Your home is often one of your largest assets—but how do you actually use that equity to improve your lifestyle, reduce financial stress, or create a safety net? In this week’s episode, host David Chudyk, CFP®, is joined by Archie Johnson of Mutual of Omaha Mortgage to explore how retirees and high earners can strategically access their home’s equity.

They break down how tools like the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) can eliminate mortgage payments, provide a line of credit, and even help buffer against market downturns. This strategy can free up cash for travel, family support, long-term care needs, or simply enjoying retirement without financial worry.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

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• ✅ Why home equity is often an untapped piece of your net worth.
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• ✅ How retirees can eliminate monthly mortgage payments without draining their investments.
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• ✅ The role of home equity in protecting against sequence-of-returns risk during market downturns.
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• ✅ Real-world ways clients have used freed-up cash—travel, family gifts, long-term care, and more.
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• ✅ The FHA’s protections and counseling requirements that ensure retirees make informed decisions.
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• ✅ How HECM loans differ from traditional mortgages and what happens when a borrower passes away.
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• ✅ The flexibility of using home equity for both refinancing and purchasing a new home.
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Key Quote from Archie Johnson

“For the right person, a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage can be life-changing. It’s not about debt—it’s about freedom, flexibility, and creating options in retirement.”

Connect with Our Guest

📧 Email: archie.johnson@mutualmortgage.com

📱 Call: (864) 616-4066

🏢 Mutual of Omaha Mortgage – Home Equity Retirement Specialist

Resources & Links

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• 📍 Book your free 10-Minute Wealth Vision Call: weeklywealthpodcast.com/vision
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• 📍 Learn more about financial strategies and tools at weeklywealthpodcast.com
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Final Thoughts

Wealth isn’t just about money—it’s about what money allows you to do. Whether it’s traveling, supporting family, or enjoying a stress-free retirement, your home’s equity might be the key to unlocking new opportunities.E