Home Equity and Reverse Mortgages have rarely been part of Financial Planning for retirement but since housing is typically the largest asset and the largest liability for the average American— it certainly makes sense to find out how it impacts the wealth accumulation phase and the retirement spending plan. Housing costs are usually the largest expense category throughout our lives except for those that are quite wealthy and then taxes become the biggest expense. And interestingly enough— housing costs can certainly affect income tax planning as well!