Understanding Reverse Mortgages: Unlocking Home Equity for Retirement Income with Mitch Cooper, #242
Release Date: 02/25/2025
Five Reasons a Brokerage Account Might Be Better Than an Annuity for Your Investments, #260
Retire With Ryan
I’m exploring a common dilemma for anyone coming into a lump sum of money, whether from an inheritance, the sale of a business, or another windfall: Should you invest in a traditional brokerage account or opt for an annuity? On this week's episode, I discuss the key differences between annuities and brokerage accounts, highlighting the five major pitfalls of annuities that are often overlooked. You'll learn why transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency make brokerage accounts a better fit for many investors, especially those seeking to beat inflation and maintain control of their funds....
info_outline
Facts vs. Fiction in Retirement Planning, #259
Retire With Ryan
From the truths about making large purchases in retirement to whether you really need to pay off your mortgage before you stop working, I’m sharing years of financial expertise to challenge a few retirement myths so you can make balanced, informed decisions. We’re talking strategies for charitable giving, clearing up misconceptions about reverse mortgages, and explaining why inflation may be your biggest risk in retirement. If you’re looking for practical advice on enjoying your savings while still planning for the long run, or if you want to protect yourself from financial scams...
info_outline
Seven Smart Reasons to Leave Your Old 401(k) with a Previous Employer, #258
Retire With Ryan
Building on last week’s discussion about why rolling over your old 401(k) into an IRA could be a smart move, this episode flips the script. It explores seven compelling reasons you might want to leave your 401(k) with your previous employer instead. I break down factors like fees, company stock advantages, penalty-free withdrawals, legal protections, and unique investment options that could all influence your decision. If you're approaching retirement or just planning your next career move, this episode is packed with insights to help you make the best choices for your financial...
info_outline
Five Reasons to Roll Over Your Old 401k into an IRA, #257
Retire With Ryan
In today's episode, I’m diving into a topic that’s top-of-mind for anyone who’s switched jobs: what should you do with your old 401(k) plan? I discuss five key reasons why moving them into an IRA could simplify your financial life, from consolidating accounts for better control to gaining access to a broader range of investment options, reducing fees, optimizing Roth and after-tax funds, and making it easier to work with a financial advisor. Whether you’re planning your next career step or just want to make your retirement savings work harder for you, this episode is packed with...
info_outline
Retirement Reality Check, with Michael Sheldon #256
Retire With Ryan
This week on the show, I’m joined in person by investment veteran Michael Sheldon, who brings over 26 years of experience in the financial services industry. We dig into essential strategies for investing as you approach and enter retirement, covering asset allocation, diversification, income planning, and how to handle inevitable market volatility. Whether you’re a pre-retiree, a recent retiree, or just looking to strengthen your investment approach, Michael offers some great actionable insights designed to help you build a resilient portfolio and stay on track toward your long-term...
info_outline
Breaking Down the FERS Retirement System for Federal Employees, #255
Retire With Ryan
On this week’s episode, I’m discussing the Federal Employees Retirement System, or FERS, a program that covers nearly all civilian federal workers. If you’re a federal employee curious about when you’re eligible to retire, how your pension is calculated, what the Thrift Savings Plan offers, or how special early retirement and survivor benefits work, this episode is your go-to resource. We’re breaking down the three key components of FERS: your Basic Benefit Plan (a pension), Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan, as well as important details like cost-of-living...
info_outline
Four Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Claiming Social Security While Working After 65, #254
Retire With Ryan
Thinking about collecting Social Security while you’re still working? It’s a tempting option, but there are several crucial mistakes you’ll want to avoid. Using real-life stories, I’m laying out the four big pitfalls, like earning over the social security limit, jeopardizing your health savings account, mishandling Medicare enrollment, and forgetting about tax withholding. These missteps can lead to unnecessary penalties, and so I want to give some actionable strategies to help you make the most of your benefits without unpleasant surprises. You will want to hear this episode if...
info_outline
Applying Warren Buffett’s Investment Wisdom to Your Life, #253
Retire With Ryan
It’s been announced that Warren Buffett is stepping down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. In this episode, I’ll discuss Buffett’s humble beginnings, his approach to investing, and the philosophy that built one of the most successful companies in history. I’ll also break down Warren Buffett’s wisdom into seven powerful, practical tips that align with my own approach to advising clients. Listen for tips on starting your investment journey early, staying the course during tough markets, and prioritizing temperament over intellect. You will want to hear this episode if you are...
info_outline
Top Five HSA Mistakes That Are Costing You Money and How to Avoid Them, #252
Retire With Ryan
On the show today, I’m discussing something that could be a game-changer for your retirement savings: Health Savings Accounts, or HSAs. If you’re on a high deductible health plan, you might be eligible for this unique, triple tax-free account, but are you making the most of it? I’m sharing the top five mistakes people make with their HSA accounts. If not avoided, those mistakes can cost you serious money and limit your financial options later in life. I’m covering everything from choosing the right HSA provider to maximizing your investments within the account, tracking expenses, and...
info_outline
Six Dave Ramsey Tips That Could Hurt Your Retirement Plan, #251
Retire With Ryan
Radio personality Dave Ramsey is a huge name in the personal finance niche. While he’s celebrated for helping countless listeners take control of their finances, many of his recommendations have sparked debate within the financial planning community. I’m going to break down six of the most controversial opinions promoted by Ramsey, including advice on retirement withdrawals, debt payoff strategies, Roth accounts, investing approaches, mortgages, and the use of credit cards. I will also weigh up the pros and cons of Ramsey’s methods, highlighting where they might help and where they...
info_outlineWhat is the best way to access equity in your home for retirement income? In this episode of Retire with Ryan, host Ryan Morrissey is joined by Mitch Cooper, a Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional with Mutual of Omaha, to explore this very question.
Mitch returns to the show to share his expertise on reverse mortgages, a powerful tool that allows retirees to tap into the equity of their homes without having to sell. Whether you’re considering this option for supplemental income or simply want to understand how it works compared to other alternatives like home equity loans, this episode provides valuable insights into how reverse mortgages can help secure your financial future in retirement.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
- (0:00) Learn more about Mitch Cooper, a Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional
- (0:53) What is the best way to access equity in your home for retirement income?
- (2:25) How reverse mortgages differ from home equity loans and lines of credit
- (5:41) Requirements and eligibility for reverse mortgages, including age and equity
- (7:41) The impact of interest rates on reverse mortgage loan amounts
- (8:45) The protections offered by reverse mortgages, including the non-recourse nature
- (10:36) Other requirements for obtaining a reverse mortgage
- (16:06) Comparing reverse mortgages to annuities and their role as longevity insurance
- (25:14) How closing costs work with a reverse mortgage
- (30:36) The process of obtaining a reverse mortgage
Resources Mentioned
- Retirement Readiness Review
- Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel
- Download my entire book for FREE
- The National Reserve Mortgage Lending Association
- Mitch Cooper (Mutual of Omaha)
- Connect with Mitch on LinkedIn