For many retirees, their home is their largest asset. Yet in countless financial plans, that asset is treated as if it barely exists.
Retirement conversations often focus on Social Security, pensions, IRAs, and investment accounts while overlooking the value built up in a home over decades.
On today’s episode of Faith and Finance, Harlan Accola of Movement Mortgage joins to discuss why home equity may deserve a more thoughtful place in retirement planning—and how a reverse mortgage, when used wisely, can become one tool among many.
The Overlooked Asset in Many Retirement Plans
According to Harlan, many planning tools display home equity on paper but treat it as untouchable. In practice, that means one of a retiree’s largest resources is often ignored.
Why does this happen? Sometimes, advisors are not trained to incorporate home equity strategically. Other times, people assume reverse mortgages are only for emergencies or financial distress. But that perspective may miss an important opportunity.
Harlan describes home equity as a potential third bucket alongside income sources and investment accounts.
Instead of relying only on withdrawals from retirement savings, some retirees may be able to use home equity strategically to reduce pressure on their portfolio. That can be especially helpful during market downturns or in years when withdrawing from investments would be less advantageous.
The idea is not to replace investments or income, but to strengthen the overall plan by considering every available resource.
More Than Monthly Cash Flow
When people hear “reverse mortgage,” they often think only about immediate cash needs. But strategic planning can involve much more than that.
Harlan noted that incorporating home equity may create flexibility in several areas, including:
Timing withdrawals from retirement accounts
Managing taxable income in retirement
Deciding when to begin Social Security
Planning for long-term care needs
Preserving investment assets longerThese decisions can significantly impact long-term financial outcomes.
What About Leaving an Inheritance?
One common concern is whether using home equity will leave nothing to pass on.
Harlan explained that many families are surprised to learn that this is not always the case. Depending on appreciation, spending patterns, and the overall plan, some home equity may remain. In some scenarios, overall net worth may even improve because other assets were preserved.
Of course, every situation is different, which is why personalized analysis matters.
A Biblical Perspective on Stewardship
Scripture reminds us, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
Faithful stewardship means wisely managing everything God has entrusted to us—including assets we may be tempted to ignore. A home is more than shelter. It can also be a financial resource that, when handled prudently, helps provide stability, reduce burdens on loved ones, and create greater freedom for generosity.
That does not mean a reverse mortgage is right for everyone. But it does mean it may be worth understanding before dismissing it.
Consider the Whole Picture
Wise planning begins by asking better questions. Instead of assuming home equity should remain untouched, consider whether it has a role in your broader financial strategy.
If you’d like to explore how reverse mortgages fit into retirement planning, learn more from our trusted partners at Movement Mortgage at FaithFi.c
