Pattie Lovett-Reid Chief Financial Commentator

If you are a nervous investor right now, I get it. The economy has hit a bumpy patch. The potential is there for slower growth, higher inflation, maybe a recession, and clearly, we are in an environment where interest rates are rising. Investors fear these risks could lead to lower corporate profits and volatility in the market. The good news, markets have shown early signs of stabilizing after bouncing back from their current lows. Unfortunately, the market doesn’t wave a “white flag” to indicate the worst is over. However, what we do know is that stocks prices tend to move, not only when there is good news, but even before that, when the news is better than investor expectations.

If you are a nervous investor right now, I get it. The economy has hit a bumpy patch. The potential is there for slower growth, higher inflation, maybe a recession, and clearly, we are in an environment where interest rates are rising. Investors fear these risks could lead to lower corporate profits and volatility in the market. The good news, markets have shown early signs of stabilizing after bouncing back from their current lows. Unfortunately, the market doesn’t wave a “white flag” to indicate the worst is over. However, what we do know is that stocks prices tend to move, not only when there is good news, but even before that, when the news is better than investor expectations.

Let’s set the record straight on the CHIP Reverse Mortgage – this product isn’t for everyone, but it might be the right product for you. When I announced that I was joining HomeEquity Bank as their Chief Financial Commentator, I was filled with excitement and pride to be sharing the news, but I have to admit, I was a little nervous about the potential push back from my network. Let me tell you why. In September 2019, Yvonne Ziomecki, HomeEquity Bank’s Executive Vice-President, asked me to meet her for coffee to share her vision and passion for The CHIP Reverse Mortgage. I went into the meeting with some hesitancy and reservations, not thinking for a minute this product was a viable option to supplement retired income.

If there is a product in the financial services arena that people seem to universally dislike, it appears to be the reverse mortgage. I seriously don’t know why. What I do know, is that given the aging population, our love affair with real estate, the high levels of debt and the need to fund retirements, this product may be really hitting its stride. If you are over the age of 55 and you need or want access to capital, a CHIP Reverse Mortgage might be the answer. Unlike traditional mortgages there are no monthly mortgage payments, you can spend your money from your home as you like and it is tax-free. Repayment is only required if you move or sell and it should be noted you retain full ownership of your home.

I have a problem with the word “retirement”. If you look the word up in the dictionary it means to “go away”, the definition even goes so far as to state to become “reclusive”. I find the term outdated and have said before it is time to retire the word retirement. People have told me they start to think, or perhaps worry about retirement about a decade before it happens. They wonder if they have enough money to see them through their retirement? They worry about how they will define themselves after their career, and a real fear for many is how they will manage all that free time?