Should You Consider Equity Release To Pay For Live-in Care?

Published on: 21 January 2021 Last Updated on: 24 December 2024

Although it seems like equity release plans have been around forever, this sector of finance has only been regulated since 2004. However, this has not dented their popularity among over 55s wishing to free up a sum of money rather than leaving it tied up in their property.

Many have used the money to fund home DIY projects, help a child onto the housing ladder, or simply for a blowout holiday or new car. Increasingly though many are seeing equity release as a good way to pay for care in their own home in old age. Equity is the value of your home minus any loans or mortgages secured against it which haven’t been fully paid off.

If you’re wondering whether this would be right for you read our advice on the advantages and pitfalls of equity release and how the equity in your home could pay for a comfortable old age.

What is Equity Release and How Does it Work?

This is a method for releasing some of the untapped wealth tied up in your home. Being able to unlock the value of your home and turn this into cash is a way to remain in a much-loved family home. There are two main types of equity release – a lifetime mortgage or a home reversion plan, which is the sale of part or all of the property.

A lifetime mortgage is a loan against the value of your home which is not repaid until either the homeowner dies or goes into long-term care, or the property is sold. If you decide to go down this route you must choose carefully between the two types of lifetime mortgage which are:

The interest roll-up mortgage, which is the most popular option. With this, you receive either a lump sum or regular amounts, and interest is added to the loan at a fixed or capped rate.
An interest-paying mortgage is similar to a standard mortgage in that you pay monthly or ad-hoc payments, and some plans allow you to pay off the capital, to reduce the sum owed at the end.

The home reversion plan is only available to those aged at least 65. With this, you can sell all or a percentage of your home to a provider at below the market value and you become a rent-free tenant in your home. You can even sell percentages of the home at off-set intervals.

Another, less well known and potentially more risky option is the sale and rent back scheme where you sell your home, at a discount and become a rent-paying tenant in your home.

Points to Consider

Home care services are increasingly seen as preferable to standard nursing home care for many reasons, not least among them being able to carry on living in your own home being looked after by a trusted live-in carer who becomes your friend.

Lifetime mortgages are considered the most popular option for equity release because it allows you to retain full ownership of your property and some come with an option of paying back some of the loans over time in order to reduce the build-up of interest and retain as much of the value of your property to benefit your estate when you die.

You can only apply for equity release once you are over 55 and the amount you receive is dependent upon the value of your home (minimum value £70,000) as well as your age. Your property must be in the UK.

Benefits of Equity Release

For today’s older homeowners who have seen the value of their homes rise significantly over recent years and with the added benefit of current low-interest rates, equity release gives you an amount of cash to spend now or to put towards a live-in care plan.

Risks and Pitfalls of Equity Release

The biggest problem with equity release is that you do not receive the full market value for your home, indeed the amount you can access would be much less than you would get by selling your home on the open market in the traditional way. Another disadvantage is that any inheritance your beneficiaries expect to receive would be reduced.

The upfront costs and fees involved in setting up an equity release plan could be as much as £3000.

If you opt for a lifetime mortgage there is a real risk that when the time comes for your home to be sold the amount owed may be more than you borrowed because of the compound interest charged on the mortgage, unless you can pay off some of the debt as you go along. So, if you want to leave a decent inheritance for your family you need to act with caution.

Be aware that if you have a substantial amount of cash in the bank this could affect any means-tested benefits you may be entitled to. The upper threshold is currently £16,000 so above this you are ineligible for means-tested benefits. Your tax situation could be impacted.

If you choose to pay off the whole of the lifetime mortgage early you could incur penalties.

Risks of Home Reversion Scheme

You may only receive between 30-60% of the market value of your home and there may be a clause in your contract which forbids you from moving home. Distressingly, once you die the property usually has to be vacated within one month which causes unnecessary upset to the family at a distressing time.

Protections from the Equity Release Council

You should look for an equity release provider who is a member of the Equity Release Council to ensure that any lifetime mortgage you take out will never exceed the total value of your property. You are also assured that:

You can remain in your home until the end of the mortgage term
You are provided with an independent solicitor who explains everything clearly to you
Interest rates must be fixed or capped and the product must have a ‘no negative equity guarantee’.

Always get the best independent adviser who is regulated by the FCA and discuss things with your family before signing on the dotted line.

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Insure Your Health, Ensure Your Wealth: How To Dodge Common Insurance Blunders

Healthcare costs are skyrocketing, and this era is also witness to relentless medical inflation contributing to increasing concern. Concern regarding what? You may ask. The concerns regarding the finances and ourselves are taking the wheel. Each year, people and their families struggle to navigate the complex health insurance structure. They are often face-to-face with pitfalls that drain their finances. This, in turn, compromises their health and well-being. The only fitting way to combat this is through proper knowledge and foresight, which can help avoid common insurance mistakes. Financial and health stability should also be kept in check. The following article will explore practical ways to avoid these pitfalls and secure a healthier, brighter future. Common Mistakes When Buying A Health Insurance Plan When you think of buying health insurance, there are high stakes you may miss. Overlooking key details or inadequate coverage can cause significant financial strain compromising healthcare. Unfortunately, several individuals often find themselves in traps, which may be due to an oversight or a misunderstanding. The following section will dissect some of the most prevalent health insurance mistakes. It also provides insight into each of these mistakes, guiding ways to avoid them: Insufficient Coverage One of the biggest mistakes you can make is choosing health insurance with insufficient coverage. It is common for the desire to save on premiums to drive our decisions; however, as an individual, you may choose plans that provide limited protection. There have also been cases where individuals have unexpected medical expenses, leaving them vulnerable. Thus, it is important to carefully assess the healthcare needs, including future scenarios, before selecting a plan that provides adequate coverage. These should include surgeries, hospitalization, specialist consultations, and medications. Avoiding A Comprehensive Cover This is another common mistake that has been seen in recent times. Not choosing a comprehensive health insurance plan can make you miss out on coverage of potential medical emergencies. Some health insurance plans with basic coverage will not even consider chronic conditions that can have significant effects. Comprehensive plans, if the name did not suggest so, offer broad coverage such as preventive care, maternity benefits, and mental health services, among others. Choosing a broad coverage plan gives us peace of mind that we’ll be protected against unforeseen health circumstances. Not Disclosing All Medical Conditions. Failing to disclose or hide pre-existing medical conditions during the application process can lead to serious consequences. The insurers depend on specific information that allows them to evaluate the risks, thus determining premiums. Some of the dire consequences of obscuring medical information include: Denial of claim Policy cancellation So, being transparent while applying for health insurance will only help you reap the benefits in the long run. This is helpful when you want to ensure complete coverage while also avoiding any complications when the time comes to claim the policy. Overlooking Terms And Conditions Shockingly, a significant number of policyholders make the mistake of ignoring the fine print on their health insurance policy. The fine print contains terms and conditions that lead to misunderstandings about crucial information such as the coverage limit. This can also include waiting periods, exclusions, and claim procedures. Thus, it is very important to review the policy document, seeking clarity on any ambiguous terms and understanding the coverage scope and limitations. You will also learn about your obligations as a policyholder. Not Comparing Plans One of the most critical errors you can make while purchasing a health insurance plan is choosing the first one you see. When buying anything, it is best to compare before you finalize your decision. Why should something as important as a health insurance plan be neglected? An insurer offers different coverage options, deductibles, and premiums, along with network providers. Missing out on comparing different health insurance plans can cause you to lose benefits that would suit you better. You must take appropriate time to research and compare the different policies available. This way, you will be able to compare important factors such as coverage limits, cost, network size, and customer reviews. Lastly, comparing plans can prevent you from overpaying for coverage. Insufficient Research This continues on the point of missing benefits as one of the results you want to avoid. If you rush to buy a health insurance plan without sufficient research, you can have serious FOMO later. You must research different insurance providers and learn more about their reputations through reviews and financial stability. You should also look into their customer service track record. Research also helps you learn about the types of plans available, such as PPOs, HMOs, and high-deductible plans. This way, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your budget and preferences. Missing Cashless Hospital Networks The availability of cashless hospitals should be missed as it will be a huge oversight on your part. Missing this during a health insurance plan purchase can seem like a huge loss later. Choosing a policy without verifying the network of hospitals with cashless treatment as an option can prove to be inconvenient for you. This can put pressure on you during an emergency as it will push out-of-pocket expenses. Thus, you must check for the availability of cashless hospitals in its network. Having reputed hospitals in or near your area will be a bonus. This allows you smooth access to quality healthcare that does not pose the problem of upfront payment. Additionally, reimbursement claims too. Therefore, you must check if your insurer has a network that also boasts of cashless hospitals. This will help you avoid strain on your finances, reducing your worries. Purchasing Only In Old Age Despite being a common practice, health insurance purchases should not be postponed to old age. Aging is a natural process that brings about many changes in the human body. Several health issues pose a challenge in acquiring good health insurance. Waiting until health problems arise will result in higher premiums because of pre-existing conditions, and it may also introduce exclusions. Thus, you are advised to invest in a health insurance plan as early as possible to enjoy lower premiums and more accessible coverage. This further ensures comprehensive protection for life. Conclusion Health insurance plans can be complex, and you must make informed decisions to find peace of mind and financial security. This article highlights all the key areas you must take care of, prioritizing comprehensive coverage, thorough research, and transparency. Buying a health insurance plan? Remember that the right choice will help you live a wealthier and healthier tomorrow. Read Also: Why You Need Commercial Property Insurance The Comprehensive Guide To Property Insurance Toronto How To Choose The Right Insurance Plan For Business Owners

Title Loan Requirements: What you Do and Don’t Need

A title loan is a type of a loan where an asset is given to act as collateral, popularized because of two main reasons: When determining your qualifications, title loans don’t put your credit rating into consideration. Title loans get approved very quickly for loan amounts of as little as $ 100. This makes title loans some of the most convenient and efficient options in the lending market. The Breakdown of A Title Loan : A car title loan is the most common type of title loan. It’s a case where you as a potential borrower, you are obliged to be in possession of car outright and sign the title over to an auto loan title company. The loan company will allow you up to 25% of the value of the car to the borrower and then retain the car’s title as collateral in case you breach the repayment agreement. It’s worth noting that the amount you want to borrow must always be put into consideration. The value of your car or the commonly called – equity in the value will set the limit of the amount of money you can borrow. If your car has a high value, so will be your title loan. The lenders will in most cases lend you money they are sure they can get it back easily if they were to sell your car in case you default the payment. With car title loans, there are no prepayment penalties, so it’s okay and not costly if you want to pay off your loan earlier. Be Careful of Rolling Over : A lot of title loan cases end up in rolling over. This means that you decide to prolong your payment by another 30-day loan. The disadvantage of rolling over with your title loan is that it gets very expensive and every time you extend the loan you are penalized for new loan fees. There are cases where the process of extending a car title loan is controlled by the law. Unlike the interest rates that you usually pay on credit cards, title loans have a very high cost despite the fact that there are laws that limit the interest rates. You, therefore, end up paying back more money than you actually borrowed. The Risk of Losing Your Car : Getting a car title loan sounds so good but there is always a big problem which is the risk of losing your car to your lenders. This happens in the event that you can’t pay back your lender. Your car will then become their possession and they sell it to get back their share of the money that they lend to you. Car title loans are different from bank loans, typically they have easier requirements. Here are the key dos and don’ts you need to know to apply for a title loan. What You Do Need To Apply FOR A Title Loan : You will need the following before going for a title loan: Vehicle title with your name Valid driver’s license Proof income Proof of residence These requirements will be qualified in the following manner: Vehicle Title with Your Name : Since the title loan is being given to you, the title of your car must be in your name, and lien-free or something close to lien free. What’s a lien-free car title? It simply means that you have total ownership of the car; it’s completely paid off with no outstanding balances or loans against it. Certifying that your vehicle is lien-free is important because the amount of money you are given on the loan is on the basis of the value of your vehicle at the time of application. A Valid Driver’s License : For proper verification of your identity, your valid driver’s license is required. In addition, the names on the form of identification must match the name on the title of the vehicle in order to issue the loan. Proof of Income : The companies that give you loans don’t necessarily depend solely on credit scores. Rather, you will be asked to show your proof of income like: Paystubs Bank statements Monthly allowances such as retirement accounts With proof of income, you basically tell the lender how much you can afford to pay back. Proof of Residence : Since title loans aren’t given to every region, you just have to prove your current residence and also certify that you have been an ongoing resident of your current residential area for the past two years. This same requirement is still used to verify your identity. What You Don’t Need To Apply For the Loan : There are so many misconceptions about what you need to apply for a title loan. Mostly, you might think that you need: A good credit score A bank account A high-paying job However, contrary to popular belief, none of these requirements are essential anywhere when applying for a title loan. A Good Credit Score : You don’t need a perfect credit score for you to get a title loan. A good credit score doesn’t necessarily prove your eligibility for a loan. A Bank Account : Are you worried that you don’t have a bank account? You don’t need to be. You will be provided with a check for your loan amount without having to give your account number from you. A High-paying Job : This is one of the most popular misconceptions that is among many people. There are flexible payment options for a realistic repayment schedule and the amount you’ll feel comfortable accepting. With the right kind of documents, you can easily get a title loan. You do not need to have a high-paying job, a good credit score nor even a bank account. All you need is a clean car title and the right kind of financier willing to lend you the money. Read Also : Top 5 Types Of Startup Business Loans

Easy Ways To Make Free Money Without Doing Much

Being in need of extra cash and not having the time to do something about it can put you in a pretty tough position. Luckily there are some things you can do to make free money without putting in much effort as well as save free money without even knowing it. Check out the tips below to grab that extras cash ASAP. Easy Ways To Make Free Money Without Doing Much: Fill out online surveys There are tons of websites out there that will pay you to take surveys or answer just a couple of questions. Some of these websites include Swagbucks Toluna Vivatic MySurvey YouGov Panel Opinion These surveys usually don’t take too long and definitely don’t take too much brainpower to complete. Check out one of these sites if you’re bored and make a few extra bucks in the process Sell your old clothes Everyone has clothes still hanging in their closet or folded in their drawers that they either forgot they had or haven’t worn in years. If this is the case, sell them! You can either physically bring them to a spot like Plato’s Closet where they’ll assess the value of your clothes or then hand you cash, or you can post them online. One great online clothing selling platform is Poshmark. All you have to do is upload a picture of your clothing item, answer a few questions, set a price, and wait for it to sell. Once it’s sold, Poshmark will provide you with a pre-paid shipping label so that all you have to do is pack the box and send it on its way. Sell your things So maybe you don’t have a ton of clothes you’re willing to sell. In that case, check out some of the old stuff you have hiding away in your basement or attic. As they say, one mans garbage is another man's treasure. Check out sites like eBay or LetGo for a platform with a huge audience. Sell your old gift cards Sites like GiftCash make it easy to check the balance of your gift cards and then sell them on their site. You can check any gift card balance from Abercrombie to a second cup gift card balance. This is a great way to make some quick cash if you’re not going to use the gift cards. Stop buying coffee If you’re tight for cash, you need to make those trips to Dunkin or Starbucks a treat rather than a necessity. Not that coffee is particularly expensive, but if it’s an everyday expense, it’s definitely adding up over time. Try cutting this down or out completely and watch your bank account grow slowly but surely. Cut back on subscriptions There’s going to be some things where you’re just not willing to budge, but do you really need Netflix, Hulu, and HBOGO? Maybe it’s time to pick and choose which subscriptions are really a priority for you. Or maybe you should stop watching TV altogether and get another job. Write online This might not be a gig for everyone, but you have any ability to write, it’s not too tough to find a job online. Websites like Upwork and Freelancer offer platforms for you to advertise yourself as a blog writer, article writer, or any other professional talents you may have. You can sell photography, design websites, or just about anything else you can think of through these sites, and get paid for it! When you’re in a pinch for free money, things can get pretty frustrating. No matter what though, there’s always something you can do about it. Even if you’re not working some fancy job, for the time being, there are totally ways to get that extra cash into your pocket. Sometimes you just have to think outside the box in order for it to work. Read More : Top Apps to Help You Manage Your Money. Substantial Tips On How To Invest Your Money Responsibly.

Should You Consider Equity Release To Pay For Live-in Care?

What is Equity Release and How Does it Work?

Points to Consider

Benefits of Equity Release

Risks and Pitfalls of Equity Release

Risks of Home Reversion Scheme

Protections from the Equity Release Council

Why Would I Need A Business Credit Report?

Did You Know NOT ALL DEATH are Covered by Term Life Insurance?

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Insure Your Health, Ensure Your Wealth: How To Dodge Common Insurance Blunders

Title Loan Requirements: What you Do and Don’t Need

Easy Ways To Make Free Money Without Doing Much

Should You Consider Equity Release To Pay For Live-in Care?

What is Equity Release and How Does it Work?

Points to Consider

Benefits of Equity Release

Risks and Pitfalls of Equity Release

Risks of Home Reversion Scheme

Protections from the Equity Release Council

Share this Article

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Did You Know NOT ALL DEATH are Covered by Term Life Insurance?

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related