Equity Release and Retirement Finance in 2025: What You Need to Know

When you're over 55 and own a home, equity release, a way to access cash tied up in your property without selling it. Also known as lifetime mortgage, it's not a loan you repay monthly—it's money you get now, with interest that grows over time. Many people use it to cover healthcare, home repairs, or just to enjoy retirement without dipping into savings. But if you don’t understand how fees and compound interest work, you could end up leaving less for your kids—or worse, owing more than your home is worth.

That’s why November 2025 was packed with real talk about money. You’ll find guides on how retirement income, the money you live on after you stop working. Also known as pension income, it’s not just about how much you get—but how long it lasts works in Australia, where $6,000 a month puts you ahead of most. We looked at how debt consolidation, combining multiple debts into one loan with a single payment. Also known as loan consolidation, it’s a tool that can help or hurt depending on your timeline terms—most run 3 to 7 years, but paying faster saves thousands. And we didn’t ignore the rise of crypto: if you bought Bitcoin, you need to know where it goes next. Bitcoin storage, how you keep your cryptocurrency safe after purchase. Also known as crypto wallet, it’s not optional—it’s your first line of defense against scams. We broke down who really gets your money when you buy it, and why holding it on an exchange is risky.

And if you’re watching your savings, you’ll see we dug into who’s offering 7% interest on savings accounts in 2025—and what fine print hides behind that number. It’s not magic. It’s usually a temporary promo from digital banks, and it vanishes if you don’t meet the conditions. We also covered the US version of the UK’s ISA, showing how Roth IRAs and HSAs can stack up for tax-free growth. And if you’re thinking about remortgaging to get cash out of your home, we warned you about the hidden traps: early repayment charges, longer loan terms, and interest rate swings that can undo your savings.

This wasn’t theoretical finance. These are the questions real people asked—and the answers they actually needed. Whether you’re trying to pay off credit card debt with a balance transfer, figure out FAFSA eligibility on a $50k income, or learn how to earn crypto without gambling on meme coins, the guides in this archive cut through the noise. No fluff. No jargon. Just what works.

What Is the Best Way to Get Equity Release?

What Is the Best Way to Get Equity Release?
Evelyn Waterstone Nov 27 2025

Equity release lets homeowners over 55 unlock cash from their property without moving. Learn how lifetime mortgages work, what to watch out for, and how to avoid costly mistakes that could wipe out your inheritance.

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Is $6,000 a Month a Good Pension? Real Numbers for Real Life

Is $6,000 a Month a Good Pension? Real Numbers for Real Life
Evelyn Waterstone Nov 24 2025

Is $6,000 a month a good pension in Australia? For most retirees, yes - it’s well above average and provides real comfort. Learn what it covers, who it works for, and how to make it last.

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Can You Pay Off a Credit Card with Another Credit Card? Here’s What Actually Works

Can You Pay Off a Credit Card with Another Credit Card? Here’s What Actually Works
Evelyn Waterstone Nov 23 2025

Yes, you can pay off one credit card with another using a balance transfer-but only if you have a plan. Learn how it works, the hidden fees, and how to avoid making your debt worse.

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What Is the US Version of an ISA? Tax-Advantaged Accounts Explained

What Is the US Version of an ISA? Tax-Advantaged Accounts Explained
Evelyn Waterstone Nov 20 2025

The US doesn't have a direct equivalent to the UK's ISA, but Roth IRAs, Roth 401(k)s, and HSAs together offer similar tax-free growth. Learn how to combine them for maximum savings freedom.

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Can I Get FAFSA If I Make $50K? Here’s the Real Answer

Can I Get FAFSA If I Make $50K? Here’s the Real Answer
Evelyn Waterstone Nov 18 2025

Making $50,000 doesn't disqualify you from FAFSA. Many families at this income level get grants, loans, and work-study. Here's what you actually qualify for-and why not filing is a big mistake.

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Who Gets the Money When You Buy Bitcoin? The Real Players Behind the Transaction

Who Gets the Money When You Buy Bitcoin? The Real Players Behind the Transaction
Evelyn Waterstone Nov 17 2025

When you buy Bitcoin, the money goes to the seller-not a company or miner. Understand who really benefits and how exchanges, peer-to-peer trades, and mining fit into the picture.

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What Are the Risks of Remortgaging? Key Dangers You Can't Ignore

What Are the Risks of Remortgaging? Key Dangers You Can't Ignore
Evelyn Waterstone Nov 16 2025

Remortgaging can save money-but only if you avoid hidden fees, early repayment charges, and extended loan terms. Learn the real risks of switching mortgages in 2025 and how to protect your finances.

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What Do I Do With Bitcoin Once I Buy It? A Practical Guide for Beginners

What Do I Do With Bitcoin Once I Buy It? A Practical Guide for Beginners
Evelyn Waterstone Nov 15 2025

After buying Bitcoin, the real work begins. Learn how to store it safely, use it wisely, avoid scams, and handle taxes in Australia. No fluff-just what actually matters.

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How Long Do You Have to Pay Off a Debt Consolidation Loan?

How Long Do You Have to Pay Off a Debt Consolidation Loan?
Evelyn Waterstone Nov 12 2025

Debt consolidation loans typically have terms of 3 to 7 years. How long you actually pay depends on your loan terms, interest rate, and whether you make extra payments. Paying faster saves money and gets you debt-free sooner.

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Which Banks Are Offering 7% Interest on Savings Accounts in 2025?

Which Banks Are Offering 7% Interest on Savings Accounts in 2025?
Evelyn Waterstone Nov 8 2025

In 2025, only a few digital banks in Australia offer 7% interest on savings accounts-but it comes with strict conditions. Learn who's offering it, how to qualify, and what happens after the promo ends.

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Can You Get Money Back from Remortgaging? Here’s Exactly How It Works

Can You Get Money Back from Remortgaging? Here’s Exactly How It Works
Evelyn Waterstone Nov 5 2025

Remortgaging can give you access to cash tied up in your home’s equity, but it’s not free money. Learn how it works, when it makes sense, and the risks you must consider before pulling out cash.

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How Crypto Beginners Make Money: Real Ways to Earn Without Guessing

How Crypto Beginners Make Money: Real Ways to Earn Without Guessing
Evelyn Waterstone Nov 1 2025

Crypto beginners can make money through staking, savings accounts, learn-and-earn programs, and freelancing-not by gambling on meme coins. Realistic, low-risk methods work best for those starting small.

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