Social Security will increase in 2009

Today I was reading that Social Security benefits will increase 5.8% effective this January. This is the largest increase for benefits in 27 years. Over 55 million seniors will see an average increase of $63 dollars a month. Not a huge amount, but I am sure every little bit will help. This is tough times for seniors. Retirees with fixed incomes have seen a 51% drop in buying power since 2000 with the near doubling in prices for home heating oil and gasoline, and more than double the cost of such staple foods as eggs and potatoes. This month AARP is reporting that nearly 60% of its members are having a hard time paying for basic groceries and medicine.

With these and many other issues seniors are facing financially, it doesn’t surprise me that more Reverse Mortgages are being written every year. This financing is becoming a common solution to free up income and create a more comfortable lifestyle for seniors.

Let me list 6 Great Benefits to a Reverse Mortgage that help you enjoy a more comfortable retirement in your own home:

• Independence - You continue to own and live in your own home


• Liquidity - Receive monthly payments instead of making them


• Simplicity - No income, credit or employment requirements needed to qualify


• Choice - You may receive funds as a lump sum, in monthly instalments, as a line of credit, or as an up-front sum plus monthly allotments


• Security - Does not affect Social Security, pension or Medicare benefits


• Ownership - Your heirs can keep the property once the Reverse Mortgage is paid in full

Every month I am seeing more interest in this this safe and insured program. Please contact me today to receive a brochure or DVD that will explain in great detail and help you to understand the benifits of a Reverse Mortgage.

-Bryan Husen

Don’t give into fear!

In his 1933 inaugural address, Franklin Roosevelt said, “…The only thing we have to fear is fear itself…which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” He was speaking at the depth of the Great Depression, a period that some are comparing to current economic circumstances. While Roosevelt’s words remain true today, there are few similarities between current financial circumstances and the economic turmoil of the Great Depression. In 1934, unemployment was 25% compared to 6% today, and 40% of mortgages were seriously delinquent as opposed to 4% today.

Lessons from the past
Regardless of the differences, lessons learned during the Great Depression are informing current government actions. Many experts believe that the Great Depression was caused by poor policy-making on the part of the American Federal Reserve, which did not create needed liquidity in the markets. As a result, credit tightened and banks failed. Today, the Federal Reserve and the United States Treasury are taking extraordinary measures to extend credit and maintain liquidity in the markets – including asking for the authority to own up to $700 billion in mortgage-related assets.

Reasons for optimism
Thus far, Fed and the Treasury actions have bolstered investor confidence, improved liquidity, and earned a significant response in credit and equity markets. Although we should not expect rapid economic growth anytime soon, its important to keep another statement from Roosevelt’s speech in mind: This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper.

Questions regarding Reverse Mortgages or any other related topics, please contact me today.

Seniors and Politics

I listen to talk radio when I am in my car. I like the callers and radio hosts opposing views and this year I have really enjoyed following the presidential race. It has been anything but boring. Now less than 45 days from electing a new president, things are really heating up.

Today I was listening to a national radio show, and they kept commenting on how the “Youth of America” is really going to make a difference in this year’s election. I hear this often. I am sure that younger voters are making a difference in this year’s election, but I came into the office wondering what impact older voters will have. Seniors. The baby boomers. What is the turn out like for them? What are the key issues driving this demographic to vote? I looked online to answer these questions and I am very surprised at some of the facts I found.


This year they are predicting a record turnout of more than 135 million voters in the U.S. presidential contest. Seniors are still going to make up an astounding percentage of the voters in this country. Did you know that Senior Citizens are are the most reliable group to vote in American elections?

In fact, the nonpartisan Center for the Study of the American Electorate at American University in Washington, said seniors vote at a rate of about 60 percent more than young people and about 10 percentage points higher than the national average.

Seniors are the only group in America that has been increasing its rate of voter turnout, especially in the 75-and-older range where modern medicine is keeping people alive longer.

What are the key issues that are bringing seniors to the polls? Many of them are listed in a great movement titled "Divided We Fail" which is supported by the AARP.

The concerns of seniors today are:

• Social Security
• Health care
• Prescription drugs affordability
• the Economy

In my opinion, the economy will take center stage on this upcoming vote. The current crises in the housing and financial industries and their effect on the nation's economy is of particular concern to mature Americans who, according to AARP The Magazine, own three fourths of all financial assets in the United States and account for almost half — $2.1 trillion a year — of consumer spending. These numbers cause me to think that while the youth is an important demographic in this election, the candidates best not discount the seniors of America.

The 55-plus age bracket make up 39 percent of all 135 million registered voters and 46 percent of the 90 million of those likely to go to the polls (based on Census Bureau figures from the past two elections).

What will influence your decision vote most this November 5th? What issues do you feel most passionate about?

If you are not registered to vote, be sure to do so. For more information on registration to vote, follow this link. VOTE 2008

Questions Reverse Mortgages or any other related topics, please contact me today.