Ask HTM - Gym Edition Frugal or Cheap, Blaming the Baby for Lifestyle Upgrades, and Dipping into Savings for a Camper #1087

9 snips

Jan 12, 2026

This conversation tackles listener questions with a fun twist! From discussing whether to use a HELOC for camper expenses to prioritizing 529 accounts for newborn twins, no topic is too quirky. They debate the frugality of keeping old gym rates and share tips on negotiating with landlords when space becomes an issue. Investing insights, including small allocations in crypto and individual stocks, round out the discussion, providing practical advice and a light-hearted approach to personal finance challenges!

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ADVICE

Replenish E-Fund Before Tapping HELOC

Rebuild your emergency fund first instead of pre-borrowing from a HELOC at higher interest rates.
Use the HELOC only as a true backstop and tighten discretionary spending to replenish savings faster.

INSIGHT

HELOCs Are Riskier Than They Look

HELOCs carry added risk because they use your home as collateral and lenders can freeze access during hardship.
Paying ~7% interest to hold cash earning less is usually a poor financial trade-off.

ADVICE

Make Replenishment A Family Goal

Anchor the rebuild plan to the concrete purchase (the camper) and enlist family support to cut optional spending temporarily.
Short-term belt-tightening accelerates replenishment and increases appreciation for the purchase.

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We’re kicking off the week by answering your listener questions! And if you have a question that you’d like for us to answer on the show, we’d love for you to submit your own via HowToMoney.com/ask , send us your voice memo. Regardless of how random or bizarre you might think it is, we want to hear it!

1 - Camper purchase: should I use my HELOC to replenish my emergency fund that we used to buy a used camper?

2 - Baby wealth: what accounts do I prioritize for my twins future and how should I be thinking about generational wealth?

3 - Expensive gyms: is it frugal or cheap to not tell my gym that I’m still paying the old rates?

4 - Apartment hunting: how should I approach the conversation with my landlord about breaking my lease due to our growing family?

5 - Crypto: is it a good idea to invest in individual stocks and crypto if they’re already represented in my portfolio via an index?

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During this episode we enjoyed a Dulce Muerte by Incendiary Brewing - a huge thanks to Brandon for donating this one to the show! And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!

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