Bob Tranchell

For many homeowners, taking out a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at age 55 feels completely manageable. At that stage of life, earnings are often near their peak, making the monthly payment seem like just another household expense. But there’s an important question to consider: Do you want to be making that same mortgage payment at age […]

Retirement is often viewed as the finish line of a long career, but for many people, it’s actually the beginning of an entirely new chapter. With more freedom over your time and fewer work obligations, retirement can provide opportunities to pursue interests, deepen relationships, and create a greater sense of purpose. Here are several ways […]

For decades, retirement planning has centered around one essential question: Will I have enough money? It’s an important question—but it’s no longer enough. Today, many people will spend 25, 30, even 40 years in retirement. That’s not a single phase of life. It’s a long stretch filled with transitions, decisions, and changing priorities. And many […]

Retirement security in America hasn’t improved much in recent years. While savings rates have ticked up slightly, confidence levels remain flat. Many people are still facing the same concerns: rising costs, market volatility, and the very real fear of outliving their money. But beneath the surface, a different story is unfolding. A Contrarian Shift Is […]

How to Use a Reverse Mortgage (HECM) to Pay for Long-Term Care Long-term care is one of the largest and most unpredictable expenses in retirement. Many retirees and their families struggle with how to pay for long-term care without draining savings or selling investments at the wrong time. One often-overlooked solution is using a Home […]

For many homeowners, the largest portion of their net worth is tied up in their home. As retirement approaches, accessing that equity safely and strategically can make a dramatic difference in lifestyle, peace of mind, and long-term financial security. One increasingly popular tool for accomplishing this is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)—the FHA-insured reverse […]

Executive Summary This white paper explores tax-efficient strategies for retirees—particularly those aged 73 and older—using a combination of Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) and retirement account management. By strategically managing Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), leveraging Roth conversions, and using HECM proceeds as a flexible, tax-free* source of funds, retirees can maintain income levels below taxable […]

Why Mortgage Insurance Premium Is a Strategic Benefit in Retirement Planning What Advisors Often Miss Most planners see MIP as just another cost. In reality, it’s the insurance that transforms the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) into a strategic planning tool. What MIP Provides Your Clients Guaranteed, Growing Line of Credit Non-Recourse Protection Estate “Put […]

A Strategic Tool for Managing Longevity, Market Risk, and Liquidity Bob Tranchell, RICP® Home Equity Retirement Specialist | Mutual of Omaha Mortgage The Overlooked Asset in Retirement Planning As of Q2 2024, baby boomers collectively hold more than $17 trillion in home equity (HousingWire, 2024). Despite this, financial advisors often treat housing wealth as a […]