Hope for Struggling Seniors with Harlan Accola

Aug 14, 2025

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Many seniors today face significant financial strain—some even resort to borrowing to cover their basic living expenses.

For retirees on a fixed income, a reverse mortgage can be a practical solution to access the equity in their home and bring much-needed stability. Harlan Accola joins us today with a message of hope for those looking for margin in their retirement years.

Harlan Accola is the National Reverse Mortgage Director at Movement Mortgage, an underwriter of Faith and Finance. He is also the author of Home Equity and Reverse Mortgages: The Cinderella of the Baby Boomer Retirement.

The Real Issue: Seniors Struggling with Credit Card Debt

Nearly 70% of seniors that Movement speaks with are carrying credit card debt. These aren’t impulsive spenders buying luxury items. They’re retired, living on fixed incomes, and they’re relying on credit just to pay for basics like groceries and prescriptions. They’re often asset-rich but cash-poor—sitting on significant home equity but drowning in interest rates of 25% to 35%.

Many people suffer silently, too embarrassed to discuss their financial challenges. They don't realize that the equity in their home could be used to ease their burden without losing the home they love.

One of the biggest hurdles is the spread of misinformation. People believe they’ll lose their house, or that a reverse mortgage is inherently bad.

In truth, the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)—the most common form of reverse mortgage—is federally insured and designed to protect both the homeowner and their heirs. Properly structured, it can be a safe and responsible tool.

Who Should Consider a Reverse Mortgage?

Anyone over 62 with at least 50–60% equity in their home should take a closer look. A typical scenario might be someone still making monthly mortgage payments, even with a small remaining balance. Those payments—$800, $1,500 or more—can strain fixed retirement budgets.

One common misconception is that you lose control of your home. In fact, you and your spouse can stay in your home for life, even if one of you passes away. You can choose how to receive the funds—from monthly income to a lump sum to the most popular option: a line of credit.

Whether it’s a car repair or a medical bill, reverse mortgage lines of credit provide flexibility. And it’s all about wise stewardship.

At the heart of this decision is a stewardship principle. As Proverbs 24:3 reminds us, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.” It doesn’t make sense to live in a paid-off home but struggle to pay for groceries while racking up 30% interest on credit cards. That’s not good stewardship.

Reverse mortgages aren’t for everyone—but many avoid them simply due to fear or misunderstanding. For some, it could be a life-giving solution.

If you’re entering—or well into—retirement and want to explore whether a reverse mortgage might be a fit for your situation, visit Movement.com/Faith.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

I’m 71 and still working, but I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to keep it up. Would a reverse mortgage help me eliminate my monthly mortgage payment, allowing me to manage better if I need to stop working?
I have recently retired and hold a 401(k) account with Fidelity. Someone mentioned a company called Big Money Retirement Solution, which offers a 9% annual return on an annuity. Should I consider moving half of my portfolio there?
I heard there’s a way to get a free credit report that the government requires. How do I access that?

Resources Mentioned:

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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