In this episode of Protect Your Assets, David Hollander sits down with reverse mortgage specialist Chris Freck to discuss how reverse mortgages work and how they may allow homeowners to access equity while continuing to live in their home. They cover eligibility requirements, how loan amounts are determined, and the differences between fixed and adjustable reverse mortgage options.

David and Chris also walk through real-life examples to explain how reverse mortgages are sometimes used to supplement retirement income, create a line of credit, or provide additional flexibility later in life.

The bond market is shifting, and understanding bonds is critical in today’s interest rate environment.

In this episode, David Hollander discusses bond basics, including yield, duration, callable bonds, and the yield curve, while explaining how falling interest rates may impact income, portfolio stability, and retirement planning.

If you’re holding cash, approaching retirement, or reviewing your fixed income strategy, this episode will help you better understand what’s happening and what to consider next.

Is your 401(k) protected from creditors in California, or is that just a myth? In this episode of Protect Your Assets, David Hollander discusses how California creditor-exemption rules may apply to retirement accounts and why protection can depend on individual facts and court interpretation. With recent updates under Assembly Bill 2837, effective January 1, 2025, many investors may be surprised to learn how courts actually interpret these protections.

David reviews California Code of Civil Procedure Section 704.115 and key court decisions, including one well-known California case involving a 60-year-old executive in bankruptcy who argued that his retirement accounts should be fully protected from creditors. The court examined his age, income, expenses, and future earning potential before deciding how much, if any, of his retirement savings could be shielded. Through examples like this, David explains how factors such as your age, income, other assets, and proximity to retirement can determine whether your 401(k) is protected. If your retirement account is one of your largest assets, this episode clarifies what you need to know about 401(k) creditor protection in California and where potential risks may exist.

Choosing a financial advisor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as you approach retirement. But how do you know if you’re hiring the right person?

In this Valentine’s Day special of Protect Your Assets, David Hollander, The Sandman, explains why hiring a financial advisor is a lot like dating. Chemistry and trust matter, and asking the right questions upfront can help you avoid costly mistakes later.

David covers the number one mistake people make when hiring a financial advisor, why focusing only on past performance can be misleading, and the key difference between a fiduciary and a suitability standard. He also discusses how to evaluate credentials, understand advisory fees, and determine whether an advisor truly aligns with your long-term retirement income and tax strategy.

Annuities are often misunderstood, yet they continue to be part of many retirement planning conversations. In this episode of Protect Your Assets, David Hollander walks through annuities in clear, practical terms and explains how different types work. The discussion covers the differences between fixed annuities, fixed indexed annuities, and registered index-linked annuities (RILAs), along with how annuities are commonly used alongside other retirement planning tools.

Listeners will also learn about key trade-offs to consider, including caps, participation rates, buffers, and surrender periods, as well as how annuities compare to bonds and other income-focused options. The episode addresses common myths about annuities and highlights important questions to ask before considering whether one may be appropriate, emphasizing that suitability depends on individual circumstances.