Tips for Retirement Overseas

Are you wondering how to to retire overseas? If so, you’re in good company! Retiring Overseas Has Almost Doubled in Popularity Retiring abroad has become increasingly popular.  According to the Social Security Administration, the number of retirees who draw Social Security outside the U.S. jumped 40%, to more than 413,000 between 2007 to 2017. And,…

September 28, 2020

Pros and Cons of a Reverse Mortgage During the Pandemic Crisis

Explore reverse mortgage pros and cons for this stressful time. Can the loan improve your emotional and financial well being? Is it right for you now?

September 18, 2020
life expectancy by county

Life Expectancy by County: WHERE You Live May Suggest HOW LONG You Live

Life expectancy has mostly been rising in the United States — overall. However, recent research has found that there are significant differences in life expectancy by county. In fact, in many counties, the average life expectancy is 20 years — TWENTY years — shorter than in other areas.The good news is that some areas of…

July 7, 2020

NewRetirement Planner

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