SoFi Blog

With a seemingly endless supply of new budget-tracking apps, advice about always making coffee at home instead of buying out, and other finance tips, it can be hard to find the best creative ways to save money.

But saving anything, even just a small amount, is a good place to start. Whether you want to build up your emergency savings, or fund an investment account, it’s definitely time to prioritize saving money as a family or as an individual.

Savings are subjective, and while some people find it simple to put away money every month, for others, it can feel daunting to part with that money, especially if you’re in debt or spending a large portion of your paycheck on necessities. What works for someone else might not work for you, and that’s okay. Here are just a few financial upgrades that can help grow your savings.

After the turkey’s been devoured, the wine consumed, and everyone is pleasantly stuffed (okay, overstuffed), millions of us head to the couch or the car to kick-start our holiday shopping. (You guessed it—this post is all about the Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts!)

Black Friday and Cyber Monday used to be two distinctly separate shopping holidays, but as online shopping becomes more and more prevalent, the two dates are merging into a weekend-long sale extravaganza.

In an attempt to stand out from all the noise on the actual day, some retailers will often start their Black Friday deals earlier in the week—and even extend their deals into December.

And by taking advantage of the steep discounts following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you can maximize your budget and get the gifts you’ve been eyeing.
While it can seem like almost everything is on sale from Thanksgiving all the way through the day after Christmas, there are certain buys that may be better deals than others.

Christmas carols are playing on the radio, decorated trees and presents line window displays—the holiday season is quickly approaching. If you’re stressed about all the holiday shopping you have left to do, you’re not alone.

Between finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list and fighting crowds at the mall, holiday shopping isn’t always a pleasant activity. But doing some of your shopping before the holidays are in full swing could help alleviate some of the shopping-related stress and can be financially advantageous. With all the hustle and bustle around the holidays, staying ahead of your shopping can be difficult.

Doing the bulk of your holiday shopping online could end up saving you a little bit of money, especially when you’re taking advantage of Black Friday sales or other holiday deals. Here are 10 helpful tips so you can get ahead on your holiday shopping and make the most of your money.

Thanksgiving is supposed to be about celebrating your bounty, not spending it. Still, it can be tough to get through the holiday meal and festivities without gobbling up your bank account.

If you’re already working on a budget for the winter holidays—between Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and New Year’s—why not back things up a bit and include Thanksgiving in your plan? That way you won’t be in the red before you even get to Black Friday.

Whether you’re the host or a guest, being creative and proactive can be key. Here are some tips on how to save money. (No thanks necessary.)

Admit it. You love Halloween.

And what’s not to love with all the spooky costumes, festive parties, eerie decorations and killer candy assortment? But, one downside—besides the calories—is the cost to do it all just right. Fortunately, there are plenty of tips and tricks you can use to maximize the enjoyment of this holiday while minimizing the expenses.