Seniors sold on ‘risk free’ reverse mortgages are now facing foreclosure

Seniors were sold a risk-free retirement with reverse mortgages. Now they face foreclosure.
An analysis of data has found that nearly 100,000 seniors who applied for reverse mortgages faced foreclosure after they fell behind on taxes or insurance, according to this article inUSA Today. A big number of these seniors are urban African Americans, who are now struggling in retirement as a result of foreclosure. Traditional lenders usually refused cash-strapped minority seniors, which explains why they became such easy prey, says an expert. “These areas had demand, and they couldn’t access credit any other way.”

Retirees couple retirement by Bloomberg News
An elderly couple hold hands as they look out to sea in Eastbourne, U.K., on Monday, Aug. 22, 2016. Pensions are looking like an economic time bomb for Britain, meaning investors had better watch how the nation tries to defuse it. Photographer: Matthew Lloyd/Bloomberg
Bloomberg News

5 tips for advisors to consider before the stretch IRA dies out
Clients should review their estate planning strategy with their financial advisors once the bill that would scrap the stretch IRA option for non-spouse beneficiaries clears Congress, according to this article on CNBC. Stretch IRA allows these heirs to take required minimum distributions from inherited accounts based on their longer life expectancy, thereby stretching the tax-deferred growth of the inherited assets over a longer period. Advisors should prompt their clients to reevaluate their beneficiaries, add flexible options to their portfolio, do a Roth conversion and buy permanent life insurance as an alternative.

Americans may have guessed the amount they need to save for retirement — but they’ll probably never get there
A survey by Schwab Retirement Plan Services has found that many Americans are saving less than what they should to save enough for their retirement years, according to this article on MarketWatch. Some 51% of the respondents are saving only 10% or less of their income in their retirement accounts, the survey found. A big number of respondents were confident of their financial decisions and felt that they didn't need professional advice. “They may think their situation is simple, but your wealth is your wealth. Put yourself in the best possible position and take advantage of the help out there,” says an expert.

Clients should delay retirement if any of these 3 scenarios apply to them
Seniors should consider delaying retirement if they have meager income and need more time to save enough for retirement, according to this article on The Motley Fool. They should also consider working past their retirement age if they think that will easily get bored once they leave the labor force for good. Those who are still healthy should also hold off retirement so they can continue earning and stretch their savings a little longer.

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Retirement income Retirement readiness Retirement education Retirement planning IRAs 401(k)
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