Tag: seniors

Understanding Elder Law

Posted on by janjordan

Reverse Mortgage Colorado Fort Collins Greeley LovelandElder law is a relatively unknown segment of law and is often overlooked when seeking legal solutions.  But for some seniors and their families an elder law attorney may be exactly what they need.  Elder law is very broad and includes things like estate planning, probate, guardianship, real estate, nursing home neglect and a dozen other areas of law that affect the elderly. Typically one lawyer will not have expertise in every area, but will instead work with a network of attorneys who can supplement in specific areas when needed and vice versa.  Also, keep in mind just because an individual is elderly does not mean they need an elder law attorney.  Elder law is focused on legal problems specific to the elderly.  Concerns with other areas of law may best be handled by attorneys dedicated to those areas.

 

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Reverse Mortgages Helping the Eldery Age at Home

Posted on by janjordan

Reverse Mortgage Colorado Fort Collins Loveland Berthoud Greeley WindsorAs traditional forms of elder care continue to be overshadowed by numerous other options, reverse mortgage is often helping senior individuals stay in their homes while they age.  Since reverse mortgages can open up opportunity to turn home equity into liquid cash, without having to move or make a mortgage loan payment, seniors and their families are using this opportunity to pay for care that would otherwise not be covered by basic Medicare or Medicaid.

 

Traditionally, “long term” elder care takes place in a nursing home or assisted living facility.  Medicare or Medicaid will often cover these expenses. but there is little public assistance for “in-home care”, although it varies from state to state.  As economic woes lend to retirement fears, reverse mortgage is more commonly being utilized for what it can do best, provide security for those most in need and offer a longer-term lifeline without disrupting the lives of the recipients.

 

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Are Reverse Mortgages an Under-Utilized Lifeline?

Posted on by janjordan

Reverse Mortgage Colorado Fort Collins LovelandTwo or three decades ago, the idea that an elderly couple or individual could live comfortably in their home far beyond retirement was practically unheard of.  Preparing for aging meant retirement homes, assisted living, or moving in with adult children.  Now today people are living longer and healthier lives than ever, but on the flip-side, they are retiring with less.  The Pew Research Center has found that between 2002 and 2011, the percent of adults who said that they “will not have enough money to live comfortably” in retirement rose from 32% to 53%. Among adults in the 55 to 64 age bracket, the percent who are “not too” or “not at all” confident that they will have enough to live on in retirement rose from 26% in 2009 to 39% in 2012.  These are alarming statistics.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions – Part 3

Posted on by janjordan

reverse mortgage colorado fort collins loveland greeleyThis is the third in a three part series of frequently asked questions about Reverse Mortgage.  You can find Part 1 here and Part 2 here.  If you have questions that are not currently listed, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.

 

Will I Lose My Government Assistance If I Get a Reverse Mortgage?

 

A reverse mortgage does not affect regular Social Security or Medicare benefits. However, if you are on Medicaid or other public assistance, any reverse mortgage proceeds that you receive must be used immediately or they may affect your eligibility. Reverse mortgage funds that you retain would be considered an asset, just as other bank funds.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions – Part 2

Posted on by janjordan

Reverse Mortgage Colorado Fort Collins Loveland Greeley
This is the second in a three part series of frequently asked questions about Reverse Mortgage.  You can find Part 1 here and Part 3 here.  If you have questions that are not currently listed, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.

 

Can I get a Reverse Mortgage even if I have an existing mortgage?

 

You may qualify for a reverse mortgage even if you still owe money on an existing mortgage. The existing loan will be paid off first with the reverse mortgage funds, then the remainder of the funds will be given to you.  This scenario would apply as long as the amount of the reverse mortgage is larger than the existing loan.  For example: if you owe $100,000 on an existing mortgage and you qualify for $125,000 under the reverse mortgage program, under these circumstances you would still have $25,000 left over to do with as you wish AND you would no longer have a mortgage payment.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions – Part 1

Posted on by janjordan

reverse mortgage colorado fort collins loveland

This is the first in a three part series of frequently asked questions about Reverse Mortgage.  Find Part 2 here and Part 3 here.  If you have questions that are not currently listed, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.

 

Are There Any Special Requirements to Get a Reverse Mortgage?

 

In order to qualify for a reverse mortgage, you must own your home, be at least 62 years old, and have some equity in your home.  There are no income, credit, or medical requirements.

 

How Much Money Can I Get?

 

In general, the older you are (or the youngest borrower in the case of couples) and the more valuable your home, the more money you can get.  Other factors also come into play, such as: the appraised home value, interest rates, and the amount of equity in your home.

 

Does My Home Qualify?

 

Eligible properties include single-family homes, 2-4 unit properties, modular homes, condominiums, and townhouses.  This home must also be your primary residence.

 

What are My Payment Plan Options?

 

Funds from a reverse mortgage can be received all at once as a lump sum, as fixed monthly payments for a set term or for as long as you live in the home, as a line of credit which allows you to draw on the loan proceeds at any time, or a combination of all these.

 

How Can I Use the Proceeds from a Reverse Mortgage?

 

Their are no restrictions as to how the proceeds from a reverse mortgage can be used.  Whether it is to supplement retirement income, to cover your living expenses, to repair/modify your home, to pay for medical expenses, prevent foreclosure, pay off existing debts, or simply do something for nice yourself, no one can tell you how you must spend your money.

 

Jan Jordan is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Front Range areas of Colorado.  Click here to contact Jan and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you.

Understanding Identity Theft

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Jan Jordan Reverse Mortgage Identity Theft Colorado

 

What is Identity Theft?

 

According to the 1998 Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act identity theft is when someone “knowingly transfers or uses, without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person with the intent to commit, or to aid or abet, any unlawful activity that constitutes a violation of federal law, or that constitutes a felony under any applicable state or local law.”

 

The three most common types of identity theft are:

 

  • Financial identity theft (using another’s identity to obtain credit, goods and services)
  • Identity cloning (using another’s information to assume his or her identity in daily life)
  • Medical identity theft (using another’s identity to obtain medical care or drugs)

 

How does Identity Theft happen?

 

In today’s technology driven society, protecting your identity is more important than ever.  But don’t assume identity theft only happens online.  It can happen anywhere, anytime.  Someone could be watching over your shoulder as you fill out a form at your doctor’s office.  Another individual could be rummaging through your trash, hoping to find a tossed out credit card offer.  Your email program’s spam filter may not be blocking those emails from Phishing websites.  There are many ways to fall victim to identity theft, arming yourself with facts and prevention is key to protection.

 

How do I protect myself from Identity Theft?

 

  • Be aware of your surroundings.  When filling out forms that include private information, take a seat away from others when possible. Never throw out forms or paperwork that may have your personal information on them, always take these home with you and dispose of them properly.
  • Don’t toss out credit card offers or other junk mail that pertains to obtaining credit.  In addition, any other private information you have – bills, car registration, insurance documents, bank statements – should always be disposed of properly and NEVER put out with your household trash.  These items should be shredded or burned.  In addition, limiting the amount of junk mail you receive by “opting out” of mail distribution lists can vastly decrease your risk.  Opt out by calling 1-888-5-OPTOUT.
  • Never follow links to bank accounts, credit accounts, PayPal accounts, etc from an email.  “Phishing” emails may appear as a completely legitimate email from your bank or credit card company, warning you of unauthorized transactions or other alarming information.  These emails will include links that take you to a website that looks identical to your bank’s – but it’s not.  Once you enter your information into this “Phishing” site, you have given some of your most valuable financial information to a con-artist.  ALWAYS access your bank and credit accounts by entering their web address into your web browser, NEVER through a link.  Reputable companies will not contact you via email about such important matters.
  • Don’t respond to emails offering money in exchange for “helping” an individual transfer money into the country.  These are always scams and have proven to be very dangerous.
  • Password protect your computer and your wireless internet. Use firewalls and virus protection software.
  • Never give personal information to telephone solicitors or door to door solicitors.  Do not give out personal information over the phone unless you placed the call yourself.
  • Lock your car.  Identity theft via “glove compartment” information is on the rise.  Keeping your car locked can ensure you are not an easy target.
  • Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or purse.  Purge expired credit cards, insurance cards, and ID’s regularly.  Keep these items at home in a safe place.
  • If you do not have a locking mailbox, do not mail payments using your mailbox.  Always take the mail directly to the post office.

 

What do I do if think I’ve been targeted?

 

Contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-IDTHEFT or www.ftc.gov

 

Jan Jordan is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Front Range areas of Colorado.  Click here to contact Jan and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you.

 


Changes to Social Security for 2013

Posted on by janjordan

reverse mortgage colorado fort collins loveland windsor greeley berthoud

 

The beginning of 2013 brought about several changes to everything from health insurance to tax code to social security benefits.  While the majority of these changes have been small and will affect seniors very little, a few of them will directly impact recipients of social security benefits.  Here’s what to expect:

 

Extended online services: Many services are now available online that never have been before, such as: starting Social Security payments, accessing benefit verification letter and payment history, change of address, start/stop/change direct deposit information.  Access to this information will reduce the burden of Social Security offices nationwide by allowing workers to have conversations that really need to be done face to face, as well as reduce the burden on seniors who may have trouble getting around.  Online services can be accessed at www.ssa.gov/onlineservices

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Reverse Mortgage and the Alternatives

Posted on by janjordan
Reverse Mortgage

 

Home equity accounts for approximately 70% of a senior’s assets, not including social security or pension.  Often times tapping into this equity becomes inevitable when facing health crisis or financial restrictions in retirement.  Using home equity should be part of a larger financial plan and there are a few ways it can be incorporated.

 

Reverse Mortgage

 

A reverse mortgage is available to seniors 62 and older regardless of income or credit.  Homeowners who obtain these loans do not make monthly mortgage or loan payments but  instead receive either a lump sum of money or monthly installments paid directly to them based on the equity in their home.   The loan does not have to be repaid until the last borrower passes away, at which time there are options available to heirs.  The amount of the loan depends on the amount of equity in the home and the age of the borrowers – the older the borrower, the more money they can receive.  This is an excellent option for seniors on a fixed income, with questionable retirement funds, or declining health.

 

Home Equity Loan

 

A home equity loan also taps into equity by borrowing money against the home.  This type of loan will be processed as a conventional loan and income and credit restrictions will apply, as well as monthly payments will need to be made to the lender.  If income is fixed, it could be unlikely a senior will qualify for a home equity loan.  Any health or future financial concerns should be thoroughly thought through prior to taking out a home equity loan.  Loading up the home with debt during retirement can be risky and could result in loss of the home if the borrowers are unable to make their monthly payments.

 

Downsize

 

Another option would be to downsize all together by selling the existing home and moving into a more modest situation.  Depending on the amount of equity in the home, a homeowner may be able to sell the home for enough money to comfortably be able to make rent or mortgage payments for 10 to 20  years.  Just as with a home equity loan, this option could be risky for a person with health concerns as the funds set aside for housing could be needed elsewhere.

 

Before making any major decisions regarding how to effectively use the equity in your home, it is best to consult with a financial adviser and a reputable reverse mortgage lender.

 

Jan Jordan is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Front Range areas of Colorado.  Click here to contact Jan and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you. 

Should Reverse Mortgage be in your Retirement Portfolio?

Posted on by janjordan
Reverse Mortgage Colorado Financial Planning
Reverse Mortgage and Retirement

 

For the past quarter century seniors have easily managed to retire on three things: company pension plans, social security, and personal savings.  But with an uncertain economy facing us today and in the future, many baby boomers are taking a second look at their retirement portfolios.  Previously, tapping into home equity for retirement has been considered a last resort.  But should it be?

 

Both company pensions and social security benefits face much uncertainty down the road.  And if boomers have had the ability to hold onto any personal savings during the economic downturn, it likely took a hit as well.  But when adding home equity into the retirement equation, statistics show most baby boomers 51 and over have enough to retire comfortably.  So where does this leave reverse mortgages?

 

For seniors 62 and over, reverse mortgage is a feasible option, regardless of income or credit.  Homeowners can access the equity in their home and no repayment is due until the last borrower passes or permanently leaves the home.  For some retirees, it could mean the difference between living and living comfortably.

 

When looking down the road toward financial planning for retirement, ask yourself a few questions and determine if a reverse mortgage might fit into your Plan A or your Plan B.  Discuss it with your spouse and with your financial planner.  Learn the facts about reverse mortgage and how it will affect your loved ones after you pass.

 

Jan Jordan is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Front Range areas of Colorado.  Click here to contact Jan and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you.