SoFi Blog

It seems like everyone’s talking about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act these days. Whether you’re refilling your glass at the water cooler or going out with friends for craft beer after work, you’re likely worriedly discussing its impacts—especially if you’re currently a student or recent grad with student loans. That’s because the bill might have a significant effect on the bottom line of those with student debt.

No one likes to pay more in taxes, but if you have vivid memories of how the refund you received because of the student loan interest tax deduction helped you fix your car when it broke down last May, you likely feel passionate about the potential elimination of this deduction.

But are the issues you’re worrying about guaranteed if the bill is passed? Not necessarily. Confused? Here’s some things to know about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Working for years without a pay increase can become a struggle and cause stress, especially as the cost of living continues to rise. Whether you’ve been making the same salary for 12 months or for more than a decade, having the money conversation with your boss can be awkward. But when increases don’t come when needed, your only recourse is to ask for them.

Before you have the conversation, though, it’s not only important to arm yourself with all of the right things to say, but also to learn what not to say. Here are a few tips on language to avoid when asking for a raise.

Figuring out what to do with your life: It’s the conundrum that keeps on going. Even if you’re among those who graduated and knew exactly what they wanted to do right out of college or grad school, you’re probably still plagued with some lingering questions around how to translate your passions into your career, how to take your career to the next level, and whether you should stick to the career you chose in your 20’s for the rest of your life.

That’s where Accelerate comes in. As SoFi’s first-ever career retreat for upwardly mobile professionals, we’re looking to help those that want more out of their work life.

You filled out a job application, went through a few rounds of interviews, and you’re this close to securing the new job. But there’s just one hurdle left—the dreaded salary conversation.

I get it: Talking about money is uncomfortable. You might be worried they’ll pass if you go too high, or you’ll regret it if you go too low. But how do you know when you’ve hit that sweet spot and are asking for just the right amount?

When it comes time to talk money at the negotiation table, there’s a new law that could affect your next job interview. Namely, starting in New York City, Philadelphia, and the state of Massachusetts, employers can no longer ask what income you made at your previous job. (And luckily, more cities and states are following suit.) For job seekers, this is great news, and should ease some of the anxiety of figuring out how to negotiate your compensation package. Withholding current salary information can be a good way to make sure you’re not pigeonholed into a particular range when asking for a higher number.