Hmmmm ... Major problem?

 

I have a number of custom fields in my "Accounts" that I need access to (as merge fields) in my email templates.  The problem is they show up as available merge fields if I choose "Record type: Accounts" for the template.  But then, the template is NOT available for use with "Contacts".

 

However, if I choose "Record Type: Contacts" my custom "Account" fields are NOT available for merge. 

 

I tried "tricking" the system by choosing "Record Type: Accounts" first, choosing my merge fields and placing them in the email, then before saving the template, choosing "Record Type: Contacts" hoping that would allow me to use the custom merge fields I wanted, and also make the template available for use with Contacts.  But it didn't work (template available, but merge fields don't populate - are blank).

 

Can someone please help?  This seems like a MAJOR limitation to me & I really need this to work.  Thanks in advance.