SoFi Blog

With the holidays right around the corner, many people think about spending time with family, travel plans, and ironically their finances. It might surprise you that finances made that list, but after over a decade in the industry, I’ve learned that the next several months is when people place the greatest emphasis on their finances.

Whether this focus comes from feeling the pressure of accomplishing resolutions before the year ends, or year end deadlines set by the IRS, there are several common ways to help make your year-end planning more effective.

In our efforts to bring you the latest updates on things that might impact your financial life, we may occasionally enter the political fray, covering candidates, bills, laws and more. Please note: SoFi does not endorse or take official positions on any candidates and the bills they may be sponsoring or proposing. We may occasionally support legislation that we believe would be beneficial to our members, and will make sure to call it out when we do. Our reporting otherwise is for informational purposes only, and shouldn’t be construed as an endorsement.

With the holidays right around the corner, the market continues to move upwards in the face of major geopolitical headlines and seemingly endless predictions of the next great downturn. October included some major news on stories we have been tracking for several months along with some new updates as companies announced earnings. As you recover from the sugar high after eating all of your kids’ candy (maybe that’s just me…), sit back and catch up on some highlights from October.

You could say that Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, began his career in business at age 11—selling parakeets with his best friend. Fast forward to today, and the boy who was once slinging pet birds now has a net worth of $3.9 billion. Here’s a look at the steps—and missteps—Branson took on his way from entrepreneurial schoolboy to billionaire mogul.

It’s easy to put off planning for the future, especially when that includes planning for the worst. When getting engaged, the first thought is likely to pop a bottle of champagne and celebrate, not pull out the prenup contracts.

When life’s most exciting moments happen, your top of mind priority probably isn’t life insurance. But major milestones like the birth of a child, marriage, or homeownership might be a good time to reflect on your circumstances and think about life insurance.

Life insurance can get pretty complicated—one of SoFi’s recent surveys found that even among members surveyed who have shopped for life insurance, roughly a third of people debate whether whole life insurance or term life insurance is more appropriate for them.

The kids are back in school, football is on the tube, and many of us are scratching our heads as to how it’s already the last quarter of 2019. Even in the face of all the background noise of trade wars, political arguments, and interest rate cuts, the market ended the month higher.

Contrary to experts predicting the impending crash, the longest expansion in United States history kept chugging forward. As you get ready for your favorite TV shows to return from break, sit back and catch up on some highlights from September.