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Braces can help correct dental alignment issues (like crowded, gapped, or crooked teeth) and give your child a beautiful smile. But if an orthodontist visit is in your future, prepare for sticker shock: Depending on the type of appliances they recommend and severity of the dental problem, kids’ braces can run well into the thousands of dollars. If you haven’t been saving up for this developmental milestone, you may be wondering: How do I pay for braces?

Fortunately, you do have some options, including payment plans, flexible spending accounts, and loans. Here’s a look at ways to make covering the high cost of braces more manageable.

What’s the Average Cost of Braces?

The cost of getting braces varies depending on the area, dentist, and type of braces, but you can expect to shell out anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000.

Here is a look at typical costs for different types of orthodontic treatment:

•   Metal braces (traditional braces): $3,000 – $7,000

•   Ceramic braces (tooth-colored braces): $3,500 – $8,000

•   Lingual braces (braces that go on the back surfaces of your teeth): $5,000 – $13,000

•   Invisible braces (custom-made trays that straighten your teeth over time, such as Invisalign): $3,500 – $8,000

If you have dental insurance, it might partially cover a child’s orthodontic treatment. Policies vary but many dental plans will cover 50% of the cost of braces with a $1,500 or $2,500 lifetime maximum per child. While this still leaves you on the hook for the remainder, it can make a significant dent in your total out-of-pocket expenses.

Also keep in mind that many practices offer a discount (often 5%) on your braces cost if you choose to pay for the treatment up front.

Recommended: 8 Smart Tips To Finance Expensive Dental Work

Smart Options to Pay for Braces

Here’s a look at some ways to make orthodontic treatment costs more manageable.

1. Asking Your Orthodontic Office About Payment Plans

Many orthodontic offices offer flexible payment plans that allow you to stretch the cost of braces over a specified period. One common scenario is interest-free financing that spreads payments across two years. This can make the payments (typically debited monthly from your checking or saving account) more manageable.

For example, an interest-free, 24-month payment plan, with no required down payment, would make a $5,000 orthodontic treatment cost about $209 per month, assuming you don’t have any insurance coverage. If your dental plan covers some of your costs, your monthly, of course, will be less.

Payment policies will vary from office to office, so it’s a good idea to ask about payment plans, including any interest or financing charges associated with the plan, as well as the duration of the payment period. By understanding the terms up front, you can make an informed decision about which practice you want to use and how you will pay for the braces.

Recommended: Guide to Paying for Dental Care With a Credit Card

2. Using a Flexible Spending Account or a Health Savings Account

Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health saving accounts (HSAs) are offered as a part of healthcare plans by some employers. Both allow you to set aside pretax dollars to be used toward eligible expenses, which often include orthodontic treatment.

With an FSA, you determine how much you want your employer to set aside for the year (up to the FSA limit). You then need to use the funds for qualified medical expenses before the end of the year (though you may be able to roll over a certain amount to the following year.

To save to an HSA, you must enroll in a high-deductible health insurance plan, or HDHP (as defined by the government). Each year, you decide how much to contribute to your HSA, though you can’t exceed government-mandated maximums. If you have an HSA through your workplace, you can often set up automatic contributions directly from your paycheck. Typically, you get a debit card or checks linked to your HSA balance, and you can use the funds on eligible medical expenses.

Unlike an FSA, your HSA balance rolls over from year to year, so you never have to worry about losing your savings.

3. Taking out a Loan

If the above options aren’t available or sufficient to cover the cost of braces, you may want to consider getting a personal loan. These loans, available through banks, online lenders, and credit unions, are usually unsecured (meaning you don’t need to put up any collateral) and can be used for almost any type of expense, including your kid’s braces. In fact, healthcare costs are a common reason why people apply for a personal loan.

Financing braces this way, of course, comes with personal loan interest, which will add to the total cost of the treatment. However, personal loans generally have lower interest rates than credit cards. They also provide you with a lump sum up front, which might help you get a discount for paying in full (if your orthodontist offers that). Plus, you’ll get a set monthly payment you can budget for.

When getting a personal loan to pay for braces, it’s important to shop around and look for a loan that offers favorable rates and terms and fits within your budget.

Recommended: How to Apply for a Personal Loan

The Takeaway

The cost of a child’s braces, which can run more than $10,000 in some cases, can seem daunting. Fortunately, there are several options available to help you manage the expense. Whether you choose a payment plan offered by your orthodontist, utilize a flexible spending account or health savings account, or opt for a loan, careful planning and research can help you to find a solution that works for your family’s financial situation.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

How to get braces if I can’t afford them?

If you need braces for yourself or a child but can’t afford them, see if you can find an orthodontist with an affordable payment plan, look into dental insurance or Medicaid policies, research if funding is available through charitable organizations, or consider a personal loan.

Can you make payments on braces?

Yes, it is common for orthodontists to offer payment plans or work with financing companies to help patients pay for braces over time. Or you might consider a personal loan, which you pay off over a typical term of a couple to seven years.

How much do braces cost for a child?

Prices can vary for children’s braces depending on the patient’s specific case, the orthodontist’s fee scale, and where you live. Typically, expect prices in the $3,500 to $8,000 range as of mid-2025.

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SOPL-Q225-095

Replacing your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system costs $7,500 on average in mid-2025, according to the home improvement site Angi. Prices will vary with such factors as home size, type of unit, and local climate.

Here, take a closer look at what’s involved in replacing your property’s HVAC system and how much it’s likely to cost.

HVAC System Parts

There are several ways to heat and cool a home that falls under the HVAC umbrella. Yet, most HVAC system parts and components can be grouped into the following categories.

Thermostat

Thermostats monitor temperature and can be used to adjust whether a HVAC system heats or cools a building. Generally, the temperature can be set manually or preset to regulate heating and cooling to a desired indoor temperature.

These systems can be connected to the HVAC system through wiring — or wifi in the case of smart thermostats. More advanced thermostats can be used to enhance comfort and efficiency by controlling temperature settings for multiple zones throughout a home or building.

Recommended: How to Lower Energy Bills When Working From Home

Heating and Cooling Unit

The heating and cooling unit is the main component of any HVAC system. Common types include furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and air conditioners.

Furnaces are generally located inside a structure and comprise a heating element powered by gas, oil, or electricity and a blower to circulate heated air through the building.

Boilers are traditionally interior units, too, but circulate hot water or steam to radiators or baseboards located throughout the property.

Air conditioners include condenser units, which are located outside because they produce hot air through the heat transfer process. Another key component is the compressor, which pressurizes and circulates the refrigerant.

Heat pumps also consist of an external condenser, but a key difference is that they can be used to either heat or cool a home. These systems work in conjunction with an indoor blower unit to distribute heated or cooled air.

Filtration

HVAC systems incorporate air filters to remove dust, allergens, and other particles from entering the return-air duct. Usually, air is drawn from multiple locations inside a building to the HVAC system.

Whether filters are the reusable or disposable variety, periodic cleaning or replacement is necessary to maintain optimal performance.

Ultraviolet lights are another option for treating air quality in an HVAC system. Their ability to disinfect the air of mold and pathogens makes them helpful for some homeowners with severe allergies.

Delivery System

Most buildings and homes consist of multiple rooms and may include more than one floor. Distributing heated and cooled air throughout the space requires a system of ductwork and vents.

Many HVAC systems utilize separate supply and return ducts to circulate, filter, and treat air continuously. Supply ducts bring air from the heating and cooling unit to blowers and vents to heat or cool an area.

Meanwhile, return ducts transport untreated air back to the HVAC system.

Exhaust Outlet

Any HVAC system that involves combustion — burning oil, gas, or wood — will need an exhaust outlet to expel harmful fumes out of the building. An exhaust outlet can be its own vent or be connected to an existing chimney.


💡 Quick Tip: Some lenders can release funds as quickly as the same day your loan is approved. SoFi personal loans offer same-day funding for qualified borrowers.

HVAC System Cost Estimates

The type of unit chosen for replacement is a key determinant of cost. Prices may fluctuate whether a full or partial replacement is needed and based on technological advances in HVAC efficiency.

Cost estimates below account for the HVAC unit, any system parts, installation, and removal of old equipment.

Recommended: What Are the Most Common Home Repair Costs?

Boilers

Boilers have been used to heat buildings for more than a century and are found in homes and commercial buildings alike. The average replacement cost can range between $3,600 and $8,500 depending on the type of boiler. The average cost to replace a boiler is $5,908 as of mid-2025, according to Angi.

HVAC replacement cost for boilers can be higher if fuel tanks, piping, and gas hookup need to be repaired or installed.

Heat Pumps

Despite their name, heat pumps actually can be used to both heat and cool a building. These electric HVAC systems pull heat from outdoor air to heat a building even during cold weather conditions. When it’s warm out, heat pumps cool buildings by drawing heat from indoor air and expelling it outside.

Depending on the type of heat pump and size of the system (measured in tons), costs average between $8,000 and $15,000.

Air-source heat pumps typically run on the cheaper end of the heat pump spectrum, whereas ground source heat pumps (often called geothermal heat pumps) can cost between $4,500 and $26,600.

Although the upfront cost is significant, lower utility bills could make a heat pump a wise investment in the long-run.

Central Air Conditioners

Central air conditioners work by drawing moisture from the air inside a building and returning cooled air throughout the structure via ductwork. The system usually consists of one unit located outside but near the structure.

The average cost for installing central air is between $3,906 and $8,021, with an average of $5,959, according to Angi, as of mid-2025. Prices may be lower for 2-ton or smaller systems, while costs can creep higher if a building requires a 5-ton unit.

Besides the unit itself, the total footage of ductwork to be installed or replaced is a significant cost consideration.

Furnaces

The cost to buy and install a furnace can vary by energy type, total ductwork needed, and the model. On average, prices for replacing a furnace range from $2,800 to $6,800.

Furnaces that run on natural gas or electricity tend to be cheaper to replace than oil-fueled systems.

The total area that will be heated and how well a building is insulated are other factors that will affect the size of the system and potentially increase the cost.

Other HVAC Replacement Cost Factors

When evaluating HVAC options, the type of system is only part of the equation for determining the final price tag. There are many other factors that can affect how much an HVAC replacement will cost.

Local Climate

The popular real estate mantra, “location, location, location,” rings true for HVAC systems, too. Whether you live in a cold, warm, or temperate climate will have implications for how an HVAC system is designed.

Property owners in warmer climates could face higher prices for replacing air conditioning units since greater capacity is needed. Meanwhile, costs for furnaces can be higher in more frigid regions where heating efficiency is more important.

Building Characteristics

The size, layout, and condition of a building can play a role in HVAC replacement cost.

Excluding geographic influences, larger structures generally require a more substantial HVAC system to match. The total square footage can impact the price for filtration, ductwork, vents, and zones throughout a building.

A home’s design could also affect how much you’ll pay for HVAC installation. More difficult jobs can add additional labor hours and drive up the cost.

Some possible complications to consider are the ease of accessing components ductwork and whether building renovations will be needed to accommodate new HVAC equipment.

Unit Efficiency

The operational efficiency of a new system is another factor of HVAC replacement cost. Although more efficient units are generally more expensive upfront, they can recoup long-term savings through lower energy bills.

While browsing models, keep an eye out for an ENERGY STAR® label to identify the highest-performing HVAC systems. To become certified, this equipment has been vetted by the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy.

For instance, air conditioner models that achieve efficiency scores in the top 25% among competitors are eligible for ENERGY STAR® certification.

Paying for HVAC Replacement

The upfront cost of paying for HVAC replacement can be steep. If covering expenses with cash and savings alone isn’t feasible, there may be other ways to finance this kind of project. For example, you could look into a home equity loan or line of credit, both of which tap the equity you have in your home. These options require using your home as collateral, however, which not all homeowners will be comfortable with.

Another option is a home improvement loan, which is a kind of personal loan. With this type of unsecured loan (in other words, no collateral needed), you get a lump sum of cash, which you pay back in installments with interest. The loan term is usually between one or two years and seven years, and the interest rate for a personal loan is typically lower than what you’d pay with a credit card.

One other consideration: The HVAC unit cost for more environmentally friendly technologies, such as ground- and air-source heat pumps, may be eligible for rebates and tax incentives.

Recommended: Home Improvement Cost Calculator

The Takeaway

Replacing your home’s HVAC system costs, on average, $7,500 as of mid-2025. The exact price tag will depend on the unit you choose, the size of your home, your location, the complexity of installation, and other factors.

If replacement is necessary for your HVAC system, you may still have a sizable sum to pay after claiming amu tax credits or manufacturers’ rebates you might qualify for. Financing options include secured funding that draws on your home’s equity or an unsecured home improvement loan.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

How much does it cost to replace an entire HVAC system?

Currently, the average cost to replace an HVAC system is $7,500 on average. Prices will vary depending on the kind and size of unit you purchase, your location, installation challenges, and other factors.

How often do HVAC systems have to be replaced?

Typically, an HVAC system lasts 10-20 years, though the details can vary depending on your particular situation.

What is the most expensive part of an HVAC system?

The most expensive part of your home’s HVAC system is often the compressor, which compresses the refrigerant and plays a key role in the cooling process.

Photo credit: iStock/South_agency

SOPL-Q225-085

Do you ever have trouble keeping up with when bills are due and paying them on time? Welcome to the club. It can be a challenge, but paying bills on time helps you dodge late fees and maintain your credit score.

For many people, a solution to this challenge is to set up automatic bill payments. This can be done through an automatic payment system, usually referred to as “autopay.” This means that, without needing to remember any dates, write any checks, or click on any payment links, your recurring bills are seamlessly taken care of.

This can be a game-changer that helps you enjoy stronger financial management status and less money stress. But it might not be right for everyone. As with most financial tools, there are pros and cons to using autopay.

So what is autopay? And how do you set it up? Learn the answers to these questions, along with the pros and cons of autopay, so you can determine whether to consider using this option.

What Is Autopay?

What many people call “autopay” is a scheduled, regular transfer of money, usually monthly. These payments are generally transferred from the payer’s bank account (or credit card) to a vendor, or what is known as a payee.

Autopay is typically set up in one of two ways.

•  The first is through the company receiving the payment.

•  The second is through a bank’s online bill-pay portal.

When you link an account to a particular bill or vendor, autopay usually works over an electronic payment system called the Automated Clearing House (ACH). Sometimes automatic payments are referred to as “ACH payments” instead of autopay. If you were to use your credit card, the recurring payment would simply show up as a charge on your card.

How Does Autopay Work?

Here’s a closer look at how autopay works. When autopay is set up, you are authorizing debits to occur on a regular basis. Assuming you have sufficient funds in your account, the payment will be made automatically.

When autopay is set up, either the payee is authorized to deduct funds from your bank account or your bank will send the funds for you.

Autopay can essentially enable funds to be whisked out of your account to pay different vendors at different times each month. Some people may see this, however, as not being in control of their money. If you aren’t on top of your finances, you could wind up getting assessed overdraft or non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees, plus late charges.

Autopay vs. Scheduled Payments

You may hear the terms autopay and scheduled payments used interchangeably but they can actually be different.

•  Autopay means that payments have been set up in advance to happen regularly on a certain date. You establish the date and the frequency and then don’t need to do anything else to transfer the funds on a recurring basis.

•  With a scheduled payment, however, you are manually setting when you want a payment to be made and for how much. You can do this regularly, of course, but it requires more effort on your part to transfer funds.

Autopay vs. Bill Pay

Here’s another situation in which you may hear two terms (autopay and bill pay) used interchangeably. There is a slight difference, however.

Bill pay refers to the process in which your bank initiates payments from your account to the payee. In other words, the payee is not authorized to go in and deduct the money; your bank is instead providing this service.

Setting Up Autopay

Here is some more detail on setting up autopay so you can have your bills taken care of more easily.

1. Looking at Vendor Requirements

You can think of autopay as either pushing money from your account to the vendor, or the vendor pulling money from your account.

Many vendors require you to set up autopay through their website, so your first step may be to look into their requirements. If you are currently receiving a paper bill, they often include instructions on where you can go online to set up autopay — looking there is a good place to start.

For example, if you have a $1,800 monthly mortgage payment, you may be able to provide your mortgage company with your checking account information (such as your bank account number and routing number). They can pull the money for payment automatically. This is the “pull” version of automated payments as the vendor is pulling the money out.

2. Choosing the Day Your Payment Is Made

You generally get to choose the day that the payment is made — you could consider doing this a few days before the bill is due. This should give the automated payment time to move through the ACH system, including when the due date lands on a weekend.

Also, you’ll likely want to be cognizant that you aren’t setting up any automatic payments until you’re sure that any necessary deposits are made. This is important to do whenever considering automating your personal finances.

3. Setting Up ACH Payments

Once you determine payee requirements and that the funds needed to cover bills will be in place, you can set up the recurring payments. As mentioned above, you could set up the ACH payment with the vendor, or you could set it up through your bank (the bill pay option mentioned above). Doing this typically requires logging onto your bank account’s website and navigating to the bill pay section.

If you go through your bank, you may need to provide them with the information for the vendor, such as the account number and mailing address. You can usually find this information on your bill or monthly statements.

Using the same example as above, you would enter the information for your mortgage lender into your bank’s bill pay portal. Similarly, the money would be sent via ACH on the date you’ve picked to send the money to the vendor.

You may want to consider selecting a date a few days prior to the due date to avoid a late payment. This is the “push” method of automated payments as you are pushing the money out of your account to the vendor.

Pros and Cons of Autopay

Autopay can be a wonderful tool for many people looking to simplify their finances. But it won’t be for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of using autopay.

Pros of Autopay

Consider these upsides of autopay:

Convenience: Gone are the days of sitting down to write a check for every last outstanding bill. In fact, these days you don’t even need to log into a computer every time a bill comes due. With autopay, you can pay all or most of your bills without lifting a finger.

This means no more having to log online to pay bills while you’re on vacation or busy with work or family. There is something beautiful about the convenience of the “set it and forget it” method to financial management, if you can make it work.

Improving Your Finances: We don’t need to tell you that it is a smart idea to pay your bills on time.

Not only can autopay help you to avoid frustrating late fees, but taking care of your bills right away may help you to avoid agonizing or allowing it to take up precious room on your to-do list.

Paying your bills on time may help your credit score.

Also, paying your bills on time may positively impact your credit score. Currently, debt payment history is the single biggest factor in terms of determining your score. It makes up 35% of a FICO®️ Score.

That means that paying debt-related bills, such as a mortgage, car loan, or credit card bill, on time, could potentially positively impact your FICO®️ Score.

Learning Good Behavior: If you can take the philosophy behind automatically paying your bills and apply it to your savings strategy, this may help your overall financial success. Just as you can automate the payment of your bills, you can automate your savings to retirement and other savings accounts.

If you don’t automatically set money aside, it can be far too easy to spend the money that lands in your checking account. Warren Buffett famously recommended that people “spend what is left after saving, do not save what is left after spending.”

Other ways to use automatic payments? Pay down debt aggressively or save for your future (even beyond a 401(k) if you have one). In either of these scenarios, you could simply set up an automatic transfer of funds as you would with autopay, but direct the funds toward your financial goal.

That way, the money is whisked from your checking account before you’ve even had the chance to consider spending it.

Potentially Saving Money: Vendors and service providers want to get paid on time. Therefore, some vendors or service providers offer a discount for customers that set up autopay, which could save you money.

For example, you may receive an interest rate discount if you set up autopay for a loan. Other vendors may provide a discount on their product or service if you use autopay.

Recommended: Understanding ACH Transfer Limits

Cons of AutoPay

Now, for the potential downsides:

Possible Overdraft Fees: If there isn’t enough money in your account to cover a bill, an ill-timed automatic payment could cause your account to overdraft. According to the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation), overdraft fees can average $35 a pop, depending on your bank.

You’d need to be especially careful if you leverage multiple checking or savings accounts with fluctuating balances or tend to keep your account balance close to zero. In the latter situation, you might benefit from keeping a cash cushion in your account.

Late Fees: Consider the transaction time when setting up your autopay in order to avoid annoying late fees. Late payment fees will vary by vendor but could be costly.

While giving yourself a few days of buffer could be a good start, it’s important to check with each vendor to determine their recommended timeline. Finally, after you’ve set up autopay, monitoring payments during the first few months to be sure they happen on time can help ease the transition.

Potentially Reinforcing Bad Habits: For some people and in some specific cases, it may not be a good idea to have your finances on autopilot. For example, those who are actively paying off credit card debt may want more control over how much they pay towards their debt each month.

There is almost always an option to autopay the “minimum payment” on a credit card, which may be tempting. There is no penalty when you pay the minimum payment, so it is certainly better than doing nothing.

But, it is much better to pay off the balance in full, if possible. When you do not pay the balance in full, the card will accrue interest, costing you money over time.

If you aren’t at a place where you can pay off the entire balance quite yet, you may want to try and set your autopay for an amount that’s more than the minimum payment so you can make progress on the balance. (And you may want to try to stop using your card in the meantime if this is the case.) If this won’t work for you, you may want to remain in manual control of payments.

Paying for Things You Don’t Need: Subscription services are sneaky. Amounts may seem small and you hardly notice them on a monthly basis, but they can wreak havoc on your annual budget. It is too easy to forget that you are paying for something, especially when you don’t use the service.

If you take advantage of the perks of autopay, don’t forget to reassess your subscriptions every few months to determine whether you actually need the thing you’re paying for. One example: You might not realize how much entertainment you are signed up for, and could save money on streaming services by dropping a platform or two.

Potentially Less Monitoring of Your Accounts: One issue with using autopay could be that you develop a sense of false security that your personal finances are running just fine. You might not check in with your money and review your spending as often as you might. This could have a negative impact. How often should you monitor your checking account? For many people, a couple or a few times a week is a good pace.

Should You Use Autopay?

The digital age can be confusing and overwhelming, but this is one case where it may help to simplify our lives. Managing money can be a tedious task, and paying bills is just one part of it.

By streamlining the bills portion, you may find that using autopay gives you more freedom to focus your attention on other financial goals.

That said, autopay won’t be right for everyone and in every circumstance. For example, autopay might not be a great idea for those who haven’t organized their bills and tend to overdraft their accounts. It may not make sense for someone who is between jobs or out of work.

Autopay could potentially be difficult to manage for freelancers or other workers with variable income throughout the month. Ideally, a person would have some cash buffer for bills in any of these scenarios, but that is not the way it always works out in the real world.

The Takeaway

Autopay can be a convenient way to get your bills taken care of with less time, energy, and stress. However, in some cases, it can have its downsides, so it’s wise to know the pros and cons and continue to monitor your money carefully if you do sign up for autopay.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

FAQ

What should you not put on autopay?

It can be wise not to put bills that fluctuate on autopay. You are less likely to wind up with an overdraft situation that way. For instance, if your energy bill is usually $100 a month but goes up to double that during the winter or summer, that might throw off your personal finances if you autopay your bills.

When should I set up autopay?

It can be wise to set up autopay when you are familiar with your finances and cash flow and feel confident that automating your payments won’t lead to an overdraft situation. You might also consider signing up if there is a bonus or perk for you, such as a discount or a lower interest rate.

Why do people not use autopay?

Some people do not feel comfortable with autopay; they would rather be in control of making payments individually and maintaining that control over their finances. Also, some people may have bills that fluctuate considerably and they may therefore prefer to pay manually to avoid overdrafting.

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Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, 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 Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
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Do you have kitchen envy, daydreaming about Shaker cabinets, farmhouse sinks, or sleek marble countertops? Join the club: Kitchen remodeling is one of the most popular kinds of home renovation projects, with the typical “small” kitchen redo costing upwards of $15,250 in mid-2025, according to the home improvement site Angi. These kinds of upgrades can be worthwhile, with up to 96% of the cost being recouped when the home is sold.

Perhaps you’re planning a kitchen refresh. If so, consider the three broad categories of styles below: traditional, contemporary, and transitional. Then learn tips for financing your renovation.

Traditional Kitchen Style

Even when other styles rise in popularity, the traditional kitchen continues to hold its own, remaining among the most popular. At the core of traditional kitchens is a time-honored approach to design that refers to the styles of the past.

Among the signature touches:

•   Raised-panel or glass-front cabinets

•   Warm wood tones

•   An earthy, rustic color palette

•   Classic sinks, faucets, and knobs, such as a farmhouse style in porcelain or marble

•   Molding, whether at ceiling, along the top of cabinetry, or elsewhere

•   Country or European touches often find a place in traditional kitchens, whether that means floral backsplash tiles or lace curtains.

Contemporary Kitchen Style

At the other end of the design spectrum is contemporary kitchen style. Just as the name suggests, these spaces tend to be clean-lined and sleek. Among the typical features are:

•   Cabinets are often slab-style (meaning without knobs) or otherwise minimalist.

•   Typically, these kitchens use sleek materials, whether wood, steel, or lacquer.

•   Color schemes tend to be neutral, from all white and futuristic to grays and beiges to moody black. However, some people like to mix in pops of color.

•   Appliances are typically disguised as cabinetry (you may hear this called paneled appliances) to keep the clean-lined look going.

•   Decorative accessories are discouraged. If you like showing off your teapot collection, this look probably isn’t for you.

Recommended: Cost to Repair a Plumbing Leak

Transitional Kitchen Style

If you find that you appreciate some elements of traditional style and some of contemporary, then a transitional style kitchen may be just right for you. This style combines elements of both styles in a unique way.

For example:

•   Transitional kitchens might include classic, simple Shaker-style cabinets but in bold shade, like teal, which makes them look more modern.

•   Countertops are often quartz or quartzite, which can have the warmth of natural tones but sleek edges.

•   Appliances are often built-in or stainless steel.

•   Pendant lighting, with its clean lines, is a signature of the transitional style.

•   Wood plank flooring, with its traditional warmth, is often incorporated in these kitchens.

•   If you think you’ll be selling your home, then going transitional can be a safe bet to make your home appealing to a broad swath of potential buyers.

Kitchen Style Quiz

Now that you have a basic grounding in these three looks, take the kitchen style quiz.

Now that you have insight onto the kitchen look you gravitate towards, learn more about what remodeling involves.

Remodeling Your Kitchen

A kitchen remodel can be a good way to boost the value of your home, with possibilities ranging from fairly inexpensive — new paint, new faucets, and new cabinet pulls, for example — to a full-scale remodel that could cost you more than $100,000. A few smart strategies:

•   When remodeling, it makes sense to prioritize your spending in a way that creates a kitchen that works well for your lifestyle.

For example, if you and your partner love to cook gourmet meals and experiment with new recipes, it makes sense to allocate your budget to be a true chef’s kitchen, perhaps with a commercial-style range. If, on the other hand, you’re envisioning a kitchen where all the neighborhood kids will gather for pizza and homework, consider that in your design and perhaps budget for a cushy, built-in banquette.

•   It can also be wise to create a budget and keep an eye on which options can wind up being very pricey maneuvers. The cost of rewiring and moving plumbing lines, for instance, can be quite steep. Have a couple of well-recommended tradespeople pitch your job (don’t skimp on checking references) before picking one.

•   Build in contingencies for your project to go over budget and past the deadline. It happens, and being prepared for that kind of wiggle room can help you avoid a lot of stress. For instance, inflation’s impact on kitchen remodeling can be significant so it’s wise to plan ahead on that front when making your budget.

•   Also stay aware of what changes require a permit (you may be surprised at how often one is needed) and prepare for how that will impact your timeline.

Financing Your Remodel

Once you’ve decided how you want to update your kitchen and have considered the average cost of a kitchen remodel, then one of the next considerations is how to pay for it. If you need to finance the project, you may have such options as:

•   You could do a cash-out refinance if you have equity in your home. This involves refinancing your current mortgage for its remaining balance plus the amount needed to do your remodel.

•   A home equity line of credit might also make sense if you have equity. This involves using your home as collateral and opening a line of credit (like a credit card) to tap as work is done on your kitchen. You then repay the debt over time.

•   Another secured option is a home equity loan, which gives you a set amount of money to use towards your renovation.

•   It can make sense to consider an unsecured home improvement loan to help you get the remodel done, too.

Because this is a kind of personal loan, this means you don’t need to have home equity nor put your home on the line as collateral. You will typically get a lump sum of cash, repayable with interest over a term of one to seven years, at an interest rate that’s usually less than that of a credit card.

Like all loan products, there are pros and cons to personal loans. What matters most when financing your kitchen remodel is finding the option that suits your financial and personal needs best.

Recommended: Can I Pay Off a Personal Loan Early?

The Takeaway

Finding which style of kitchen suits you best can be a fun and valuable process. Not only does it help you pinpoint and then bring your favorite look to life, it can be the first step in creating your dream kitchen. Then, you can move on to the design and financing of your kitchen renovation. Options for funding include using savings, tapping home equity, or taking out a home improvement loan.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

How can I finance a kitchen remodel?

You likely have options for financing a kitchen remodel, including using savings, tapping home equity, or taking out a personal loan, also sometimes called a home improvement loan.

How much does a small kitchen remodel cost?

As of mid-2025, a small kitchen remodel costs $15,250, according to the home improvement site Angi.

What are some popular kitchen styles?

Popular kitchen styles include traditional, contemporary, and transitional. You also might have a more specific look you’re aiming for, such as French country, mid-century, or Southwestern style.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

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A cross-country move is exciting, but if you own a car, you’ll have to make a big decision about how to take your wheels with you. Will you drive your car yourself or hire a shipping company to move it for you?

There are a lot of considerations to keep in mind when making this decision, from weather to safety to timing. And of course, there are shipping costs to think about. To make the right choice, take the following factors into account.

Driving Distance

Getting your vehicle to your new home could be one of your biggest moving expenses. When deciding whether to drive or ship your car, the first step is to get a sense of how long the drive actually is. Use a mapping app to get a sense of the various routes you could take, the total distance, and a driving time estimate.

Understanding distance can help give you a sense of how much fuel you’d need to make the journey. Consider how many miles per gallon of gas your car usually gets. Divide the total distance by that number, and that can help you create a rough estimate of how much gas you might expect to purchase.

You may also want to factor in the average gas prices in the locations you’ll be driving through. The American Automobile Association (AAA) aggregates the average price for a gallon of gas in each state, and nationally.

Mapping can also give you a sense of what kind of conditions you can expect to be driving in. For the most part, you may expect to take major highways. But will your route take you across mountains or deserts? These regions might be tough on a vehicle, especially if it’s older and prone to overheating, for example.

Recommended: How to Save Money on Gas

Seasonal Considerations

The time of year you plan to move can make a big difference when it comes to driving conditions. Driving in balmy July weather can be very different from driving through wintry conditions in February, especially if your trip takes you across the northern part of the country where there is a chance of snowy or icy conditions.

Take geographical features, like mountains, into consideration as well. For example, there may be snow in mountain passes far earlier than in places closer to sea level. So, though moving to another state cross-country in October may be mostly snow-free, you might encounter wintry conditions as you cross the Rocky Mountains.

If driving through adverse weather does not sound appealing to you, you may consider shipping your car instead.

Recommended: How to Move Across the Country

Timing

Driving from coast to coast at a fairly reasonable clip could take as little as a few days or as long as a week. If you’re driving with someone else, you can switch off drivers and the trip may take less time.

If you’re driving solo, you may take extra time as you make stops to ensure you’re well rested enough to safely continue your journey. If you can’t afford to take the time off to drive your car yourself, shipping may make more sense.

Recommended: 13 Helpful Tips for You to Afford Moving Out

Safety

When you drive across the country, you necessarily put yourself and any passengers at a certain amount of risk. Your car will experience more wear and tear on a long drive, and you face the possibility of breakdowns.

What’s more, you risk the possibility of theft while you’re on the road, whether of your vehicle itself or its contents.

There is also a chance that you could get into an accident while on the road. Shipping your car limits potential damage to your vehicle and shields you from personal safety hazards.

Recommended: 31 Ways to Save Money on Car Maintenance

Cost to Ship a Car

The cost to ship a car across the country will depend on a number of factors, including the size and weight of the vehicle, the distance the vehicle will be shipped, and what kind of insurance you want to buy.

To a certain extent, price may depend on demand, which can fluctuate throughout the year. The more cars are being shipped along a certain route, the pricier it will be. While prices vary, September through November are generally the cheapest months to ship a car.

On average, it costs around $1,530 to ship a car cross-country on an open trailer as of mid-2025. Again, price depends on the specific locations you are shipping the car to and from and the mode of transportation (open trailer or otherwise), so expect some variation in quotes. the length of trip, but also on whether you choose an open transport or an enclosed transport.

You may also want to consider the option of shipping your car by train, which may be faster and cheaper than sending it on a truck. You may have to purchase a ticket and ride the same train that your car is on.

When considering shipping as an option, it’s also important to consider other potential costs associated with it. For example, you will have to purchase plane tickets for you and your family. If you drive your own car, you can pack it full of items you want to move with you. When you arrive at your destination, you may need to rent a car until your own vehicle arrives.

Recommended: Guide to Unsecured Personal Loans

Cost to Drive a Car

In many cases, it may be cheaper to drive your car than it is to ship it. According to Move.org, it is, on average, about $180 cheaper to drive a car than to have it shipped, factoring in the costs for food, lodging, and fuel for one person.

Lodging is one of the greatest expenses you will encounter while you’re on the road. The more nights you spend on the road, the more expensive driving your car yourself will become. You can of course consider less expensive options, like staying in an Airbnb or visiting with friends along the way.

Making the Decision

As you tackle your moving checklist, the decision to to drive across the country or ship your car will depend on a lot of factors. In some respects it comes down to convenience. Do you have the time to ship your car? Will you need it right away? Do you want to risk driving in poor conditions? In other respects it comes down to cost.

For the most part, driving costs less than shipping. However, the longer the drive, the difference in cost between the two options starts to shrink.

If you decide to ship your car, do your research. Ask friends and family for recommendations and check out company reviews and reports from the Better Business Bureau. Contact multiple shipping companies to make sure you get the best rate.

No matter what you decide, moving is potentially a pricey proposition. If you need a little extra help covering the cost of the move, consider a moving loan. These loans are personal loans that can cover the cost of shipping your car and other moving related expenses.

Recommended: How to Apply for a Personal Loan

The Takeaway

The decision about whether to ship or drive your car cross-country is an important one involving several factors. For instance, while driving it yourself may be cheaper, can you afford to spend the time on the road? Will the weather cooperate? Considering the big picture can help you make the right decision for your situation.

If you are moving cross-country and need help with financing, a personal loan might be a good move.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

Should I drive or ship my car cross-country?

The decision about whether to drive or ship your car cross-country depends on your situation. Can you afford to ship it? Can you take several days off work to drive cross-country? Will the weather while driving be safe, and can your car take the wear and tear? Think about these considerations to make your decision.

What is the cheapest way to get a car cross-country?

Shipping a car cross-country on an open trailer is likely the cheapest way to get it from one coast to another.

What is the average cost to ship a car cross-country?

Shipping a car cross-country on an open trailer currently costs about $1,530.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

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