As Certified Financial Planners®, you often work with clients who want to make a lasting impact on the lives of their loved ones. One common goal? Helping grandchildren start adulthood on solid financial footing—especially by avoiding burdensome student loan debt.

Client Situation: Planning for a Purpose

A client recently shared their long-standing wish:
“I’ve always wanted to leave something for my heirs, but I don’t want my grandchildren starting life with a mountain of debt.”

With several grandchildren preparing to attend college, this client saw an opportunity to provide meaningful support now, while they’re alive to witness the impact.

Client Solution: A Home Equity with Purpose

We helped the client explore a Second Reverse Mortgage— A Second Reverse Mortgage is designed for homeowners aged 55 and older that have a low interest rate on their 1 st mortgage. In this case their interest rate was 2.75% Since a Second Reverse Mortgage has no Mandatory mortgage payments as long as the clients live in their home they were able to help without the added expense of monthly payments. 

The Result: by leveraging the equity in their home, they were able to provide their Grandchildren funds for tuition, room and board, books, and living expenses without any added expense such as monthly payments.

Why This Matters

According to a 2024 College Ave survey, only 44% of parents with a child in college felt financially prepared to cover their first tuition bill. And U.S. News data shows the average college sticker price increased again in the 2024-2025 academic year across both public and private institutions.

This financial pressure often trickles down to grandparents who want to help—but aren’t sure how to do so without compromising their own retirement. That’s where thoughtful planning—and tools like a home equity option—can offer a strategic solution.

Starting the Conversation with Clients

• Do you have family members or loved ones who could use your financial support now?
• Do you have grandchildren approaching college age?
• How do they plan on paying for their education?
• Have you considered the idea of a living legacy—helping while you're here to see the impact?
• How would it feel to know your support helped them graduate debt-free?
  
  

Helping a client use home equity to fund college expenses isn’t just about finances—it’s about dignity, legacy, and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Could This Strategy Benefit Your Clients? Let’s Find Out!

Do any of your clients fit this scenario? Retirement in Reverse would be happy to provide a customized, hypothetical scenario to help you assess if this strategy could be a valuable solution. Let’s explore how we can make it work for your clients!

Retirement In Reverse offers Objective, Competent Advice to help you make informative decisions for your clients.

Furthermore, we have No Conflict of Interest, as we do not sell Financial Product, nor enter into financial planning engagements. We share your commitment to your clients’ financial stability and quality of life.