SoFi Blog

Halloween is a sneakily expensive holiday. Because it doesn’t involve gifts, many of us may not remember to budget for it, but the fact of the matter is that between candy, costumes, and parties, establishing a Halloween budget is never a bad idea.

If you’re staring down October 31 with dread, wondering how you’re going to cover costs with what’s left in your bank account at the end of the month, there is hope. Halloween doesn’t have to break the bank, especially when it comes to costumes—frequently one of the most expensive parts of celebrating.

Instead of heading out to your local party store to drop a ton of cash on a costume that will just end up in the trash, you could get in touch with your inner DIY-er and plan out a costume you can make by reusing things you already own or picking up a few things from a dollar store.

These cheap costume ideas will ensure you’re the best dressed and the most financially savvy.

Summertime gets a lot of the travel glory. But when it comes to stellar travel times, fall is a bit of a hidden gem.

From high-spirited harvest festivals to flamboyant foliage, there’s all manner of reasons to take a trip this autumn—and if you’re looking for some inspiration, you’re in luck.

Summers are short and can feel like they’ve ended before they’ve hardly begun. If you’re sorry to see the summer go, one way to keep your chin up can be buying next year’s summer stuff on sale this year. Yep, it might feel a bit illogical to buy cool summer stuff when the weather turns cool, but the retailers are looking to unload. That’s when you swoop in and triumph. Buy now, keep your money later. Once the weather heats up again, you’ll be good to go.

Think of it this way: Retailers want to get it out the door, and you want to save your hard-earned money. It could be a win-win situation for everyone. Retailers typically like to stay one step ahead in both fashion and season, so if you can work it like the models on the runway, you might be able to buy next summer’s wardrobe in September when the end-of-season deals beckon.

This year, SoFi gave one lucky member the opportunity to win $50,000 with our 50x50x50 Money referral sweepstakes.

Members who referred friends to SoFi Checking and Savings® received $50 for themselves, $50 for their friend, and the chance at a $50,000 grand prize.

What would you do with an extra $50,000? While many might fantasize about using a $50,000 windfall to buy a fancy car or make a downpayment on a home, prize winner Denny is using his money for a much-needed financial reset to pay off debt and take care of his family.

On September 5th, people around the globe will be celebrating the International Day of Charity. The United
Nations established the annual event in 2012 to encourage nonprofits and individuals around the world to volunteer and contribute to philanthropic causes.

The date was chosen to honor the death of Mother Teresa, the nun and Nobel Peace Prize winner known for her work with the poor and ill in India and other countries. She died in 1997 at the age of 87.

You don’t necessarily have to dedicate your entire life to good works, as Mother Teresa did, to make a difference. The International Day of Charity 2019 can be the perfect time to give back in whatever way works for you.

Research shows that volunteering is good for you, improving mental and physical health, self-esteem, and happiness. Studies even suggest that it can alleviate depression and help you live longer.