INTERVIEW WITH TED BUTLER – “THE VOICE OF REVERSE MORTGAGE” PODCAST HOST FOR OCTOBER’S FINANCIAL PLANNING MONTH
Welcome to our episode of “Caregiving Club On Air” podcast (S6, Ep 75) hosted by Sherri Snelling, corporate gerontologist, author and CEO of the Caregiving Club.
On this episode we are highlighting October’s “Financial Planning and Long-Term Care Planning Month” with our expert guest, Ted Butler, host of the “Voice of Reverse Mortgage” podcast from the Mutual of Omaha. Reverse mortgages have been on the rise over the last decade – especially for women over age 70 who are solo agers. Sherri probes how this financial product for older adults works and how it can affect family caregivers and long-term care planning.
Key Takeaways from the interview with Ted Butler:
- What is the eligibility to get a reverse mortgage, how does it work and what are the out-of-pocket costs you need to know?
- The big advantage for older adults who have equity in their home and need cash now is you no longer have a monthly mortgage – but how does that work?
- Be aware there are different types of reverse mortgage loans – some riskier than others – Ted explains pros and cons
- What happens if you need to move from your home into memory care or assisted living? How does the reverse mortgage impact that decision?
- How do reverse mortgages affect the family (especially the caregivers) and what do they need to know? This makes the family long-term care plan conversation important to have earlier rather than later.
Key Takeaways about Reverse Mortgages
- You must be at least 62 years old to qualify for a standard, government-insured reverse mortgage known as a standard Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), which are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
- Single older women and retirees facing fixed-income cash flow strains make up the majority of people getting reverse mortgages according to the National Council on Aging
- As of early 2026, the U.S. Census Bureau reports more than 78% of Americans age 65 and older own their home
- The median home equity held by Americans age 65+ in 2025 was $250,000 according to an Investopedia article
- The majority of reverse mortgages are in high property value states such as California and Florida according to Ruby Home
“Caregiving Club On Air” Podcast Hits #3
As we kick off our 6th season of the “Caregiving Club On Air” podcast, we are thrilled to share that we reached #3 of to Top 80 caregiving podcasts according to ranking firm, Feedspot.
We want to thank our listeners and subscribers to our listening channels at Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, Sirius XM, iHeart Radio, etc.
You can also subscribe to our Caregiving Club YouTube channel to watch the podcasts and be alerted to new episodes as well as get other great video and educational content. Just click the subscribe button here!
Read the press release about our ranking here
Our Caregiver News is Now on YouTube
For our podcast listeners who are familiar with our Caregiver Wellness News and Well Home Design News as well as what is happening in the workplace for employees who are also caregiving as part of the Sandwich Generation – we are moving those news segments to our new “Caregiving Club News” program on YouTube.
You can catch all the same news, including the latest research news, resources and pop culture we have previously done on our podcast on our news channel premiering in late January– and it’s all free!
All we ask is that you subscribe to us on YouTube as well so you get the bi-weekly news updates and all of our other education caregiving content.
RESOURCE LINKS
Ted Butler – “The Voice of Reverse Mortgage’ Radio from Mutual of Omaha
“Elder Care Locator – eldercare.gov or call 1-800-677-1116 (help finding local resources)
“Self-Care in 7 Minutes” Wellness Hack Video Series
Click here to find out where to buy Sherri’s Me Time Monday book and learn more about the workshops
Sherri’s Me Time Monday book GoodReads page
Sherri’s articles related to this episode
Caregiving In the Workplace
Caregiving Redefined – How the Gen C Continuum Reflects a New Era of Care (LinkedIn blog)
The future of caregiving in the workplace: From a benefits checklist to a culture change (Care for Business article)
Why lifespan caregiving is reshaping the workforce (Care for Business article)
Caregiver training for managers: How it improves retention, culture & productivity (Care for Business article)
Mental Health in the Workplace Benefits Employees (PBS Next Avenue)
Workplace Caregiving: One Size Does Not Fit All (PBS Next Avenue)
Caregiver Financial Wellness
What Suze Orman Learned Caring for Her Mother (Forbes)
9 Ways Caregivers Can Get a Free Respite Break (PBS Next Avenue)
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