Reverse mortgages can be a wonderful tool for homeowners, who have plenty of equity, intend to remain in their homes, and who have the discipline to bleed cash out over a period of time (not all at once).  However, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, three out of four clients take the money all at once.  Obviously, borrowing all of this money results in more interest payments leaving much less available to cover expenses later in life.  In other words, reverse mortgages are not working for most people and should be avoided without close supervision and restraint.