Sad but true, retirees are facing shrinking nest egg as home prices continue their decline. While 4 out of 5 retirees do not plan on using equity in their home to fund retirement, that is still 20% who do plan on their home equity to fund at least a part of their retirement. Note all the TV ads for "reverse mortgages" currently being aired. Where will these retirees turn to cover unexpected expenses related to health issues or major home repairs. Less cash is available to them now. And it may take years for the housing market to return to "normal", whatever that is. A second "hit" is being taken on their retirment (IRA's) accounts with the recent market decline. Not a good time for retirees.