So Money with Farnoosh Torabi 1908: Ask Farnoosh: HELOCs, FSAs, Early 401(k) Withdrawals & Helping Aging Parents
Nov 22, 2025
This week, the conversation dives into the dilemma faced by pandemic homebuyers feeling trapped by their low mortgage rates. Gen Z is delaying major life milestones like marriage and careers to afford homes. A new CFPB proposal threatens to weaken crucial lending anti-discrimination protections. Listeners also have pressing questions about home equity loans, utilizing healthcare FSAs, and early retirement withdrawals. Tips include avoiding risks when buying homes for parents and maximizing savings for a secure financial future.
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Pandemic Mortgages Created Golden Handcuffs
- Pandemic-era low mortgage rates created a cohort of homeowners now feeling both grateful and trapped by ultra-low loans.
- These "golden mortgages" limit mobility and force life choices because trading them for current rates often doesn't make financial sense.
Homeownership Is Pausing Life Milestones
- Many prospective buyers, especially Gen Z, are delaying milestones like marriage and kids until they can afford homes.
- Tying major life decisions to homeownership reduces flexibility and can stall other wealth-building paths.
Potential Rollback Of Lending Anti-Discrimination Rules
- The CFPB proposal would roll back the disparate impact doctrine, weakening anti-discrimination lending protections.
- That change could affect mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, and small-business financing outcomes for protected groups.