I’m sure you are aware of the risk of a margin loan. If for some reason the market drops and you go below margin requirements, you have to add money to the account, or sell stocks to pay it down. Just an FYI
I’m sure you are aware of the riskS of a margin loan. If for some reason the market drops and you go below margin requirements, you have to add money to the account, or sell stocks to pay it down. Just an FYI
She can get a HELOC. ‘A retired person can get a HELOC. Lenders cannot deny a loan simply because your income is from a non-traditional source. However, instead of looking at a traditional paycheck, they will focus heavily on your overall financial stability, credit, and home equity to ensure you can afford the payments. [1, 2, 3]
Key Qualification Requirements
Because you are retired, lenders will evaluate your application using the following criteria:
Approved Income Streams: You must prove you can make the monthly payments. Lenders will accept reliable sources like Social Security (verified via SSA-1099), pension distributions, interest/dividend income, and 401(k) or IRA withdrawals.
Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: Lenders generally look for a DTI ratio below 43%, though some specialty programs allow up to 50%.
Credit Score: Most traditional lenders require a credit score of 620 to 660 or higher.
Home Equity: You will typically need to have at least 15% to 20% equity in your home
75 years old. 76% in equities (large % in US) 8% short term bonds (VUSB), and 16% VG money market. We have a mixture of 8 ETFs and 7 long held stocks. We have no pension and each have SS. Fortunately the portfolio is very large so the cash position can carry us through any downturn, along with SS. We have no debt either.
I was in the financial services industry starting in the 1980’s and was compensated from product sales. Then I became manager of one of the world’s largest financial firms in a wealthy retirement city in florida. Compensation came from selling investments. I read a lot and studied the CFP materials but did not go for the title. I didn’t need it, but the knowledge was helpful. I retired in 2015. Now at age 75 I manage our investments at Vanguard, and they are set up so that my wife doesn’t have to do anything if I am not around. My wife is not involved and does not want to be. I don’t see the value of using Vanguard managers because of the way the portfolio is set up. Income needs are taken care of and market ups and downs can be ridden out. CurrentlyI am bored and about to sign up for the RICP program just to keep busy and to stay abreast of any new things that come up. Maybe I’ll volunteer to help retires with their income strategies.
Comments
Trader Joe’s sells cards for $.99
Post: Exercising true frugality
Link to comment from July 4, 2026
I’m not sure this is needed in a 401k, which is already tax deferred. If a person wants an income stream, they can annuitize it when they retire
Post: Automatic Income stream? How important to you?
Link to comment from June 27, 2026
I’m sure you are aware of the risk of a margin loan. If for some reason the market drops and you go below margin requirements, you have to add money to the account, or sell stocks to pay it down. Just an FYI
Post: Leverage
Link to comment from June 20, 2026
I’m sure you are aware of the riskS of a margin loan. If for some reason the market drops and you go below margin requirements, you have to add money to the account, or sell stocks to pay it down. Just an FYI
Post: Leverage
Link to comment from June 20, 2026
She can get a HELOC. ‘A retired person can get a HELOC. Lenders cannot deny a loan simply because your income is from a non-traditional source. However, instead of looking at a traditional paycheck, they will focus heavily on your overall financial stability, credit, and home equity to ensure you can afford the payments. [1, 2, 3] Key Qualification Requirements Because you are retired, lenders will evaluate your application using the following criteria:
Post: Leverage
Link to comment from June 20, 2026
75 years old. 76% in equities (large % in US) 8% short term bonds (VUSB), and 16% VG money market. We have a mixture of 8 ETFs and 7 long held stocks. We have no pension and each have SS. Fortunately the portfolio is very large so the cash position can carry us through any downturn, along with SS. We have no debt either.
Post: What’s in your portfolio ?
Link to comment from June 20, 2026
Why not raise the SS contribution level from $184,500 the way it is for Medicare? Remove the income limits
Post: Just the facts about Social Security
Link to comment from June 13, 2026
What do you consider very high income? The super rich?
Post: Just the facts about Social Security
Link to comment from June 13, 2026
Really?
Post: Just the facts about Social Security
Link to comment from June 13, 2026
I was in the financial services industry starting in the 1980’s and was compensated from product sales. Then I became manager of one of the world’s largest financial firms in a wealthy retirement city in florida. Compensation came from selling investments. I read a lot and studied the CFP materials but did not go for the title. I didn’t need it, but the knowledge was helpful. I retired in 2015. Now at age 75 I manage our investments at Vanguard, and they are set up so that my wife doesn’t have to do anything if I am not around. My wife is not involved and does not want to be. I don’t see the value of using Vanguard managers because of the way the portfolio is set up. Income needs are taken care of and market ups and downs can be ridden out. CurrentlyI am bored and about to sign up for the RICP program just to keep busy and to stay abreast of any new things that come up. Maybe I’ll volunteer to help retires with their income strategies.
Post: The Quiet Failure of Good Advice
Link to comment from June 6, 2026