For Philip and June, Christmas had always been magical. The tree, the lights, the cosy evenings. However most of all, the traditions they’d created with their children. Ever since the kids were little, there was one dream that had lived at the heart of every December…

Christmas in New York.

Snow-covered sidewalks, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, ice skating in Central Park. Scenes straight out of the films they’d watched together for decades.

Out of all those memories growing up, there was one moment their children, now in their 40s, still talked about with childlike excitement: Kevin McCallister ordering the giant ice-cream sundae to his room at The Plaza Hotel in Home Alone 2.

“When we were young, we used to say, ‘One day!’” their daughter Sarah laughed. “It was this magical idea – New York at Christmas, the Plaza Hotel and all of us as a family together.”

However life, as it does, intervened. Work, school runs, bills, university fees, weddings, grandchildren… and before Philip and June knew it, “one day” had drifted into the background.

The Moment Everything Changed thanks to Lifetime Mortgage

Now retired and in their late 60s, Philip and June found themselves reflecting more deeply on what really mattered. They wanted to give their family a memory, not after they passed away, not as part of an inheritance, but now, while they could all share it together.

“We realised memories are worth more when you’re alive to enjoy them,” June said.

A Christmas trip to New York for six people, including flights, food, entertainment there, plus The Plaza – wasn’t something they could justify from their retirement savings.

That’s when they explored equity release.

Exploring the Options with HFA Later Life

A qualified adviser explained how a lifetime mortgage could allow them to unlock tax-free cash from their home without having to downsize or sell.

They talked through:

  • the impact on their children’s inheritance
  • the safeguards in place
  • the reassurance of staying in their home for life
  • and what borrowing responsibly could look like

Everything was explained clearly, with no pressure, just understanding and space to think.

“It wasn’t about spending wildly,” Philip said. “It was about giving our family a moment we’d dreamed of for 30 years.”

A Christmas They Will Never Forget

With the funds released, the plan became real. They booked:

  • a week at The Plaza Hotel overlooking Central Park
  • tickets for a show on broadway
  • the Rockefeller Center tree
  • Christmas ice skating under the New York skyline
  • and yes – room service ice cream sundaes, Home Alone 2 style, delivered to their suite

Walking through Manhattan with their children and grandchildren, wrapped up in scarves and gloves, hearing them laugh, seeing their eyes light up – it hit Philip and June just how special this moment was.

“We could never have given our children this experience by leaving money in a will,” June said. “But giving it to them while we were all there to enjoy it… that meant everything.”

A Legacy Measured in Memories, Not Money

For Philip and June, the trip wasn’t about extravagance. It was about connection, joy, and finally turning a lifelong family dream into a shared memory.

“We’ve always believed in leaving something behind for our children,” Philip said. “But this—this was worth far more than money.”

They returned home with hundreds of photos, full hearts, and the feeling that they had given their family a gift that would last far beyond the holiday season. We’ve also been able to add to the experience since we came home and now have a little bit extra in the bank for Christmases to come. 

Thinking About Your Own Options?

If you have a dream you’ve been putting off, or if you want to create memories that matter now rather than later, equity release may be an option.

Visit https://HFALaterLife.uk to book a free consultation with a qualified adviser.

Important Notice:

Equity release includes Lifetime Mortgages and Home Reversion Schemes. We can advise and arrange Lifetime Mortgages and will refer to an approved specialist for Home Reversion schemes.

This is a Lifetime Mortgage. These are only applicable to those 55 and over, and it could affect eligibility to state means-tested benefits and the inheritance you may leave. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration.

There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances and will be agreed with you before proceeding, but we estimate it will be £1,500 payable at completion for equity release products.