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Divorce is probably not the first word that comes to mind when you think about repaying your student loans.

But for married couples who are splitting up, debt — and who’s responsible for it — can be a very real factor in a divorce settlement. So how is student loan debt divided in divorce?

There isn’t one right answer to this question — it depends on countless factors, often including what state you live in and got married in, and whether you have a prenuptial agreement.

Before we start discussing how divorce impacts your student loans, we want to be clear that nothing in this article should be taken as financial or legal advice. This broad overview of student loan debt responsibility post-divorce doesn’t take your unique circumstances into consideration, which is why we recommend discussing the nitty-gritty details with a financial advisor or attorney.

That being said, let’s look at how divorce might impact student loans in various circumstances.

Addressing Separate Student Loans

When it comes to student loans, divorce can make things complicated. Separate loans are typically a little more straightforward, because if you’re the only name on the loan, you’re likely the only one responsible for repayment.

This is especially likely if the debt is in your name only and you took out the loan before you got married.

When you get a divorce, assets and debts are typically divided in part based on whether or not they are considered to be marital property (and this can vary by state, of course). You are typically responsible for loans taken out in your name before you were married, and likewise for your ex-spouse.

It can get a little bit more complicated if you or your spouse took out a student loan after marriage. These loans may be considered marital property, depending on state laws and the circumstances under which you took out the loans.

When addressing marital property, most states either use community property laws, which implies that property or debt taken on during a marriage is jointly owned, or equitable distribution laws, where the property or debt belongs solely to the spouse who initiated the purchase or debt withdrawal. In states with community property laws, marital assets and debts are split 50-50 between ex-spouses.

Most states have equitable distribution laws, which can make dividing assets or debt a touch more confusing. In these states, each spouse has a claim to an equitable share of marital property, which may not be split 50-50.

Courts have final say over what’s fair and equitable, and to determine that, they may look at a spouse’s earning potential, or the support one spouse provided while the other was in school, such as childcare or even the opportunity costs of putting their own education on hold. Furthermore, if, for example, you or your spouse took out loans that were used to support you both, that could also be a consideration in court.

Approaching Refinanced Loans

Here’s the thing: It’s not possible for a couple to combine their separate student loans into a joint, refinanced loan. However, you can refinance your own loans and have your spouse serve as your cosigner.

When might that happen? If, for example, one member of a couple wants to refinance their loans but doesn’t qualify, their spouse may decide to cosign the refinanced loan in order to help them qualify or secure a better rate.

When couples cosign on their partner’s loans, both spouses are on the hook for the debt. While this may work while a couple is together, it can make things complicated when your ex-spouse is the cosigner of your refinanced loan. This new loan is owned by the couple, and may be considered marital property subject to community property laws or equitable distribution laws.


💡 Quick Tip: Ready to refinance your student loan? With SoFi’s no-fee loans, you could save thousands.

Paying Your Part

In cases where debt is considered marital property, divorcing couples on good terms can decide how to divide student loan debt and have a court sign off on it. However, in some cases, ex-spouses may simply not be able to take charge of dividing things up, and the court can decide how the debt will be divided instead.

At this point, you’re losing the power of a combined income to pay off your loans, so you may need to consider strategies to help the newly single you afford your payments.

Refinance Your Student Loans

First, you may benefit from refinancing your loans to potentially secure a better rate or term. A better interest rate and shorter term might help you pay down your debt faster and could reduce the money you spend on interest over the life of the loan.

If you lengthen the term of your loan, you may be able to lower your monthly payments, which can help if your budget is strapped. However, longer terms typically mean you’ll end up paying more over the life of the loan.

Keep in mind that if you choose to refinance federal student loans with a private lender, you lose access to federal benefits, including income-driven repayment plans (discussed below) and student loan forgiveness.


💡 Quick Tip: When rates are low, refinancing student loans could make a lot of sense. How much could you save? Find out using our student loan refi calculator.

Use an Income-Driven Repayment Plan

Federal loans have income-driven repayment options that can also help you lower your monthly payments. These income-driven repayment plans have you pay a conservative percentage of your discretionary income, generally 10% to 20%, toward your student loans each month. And if you pay your loans off on one of the income-driven repayment plans for a period of 20 or 25 years, your remaining balance may be forgiven (though that forgiven balance will be taxed as income).

Remove Your Student Loan Cosigner, if Applicable

If you refinanced your student loans when you were married and your spouse was your cosigner, you could also consider refinancing a second time — as an individual. This could allow you to not only qualify for new loan terms or rates, but also ensure that your ex’s name is no longer tied to your student debt.

Staying on Top of Your Debt

Getting a divorce is rough, and having to deal with student debt at the same time can feel like adding insult to injury. The paperwork, lawyers, and courts involved with a divorce can make it easy for things to get lost in the shuffle. Trying to stay on top of your student loans and making regular payments is, of course, an important priority.

Whether you’re interested in refinancing in order to lower your payments and make some room in your budget for divorce fees, or you want to refinance without your spouse as a cosigner, SoFi can help. With just a single application, you can compare rates from top lenders in just a few minutes.

With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

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SoFi Student Loan Refinance
SoFi Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). SoFi Student Loan Refinance Loans are private loans and do not have the same repayment options that the federal loan program offers, or may become available, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, PAYE or SAVE. Additional terms and conditions apply. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal.

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.

This article is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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Gearing up for a Master of Business Administration program involves a lot of prep, especially when it comes to taking the GMAT™ — The Graduate Management Admission Test. It’s a standardized test that assesses potential business school students.

The GMAT was created by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and is now the most widely used assessment for graduate management admissions.

It’s available in more than 100 countries and taken by more than 100,000 students annually.

The exam is important for prospective MBA students because it may carry a lot of weight in the application, with some experts estimating it accounts for up to 22% of admissions decisions.

Because of this, getting prepared for the GMAT is crucial to getting into an MBA program.

Important Facts About the GMAT

There are four sections in the GMAT: quantitative, verbal, integrated reasoning, and analytical writing. These sections are meant to test a student’s general knowledge — they’re not specific to business knowledge.

The total score a student can receive for this exam will fall somewhere between 200 and 800. This score is a combination of verbal and quantitative questions.

Students will also be given scores for each individual section. The section scores for the verbal and quantitative sections range from zero to 60.

The integrated reasoning score, which ranges from one to eight, requires students to analyze graphs and tables.

The analytical writing section is scored from zero to six and is based on how well students can analyze and write about an argument given in a provided text.

There is no set score that students must achieve to be accepted into a program, but students can figure out an estimate of how well they need to do by researching the average score accepted students got on their GMAT exam.

This can give prospective students a good idea of what score they should aim to receive to be considered for acceptance to a particular program.

Making a Study Plan

Making a GMAT study plan depends on when applications are due, which will differ by school.

It’s recommended that students take the exam at least three to four months before their application deadline. This will give students enough time to retake the test if necessary. It can be taken up to five times within twelve months, with a lifetime limit of eight times.

Once students know their application deadline, they can make a plan for when they want to take the exam. Exams are available year-round, and students can register to take it in person or online at mba.com.

Each student will have to determine how much preparation is right for them, but usually, it’s recommended to spend three to six months preparing for the GMAT.

According to GMAC, the makers of the exam, students who studied 60 hours or more scored 500 or higher.

Studying more isn’t a guarantee of a high score, but it seems to help a majority of students find success. With this information, students can create a study plan that suits them and their timeline best.

Recommended: The Ultimate Guide to Studying in College

Study Tips for the GMAT

With 60 or more hours of preparation recommended, how can students best spend those hours?

Here are some tips on how to study for the GMAT that may help students make the best of their prep time.

Taking Practice Exams

Familiarity with the format of the test means there are few surprises. Students will be familiar with each section of the test, the order of the sections, and how the instructions are worded.

Studying the content is important, but so is knowing what to expect when test day comes.

The most effective way to use practice tests is to take one first and use it as a baseline so it’s easy to see where improvements need to be made and how much progress is being made after each consecutive practice test.

When taking practice tests, students should try to reproduce the test experience as closely as possible, in a similar environment and with the same time constraints that the real test has.

The time allowed depends on whether the test is taken in person or online. The online exam takes two hours and 45 minutes, whereas the in-person exam takes three hours and seven minutes because it includes the analytical writing assessment.

Taking practice exams is also a good way for students to learn how to pace themselves through each section of the test.

Strategies recommended are keeping a consistent pace throughout the entire exam, keeping in mind how many questions are in each section, and estimating how much time is allotted for each question.

•   The quantitative section includes 37 questions over 75 minutes.

•   The verbal section gives test takers 75 minutes for 41 questions.

•   The 12 integrated reasoning questions average two minutes and 30 seconds each for the section’s time allotment of 30 minutes.

Students may choose to use official GMAT exam prep packages, which vary in cost (one is free).

Hundreds of quantitative and verbal questions, as well as integrated reasoning questions can be accessed through these official packages.

Students can also purchase unofficial GMAT practice tests if they need more resources.

Tutoring and Peer Study Groups

For students who want extra help preparing for the GMAT, getting a private tutor, taking a prep course, or finding a study group may be options to consider.

A benefit to these strategies is the addition of regular feedback and accountability, which can help students stick to their GMAT study plan.

For students with a tighter budget, finding a GMAT support group and free practice exams may be more affordable routes.

Staying Healthy

Performing well during a stressful examination can be made easier by maintaining good physical and mental health. It’s recommended that students get plenty of rest in the days before the exam, as well as keep up a healthy diet.

Both rest and nutrition can impact physical wellbeing. Going into the GMAT in good physical condition can help students reduce stress and build confidence.

During practice tests, students can practice stress management techniques, which may make it easier to use them during the official test.

Test-taking anxiety is a common phenomenon, and each student may want to learn which coping techniques work best for them.

What About Finances?

Students who are considering an MBA program may be shocked when they see the high cost of tuition. According to Education Data Initiative, the average cost of an MBA program is $71,880. However, this can range from $22,000 to well over $100,000 depending on the school.

Options for decreasing the cost of earning an MBA may be getting a master’s degree online or getting financial aid to help cover the cost.

There are a few options when it comes to paying for graduate school.

Apply for Federal Financial Aid

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) as a graduate student means the aid is given based on the student’s income, not their parents’. This could help students receive more federal aid than they did as undergraduates.

After submitting the FAFSA, students will receive their Student Aid Report (SAR), which provides information about their federal student aid eligibility.

The schools to which a student has applied and been accepted will send a financial aid package offer letter, and the student can decide whether to accept or decline the offer.

Federal student financial aid can come in the form of work-study, grants, or loans. Grants usually don’t need to be repaid, but loans do. Graduate students are not eligible for subsidized student loans, only unsubsidized, so interest will start accruing as soon as the loan is disbursed.

Work a Part- or Full-time Job

Another option may be working while getting an MBA, with some employers helping to pay for tuition. There are more part-time and online MBA options than there used to be, making it easier for students to work while finishing school.

Apply for Scholarships

Students can also apply for scholarships through the school they are attending, as well as from private or professional organizations. Scholarships usually vary in their eligibility requirements, and it’s recommended that students seek out and apply for all they may be eligible for.

Use Private Student Loans

Another option for funding an MBA program may be private student loans. Private student loans do not come with the same benefits and protections that federal loans do, like income-driven repayments and student loan forgiveness. The interest rates and repayment options vary by lender, so students are encouraged to do their research carefully before considering this option.

The Takeaway

Students who already have student loans from their undergraduate education may want to consider refinancing their student loans, which could mean a lower interest rate or a repayment plan that works better for their particular financial situation.

The choice to refinance student loans depends on many factors, like whether those loans are federal or private and whether or not the new loan will be beneficial to the borrower. Figuring out how to prepare for and pay for graduate school can feel overwhelming, but help is available for both.

Keep in mind, though, that refinancing federal student loans means you’ll no longer be eligible for federal benefits, including income-driven repayment plans and student loan forgiveness. If you’re currently using or plan on using federal benefits, it’s not recommended to refinance your federal student loans.

If, however, refinancing makes sense for your financial situation, consider SoFi. With just one application, SoFi compares rates and lenders for you, all in a matter of minutes.

With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

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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.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
SoFi Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). SoFi Student Loan Refinance Loans are private loans and do not have the same repayment options that the federal loan program offers, or may become available, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, PAYE or SAVE. Additional terms and conditions apply. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal.

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.

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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When you have a new baby on the way, you may be eager to create a nursery that’s comfortable, functional, and stylish. You can drop big bucks to turn a spare room into a dream nursery. But if you’re willing to put in some elbow grease and think outside the box, you could get the job done for much less.

Here are some creative DIY nursery ideas that won’t break the bank.

Use Paint to Make a Big Impact

If home improvement shows have taught us anything, it’s that paint can be a powerful — and cheap — way to change things up. In fact, for the cost of a few gallons of nontoxic paint, a roll of painter’s tape, and drop coverings, you can completely transform any room.

The options are limited only by your imagination. Paint all four walls the same shade to create a cohesive look, or focus the color on one wall to make a real statement. Use painter’s tape to create shapes or patterns, like stripes or chevrons, that pack the same punch as wallpaper but without the mess. If you’re artistic, paint a mural with animals or popular cartoon characters. Or considering all the time your baby will spend in their crib, you may decide to spiff up the ceiling with a pop of color.

Price tag: $125 to $250


💡 Quick Tip: Need help covering the cost of a wedding, honeymoon, or new baby? A SoFi personal loan can help you fund major life events — without the high interest rates of credit cards.

Get a Soft Rug

If you have hardwood floors, a soft rug won’t just help your feet stay warm when you come in for late-night feedings. You’ll also want a cozy surface for your baby to play, and later, learn to crawl.

You can get an area rug at a local hardware or furniture store that can bring out some of the colors in your decor and provide a soft buffer between your baby and the floor.

Price tag: $200

Make Your Own Art

Blank walls are boring, but art can be expensive to buy. So why not make your own creations?

One idea: Get jumbo letters from the local craft store that spell out your baby’s name and hang them on the wall.

Or figure out the theme of the room to help you come up with other ideas. For example, you can go to the zoo with a camera and then print out pictures of animals for an animal-themed room. Or become inspired by the night sky and put up sparkly stars and a moon on the walls. You can also find cool fabric and tack it onto a canvas for a fabric panel.

Price tag: From $25

Help Baby Sleep

Having a newborn goes hand in hand with frequent wake-up calls. But there are ways you can help baby settle down after a 3 a.m. feeding or stay asleep during a mid-afternoon nap.

Blackout curtains are a great way to prevent sunlight from seeping through window coverings — and interrupting a good nap. Making a set is doable with the help of a sewing machine and a trip to the local fabric store.

Hanging a mobile above the crib can also keep your little one entranced until their eyes start to close. You can make your own with everyday household and craft supplies, like pom poms, fabric, or paper. Simply attach the items to a string or embroidery floss, attach to a lightweight frame or embroidery hoop, and hang.

Price: From $10

Get Creative With Storage

Even if you’re a minimalist, chances are your baby will require a lot of stuff: clothes, toys, diapers, pacifiers, books…you get the idea. As you’re putting together your nursery, be sure you have ample places to store all those things. Bins, boxes, shelves, and drawers can make clean-up a breeze.

Storage systems don’t have to be expensive. You can get budget-friendly ones at local discount furniture stores. Or check online or garage sales for a used piece of furniture that you can refinish or repaint.

Just remember to fasten all the furniture to the wall so that when your baby starts pulling themselves up and walking, nothing topples over on them.

Price: From $100

Recommended: 25 Tips for Buying Furniture on a Budget

How Do You Pay for a Nursery Room Renovation

DIY-ing a nursery may save you money, but you’ll still need to make room in the budget. This can be a challenge if you’re also trying to balance the cost of hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and pricey essentials like a stroller, car seat, or crib. Here are some options you may want to consider.

Personal Savings

Tapping into your savings allows you to access the cash you need right away. However, if you’re planning to take unpaid maternity leave or are budgeting for medical expenses, you may decide it makes more sense to leave your emergency fund untouched.

Credit Card

Like personal savings, a credit card lets you pay for DIY nursery supplies now. However, at the end of the month, you’ll be billed for whatever you’ve spent. It’s important to make at least a minimum payment by the due date to avoid a late fee. But to avoid paying interest entirely, you’ll need to pay off the balance in full each month.

Recommended: Tips for Using a Credit Card Responsibly

Personal Loan

Generally speaking, a personal loan can be used for virtually anything, including decorating a nursery. Interest rates are relatively low, which means that you can likely get a loan at a low rate compared to a credit card. For that reason, it might be a much better idea than putting the expenses on a credit card, which typically have higher interest rates.

A typical term length for a personal loan is anywhere from one to 10 years. Extending your repayment over multiple years could reduce your monthly payments. But keep in mind, the longer the term length, the more you’ll pay in interest over the life of your loan.

When looking for a loan, you may want to look into securing a fixed interest rate so that you can lock in your low rate over the life of your loan.


💡 Quick Tip: Some personal loan lenders can release your funds as quickly as the same day your loan is approved.

The Takeaway

When you’re expecting a new baby, you naturally want to give them the world. This may include a room they’ll be happy to call their own. Fortunately, you can get the nursery of your dreams without having to spend a lot of money. There are creative, affordable ways to create a statement, like painting the walls or ceiling a fun shade or designing an adorable mural. Not as crafty? Explore simple, inexpensive projects, like making a mobile to hang over the crib.

If much of your budget is already earmarked for baby essentials and medical bills, you may want to explore alternate ways of paying for a nursery renovation. You could draw from your personal savings, use a credit card, or explore taking out a personal 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. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.

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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.

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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Looking to start your own business? You’re not alone. Some 76% of Gen Z and millennials dream of being their own boss, according to a 2022 Microsoft report.

While launching your own business allows you plenty of professional freedom, it can also be expensive. As you’re creating your business plan, one question you’ll likely face early on is, how much does it cost to start a business?

The average small business owner spends around $40,000 in their first full year. But that amount can vary based on a number of factors, including the size, type and location of your business.

Let’s take a closer look at the startup costs of different types of businesses and common ways to cover the expenses.

Typical Small Business Startup Costs

The old adage is true: You have to spend money to make money. And unfortunately, some of the biggest business costs can come during the startup phase, when you are defining your business goals, finding a location, purchasing domain names, and generally investing in the infrastructure.

In order to make sure your business is on firm financial footing, it’s important to estimate your small business startup costs in advance. Here are some common ones to keep in mind:

Payroll

Many small businesses start out as a company of one. But if you’re planning on having employees, salary will likely be one of the biggest costs you’ll have. After all, offering an attractive pay and benefits package can help you recruit and retain top talent.

In addition to wages, you might also want to budget for other types of payroll costs, such as overtime, vacation pay, bonuses, commissions, and benefits.

Office Space

No matter what your business is, you’ll need somewhere to work. Are you leasing a storefront, or will you buy a membership to a co-working space or startup incubator? If you’re planning to work from home, consider whether your new business will increase your internet or utility bills.

And don’t forget about the supplies you’ll need to do the work. Depending on your business, this could include things like computers, phones, chairs and desks, paper supplies, or filing cabinets.


💡 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.

Inventory

If you’re starting a business that sells products, you’ll need to have some inventory ready to go. Calculating stock as part of your start-up costs ensures that you can buy your product in advance, so that you’re ready to serve customers from day one.

Licenses, Permits, and Insurance

Some businesses, especially storefronts and restaurants, require more legal leg work than others.

For example, if you’re starting a native-plants landscaping business, will you need a permit? If you’re starting a new bar, will you need a liquor license? Licenses and permits vary by city and state, but most come with an application fee.

Likewise, your new business may require one or more insurance policies to protect you in case of future litigation, so be sure to factor in the cost of monthly premiums.

And don’t forget about the costs associated with registering your business. Whether you plan to set up shop as a sole proprietorship, corporation, limited liability corporation or other business entity, you’ll need to pay a nominal fee. The amount will depend on the state where you operate.

And if you plan on enlisting the help of a lawyer, accountant or tax professional to get your business up and running, add those potential costs to your budget as well.

Advertising

Getting the word out about your new business is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that business starts off strong. Whether you want to advertise on social media or take out a billboard, your startup costs should reflect money you plan to put toward taking out ads for your business.

Differences in Startup Costs Based on Industry

The actual cost of starting a small business can vary by business and industry. Here’s what you might be looking at if you want to start a few common types of small businesses.

Online Business Startup Costs

Like brick and mortar stores, the cost of doing business online varies depending on the type of business you have. But in general, you’ll need to budget for things like:

•   Web hosting service and domain name

•   Web design and optimization

•   E-commerce software

•   Payment processing

•   Content creation and social media

If you’re selling products, you will need to invest in inventory and shipping. If you’re providing services, you may need to hire employees. All of these costs can be significant.

However, one benefit of starting your small business online is that you may be able to keep other costs low. For example, if you can conduct business from home, you may not need to rent office space, which can be a major savings. If you’re able to do the work without purchasing inventory or hiring employees, the startup costs can be even lower.

Average startup cost: $500 to $20,000 or more (depending on your business)

Storefront Startup Costs

If your business idea requires a physical space, your startup costs might range from $1,000 for a small kiosk inside a mall or park to more than $69,000 for something like a home goods store.

Although $69,000 might seem like a daunting number, remember that many smaller, independently owned stores began with a much smaller budget.

Average retail startup cost: $39,210

Restaurant Startup Costs

If you’re betting on bringing in bank by selling your grandma’s famous bánh mì, you could be looking at startup costs of anywhere from $40,000 for a used food truck or cart to up to $3.7 million to buy a franchise restaurant. Typically, small restaurant costs, including coffee shops, fall somewhere in the $80,000 to $3000,000 range.

Average startup cost: $375,000

How to Finance Your Startup Business

Many who want to start a business are overwhelmed by the initial costs, but there are several ways to fund your passion project.

Friends and Family

Perhaps one of the most common ways to raise money for your small business is to ask friends and family to invest in you.

Friends and family loans can be ideal for financing a new small business because you can negotiate low-interest rates, flexible pay-back schedules, and avoid bank fees. Of course, borrowing money from friends and family can quickly become complicated by family drama, so make sure to agree on conditions before taking out a family loan.

Outside Investors

When we hear about startup companies, we frequently hear about so-called “angel investors” sweeping in to fully fund new businesses. But there are other practical ways to fund your small business with outside investors.

Some small businesses use crowdfunding platforms to find investors who each contribute a small amount, and others use startup funding networks to find investors looking to fund their specific type of business. Outside investors want to know that your business is likely to succeed, so you’ll need a solid business plan to land outside funders.

Personal Savings and Investments

Most people end up covering some of their small business start-up costs out of their own pocket. Self-funding your new business venture can be the most convenient option. After all, if you’re your own funder, you don’t have to worry about family drama or picky investors. And putting your own money on the line can be an extra motivation to make sure that your business is set up to succeed.

Of course, it can seem overwhelming to save up enough money to fund your small business. Luckily, there are simple strategies to effectively manage your money.

Business Loans

If you’re looking to purchase equipment, inventory, or pay for other business expenses, a business loan might make sense for you.

There are various types of small business loans available, each with different rates and repayment terms. Note that in some cases, lenders may be reluctant to give loans to a brand-new business. You might need to put up some type of collateral to qualify for funding.

Personal Loans

A personal loan can be used for just about any purpose, which can make it attractive for entrepreneurs who want to turn their passion project into a reality. These loans are usually unsecured, which means they’re not backed by collateral, like a home, car, or bank account balance.

Personal loan amounts vary. However, some lenders offer personal loans for as much as $100,000. Most personal loans have shorter repayment terms, though the length of a loan can vary from a few months to several years.

While there’s a great deal of latitude with how you use the funds, you might need to get your lender’s approval first if you intend on using the money directly for your business.


💡 Quick Tip: Before choosing a personal loan, ask about the lender’s fees: origination, prepayment, late fees, etc. One question can save you many dollars.

The Takeaway

Going into business for yourself can be personally and professionally fulfilling. But it can also be expensive, especially if you’re starting from scratch. Estimating your startup costs early on can help ensure you’re on solid financial ground from the get-go. Labor, office space, and equipment are among the biggest expenses facing many entrepreneurs, but there are smaller fees and charges you’ll likely need to consider.

Fortunately, small business owners have no shortage of options when it comes to covering startup costs. Dipping into personal savings, or asking friends and family to invest are popular choices. Taking out a business loan or personal loan is another way to help finance a new business. The money can be used for a variety of purposes, and that flexibility can be especially useful when you’re just starting out.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.

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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.

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.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.50% 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 4.50% 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 4.50% 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 8/27/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://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.

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