SoFi Blog

Tax season has a mixed effect on people. Some people dread it, while others look forward to it. On the one hand, doing taxes is a nuisance and it’s especially painful if you’re paying out of pocket.

On the other hand, it’s exciting to get a tax refund and think about how to put that extra money to use. Sometimes, a tax refund can be even bigger than a bonus or a paycheck, and without the income taxes.

In all, the IRS paid out $324 billion in tax refunds in 2018 . The average federal tax refund was $2,727. That’s a pretty good chunk of change.

If you are expecting a tax refund, it is worth your while to sit down and plan out what you want to do with the money. Otherwise, it might be too easy to spend the money just as fast as you received it.

Working during grad school can seem like an impossible task. While it would be nice to be able to solely focus on our studies, not working isn’t a viable option for many of us. Between work, classes, homework, studying, and other daily responsibilities, you’ll likely find your free time dwindling.

If you’re interested in attending graduate school, but the thought of adding even more to your full plate seems daunting, there are options you can explore. It may seem impossible, but with some diligence, working full time and getting your graduate degree can potentially work out for you.

Here are some key tips to help balance work and school without losing your sanity.

When your grad school roommate gets a new TV, it can be tempting to make a similar purchase for yourself. After all, it might be the first time you’re really on your own and starting your life as an independent adult.

Perhaps you have more money at yourb disposal than you ever have by working part-time jobs or summer gigs. Or maybe you’re combining your life with a partner or starting to have kids, and you need to accommodate your growing family.

Community college used to get a bad rap. But with the skyrocketing costs of post-secondary education and the improvement of community college programs across the country, it’s now recognized as a meaningful—and even prestigious—step in your education and career. So community college vs university: Which do you choose?

Whether you’re planning to continue your education immediately after graduating from high school, or your goal is to go back to school as an adult, the type of education you choose can shape your future.

Dorm life is exciting—as a college student it’s likely the first time you’ve lived on your own. But, there can certainly be pitfalls such as cramped space, noisy neighbors and those oh, so fun fluorescent lights.

Your dorm room is your home, but also your workspace, so you want to make sure it is equal parts comfort and productive. Thankfully there are all sorts of interior design inspiration, inexpensive decorations, and small dorm room ideas to help you create a homey space that you’ll love living in. Here are our best dorm room decorating ideas that can help you reinvent your dorm room this spring, all while sticking to a budget.