HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It’s difficult to believe, but 2026 is already here.

Are you ready? We have to be ready—even though readiness often begins before the date itself. In truth, preparation for 2026 started in 2025. A year is just a number on the calendar, but life doesn’t move by dates alone.

For me, 2025 was a meaningful year. Business-wise, it was a good year. We survived, we endured, and that alone carries gratitude. More than that, it gave me confidence and hope. I am genuinely looking forward to 2026, believing it will be a great year.

One of the highlights of 2025 was producing my book, Reflections: The Healing Images. I use it daily for meditation, and I truly believe it can serve as a gentle healing companion for anyone who opens it with intention. I encourage those who feel drawn to it to experience it for themselves. You can order it on Amazon.

But something else happened this past year—something unexpected.

This past Sunday, while walking our Labradoodle, Max, in our quiet and hilly neighborhood, I decided to follow a recommendation I had heard: to try walking backward. Supposedly, it stimulates the brain and improves awareness. At first, it felt easy. The ground was flat—no problem. Then the path started going uphill. Still manageable.

But then came the downhill.

Without realizing it, my legs began moving faster and faster. A thought crossed my mind: I could fall. I decided to stop—but stopping while moving downhill is not so easy. I turned around, lost my balance, and fell hard onto the pavement. My head hung over the road. Thankfully, nothing serious happened. I bruised my hip and injured my shoulder. The hip healed quickly, but the shoulder still aches and affects my sleep. I know—it takes time.

Max, sensing something was wrong, jumped around me anxiously. His presence—his concern—gave me the strength to get up.

Later, reflecting on the experience I had some reflections.

Here is what that moment taught me:

1. Know where you are going.
2. Look forward, not backward, especially when moving ahead.
3. When life goes downhill, it can accelerate very quickly.
4. If you believe you might fall, sometimes stopping requires falling first.
5. Have a good friend—who helps you rise.
6. If you choose a different direction, prepare properly.

I still believe walking backward has value—but next time, it will be on a flat surface, or in a gym where the environment is controlled. Wisdom doesn’t reject new ideas; it adjusts how we practice them.

The deeper point is this: whatever direction you choose in life, prepare yourself. Choose wisely. Be aware of the terrain.

As we step into 2026, I wish you a year that is Happy, Prosperous, Healthy, and Joyful. Let’s do it together. Let’s make this year meaningful.

Three images of flowers decorating this story are from my shortly coming book “How to Enjoy Comfortable Aging. 42 Manifestations.” 

If you happen to be in the San Francisco Bay Area on Thursday, January 8, you are welcome to join me for the open conversation about aging. The event will take place at 6:00 pm at Eria Events, 562 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965. Admission is free.  

We will discuss:

• Aging & Longevity
• Divorce & Mortality
• Exercise & Meditation
• Mortgages & Rightsizing  … and much more

Thank you.

WELL BEGUN IS HALF DONE

The saying I used as the title to this story may sound self-explanatory, but to get real results you must prepare in advance. I’m sharing this before the New Year begins, a time when we usually start with new desires, new expectations, and hopeful forecasts. But the real question is—are we ready for them?

Results don’t happen by accident. They require action ahead of time. For example, as a mortgage broker, if I want to get paid in January, I must work on my files in November and December. The same principle applies to my art and my photography.

On January 8, I will give a talk based on my forthcoming book, “How to Enjoy Comfortable Aging – 42 Manifestations”. Even though I am still working on the text, the book will be ready in January.

At the same time, I will have my photo exhibition on January 18. To make that happen, I didn’t just create artwork—I also designed another book, “42 Petals of Wisdom”. Everything I do, I start in advance. So, when the events arrive, they are already in motion.

The three images decorating this story are from my book “42 Petals of Wisdom.”

I’ll keep you informed about the dates and locations of my talk and exhibition. In the meantime, Happy New Year—and make it a great one. If you’d like to reach me, please call (415) 225-7920 or send an email to mannykagan@comcast.net.

Thank you!

Share Your Story

A week ago, we returned from our ten-day vacation in Kauai. The first time we came here was in 1991, and like many others, we were quickly seduced into buying a timeshare. Over the years, we returned many times and also exchanged through RCI which allowed us to visit many wonderful destinations around the world. Lately, however, Kauai has become our winter home away from home.

One of the reasons this trip felt especially meaningful is that our older daughter and her husband joined us, turning it into a true family vacation. Kauai is, of course, a remarkable place to relax the body and soul—but it is also a place to explore, to discover, and to meet new people.

One of our favorite new discoveries this time was a Japanese restaurant called Mora Basics in Koloa  village. Alongside excellent food and very reasonable prices, we received an unexpected bonus: meeting the remarkable owner.

Usually, owners of Japanese restaurants come from the same cultural background as the cuisine. In this case, he is a white Caucasian man whose journey into Japanese cooking began years ago while serving as a Mormon missionary. That early impression eventually led to his own culinary masterpiece. But what stayed with me even more were his life stories. After hearing them, I encouraged him to write them down and share them with the next generation.

We all carry stories in our hearts.

Write them down—or dictate them to ChatGPT. The world needs to know who you are and the life you’ve lived.

My next book, 42 Petals of Wisdom, will be ready in January. Until then, enjoy these three images of the hibiscuses — the official flower of Hawaii.

CONFORMING LOAN LIMITS INCREASED!

I have exciting news for you!

First, conforming loan limits have been increased by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, and VA.

Second, lenders can now offer conforming loans with much lower credit score requirements. Limits vary by county and the number of units in the property.

Feel free to call me and ask any questions about mortgages and beyond!

Manny Kagan,
President,
Pacific Bay Financial Corporation
Your professional mortgage broker since 1983

SEASON OF LIGHT

The holiday season, the months of December, is often called the months of light—a time that symbolizes the transformation from the cold and darkness into warmth and illumination.

We just returned from our vacation in Hawaii.  On the evening of Sunday, December 13, one of our first tasks will be lighting the first menorah candle, marking the beginning of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. Hanukkah lasts for eight days and commemorates events that took place in 164 BCE. Its lights symbolize hope, perseverance, and the miracle of a small flame that endured.

Then, on the evening of December 24, starts celebration of Christmas, a holiday known for the glow of decorated Christmas trees and festive lights on homes and buildings. Christmas was first celebrated in 336 CE in Rome as a commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Immediately following, on December 26, begins the week-long celebration of Kwanzaa, a holiday created in 1966 to honor African heritage, community, and culture. Kwanzaa is marked by the lighting of the Kinara, a seven-branched candleholder, symbolizing principles such as unity, self-determination, and collective work—similar in spirit to the menorah.

In many countries, the holiday season continues through New Year’s Eve on December 31, celebrating new beginnings. Like Christmas, New Year’s traditions often include light—sparks, candles, fireworks—as a symbol of hope, fresh starts, and bright expectations for the year ahead.

During our time in Kauai, I encountered a particularly beautiful celebration of light at a local shopping center, and ever-present Santa.

Enjoy the season and spread your good vibes with friends!

 

WHEN A TIMESHARE IS THE TIME
TO SHARE GOOD NEWS ABOUT…

I am writing this story form Kauai, a great resort where my wife and I bought a timeshare back in 1991. While vacationing, I keep receiving inquiries from clients interested in reverse mortgages, particularly condominium owners.

As many of you may know, condo financing can be challenging due to various restrictions involving owner-occupancy ratios, insurance requirements, maintenance issues, and structural components such as balconies.

While I have been able to find solutions for most of these challenges through both portfolio and conventional lenders, Reverse Mortgages are more complex because most lenders follow strict FHA guidelines—and these often limit eligibility for condominium properties.

The good news is that I have identified a lender with a flexible, alternative approach. As long as the condominium meets the requirements within a specific 15-question review (secured through HOA information), Reverse Mortgage approvals are possible.

I discovered this solution while assisting a client who owns a unit in the Daniel Burnham Court building—and I’m pleased to confirm that Daniel Burnham Court is eligible under this program. This realization prompted me to reach out to all homeowners in the building, as many of you may face similar concerns or simply want to explore your options.

If you have questions about Reverse Mortgages or traditional forward mortgages, I would be happy to help. Feel free to call me anytime at my direct cell: (415) 225-7920.

Meanwhile, click this link to view my short clip from Kauai that I posted on YouTube today.

Manny Kagan,
President,
Pacific Bay Financial Corporation
Your professional mortgage broker since 1983

NMLS #205637
DRE #00874630

 

FEELING THE ART?

Recently we went to see art at the Legion of Honor, the exhibit of paintings by Monet and Morisot — two French painters whose lives and art were interconnected. While I was enjoying the art itself, as always, I noticed and photographed people. That is something I can’t help doing.

At one moment, while I was sitting on a bench and enjoying the painting a woman about my age sat next to me. I found out that she and her daughter had come from New York. After we chitchatted a little, I asked her what she felt while looking at the image. I was not surprised that she seemed to lack words to express it. Then I asked the same question to her daughter. She was describing what she saw, not what she felt.

Of course, I cannot jump to conclusions based on my “experiment.” But still, I notice that many of us seamed do not take it deeper. Years ago, I read about a great photographer — who probably influenced my encounter style of taking images, Henri Cartier-Bresson. Toward the end of his life, he stopped photographing and started painting. Sometimes he would go to one of the museums and spend a long time sitting in front of a single painting. We never knew what he was experiencing, but what I gained from his work was the idea of experience instead of just looking. That continues to inspire me.

Meanwhile, above you can see three images of some of the art show visitors. Enjoy and share!

WHY REVERSE MORTGAGES MATTER RIGHT NOW

I continue to write about reverse mortgages because more and more people truly need them today. I’m currently helping two clients whose situations show how powerful this solution can be.

One client sold her home years ago, moved to a more affordable area near her daughter, and purchased her new home with cash. Now, in retirement and living on Social Security, she wants a line of credit for “a rainy day.” A reverse mortgage is the only product she qualifies for—and it gives her financial flexibility without requiring monthly mortgage payments.

My second client is going through a divorce and needs over $1 million to buy out her ex-husband. Although she is still working, her income is not high enough to qualify for a conventional loan of that size. Again, a reverse mortgage became the ideal solution.

These are just two examples among many. There are countless homeowners who have equity but need access to funds—whether for retirement, unexpected expenses, or major life changes. For them, a reverse mortgage can be a simple and effective solution.

So, I’ll ask you: Who do you know who needs money and has equity in their property? They may have more options than they realize.

If you have any questions or concerns, please read my book Retirement Solutions for Smart People: How to Accomplish Financial Comfort—available on Amazon—or feel free to contact me directly at mu cell: 415-225-7920 or by email: mannykagan@comcast.net.

Meanwhile, click this link to view my short clip I’ve recently recorded on the subject.

Manny Kagan,
President,
Pacific Bay Financial Corporation
Your professional mortgage broker since 1983

NMLS #205637
DRE #00874630

 

 

Why is Friday Called “Black Friday”?

The term Black Friday actually has two different origins. The first goes back to the stock market crash of September 1869. The second—and more familiar—comes from Philadelphia in the 1950s and 1960s, when police used the term to describe the chaos, heavy traffic, and huge crowds the day after Thanksgiving.

The reason the term spread across the United States was that it also marked the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. Stores lowered their prices to attract shoppers, and accounting practices of the time helped reinforce the meaning: losses were written in red ink, but profits were written in black. Since retailers often moved “into the black” on this day, the name Black Friday stuck.

Every year, many people wait for this date to buy gifts and all sorts of things—sometimes things they don’t even need—just because they’re on sale.

I wrote that last part because I’m at a stage in life where I want to get rid of a lot of the stuff sitting in my closet, things I haven’t touched in a long time.

For me, Black Friday is more a reminder that I should clean out my garage than a reason to buy anything new!

The three images you can see above are from recent garage sales in our neighborhood. Enjoy, and feel free to share with a friend.

SECOND MORTGAGES 

A few years ago, when interest rates were around 3%, we helped many clients refinance their mortgages. Now that rates are closer to 6%, refinancing is often less beneficial. For clients who need additional funds, a second mortgage can be an excellent solution.

Common reasons to consider a second mortgage include:

• Consolidating debt
• Making home improvements
• Building an ADU
• Funding travel or other personal expenses

If you are considering a second mortgage or a home equity line of credit for any reason, please feel free to contact me:

Cell: (415) 225-7920
Email: mannykagan@comcast.net

Manny Kagan,
President,
Pacific Bay Financial Corporation
Your professional mortgage broker since 1983

NMLS #205637
DRE #00874630