May
11
2023
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5 Common Bank Account Bonuses

By | Budgeting & Goals, money | Comments Off on 5 Common Bank Account Bonuses

Bank account bonuses let you earn money or other rewards just by banking, though there may be certain conditions you’ll need to meet.

Typically, bank account bonuses are offered one time, for opening a new account. However, some institutions give ongoing rewards as an incentive for doing business with them. Many bank bonuses require account holders to deposit or maintain a minimum amount of money or meet other qualifications.

Bank bonuses could be a good way to earn or save a little extra, especially if you’re already considering opening a new account or moving your money around.

How Do Bank Bonuses Work?

While the specifics depend on the bank, bank account bonuses are typically offered to new banking customers and they come with some specific stipulations.

Along with minimum account balances or opening deposits, bank sign-up bonuses may also require certain actions—such as making a certain number of debit card transactions or receiving a monthly threshold of direct deposits for several months running.

Once the account holder has opened the account and done whatever actions are required, the welcome bonus is usually deposited directly into their account.

Because some of the required actions may take time to be completed (and due to the bank’s processing procedures), it might be awhile before the account holder sees the bonus—sometimes 60 days or even as long as 120 days. In other words, a bank account bonus isn’t necessarily quick.

What’s more, bank bonuses frequently change as financial institutions review their needs and update their marketing strategies.

Why do banks offer these bonuses in the first place? By offering attractive bonuses, banks can distinguish themselves from the competition and perhaps win customers. They may specifically aim for clients who make large or regular deposits and transactions, all of which are good for the bank’s business.

Recommended: Pros and Cons Of Online and Mobile Banking

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

Up to 4.00% APY on savings balances.

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5 Common Bank Account Bonuses

These are some specific types of bank bonuses you may come across when shopping around to open a new bank account.

1. Sign-Up Bonuses

One of the most common types of bank account bonuses are those designed for new customers of the bank in question.

Bank account sign-up bonuses, also sometimes called welcome deposits, range from about $100 to more than $500—though larger bonuses generally carry more stringent eligibility requirements. For instance, the bonus seeker may need to open both a checking and a savings account, and meet large minimum balance requirements.

Other common eligibility requirements include setting up direct deposit (and receiving a certain minimum threshold in direct deposits on a monthly basis for a specified number of consecutive months), making a certain number of debit card transactions within a given time frame of opening the account, and depositing a minimum amount into the account.

There are almost always stipulations and eligibility requirements for bank bonuses—which is why it’s important to read the fine print.

2. Bonuses for Upping the Ante

Another way banks might structure their bonus offers is to give higher rewards to those who are able to deposit more money into their accounts.

These institutions sometimes offer bonuses on a tiered system, with higher rewards available for those who are able to meet more strenuous eligibility requirements.

For other customers, a bank might offer a “basic” system of some sort, in which the new account holder will earn a small bonus for opening a new checking account and meeting relatively easy qualifications.

For instance, you might earn $200 if you’re able to fund your account with $5,000 and maintain that minimum balance for 60 consecutive calendar days.

That same bank might also offer a $400 reward for new customers who open both a checking and savings account and who can up that minimum balance to $15,000—or a $700 reward for those who can meet a minimum balance requirement of $50,000.

Higher tiers may come with additional privileges, such as waived fees, along with the bonus incentive.

3. Direct Deposit Bonuses

As mentioned above, many bank account bonuses require setting up—and receiving —direct deposit payments into the new account.

The direct deposits may need to reach a certain minimum amount per month or happen within a given time frame of opening the account. Each deposit may need to meet a certain minimum as well.

For example, one bank might require new account holders to receive $2,000 in direct deposit funds within 60 days, while another might require at least two direct deposits of $250 or more within 90 days of opening the account.

For some banks, simply setting up direct deposit is enough, but again, all this critical information will be in the fine print of the offer.

4. Checking and Savings Combo Bonuses

In some cases—as with the tiered rewards system outlined above—a bank may offer additional incentives to those who open both a checking and savings account.

For instance, a new customer might be able to earn $200 for opening a checking account and $150 for opening a savings account, totaling a welcome bonus of $350.

Of course, as with the other bonuses listed here, these rewards will likely come with stipulations and minimums, which could vary for each account.

Because of the nature of savings accounts, new account holders probably will need to maintain high minimum balances to qualify for the reward.

5. Waived Bank Fees

While it’s not the same as an extra $100 placed into an account, many banks offer the opportunity to waive monthly maintenance fees and other costs by maintaining certain minimum account balances or having a specific minimum number of direct deposits per statement cycle.

Although they’re generally small, monthly maintenance fees can eat into the account holder’s income, so having them waived can be a nice incentive.

Recommended: How Much Money Do You Need to Open a Bank Account?

The Fine Print

Bank bonuses can come in different types with different requirements, so it’s important to always read the fine print carefully. That’s where account holders will learn what exactly they have to do to get the bonus.

Also, there may be rules about what happens if you close your account early. Some banks will take back their bonus if you close your account shortly after meeting the bonus requirements, for instance.

These kinds of clauses mean it might not be wise—or even possible—to open multiple bank accounts to get a variety of bonuses.

It may be smarter to use bank sign-up bonuses as one factor to consider when you’re evaluating your options for switching banks.

The Takeaway

Although bank bonuses can certainly be valuable, they’re not always easy to earn. Depending on your personal financial situation, bank bonuses may or may not be worth it, especially if it means tying up a significant amount of your income to maintain high monthly minimums.

What’s more, as nice as a one-time bonus is, there are accounts that offer continual benefits to their clients over time. For instance, with SoFi Checking and Savings, you’ll earn a competitive APY, pay no account fees, and have no minimum balance to meet.

Bank smarter, and reap rewards, with SoFi Checking and Savings.


SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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May
08
2023
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The Pros & Cons of Prepaid Debit Cards

By | Budgeting & Goals, money | Comments Off on The Pros & Cons of Prepaid Debit Cards

Prepaid debit cards can be used to buy almost anything, whether you’re shopping online or in person. They may also be a helpful budgeting tool, and they don’t affect your credit. You may even be able to recover your money if you lose the card.

However, prepaid debit cards do have some disadvantages, including possible fees. Learn how these cards work to help determine if a prepaid debit card makes sense for you.

What Is a Prepaid Debit Card?

A prepaid debit card shares some features of a credit card, debit card, and gift card. It’s a debit card that’s been pre-loaded with money that you can generally use at any retailer (online or in person) that accepts credit cards.

Like credit cards, prepaid debit cards may be associated with credit card networks. So a prepaid Visa debit card, for instance, can be used anywhere that accepts Visa.

Each purchase you make on a prepaid debit card will deduct from the amount that’s been pre-loaded onto the card. When you reach the end of your pre-loaded cash, you can’t buy anything else with the card.

It may be possible to add more money to the card when the balance gets low via cash or direct deposit, depending on the card. However, there might be a fee to reload the card with money.

Pros of Prepaid Debit Cards

Like most financial products, there are pros and cons to consider when it comes to using prepaid debit cards. Here are a few of the benefits.

No interest or bills

A prepaid debit card is not a credit card, and you can’t carry a balance on it. That means you pay no interest when you use the card, and there is no bill to pay at the end of the month. A prepaid debit card is basically the plastic equivalent of cash.

Limited loss

It used to be that losing a prepaid debit card was like losing cash — you were out of luck. But legislation by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) that took effect in 2019 required card issuers to provide protection against fraud and errors. In order to access this protection, you must usually follow instructions to register your card with the prepaid card issuer and report any theft or loss promptly.

Security for Personal Information

Prepaid debit cards don’t typically contain any of your personal or financial information. So if your card falls into the wrong hands, it’s generally not possible for someone to access your sensitive information.

Automatic budgeting

Prepaid debit cards offer a hard stop on spending, meaning that if there’s $100 on the card, you can’t spend more than $100.

For people who have a hard time with impulse purchases or those who are trying to stick to a strict budget, prepaid debit cards may provide a helpful tool to prevent overspending.

There are some prepaid cards that allow account holders to overdraft and spend more than the balance on the card. They may charge a fee for this. If going over the limit is a problem for you, it may be worth considering a card that doesn’t allow overdrafting.

Available to those with less-than-stellar credit

There is no credit check required to get a prepaid debit card. This makes prepaid debit cards one option to consider for consumers who are unable to qualify for a traditional credit card.

If your credit is sub-par, you can get a prepaid debit card and use it where major credit cards are accepted.

Teaching tool

Those with children may find that prepaid debit cards could be a useful tool to teach about money.

Prepaid debit cards could be used by parents to introduce concepts of spending within limits, to help children understand using plastic instead of cash, or to dole out allowances so kids can practice their money management skills.

Spending tracker

Some cards offer email or text alerts based on card activity, or they’ll notify you when the card has been reloaded or the account balance is getting low.

Possible to deposit paychecks

You can have funds (like paychecks) directly deposited onto some prepaid debit cards, skipping the need to manually reload the card as the balance runs low. This could mean that funds are available faster than they would be if you were cashing a paper check.

Cons of Prepaid Debit Cards

Here are a few downsides to consider when it comes to prepaid debit cards.

No credit effect

Although there’s no credit check required to get these cards, it means prepaid debit cards aren’t connected to a line of credit like credit cards are.

Because the company that administers the prepaid debit card is not reporting your payment activity to the credit bureaus, these cards aren’t helpful for establishing or strengthening your credit history.

High fees

Depending on the card, a prepaid credit card may come with a host of attached fees. Some prepaid cards may charge fees for certain activities including:

•   Activating the card

•   Making a purchase

•   Adding money to the card

•   Checking the balance on the card

•   Withdrawing money at an ATM

•   Replacing a lost card

•   Foreign transaction fees

•   Inactivity after a period of time with no transactions

If you’re considering using a prepaid debit card, you may want to shop around and review the costs and fees associated with different types of prepaid debit cards.

Another option for your money — and one that could help it grow — is to open an online bank account that offers a high yield for your savings. With a bank account, you’ll typically also have access to ATMs and online and mobile banking for added convenience. And some bank accounts come with no fees, unlike certain debit cards.

Potential for loss

If you don’t register your prepaid card and something happens to it — loss, theft or fraud — there may be no way to recover your cash.

Getting a Prepaid Debit Card

You can purchase prepaid debit cards at a variety of locations, including grocery stores and drug stores, online, or from some banks and credit unions.

Purchasing a prepaid debit card usually requires you to load money onto the card at the time you buy it. For example, if you want to buy a $50 prepaid Visa debit card at the drugstore, you would pay the fee to activate the card, plus the $50 you want to load onto it.

If you’re shopping for cards, pay attention to the card fees, which should be displayed on the card’s packaging. There may also be a toll-free number or website you can visit for complete fee information. To the extent possible, it’s worth trying to find prepaid debit cards with fewer fees.

After purchasing the card, to be protected against fraud, loss or theft of your card, you’ll usually need to register it.

The prepaid card will generally come with instructions for doing this. The card provider may request information such as your full name, contact information, date of birth ,and Social Security number or tax ID.

Managing Your Money

Sticking to a budget and managing your money can be daunting. Balancing your income against your expenses and savings goals takes dedication and commitment.

Fortunately, the right tools can make it easier. If you’re looking for an alternative to a prepaid debit card, one option to consider is SoFi Checking and Savings. It allows you to streamline money management since you can save and spend in one place. Plus, the account comes with a high APY and no account fees.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.00% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

🛈 While SoFi does not offer prepaid debit cards, we do provide Checking accounts with no account fees, which include a complimentary debit card.

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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May
08
2023
woman shopping online with credit card

8 Tips for Finding the Best Deals Online

By | Budgeting & Goals, money | Comments Off on 8 Tips for Finding the Best Deals Online

If you’re like many people today, one of your main modes of shopping is online. It’s quick, it’s convenient, and it’s sometimes even one-click easy. But, like purchasing in any other manner, you’ll want to make sure you are getting the best deals online. Why pay more than you have to?

Read on to learn some clever hacks that will help you get the best possible deals when shopping online.

Ways to Find Deals Online

1. Finding the Right Coupon Codes

Coupon codes are lurking all over the internet to help people find the best deals at their favorite retailers. For example, many online retailers will give customers a little discount for newsletter signup or for their first purchase. Others hide discount codes, but a simple Google search can yield great results for coupon hunters.

An easier way to dig up coupons to online retailers may be to search on coupon websites like RetailMeNot or Coupons.com.

Digital shoppers also can try downloading Chrome extensions like Honey, which automatically searches the internet for the best discount codes and applies them at checkout.

Recommended: 7 Budgeting Methods to Try

2. Using Free Shipping or In-Store Pickup

Online shopping tips don’t stop at coupons. Another way to save is to find free shipping options. If you don’t need an item ASAP, free shipping is typically an option at checkout.

Many online retailers also offer free shipping with a minimum order amount. To find free shipping deals and codes, check out websites like FreeShipping.com.

Another option may be to order an item online and then pick it up at the store for free. If it’s close enough to grab in person, it may be worth it to avoid shipping costs altogether.

💡 Quick Tip: Tired of paying pointless bank fees? When you open a bank account online you often avoid excess charges.

3. Giving a Price Watcher a Go

Consumers who aren’t in a rush to purchase an item may be able to take advantage of price tracking tools. Price tracking tools help shoppers stay informed about price drops and sales so they can click “buy” at just the right time. These might even be able to help you be more patient if you are an impulsive shopper. Knowing that a better price may be in the offing could help you slow down.

Apps like Honey have tools like Droplist that allow consumers to save items for later and be informed when an item on the list has a price drop.

Other apps like CamelCamelCamel track prices on Amazon, and PriceBlink will find even more deals across the Web, too. It works by showing how much an item costs at several online stores so shoppers can pick the best one.

Recommended: How Many Bank Accounts Should I Have?

4. Trying Online Price Matching

Many larger retailers like Walmart and Target participate in price matching programs, which means if you find a price at one retailer you may be able to get it at another.

This used to mean bringing in a printed coupon or proof that the product was on sale for a lower price at a different retailer, but now, it can all be done online. All a shopper needs to do is reach out to customer service, which may be able to help out.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

Open a SoFi Checking and Savings Account with direct deposit and get up to a $300 cash bonus. Plus, get up to 4.00% APY on your cash!

5. Checking Reviews

To get the best deal when shopping online, you’ll want to be sure you are getting the best product. And one way to do that is to check online reviews. Customers all over the internet leave reviews on products they’ve purchased, alerting others to potential issues or potential great buys.

On websites like Amazon, search for “verified purchase” to know that the review is legit. While online reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, they are one more tool to add to your decision-making arsenal for online shopping.

Before purchasing a product, is it really something you want or need, or will bring joy? If so, check reviews to make sure it’s the perfect fit before clicking “buy.”

💡 Quick Tip: If you’re creating a budget, try the 50/30/20 budget rule. Allocate 50% of your after-tax income to the “needs” of life, like living expenses and debt. Spend 30% on wants, and then save the remaining 20% towards saving for your long-term goals.

6. Waiting for Bigger Sales

Throughout the year, larger retailers will likely host online shopping sales. These sales are known to occur around the holidays, specifically on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, and Cyber Monday, the following Monday, a day that’s packed with online deals.

Other major sales usually occur around holidays like Presidents Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day, as well as midsummer. During this time, you may be able to score major discounts, so if you can wait for a purchase, try to hold off until then. Knowing that deep discounts are coming could help you avoid shopping out of boredom. It gives you an incentive to wait.

One more “holiday” to keep an eye out for is Amazon Prime Day. During the sale, retailers across the website offer steep discounts on products.

However, to get in on the deal, you must be an Amazon Prime member, which comes with a subscription. But Amazon Prime members get free shipping on most products, which can add up in the long run.

7. Following Favorite Brands on Social Media

One more way to potentially find the best deals online is to follow brands and retailers on social media. Brands love to give their loyal customers something special, so they may share insider discounts and offers on their social media pages and newsletters before anywhere else.

Give your favorite brands a follow on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook to stay aware of when sales may be happening, and maybe get inspired about new things to buy along the way, too. Just be sure when you are purchasing that you are on the verified account of the brand. There are some scams out there that you’ll want to avoid.

💡 Quick Tip: When you feel the urge to buy something that isn’t in your budget, try the 30-day rule. Make a note of the item in your calendar for 30 days into the future. When the date rolls around, there’s a good chance the “gotta have it” feeling will have subsided.

8. Earning Cash Back for Purchases

If you’re not interested in having to do all this legwork to get a good deal while shopping online, there is another option: Use a credit card that gives you cash back. You may even be able to bundle and increase the credit card reward if you shop online at specific retailers at certain periods of time.

The Takeaway

Shopping online is already, as you undoubtedly know, quick and easy. But there are ways to make it even more affordable, by tracking prices, using coupon sites, and knowing when to purchase to get the lowest possible price. By deploying these and other hacks, you can get the goods you want at the most budget-friendly price.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.00% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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May
08
2023

Strategies to Lower Your Energy Bill When Working From Home

By | Budgeting & Goals, money | Comments Off on Strategies to Lower Your Energy Bill When Working From Home

One of the obvious perks of working from home is the opportunity to cut some expenses.

Almost one in three workers remains fully remote in early 2023, and no wonder. When you no longer have to commute every day, you save time and money. You can prep lunch everyday versus buying a pricey takeout salad, and you don’t have to buy (or clean) work clothes anymore. You’re likely to notice some savings quite quickly.

However, there are other costs that might ratchet up just because you’re home more — and that includes energy costs. The extra time you may be spending on your laptop, watching Netflix, or even boiling water for a ramen lunch could nudge your energy usage upward — and your monthly electric bill.

If you have those bills set on autopay, you may not have noticed an increase. Or maybe you noticed the expense creep up but didn’t know what you could do to manage it.

Fortunately, with some planning, you can probably minimize your energy bill. Here are some strategies that might help while you’re working from home:

In the Home Office

You may have put some thought into setting up your office in a way that works ergonomically and looks presentable on Zoom. But have you thought about making your workspace energy efficient?

Choosing Power-Saving Equipment

If there’s a choice, consider using a laptop instead of a desktop computer to do your work. According to Energy Saver, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) consumer resource, it takes much more power to run a desktop and its monitor than it does to run a laptop.

And with the laptop, there’s a battery for backup if the power fluctuates or there’s a brownout due to high electricity demand in your area.

Those who are new to working at home and purchasing their own office equipment may want to check out Energy Star-certified computers, monitors, and printers, which run more efficiently than standard equipment and use about half as much electricity.

💡 Quick Tip: Help your money earn more money! Opening a high-yield bank account online often gets you higher-than-average rates.

Unplugging at the End of the Day

Remote workers aren’t the only ones who can benefit from a break at the end of their day. The computers, phone chargers, and other pieces of office equipment they rely on may continue to draw power even when not in use.

For convenience, workers may want to consider attaching these “energy vampires” to a smart power strip, with just one easy-to-reach switch to flip when it’s time to call it quits.

Also: Not to be a Grinch, but come the holiday season, if you like to keep the holiday lights on all day to brighten your work area and deliver a holiday mood, you might rethink that. The cost of holiday lights can add up.

Recommended: Adjusting Your Budget for Working from Home

Letting Computers Take a Nap

Another way to save money on energy is to set a computer to sleep or hibernate if it’s going to sit idle for a while. This differs from using a screen saver, which actually may take extra energy to keep an animated display active on the screen.

When a computer enters sleep mode, the power is cut to any unneeded systems, and the memory receives just enough power to maintain data.

In hibernation mode, the computer saves open documents and running applications to the hard disk instead of to RAM, which means it uses zero power. It takes a little longer to start back up from hibernation, though, so sleep mode may be better for shorter breaks.

Recommended: Do You Qualify for Home-Office Tax Deductions?

Choosing the Right Light

Making the most of natural light in the layout of a home office can cut down on eye strain and energy use, so it can help to create a workspace by a window.

But if a desk lamp will be on for much of the day, using energy-efficient bulbs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs could decrease the amount of energy the light will use by as much as 80%.

Because LED light bulbs produce less heat, they also may help cut costs associated with home cooling. And LEDs, halogens, and compact fluorescent lamps typically last longer than traditional bulbs.

Elsewhere Around the House

Working from home typically means more time spent using appliances; opening and closing doors; and running the air conditioner, fans, or the heater.

Many power companies offer free home energy assessments with a custom report that shows a home’s past and current power use and offers tips on how to save energy in the future.

For those who prefer to DIY their audit, the Environmental Protection Agency provides the Home Energy Yardstick , which compares a household’s actual energy use (based on a year’s worth of utility bills) to that of similar households.

There are also companies that, for a fee, will come and inspect a home’s energy usage . They will also report on areas where the home and its residents could be more energy efficient (though it may require changing some old behaviors).

Making Chores More Efficient

If the local utility company offers “time of use” pricing plans — charging less for power consumed during off-peak hours — it might be another opportunity to save.

Taking advantage of lower pricing may require breaking some old habits — running the dishwasher in the morning, for example, or doing laundry in the late evening — but the reward might be a lower utility bill as well as a healthier planet.

Running full loads in the clothes washer, dryer, and dishwasher can be another way to save. Tempting as it may be to run a load just to get a favorite pair of jeans clean, you’re much better off waiting till you can fill the washer.

💡 Quick Tip: If you’re faced with debt and wondering which kind to pay off first, it can be smart to prioritize high-interest debt first. For many people, this means their credit card debt; rates have recently been climbing into the double-digit range, so try to eliminate that ASAP.

Adjusting the Thermostat

One of the easiest ways to be more energy efficient is to set the thermostat up or down a degree or two to keep a home’s heating or air conditioning from running constantly.

The DOE advises consumers to set the thermostat to 78 degrees — or as high as is comfortable — when home in the summer.

In the winter, the DOE recommends setting the temperature at 68 degrees when everyone is awake and turning it down when they’re asleep or not at home. (Using a smart thermostat that can be operated from a smartphone can make it easier to manage adjustments.)

Getting Creative When Cooking

If eating at home more often is giving the oven a workout (and heating up the house in the summer), consider using the microwave, slow-cooker, or toaster oven to save on electricity and keep things cooler.

So can using the charcoal or gas grill out on the deck, and that might lend a party atmosphere to your regular dinner.

💡 Quick Tip: When you feel the urge to buy something that isn’t in your budget, try the 30-day rule. Make a note of the item in your calendar for 30 days into the future. When the date rolls around, there’s a good chance the “gotta have it” feeling will have subsided.

Keeping the Fridge Filled

A well-stocked freezer operates more efficiently than one that’s sitting half-empty, so feel free to load it up (but look for ways to save money on groceries when doing so). And, of course, if you are buying a new fridge, look for an Energy Star one.

Showering Responsibly

According to the DOE, about 18% of the energy consumed in the average home is from heating water. That means long, hot showers, or even standing at the sink shaving with the water running, can drive up energy bills. So can using the hot water setting on the washing machine or rinsing dishes in hot running water.

One option is to turn down the temperature on the water heater. That will help cut your energy bill when you’re working at home without impacting your comfort much at all. Shortening those showers (which can also help you save on water bills) and changing other habits, regardless of whether you are working from your kitchen table or an office, also can help conserve energy and save money. Extra points awarded to those who air-dry their hair or use the same bath towel more than once.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

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The Takeaway

Whether this is a temporary situation or working from home becomes a regular thing, you may find you’ll have to rethink your budget to accommodate the changes to your lifestyle. While typically your energy bill may go up when you are spending more time at home (at your laptop and perhaps peeking in the fridge), it’s possible, with a little effort, to manage your power costs.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.00% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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May
08
2023
woman with laptop paying bills

Getting Back on Track After Going Over Budget

By | Budgeting & Goals, money | Comments Off on Getting Back on Track After Going Over Budget

Even people who closely monitor their spending might go over budget now and then. What’s important is how they handle getting back on track.

If you go over your budget, there are a few different steps you can take to get back on course. And combining some of them might help speed up the budget repair process. Here’s what you need to know.

Keep an Eye on Spending

Reviewing account balances and statements once a week is an easy way to keep track of money coming in and money going out. A few big purchases can easily upset an otherwise balanced budget.

Waiting until the end of the month to check in on accounts leaves you at risk for excess spending and potentially overdrawing a checking account or having a higher credit card bill than you anticipated.

Checking in once a week leaves time to self correct and adjust the budget to help balance the numbers.

Identify What Went Wrong

Going over budget sometimes means there’s uncertainty about where the money went. Overspending can mount quickly, putting the budget out of balance. It might only take a few extra additions to your grocery cart, an unexpected car repair, or a couple of splurge purchases.

When there is general overspending or if it’s just in a specific budgeting category, looking at recent bills and credit card statements might help identify where the money was spent. Were there too many restaurant meals, increasing food spending as a result? Was there too much temptation to shop online sales? Identifying budget lapses can make it easier to avoid them in the future.

💡 Quick Tip: Help your money earn more money! Opening a high-yield bank account online often gets you higher-than-average rates.

Cut Unnecessary Expenses Temporarily

When a budget is too restrictive, it can feel punishing. A budget can account for the unnecessary spending that makes life fun like travel, dining out, shopping, gifts, and beauty treatments. If these expenses create a problem in the budget, you can temporarily cut back on those categories. Once your budget is balanced again, those expenses can be put back into the mix. Balance is key.

Use a Budgeting Tool

A free budget planning app can help you customize your spending categories and even keep track of your bills. It will send you updates on your progress and let you see where your earnings and spending go each month. This can make creating a realistic budget even easier.

Build an Emergency Fund

One thing you can do to get back on track after going over budget is to make sure you have an emergency fund for financially difficult situations, such as expensive medical bills or necessary home repairs.

Emergency funds can also be used to prevent emergencies. For instance, an emergency fund might provide extra support if a debt payment is at risk of being paid late, which could incur fees and interest and add to your debt load.

💡 Quick Tip: If you’re faced with debt and wondering which kind to pay off first, it can be smart to prioritize high-interest debt first. For many people, this means their credit card debt; rates have recently been climbing into the double-digit range, so try to eliminate that ASAP.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

Open a SoFi Checking and Savings Account with direct deposit and get up to a $300 cash bonus. Plus, get up to 4.00% APY on your cash!

Explore Different Budgeting Techniques

Sometimes the trick to sticking to a personal budget—or bouncing back after going over that budget—is to try a different budgeting method. Not all methods work for all personality types. Take some time to find the right budgeting fit, even if the first few rounds don’t go according to plan. There are a few different popular budgeting methods that might help someone get their budget back on track, such as:

1. Line-item budget. This is probably what most people think of when they think of a budget. With a line item budget, the income and expenses are usually in a spreadsheet format where each expense is listed by category with the goal being not to exceed spending targets in any of the categories.

2. Proportional budget. This type of budgeting system requires dividing monthly income into three categories—needs, wants, and savings—based on percentages. The budgeter will allocate a spending percentage to each category and aim to stick to that budget. A common proportional budget is the 50/30/20 budget, with 50% of income going to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings.

3. Paying-yourself-first budget. For those who want to keep their budget simple, this method is pretty straightforward. You simply “pay yourself first” which means you put money towards savings or financial goals first (perhaps 25% of your take-home income). Then you can spend the rest of your income exactly as you need or wish to.

4. Envelope budget. This technique provides a hands-on approach to spending that can be helpful for people who tend to swipe their credit card without fully realizing the potential consequences. With the envelope method, you use envelopes to hold cash that represent different spending categories. You then make all your purchases for the month in cash. If an envelope runs out of money, spending in that category stops until the next month — unless you borrow money from another envelope, limiting spending in that category.

5. Zero-sum budgeting. With zero-sum budgeting, you “spend” every dollar you have, allocating each one to a specific purpose, like adding money to your savings account. Once every dollar is allocated, there are zero leftover dollars, hence the name zero-sum budgeting.

Recommended: 15 Creative Ways to Save Money

Cut Out Temptations

Temptations happen, and it’s generally better to learn from budget mishaps than agonize over them. However, if there is a certain temptation that seems to rear its ugly head again and again while wreaking havoc on your budget, it might be time to send that temptation packing.

Common Triggers of Overspending

There are many things that might trigger overspending, but some common ones to look out for might be:

•   Email sale and coupon promotions

•   Social media advertisements

•   Friends who pressure others to spend

•   Grocery shopping when hungry

•   Shopping when emotional

•   Shopping as a reward

💡 Quick Tip: When you feel the urge to buy something that isn’t in your budget, try the 30-day rule. Make a note of the item in your calendar for 30 days into the future. When the date rolls around, there’s a good chance the “gotta have it” feeling will have subsided.

Launch a Side Hustle

For someone who wants to get their budget back on track, a side hustle can be one way to bring in more cash and maybe even build valuable career skills and opportunities. Launching a side hustle might allow you to pursue a passion outside of your day job while benefiting your budget.

The Takeaway

Sticking to a budget can be challenging. If you go off track, don’t beat yourself up over it. Instead, determine what went wrong and how you can prevent it from happening in the future, cut your expenses for a few weeks, and figure out the best method to get your spending and savings back on track. You may even want to try another type of budget that could be easier to follow going forward.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.00% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. To qualify, a borrower must be a U.S. citizen or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and meet SoFi's underwriting requirements. Not all borrowers receive the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. If approved, your actual rate will be within the range of rates at the time of application and will depend on a variety of factors, including term of loan, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, and other factors. If SoFi is unable to offer you a loan but matches you for a loan with a participating bank, then your rate may be outside the range of rates listed above. Rates and Terms are subject to change at any time without notice. SoFi Personal Loans can be used for any lawful personal, family, or household purposes and may not be used for post-secondary education expenses. Minimum loan amount is $5,000. The average of SoFi Personal Loans funded in 2023 was around $33K. Information current as of 2/26/24. SoFi Personal Loans originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). See SoFi.com/legal for state-specific license details. See SoFi.com/eligibility for details and state restrictions.

✝ To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

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