Long-Term Care Planning – Beyond The Dollar Signs

What You’ve Heard About Reverse Mortgages Is Probably Wrong Part I with Mike Brouse (Ep. 9)

By BeyondTheDollarSigns | August 5, 2025

Reverse mortgages carry a lot of baggage, misconceptions, fear, and outdated assumptions.

But what if they could actually be a powerful financial tool to help you stay in your home, fund your lifestyle, or protect your retirement income?

In this episode, Mark Taylan is joined by reverse mortgage specialist Mike Brouse, who brings two decades of experience and a deeply personal story to the conversation. From working with his own in-laws to helping families across California, Mike breaks down what reverse mortgages are (and what they’re not) with clarity, humor, and heart.

You’ll learn why reverse mortgages are no longer a “last resort,” how they fit into a broader retirement strategy, and the truths behind the biggest myths, including who really owns the home, what happens when you move or pass away, and how the loan balance grows over time.

What to expect:

A breakdown of common reverse mortgage myths
How the product actually works, month-to-month
Why financial advisors are rethinking this strategy
The risks of ignoring home equity in retirement planning
And more!

Connect with Mark Taylan:

Connect with Mike Brouse:

About Our Guest:

With 24 years of experience in the mortgage industry, including senior leadership roles, Mike has dedicated the past five years to specializing in reverse mortgages. His passion lies in helping retirees and older homeowners unlock financial stability and security through strategic home equity solutions.

Throughout his career, he has led teams, driven growth, and navigated the evolving mortgage landscape with a commitment to integrity and client-focused solutions. He believes in educating homeowners, financial professionals, and industry partners about the benefits of reverse mortgages, ensuring they have the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions.

If you’re looking for a trusted resource in the reverse mortgage space—whether as a client, financial advisor, or industry peer—Mike welcomes the opportunity to connect and explore how he can help.

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The Questions You Should Be Asking About Retirement (Ep. 7)

By BeyondTheDollarSigns | July 8, 2025

When it comes to retirement, most people think they’re on the right track—until they’re faced with the big picture.

In this episode of Beyond the Dollar Signs, Mark Taylan reflects on what he and his team learned after hosting eight retirement planning dinner workshops with over 200 families.

What stood out? Many attendees had been given fragmented advice, bits and pieces of financial strategies, but no comprehensive plan. Mark shares why it’s so important to look at the full picture: your assets, liabilities, income streams, expenses (yes, including takeout and travel!), and the risks like market volatility, inflation, taxes, and long-term care.

He also breaks down the Wealth Path Process, a step-by-step system he’s built over two decades to help families create a clear roadmap to retirement, and why conversations about legacy, lifestyle, and financial freedom can’t wait until it’s too late.