How to Money Ask HTM - Vital Home Reno or Moving Factors, Dropping Credit Without Dinging Your Score, & Student Loan Forgiveness or Payoff #1063
10 snips
Nov 17, 2025 This week, the hosts tackle listener questions about the pros and cons of home renovation versus moving. They discuss strategic decisions like budget and hiring professionals for a home addition. The conversation shifts to the impact of canceling an old credit card and ways to mitigate credit score damage. There's also insightful advice on whether to pay off student loans now for peace of mind or hold out for potential forgiveness. Finally, they explore the advantages of investing in Health Savings Accounts for future medical costs.
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Two-Year Search Ended With Staying Put
- Matt and Kate searched for two years before deciding to stay and add on to their home.
- They chose location and daily conveniences like one-car living and walkability over moving for more space.
Renovations Don't Equal Full Resale Value
- Home renovations rarely return 100% of costs at resale; many upgrades capture only 40–60% back.
- Treat some renovations as personal value purchases and plan accordingly.
Use An Architect And Vet Contractors
- Hire an architect to turn ideas into buildable plans and get multiple detailed builder quotes.
- Choose a mid-priced contractor with strong references to avoid cost overruns and headaches.
