Tired of penny pinching your way to retirement?

Updated 06 June 2025

Home Loans
Anthony Stevenson
Written byAnthony Stevenson
Our editorial process

With household budgets tighter than ever, a reverse mortgage may help you thrive - instead of just survive. A reverse mortgage allows people over 55 to access some of the equity in your home, helping you to fund a more comfortable lifestyle. So, how will you spend your cash?

Tired of penny pinching your way to retirement?

You’ve worked so hard to get where you are.

Watching living costs sky-rocket as you count every dollar is no way to enjoy your retirement. Your reverse mortgage could be your solution.

How can you spend your reverse mortgage funds?

The short answer is, any way you please, from taking care of your health to improving your lifestyle as you plan the rest of your retirement. Many reverse mortgagees use the funds for:

  • Ongoing living costs

  • Medical expenses

  • Travel

  • Assisting their children and grandchildren

  • Lifestyle improvements, such as stair lifts and home renovations.

Remember: Reverse mortgages have negative equity protection:

This protects you from owing more than your home is worth, securing your - and your family’s - financial future.

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A few of the most important points to know about reverse mortgages are listed below:

  • Your interest is calculated on your daily outstanding balance, and added to your loan account separately. It’s not charged until you no longer need your home.

  • The amount of equity you can draw down is determined by responsible lending regulations (i.e. negative equity protection).

  • Drawing funds from your property now may reduce what you can access later on.

  • Variable interest rates mean the amount you’re charged changes over time.

  • Setting up your loan incurs fees and charges, like any other loan. Our expert specialised brokers can help you access the best value options for you#.

Here’s the most important part:

You don’t need to make any repayments on your reverse mortgage, and there are no restrictions on how you can spend your cash. 

You can just - live. 

It’s your home, after all, and your lifestyle. Don’t you deserve a chance to enjoy it?

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What's new in home loans - February 2026

  • RBA rate hike: The RBA lifted the cash rate to 3.85% this month. While we had three cuts in 2025, offering some relief after thirteen rate hikes since May 2022, this new direction is worrying Australian mortgage holders.

  • Cheaper to borrow: A higher cash rate can lower your borrowing power - but working with your broker to find the right lender can offset the damage. Not all lenders are created equal. Ask your mortgage broker which ones really want your business.

  • Fixed rate ending? Now’s the time to speak with a broker at Compare Club about your next steps, so you’re not hit with a staggeringly high revert rate.

Things You Should Know

This guide is opinion only and should not be taken as financial advice.The information contained on this web page is of general nature only and has been prepared without taking into consideration your objectives, needs and financial situation. You should check with a financial professional before making any decisions. Any opinions expressed within an article are those of the author and do not specifically reflect the views of Compare Club Australia Pty Ltd.


Anthony Stevenson, is the head of home loans at Compare Club. With over a decade of experience under his belt, Anthony is dedicated to helping individuals make informed decisions when choosing a home loan. Whether it's finding a great deal on your home loan or refinancing, Anthony has a wealth of knowledge in the space.

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Anthony Stevenson

Head of Home Loans

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