A Planning Approach for Using Home Equity Calmly and Safely in Retirement
Designed to Reduce Payment Pressure, Protect Your Home, and Adapt as Income and Expenses Change over time
A Planning Approach for Using Home Equity Calmly and Safely in Retirement
Most homeowners start by reviewing the guide before deciding anything.
Who This Approach Is Designed For
This approach is often a fit for homeowners who:
Have meaningful home equity
Want to stay in their home long-term
Are approaching or in retirement
Prefer flexibility as income changes
Value calm planning over complexity
It is not designed for:
Short-term real-estate speculation
Maximum leverage strategies
Anyone looking for quick cash without a plan
The right answer depends on the structure — not the sales pitch.
What We Mean by the Protected HELOC Approach®
The Protected HELOC® is not a single lender, loan, or program.
It is not a one-size-fits-all solution
It is not about borrowing as much as possible
It’s a planning framework used to structure home equity in a way that prioritizes:
Stability over speculation
Flexibility over rigid payments
Long-range thinking over short-term fixes
When structured correctly, this approach can:
Reduce or eliminate mandatory payments
Remove reliance on callable credit
Allow payments to adjust as income or expenses change
Help homeowners stay in control of their home and their decisions
This approach was developed specifically for homeowners navigating retirement, semi-retirement, or income transitions — where traditional lending often creates more pressure instead of less.
Be the Driver, Not the Passenger of Your Mortgage®
Discover the retirement mortgage built for your lifestyle—flexible, secure, and on your terms.
Home Equity Isn’t the Problem. Uncertainty Is.
For many Canadian homeowners, the home itself is not the source of stress. The stress comes from what happens around it.
Income becomes less predictable.
Expenses arrive unevenly.
Mortgage payments, HELOCs, and renewals don’t adapt the way life does.
What worked well during working years often becomes rigid later on — creating pressure at exactly the wrong time.
The Protected HELOC Approach® exists to remove that uncertainty by thinking differently about how home equity is structured, accessed, and managed as life changes.
How This Approach Is Applied
Step 1 — Clarify the Situation
We start by understanding how income, expenses, and existing debt behave today — and how they may change in the years ahead.
Step 2 — Stress-Test the Structure
Different home-equity structures behave very differently over time.
The structure depends on age, timing, income stability, and long-term goals.
We look at how payments, balances, and access change under realistic conditions — not best-case assumptions.
Step 3 — Choose the Right Level of Flexibility
Some homeowners prefer to make full payments.
Others need partial payments — or none at all for a period.
The goal is not to eliminate discipline, but to choose it — rather than having it imposed later.
Step 4 — Revisit as Life Changes
This is not a “set it and forget it” decision.
As income, health, or priorities change, the structure should still make sense.
Why Traditional Mortgages and HELOCs Often Stop Working in Retirement
Traditional mortgages and home equity lines of credit were designed for one stage of life: steady employment, predictable income, and required monthly payments.
That works well during working years. It often works poorly once income changes.
In retirement — or even in the years leading up to it — cash flow becomes less predictable. Expenses arrive unevenly. Interest rates rise and fall. And banks still expect the same things they always have: regular payments, periodic renewals, and continued qualification.
For many homeowners, this creates quiet pressure over time.
Mortgage payments don’t adjust as income changes
HELOC payments rise as balances and rates increase
Renewals reset affordability every few years
Renewals reset affordability every few years
None of this means traditional lending is “bad.”
It simply means it wasn’t built for this phase of life.
The challenge isn’t having home equity.
The challenge is being forced to interact with it under structures that no longer fit.
Why This Guide Is Worth Reading
Understand how home equity tools really behave in retirement
Compare Protected HELOC Approach®, HELOCs, and reverse mortgages
See where hidden risks can quietly erode your future
Learn which options fit your situation first
Get clarity before talking to anyone
Real Canadians. Real Stories. Real Freedom.
From retirees paying off debt, creating additional retirement income to grandparents helping grandkids with down payments, the Protected HELOC® is changing lives.
"We wiped out $1,200/month in payments and still kept our home. Now that money goes toward travel and helping the grandkids. Best decision we ever made!"
Jim & Carol D., 73 & 70
"I used the Protected HELOC strategy to eliminate my mortgage and redirect $800/month into my TFSA. In 10 years, I’ll have over $130,000 saved — and no stress about bills."
Frank L., 69
7.95% compounded annually, managed by your financial advisor.
"Thanks to the guide, I cleared $45K in debt, freed up $1,000/month, and now I finally sleep at night. Retirement finally feels like retirement."
Donna S., 75
Why the Protected HELOC Approach® is Different
The Protected HELOC Approach® is designed for Canadians age 60+ who want choice and security in retirement. It gives you more ways to access and manage your home equity than a regular HELOC or reverse mortgage.
With multiple ways to access your funds, the Protected HELOC Approach® adapts to your retirement needs — whether that’s debt repayment, monthly income, or extra cash when you need it.
Flexible payments — pay the full amount, part of it, or nothing at all
Guaranteed for life — no renewals or re-qualification
Stay in control — you remain the homeowner and keep future appreciation
Refreshable credit — if you pay it down, the funds become available again
Choose how to receive funds —
• All at once in a lump sum
• Some now, some later as needed
• Or as steady income, like $2,000 per monthEveryday access — optional Mastercard® with a $2,000 limit, automatically paid from your Protected HELOC each month and reset, ideal for topping up retirement income
Ways to Access Your Money
One of the biggest advantages of the Protected HELOC® is how flexible it is when it comes to getting your funds. Unlike a reverse mortgage that pays only one way, or a HELOC that forces monthly payments, the Protected HELOC® lets you choose what works best for your retirement lifestyle.
With the Protected HELOC®, you’re not locked into one choice. You can combine options — taking some funds upfront, keeping a monthly income stream, and using your card for everyday flexibility.
Lump Sum — Get all your approved funds at once. Perfect if you want to pay off a mortgage, clear debts, or cover a major renovation.
Some Now, Some Later — Draw only what you need today, and leave the rest available for future use. Great for covering occasional expenses like travel or home upgrades.
Monthly Income — Set up steady, reliable cashflow, like $2,000 per month. Ideal if you want predictable income to supplement pensions or investments.
Everyday Access with Mastercard® — Use your Protected HELOC® Mastercard with a $2,000 monthly limit. Any amount you spend is automatically paid from your Protected HELOC® each month and the limit resets. This makes it easy to top up retirement income, cover groceries, or handle small monthly expenses.
Is the Protected HELOC® Right for You?
The Protected HELOC® is designed for Canadians age 60+ who want to unlock the value of their home without giving up ownership or taking on mandatory payments. It may be the right choice if you:
Want extra income in retirement without selling investments or triggering tax bills
Prefer the security of staying in your home for life instead of downsizing
Need flexible payment options — from full interest to partial or even $0 per month
Are concerned about outliving your savings and want guaranteed access to funds
Would like to support family now with an early inheritance or financial gift
Plan to cover healthcare costs, home upgrades, or pay down debt
Get Pre-Qualified in 90 Seconds — Answer Within 24 Hours
Completing the secure online form takes just 90 seconds. Once submitted, our team reviews your details and provides an answer within 24 hours — with no credit impact and no obligation.
Here’s how it works:
Fill out the 90-second online form with your basic home and age details (60+)
Receive your pre-approval decision within 24 hours
Connect with a specialist to review options tailored to your needs
Complete appraisal and paperwork, then receive funding in as little as 21 days
It’s the fastest, easiest way for Canadian homeowners 60+ to explore safe, flexible, and tax-free access to their home equity.
Schedule Your Call with Matthew Hines, CRMS, CSEC
There’s no cost, no commitment—just a friendly conversation to explore what’s possible for you.
Ontario Clients Only / Appointments available weekdays
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common Protected HELOC® questions we get.
Do I need to apply to learn more?
No. Most people start by reading the guide so they can decide calmly.
What is a Protected HELOC®?
The Protected HELOC® is not a single product or lender.
It’s a planning approach used to structure home equity safely for Canadians later in life.
Depending on age, equity, and goals, this approach may involve different lending tools — including reverse mortgages, term-based structures, or other retirement-focused solutions.
What makes the approach different is how these tools are structured: with flexibility, long-term stability, and guardrails designed to reduce future pressure — not maximize borrowing.
Who qualifies for the Protected HELOC in Ontario?
Eligibility depends on age, equity, income stability, and goals. Some structures are designed for homeowners 60+, while others can be used by homeowners under 55 as a temporary or transitional solution.
The first step is simply understanding whether — and how — this approach might apply to your situation.
How is the Protected HELOC® different from a regular HELOC?
A standard HELOC is tied to prime rates, requires monthly interest payments, and can be frozen, reduced or called in by the bank. The Protected HELOC® is structured to offer optional or zero monthly payments, fixed-rate lockups up to 5 years or life, and cannot be cancelled by the lender as long as conditions are met.
Are monthly payments required?
Payment requirements depend on how the structure is set up. In some cases, homeowners choose to make full or partial payments. In others, payments may be paused for a period or indefinitely. The key difference is choice — not obligation.
How quickly can I access funds in Ontario?
Timing varies depending on the structure, appraisal, and legal steps involved. This approach is designed to prioritize clarity and long-term fit over speed. The online form takes 90 seconds, you’ll receive an answer within 24 hours, and funds are typically available in 21 days.
Will this affect my government benefits like GIS, CPP, or OAS?
Funds accessed through home equity or home equity release mortgages are generally not considered taxable income and typically do not affect CPP or OAS.Individual circumstances vary, which is why this is reviewed carefully before any structure is finalized.
Is the money I take out tax-free?
The money you receive through a Protected HELOC® is not considered income, so: There’s no tax on the money, It doesn’t affect your OAS or CPP, You can use it however you choose such as build your TFSA, support family, supplement retirement income or pay off debts.
Can I lock in an interest rate?
Yes. Unlike a standard HELOC, you can lock in a fixed rate for up to 5 years and in some circumstances, for life.
Can I receive funds as monthly income or with a card?
Depending on the structure, access to equity can be arranged in different ways — such as periodic draws, monthly deposits, or limited-use spending tools such as a Mastercard® with a $2,000 monthly limit that resets automatically.
Does pre-qualification affect my credit?
Pre-qualification does not affect your credit. It’s a no-cost, no-obligation way to see whether you may qualify and what options could be available — nothing more.
Is the Protected HELOC available across Ontario?
Yes. It is available to homeowners in most municipalities across the province who meet age and equity requirements.
Do I lose ownership of my home?
No. You remain the legal owner and keep 100% of future property value, subject to the loan balance.
How is the Protected HELOC® different from a reverse mortgage?
Reverse mortgages, home equity release mortgages and other retirement-focused lending tools behave differently depending on structure.
In some cases, interest accrues automatically. In others, homeowners may choose to make payments. The Protected HELOC Approach® focuses on selecting and structuring tools in a way that preserves choice and flexibility over time.
What can I use the money for?
Any existing mortgage or HELOC balance must be paid off first. After that, there are no restrictions on how you use your equity. All advances are tax-free, and you decide what’s most important for your retirement. Many of our clients use the Protected HELOC Approach® to:
- Eliminate debt or ongoing mortgage payments
- Cover everyday living expenses and healthcare costs
- Renovate or improve home accessibility so they can age in place
- Pay for in-home care or medical needs
- Create a tax-free TFSA safety net
- Fund RESPs for grandchildren’s education
- Contribute to an FHSA to help children with a first-home down payment
- Provide an early inheritance or financial gift to family
- Simply enjoy peace of mind knowing they have backup funds available
The right use depends on individual priorities and long-term planning.
Can I be forced to move out of my home?
No. As long as you continue to meet the contractual requirements—such as paying property taxes, keeping insurance in place, and maintaining the home—you can stay in your home for life. The Protected HELOC® is designed to let retirees age in place with security and peace of mind.
Is there a no negative equity guarantee?
This protection may apply within the terms of the lending structure used. If it applies, your estate will never owe more than the fair market value of the home when it is sold.
Will my kids lose their inheritance?
The Protected HELOC Approach® is designed to preserve as much equity as possible. In most cases, homeowners still leave behind significant estate value. Many families are surprised to find that thoughtful planning can preserve meaningful estate value while improving quality of life today.
What happens if I move or sell my home?
When you sell your home, the Protected HELOC® balance is paid off from the sale proceeds. Any remaining equity belongs to you or your estate. If you decide to buy another home, your Protected HELOC® may be transferred (ported) to the new property, provided certain conditions are met.
Is the Protected HELOC® guaranteed for life?
Certain retirement-focused lending structures are designed without renewals or recall risk, as long as contractual obligations are met. Whether this applies — and how — depends on the structure used. That’s why planning and setup matter.
It’s Your Home. Now It Can Fund Your Retirement.
Still not sure where you fit?
A Calm First Step
Exploring this approach does not mean committing to anything. Pre-Qualification is Exploratory, Not Final.
A short pre-qualification helps determine:
Whether you qualify
Whether this approach may fit
What options may be available
What the smartest next step might be
It does not affect your credit, and there is no cost or obligation.
Prefer to Read First?
Many homeowners start with the free guide.
It explains:
How different home-equity structures behave over time
Why some approaches quietly create pressure later
When flexibility helps — and when it hurts
How to think about home equity without fear or urgency
No products. No hype. Just clarity.
Matthew Hines CRMS, CSEC
Matthew is a passionate advocate for Canadian retirees who want real solutions—not sales pitches. With two decades of experience as a Mortgage Agent, he specializes in helping homeowners turn their home equity into financial freedom. As co-author of The Canada Reverse Mortgage Guide® and co-author of The Protected HELOC Approach®, Matthew designs flexible, strategic options that ease the burden of debt and bring stability to retirement. Known for his deep expertise and down-to-earth approach,
Matthew’s goal is clear:
"To help you stay independent, protect your legacy, and enjoy the retirement you’ve worked so hard for."
TESTIMONIALS
What others are saying
"He Won't Give Up"
"I highly recommend Matthew. He has worked diligently on coming up with a solution with our mortgage issues after retirement. He's available whenever you need him, and won't give up until a solution is found. Matthew is very friendly and personable so there's no problem talking to him. He has your interest at heart." - Barbara, Cobourg ON
"You Don’t Find Many Great Brokers Like That."
"I wanted to pass on a huge compliment from my lawyer. My lawyer told me yesterday that, “ I have an amazing broker! Matthew worked so hard over the weekend to rectify the situation. He really had your best interest in mind. You don’t find many great brokers like that. “ Truthfully, saying thank you doesn’t feel like enough. I deeply appreciate all that you have done for me. So I totally agree with My lawyer!." - Karen, Bradford ON
"I Highly Recommend Matthew"
"With Matthew’s expertise and guidance, we were able to get a mortgage quickly. Matthew is extremely knowledgeable and always available to answer any questions. He made the process of getting a mortgage smooth, stress free and painless. I highly recommend Matthew for your mortgage needs!" - Vishal, Toronto ON
"He Was Professional, Responsive and Helpful"
"We had a very good experience working with Matthew and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a mortgage. From the first contact, he was professional, responsive and helpful in every way. Finally, someone who lived up to their promise of good service!" - Leslie, Barrie ON
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The Protected HELOC®: Flexible like a HELOC. Guaranteed like a Reverse Mortgage. Protected for life.
Protected HELOC® and the Protected HELOC Approach® is a registered trademark of Stanley-Hines, 2025. All rights reserved. Matthew Hines | Mortgage Agent, Level 2, Ontario - FSRA#09000211 - Helping Canadian homeowners aged 60+ enjoy more financial freedom.
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