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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.

Nearly 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.

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. 

• 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 t

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, you can’t trust in material things to come through for you. Chip reveals how to rise above the daily grind and escape the rat race forever.

The root problem in priority living according to Jesus is MATERIALISM.

Matthew 6:1-18

• Two motives
• Two treasures
• Two eyes
• Two masters

Summary: Do not allow the pursuit of material things to thwart your spiritual development.

Question:

• How can we live in a material world without becoming materialistic? -Matthew 6:24-34

The symptom:

• Anxiety is the mark of a life preoccupied with material things.

The explanation: Stop your preoccupation with material things because...

1. It's short-sighted –Matthew 6:25b
2. It's illogical –Matthew 6:28-30
3. It's unprofitable –Matthew 6:27
4. It's disgraceful to God –Matthew 6:30-32

The promise:

• If you will pursue knowing Christ and making Him known as your first priority, He will meet all your material needs. -Matthew 6:33-34

Application: Questions to Ponder

• Are you "spending" or "investing" your life?
• Is your life making a significant difference in the lives of others?
• Do you live under "pressure" or under "priorities"?
• Do your time, talent, and treasure reflect that pursuing Christ and making Him known is your #1 priority?

Broadcast Resource

• 'Balancing Life's Demands' Resources
• Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

• Small Group Resources

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Discover how to move beyond failure … today on Bold Steps with Pastor Mark Jobe. We know we can “be the change,” in the world.  And we should be living on mission with a purpose … and on assignment. But many people can't live “on mission” because they're bound … or stopped by their past. There isn’t a person out there who hasn’t failed at some point. The disciple Peter knew about failure. Today, we’ll look at some practical ways to move beyond failure and back into your call and purpose.

Bold Step Gift: MOVING FORWARD AFTER MESSING UP: A NEW FUTURE WITH THE GOD OF SECOND CHANCES

Become a Bold Partner: https://www.moodyradio.org/donateto/boldsteps

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Most people wrestle with some sort of addiction. It's not possible to force someone to break an addiction; but you can influence them by the way you love them. Loving them might be the very thing that inspires them to confront their problem and get counseling.

Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/lovelanguageminute

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Liberty Counsel is asking the High Court overturn this unjust judgement against Davis and overturn Obergefell v. Hodges. Constitutional expert, lawyer, author, pastor, and founder of Liberty Counsel Mat Staver discusses the important topics of the day with co-hosts and guests that impact life, liberty, and family. To stay informed and get involved, visit LC.org.

Timothy 6:6-8

True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

Question

Prayer

In this powerful episode, we delve into the profound journey of overcoming personal trauma and challenges with Orvin T. Kimbrough. From a childhood marked by loss and adversity to becoming a CEO, Orvin shares his story of resilience and faith. Discover how he navigated the complexities of foster care, the weight of leadership, and the ongoing journey of healing. Join us as we explore the transformative power of faith, the importance of personal agency, and the impact of small, intentional steps in overcoming life's hurdles. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the strength found in vulnerability and the hope that fuels perseverance.

About Orvin Kimbrough:

Orvin Kimbrough, a husband, father, and man of faith, has navigated a remarkable journey from a challenging childhood in East Saint Louis to a prominent role in Saint Louis's financial sector. As the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Midwest BankCentre, Saint Louis' second-largest locally owned bank, he has significantly broadened access to capital for local families and businesses. 

Born in East Saint Louis to a drug-addicted mother who died when he was eight years old, author Orvin Kimbrough chronicles his early years through foster care, orphanages, physical and sexual abuse, hunger, and poverty in his book Twice Over A Man. He could have joined a gang. He could have become a teen father. He could have fallen into drugs and the violence of the streets. He could have ended up in prison. He could have been shot dead.

But he rose above it all to become a prosperous leader in the Saint Louis business and nonprofit communities. Instead of succumbing to life on the streets, Kimbrough sought the one thing that would redeem him from that dismal, expected fate-education. This is the story of a young man who, despite all the forces that worked against him, fiercely determined to make a better life for himself and is resolute about showing others the way.

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Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”