Healthy aging advocate and beloved broadcaster Judy Bailey interviewed Guy about how he funds his retirement.

When COVID-19 closed New Zealand’s borders, retirement beckoned for Guy.

An Aucklander who spent many years working in the tourism industry, when the tourism business he worked for shut down, a new phase opened in his life.

At first, Guy imagined a slower pace of life -time to relax and take things easy. But in reality, retirement turned out to be anything. Through his involvement in community organisations, he found himself staying active, engaged, and busy. While fulfilling, his lifestyle also came with ongoing costs.

As Guy began thinking about his financial future, he decided to reassess his situation. A property valuation revealed something surprising—his home had significantly increased in value over the years.

Curious about how he could make the most of this untapped equity, Guy began exploring reverse mortgages. After speaking with a consultant and learning more about how it worked, he decided to move forward. Not long after, his application was approved.

Rather than making big, immediate changes, Guy chose to take a measured approach.

But it also allowed for something more – experiences.

When a close friend shouted him on a Silversea cruise, Guy was able to make the most of the opportunity. He used his reverse mortgage to fund a business class flight to Sydney, making travel more comfortable given his mobility needs. Later, he was also able to attend his niece’s wedding in regional New South Wales – another meaningful moment that might have been difficult otherwise.

For Guy, the reverse mortgage has provided flexibility and peace of mind. It hasn’t changed his lifestyle overnight, but it has made it easier to maintain independence and enjoy life on his terms.

He believes others in a similar position should at least explore the option.