Retire Right 402 rent or buy during retirement (a real case study)
Jan 7, 2026
In this discussion, financial adviser Nathan Fradley offers insights on the challenging circumstances of Anne, a 69-year-old retiree affected by elder financial abuse. He explores her dilemma of whether to rent or buy a home, considering retirement village options and granny flats. Nathan highlights the importance of a financial plan that aligns with Anne's lifestyle and needs, and examines the implications each choice has for her long-term financial security and care costs. The conversation balances emotional and logistical factors, emphasizing thoughtful decision-making.
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Widow Exploited By Her Son
- Anne sold a $1.3M family home after her husband died and moved in with her son before being manipulated out of $1.8M.
- The son bought a house in his name, kicked her out, and she later recovered $700K then had $900K in cash.
Numbers Aren't The Whole Answer
- Financial decisions must match non-financial needs like location, social links, safety and comfort.
- Nathan says the best option on paper can fail if it doesn't let Anne sleep at night.
Use Renting To Buy Time
- Rent provides location flexibility and no maintenance obligations but carries housing security risk and potential displacement later in life.
- Use renting to buy time to decide and ensure invested money keeps pace with rising rents.