Utah's Hope

Reverse mortgages often trigger strong reactions—especially among believers who want to honor God with their finances. But are those reactions grounded in biblical wisdom…or outdated information?

When it comes to debt and home equity, emotions can run high. Yet Scripture calls us to something deeper than instinct—it calls us to understanding. As Proverbs 19:20 reminds us, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.”

To help bring clarity to this often misunderstood topic, Harlan Accola—who leads the reverse mortgage team at Movement Mortgage—joins the show today to separate fact from fiction.

For many people, the phrase reverse mortgage immediately raises red flags. And to be fair, some of that concern is rooted in history.

As Harlan Accola explains, earlier versions of these loans—and in some cases, unethical practices—damaged trust. Like many industries, there were bad actors who misused the product and took advantage of seniors. But today’s reverse mortgage is very different.

Modern reverse mortgages are federally regulated through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and include strong consumer protections designed specifically for older homeowners. Still, misinformation persists—often passed along by well-meaning friends, family members, or even within church communities.

That’s why biblical wisdom matters here. We’re called not just to react, but to understand.

One of the biggest misconceptions about reverse mortgages is that they’re simply another form of dangerous debt. But as Harlan points out, not all debt functions the same way.

Traditional consumer debt—like credit cards or auto loans—requires monthly payments. Miss those payments, and the consequences can quickly escalate, creating stress and financial strain.

A reverse mortgage, however, works very differently:

That final point is key. If the home’s value declines, the borrower (or their heirs) is not personally responsible for the difference.

As Harlan emphasizes, understanding the mechanics of a financial product is essential before comparing it to others—or dismissing it altogether.

Harlan highlights a situation that’s becoming increasingly common.

Many homeowners in their 60s and 70s have built substantial equity—but still carry monthly mortgage payments. In fact, a significant number of Americans over 62—and even over 75—are still making those payments.

When unexpected expenses arise—a roof repair, a broken water heater—many turn to high-interest credit cards to cover the gap. This is where a reverse mortgage may offer relief. By eliminating a monthly mortgage payment, it can:

Harlan also notes that this added margin can even open the door to greater generosity—freeing individuals to steward their resources more intentionally.

For Christians, financial decisions are never just about numbers—they’re about faithfulness.

That means we shouldn’t reject or embrace any financial tool without first understanding it. Wisdom requires discernment, not assumptions.

Reverse mortgages aren’t right for everyone. But as Harlan Accola reminds us, decisions should be based on accurate information—not outdated fears.

As Proverbs 19:20 encourages

Think of all the things we do to stay alive. We fasten our seat belts. We buy fire extinguishers and smoke alarms. We lock our doors. We wear sunscreen. We take our vitamins and look both ways before we cross the street. We don’t want to die. But today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how death has already died. We’ll see that’s the central message of Easter, and today we’ll find out that’s our eternal hope.

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Feel so familiar with Easter…that it’s hard to deeply appreciate? Author David Mathis helps us marvel at wounds of unfailing love & decisive victory.

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Life seems to be moving faster and faster, so it requires intentionality to slow down. Jennifer Dukes Lee ran so hard that she reached a breaking point, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. She and her husband decided to leave the hurry sickness behind and go back to farm life, where they could learn a different pace and discover a deeper relationship with God and family through the seasons of life. In this discussion, Jennifer will help you “grow slower” to refresh your mind, body, and soul.

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Proverbs 14:15 states, “The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” In a world where scams are increasingly clever, readers are reminded in Scripture that precaution is not optional; it's a form of stewardship. On the next Faith & Finance Live, Rob West describes something that isn't just practical—it's spiritual: protecting the resources God has entrusted to us. Then, it's on to your calls. That’s Faith & Finance Live, where biblical wisdom meets today’s finances—weekdays at 4pm Eastern/3pm Central on Moody Radio.

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This podcast contains 'Best Of' material that originally aired in 2022. Also, new material where Sherri gets an update on Brant's progress with his new book

Philip Glassborow, the voice of Malachi, joins the podcast to look back at the unforgettable “Malachi’s Message,” his decades with Focus on the Family Radio Theatre, and what it was like to return for the “Face the Future” story arc. Plus: a preview of the final episodes of Album 80 and Club-exclusive episode “Word in the Hallway”