Retirement Solutions for All Ages

Ruth Johaningsmeir

Welcome to Retirement Solutions for All Ages, the podcast that cuts through the noise and provides clear, actionable financial insights for every stage of life. Join Ruth, The Retirement Mortgage Expert, as she tackles the real-life questions and hidden truths about money, homeownership, and securing your financial future. From demystifying the magic of compounding interest for young professionals just starting their careers, to navigating complex family dynamics around aging parents, to debunking outdated mortgage myths, Ruth shares practical strategies and empowering perspectives.

  1. Florida Retirement: Tax Heaven or Insurance Nightmare? 💰🌴

    FEB 5

    Florida Retirement: Tax Heaven or Insurance Nightmare? 💰🌴

    Contact Ruth at 828-888-5626 In this video, we break down 5 economic benefits and 5 financial drawbacks of retiring in Florida, including: Florida has no state income tax Property tax savings with the homestead exemption Rising home owners insurance costs HOA fees, utility bills, and snowbird-season inflation This is a non-political, real-world look at Florida retirement costs, told with humor and practical insight. Whether you’re a snowbird, pre-retiree, or already living in Florida, this video helps you decide if Florida truly fits your retirement budget and lifestyle. 👉 Perfect for anyone researching: Retiring in Florida pros and cons Best states to retire financially Florida retirement taxes and insurance Snowbird cost of living 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who keeps saying “Florida has no taxes!” 00:00 – Retiring in Florida: What This Video Covers 00:51 – Pro #1: No State Income Tax in Florida 01:21 – Pro #2: Property Tax & Homestead Exemption 02:43 – Pro #3: Low-Cost Lifestyle & Free Activities 03:15 – Pro #4: Vacation Lifestyles vs Cold-Weather States 03:40 – Pro #5: Family Friendly 04:00 – Con #1: Florida Homeowners Insurance Costs 04:48 – Con #2: Heat and Humidity 05:42 – Con #3: Snowbird Season Cost Inflation 06:10 – Con #4: Extreme Weather 06:33 – Con #5: Starting Over Finding Friends 07:10 – Is Retiring in Florida Worth It Financially? #RetiringInFlorida #FloridaRetirement #FloridaProsAndCons #RetirementPlanning #SnowbirdLife #FloridaCostOfLiving #RetirementFinance #TaxFriendlyStates #BestStatesToRetire #RetirementLifestyle #FloridaLiving #ruthatnexa #4flloans #4ncloans #mortgage #homebuyer #reversemortgage

    8 min
  2. JAN 27

    Swimming Laps & Solving Retirement: Two Homes for the Price of One? Podcast episode 25

    🏊‍♂️ Swimming Laps & Solving Retirement: Two Homes for the Price of One? Can you actually retire in two places at once without breaking the bank? Today’s episode of Retirement Solutions for All Ages is a little different—I’m coming to you live from the pool while swimming laps! As I dodge the ice storms of Asheville, NC, I’m sharing my personal journey of selling a high-value Florida home to secure "two for the price of one." We’re diving deep into the All-In-One Accelerator Mortgage, the reality of hurricanes vs. ice storms, and why buying the "worst house on the best block" is still the ultimate retirement play. In this episode: The "Two-for-One" Strategy: How we parlayed a $1.2M sale into homes in both Asheville and Naples. The Accelerator Mortgage: Why an adjustable-rate, first-lien HELOC was the smartest move for us when rates were high. Florida Real Estate Hacks: Dealing with "roof life expectancy" issues and why cash buyers (or those using home equity) have the upper hand. Investment Advice: Why you should buy your retirement home before you’re ready to retire. Lifestyle Design: Escaping Chicago winters, surviving "sled dog" walks on icy hills, and finding the perfect balance between the mountains and the beach. 🕒 Chapters 00:00 Swimming laps in Florida (While Asheville freezes!) 01:10 Selling after appreciation: The "Two for One" strategy 01:45 How the All-In-One Exelerator Mortgage works 02:24 Paying less than 6% interest rate 03:14 Hurricane Ian vs Hurricane Helene: You can't run from weather 04:00 The "Sled Dog" incident: Why I left the ice behind 04:42 Chicago colder than Siberia - Swimming vs shoveling 05:31 Buying a vacation rental early to "lock in" your retirement 06:09 Loving Florida in the Summer too 06:48 Career pivots to support a tropical lifestyle 07:43 The Secret to Appreciation: Buying the lowest-priced home 08:08 Tangent - Diary of a Fat Female by Ruth Princess 08:58 Hurricanes scared us away from Florida at 6 feet above sea level 09:40 Insurance & Mortgages: The "Old Roof" trap for buyers 10:45 Moved to Asheville North Carolina 11:51 Paying off your mortgage and paying cash for a home 12:55 Tax mistakes and advantages - the two year rule 14:35 Buy the cheapest home on the block at a wholesale rate 16:10 Renovate for skyrocketing values built in equity 16:40 Mortgage, roof, and insurance 17:35 Strategy: Using a HELOC to buy cash in Florida 17:55 Reverse mortgage for your primary home 18:10 Final Thoughts: Join me in the sun! #RetirementPlanning #FloridaReal Estate #AshevilleNC #RealEstateInvesting #AcceleratorMortgage #SnowbirdLifestyle #NaplesFlorida #MortgageTips #FinancialFreedom 💡 Let’s Connect! Are you looking to escape the cold or find a creative mortgage solution for your retirement home? I can help you navigate the process. Call or Test Ruth at 828-888-LOAN or 239-444-Ruth #ruthatnexa #4flloans #4ncloans #mortgage #homebuyer #reversemortgage

    19 min
  3. Equity Efficiency Retirement Solutions for All Ages Podcast 24

    JAN 19

    Equity Efficiency Retirement Solutions for All Ages Podcast 24

    Why I Chose the EquityXcelerator Over a Traditional Mortgage Most homeowners have never heard of the EquityXcelerator—but it may be one of the most financially efficient ways to manage your mortgage and cash flow. In Podcast Episode #24 of “Retirement Solutions for All Ages,” Ruth, the Retirement Mortgage Expert at NEXA Mortgage, explains how the EquityXcelerator works, why it’s different from traditional mortgages and HELOCs, and why she personally chose this loan to achieve her financial goals before qualifying for a reverse mortgage. In this episode, you’ll discover: What the EquityXcelerator is and how it combines your mortgage and checking account How a principal-first, daily interest calculation can save thousands in interest Why this strategy allows you to access equity without refinancing or opening a HELOC How disciplined borrowers can accelerate payoff while maintaining flexibility Real-life examples, including how variable income earners (like real estate agents) can avoid common cash-flow traps Who the EquityXcelerator is ideal for—and who should avoid it This is not a one-size-fits-all mortgage. But for the right borrower, the EquityXcelerator can turn your home loan into a powerful cash management system. 📞 Want to see if an EquityXcelerator fits your financial strategy? Call Ruth at 828-888-LOAN (828-888-5626) 📧 Email: Ruth@NEXAmortgage.com If you found this episode helpful: ✅ Subscribe to the channel ✅ Leave a review ✅ Share with someone who wants smarter mortgage strategies 🎙️ Hosted by Ruth, The Retirement Mortgage Expert NEXA Mortgage | Retirement Solutions for All Ages Chapters 00:00 – Intro: What Is the EquityXcelerator? 00:45 – Why Most People Have Never Heard of This Loan 01:10 – How the EquityXcelerator Works (Mortgage + Checking Account) 02:50 – Principal-First Payments & Daily Interest Explained 03:50 – Key Benefits: Interest Savings, Flexibility & Cash Flow 05:11 – Why Ruth Personally Chose the EquityXcelerator 07:32 – How This Would Work for Real Estate Agents 09:00 – Final Thoughts: Is the EquityXcelerator Right for You? 10:50 – How to Contact Ruth & Next Steps #EquityXcelerator #MortgageStrategy #CashFlowManagement #BecomeYourOwnBank #HomeEquity #FinancialEfficiency #MortgageEducation #RealEstateFinance #WealthBuilding #RetirementPlanning #NEXAMortgage #RuthTheMortgageExpert #SmartMortgage #FinancialFreedom #ruthatnexa #4flloans #4ncloans #mortgage #homebuyer #reversemortgage

    12 min
  4. The Truth About Reverse Mortgages Dave Ramsey Doesn’t Talk About

    12/26/2025

    The Truth About Reverse Mortgages Dave Ramsey Doesn’t Talk About

    Dave Ramsey is famous for helping millions of Americans get out of debt—but when it comes to reverse mortgages, his advice hasn’t kept up with today’s reality. In Podcast Episode #22 of “Retirement Solutions for All Ages,” Ruth, the Retirement Mortgage Expert at NEXA Mortgage, breaks down why Dave Ramsey’s criticism of reverse mortgages misses the mark in 2025—and what retirees actually need to know before ruling them out. In this episode, you’ll learn: The 4 main arguments Dave Ramsey makes against reverse mortgages Why today’s FHA-insured HECM reverse mortgages are very different from older products How reverse mortgages do NOT mean giving up home ownership Why they can preserve wealth instead of destroying it How a reverse mortgage can be used strategically to: Eliminate monthly mortgage payments Protect retirement income during market downturns Create a growing line of credit not tied to market volatility The truth about foreclosure risks—and why they apply to all homeowners, not just reverse mortgages This episode isn’t about attacking Dave Ramsey—it’s about updating the conversation with accurate, current information so retirees and pre-retirees can make informed decisions. A reverse mortgage isn’t a “last resort.” It’s a financial tool—and like any tool, it works best when used strategically with professional guidance. 📞 Have questions about reverse mortgages or retirement planning? Call Ruth directly at 828-888-LOAN (828-888-5626) 📧 Email: Ruth@NEXAmortgage.com If this episode helped you, please: ✅ Subscribe ✅ Leave a review ✅ Share with someone planning for retirement 🎙️ Hosted by Ruth, The Retirement Mortgage Expert NEXA Mortgage Podcast Series: Retirement Solutions for All Ages 🔖 Hashtags #ReverseMortgage #DaveRamsey #RetirementPlanning #HECM #RetirementIncome #FinancialEducation #MortgageAdvice #SeniorFinance #RetirementStrategies #HomeEquity #NEXAMortgage #RuthTheMortgageExpert #WealthPreservation #MarketVolatility #RetireSmart

    11 min
  5. 12/05/2025

    🔓 Unlock Hidden Wealth: The Strategic Reverse Mortgage Line of Credit | Retirement Solutions for All Ages

    Are you 62+ and wondering how to turn your home into a powerful financial tool—even if you don’t need cash right now? In this episode, Ruth, The Retirement Mortgage Expert at NEXA Mortgage, reveals one of the most misunderstood yet highly strategic retirement planning tools: the Increasing Line of Credit on a reverse mortgage. Learn how paying upfront costs today can protect—and even grow—your access to tax-free funds tomorrow. Discover why locking in your home’s value now could safeguard your equity against future market swings, and hear Ruth’s real-life Marco Island story illustrating just how valuable this strategy can be. Whether you’re exploring options for your own retirement or helping a loved one, this episode will open your eyes to hidden opportunities for long-term financial security. 💡 In This Episode: How a Reverse Mortgage Line of Credit grows over time—tax-free Why paying the upfront 2% FHA MIP can be a smart wealth strategy Real-world example: locking in value during volatile markets How refinancing a reverse mortgage works When and why a refinance could dramatically expand your liquidity Why the line of credit acts as a financial safety net with no monthly payments 📞 Connect with Ruth, The Retirement Mortgage Expert Call: 828-888-LOAN Email: Ruth@NEXAmortgage.com 👍 Like, Share & Subscribe If this episode helped you see your home equity in a new light, give us a thumbs up, drop a comment, and share it with someone planning for retirement. Don’t forget to subscribe for more expert insights that empower your financial future! #ReverseMortgage #HomeEquity #RetirementPlanning #IncreasingLineOfCredit #NEXAMortgage #RetirementSolutions #FinancialFreedom #SeniorFinance #RetirementWealth #HomeEquityConversion #MortgageExpert #RetirementStrategy #TaxFreeIncome #LiquidityPlanning #AgingInPlace #HousingWealth #RuthTheMortgageExpert #PodcastEpisode #RetirementTips

    10 min

About

Welcome to Retirement Solutions for All Ages, the podcast that cuts through the noise and provides clear, actionable financial insights for every stage of life. Join Ruth, The Retirement Mortgage Expert, as she tackles the real-life questions and hidden truths about money, homeownership, and securing your financial future. From demystifying the magic of compounding interest for young professionals just starting their careers, to navigating complex family dynamics around aging parents, to debunking outdated mortgage myths, Ruth shares practical strategies and empowering perspectives.