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Oct

2023

Who Regulates My Bank?

By Janet Siroto | Family Finances, Life & Career, money | Comments Off

If you’re curious about how banks are regulated and your money is protected, it’s important to understand that multiple agencies help keep America’s financial institutions safe and compliant with the law. Some of the key regulatory agencies you may hear about are the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Federal Reserve (the Fed), and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), although there are others involved as well.

This topic has been in the spotlight recently. You may have read the headlines and wondered who those agencies were and how they knew when to spring into action to help ensure that customers’ finances didn’t suffer.

Here, you can learn more about how bank regulation works, including:

• What is the history of bank regulation?

• What exactly do bank regulators do?

• Who regulates banks?

What Do Bank Regulators Do?

Now that you have read about a few of the critical moments in U.S. banking regulation history, you may be interested to get a little more insight into what bank regulation accomplished during the ups and downs of America’s economy.

Here are some of the key points to know about what bank regulators do and how they can provide a sense of financial security:

• Review the financial health of banks and step in as they deem necessary

• Regulate foreign banks that are in business in the United States

• Examine banks to make sure their practices are safe, sound, and fair

• Intervene if banks are failing and ensure that depositors are protected up to the limits of insurance (and sometimes beyond, as mentioned above).

Who Regulates Banks?

The next aspect to delve into is who has the responsibility of regulating banks and can intervene when they deem necessary. Here are the three key players when it comes to oversight of commercial banks:

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is an independent bureau within the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Its role is to charter, regulate, and supervise America’s national banks and federal savings associations.

In addition, the OCC oversees federal branches and agencies of foreign banks doing business on U.S. soil.

The OCC describes its mission as:

• Ensuring that these institutions conduct business in a safe and sound manner

• Determining that there is equitable access to financial services and customers are treated fairly

• Making certain that the banks it oversees are complying with all applicable laws and regulations.

The Federal Reserve

The Federal Reserve, or the Fed, is responsible for regulating a different set of entities: some state chartered banks, certain nonbank financial institutions, bank and financial holding companies, and foreign banking organizations.

The Federal Reserve is America’s central bank, and has a broad jurisdiction as it works to promote the health of the U.S. economy and the stability of the financial system. Among its key functions are:

• Conducting on-site and off-site examinations of banks to make sure they are operating in accordance with applicable laws.

• Making sure that banks have enough capital available to withstand economic fluctuations. This can involve reviewing balance sheets, projections, and other financial materials.

• Possibly reviewing “resolution plans,” which detail how a financial organization would resolve a situation in which it was in financial trouble or failed.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

As mentioned above, the FDIC plays a role in insuring its member banks so that, in the rare event of a bank failure, depositors are covered for $250,000 per account holder, per ownership category, per insured institution.

However, the FDIC does more than this. It also supervises state-chartered banks that are members of the Federal Reserve. It this capacity, it oversees more than 3,500 banks, and does the following:

• Checks for safe and sound operations

• Examines institutions to be sure they are complying with consumer protection regulations and laws.

A Brief History of Bank Regulation

America’s banking history has taken some twists and turns, as regulation has gone in and out of favor. Here are some key points in U.S. banking to consider:

• In 1791, the First Bank of the United States was created, but its charter was not renewed in 1811. The reason? While the bank provided some stability to the new nation’s economy, people worried that it put too much financial control in the hands of the federal government.

• State banks began to flourish and funded the War of 1812, but, with a large amount of credit being extended, the federal government stepped in again, chartering the Second Bank of the United States in 1816.

• There were again worries that the federal government had too much power over the nation’s purse strings. In 1836, the Second Bank was dissolved.

• An era of free banking emerged, without federal oversight or, in many cases, the need to have an official charter to do business. The federal government tried to rein this in with the National Banking Act of 1863; the OCC was formed to charter banks and ensure that they backed their notes with U.S. government securities.

• The next few decades were a bit of a bumpy ride, with bank panics, such as the Panic of 1907, occurring. The Federal Reserve was created in 1913 to help bring order to the economy.

• With the debilitating Great Depression, which began in 1929, new regulations were needed. The FDIC was formed in 1933 to help shore up the faltering economy.

• More recently, after a period of deregulation, the government responded to the financial crisis of 2007 and the subsequent Great Recession. It passed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, designed to improve accountability and financial transparency in America’s financial system.

• In 2021, President Biden signed an executive order that charged federal regulators with improving their oversight of bank mergers, as part of a larger effort to increase competition in the country’s economy.

• An example of financial regulation in action occurred in mid-March 2023, when the federal government stepped in as two banks faltered. The government even took the step of guaranteeing deposits over the typical FDIC insurance maximum of $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category, per insured institution.

Recommended: How Much Money Do Banks Insure?

Who Regulates Credit Unions?

Not everyone, however, keeps their accounts at a bank. There are other financial institutions, such as credit unions.

If you have an account (or multiple accounts) at a credit union, the institution that holds your money will be regulated at either the state or federal level. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has oversight of federal credit unions. State-chartered credit unions are regulated by their state.

Also, credit union accounts can be insured by NCUA vs. FDIC. It’s NCUA that provides $250,000 coverage per depositor, per ownership category, per insured institution.

Who Regulates Savings and Loan Associations?

As of 2023, there are 624 savings and loan associations (sometimes called “thrifts”) operating in the U.S. While these financial institutions used to be federally regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS), that bureau ceased to operate in 2010.

Now, savings and loans are regulated by the Fed and the OCC. These organizations are tasked with ensuring the thrifts are following the applicable laws and operating safely and soundly.

How Do I Know Who Regulates My Bank?

If you are curious about how your own bank is regulated, you can try the following, which will narrow down the field somewhat. The OCC, which regulates national banks and savings associations, has a “Who Regulates My Bank?” website.

If you don’t get the answer you are seeking there, you can call the OCC Customer Assistance Group at 800-613-6743 for further assistance.

The Takeaway

Banking regulation helps keep our financial institutions safe and sound and compliant with the appropriate laws. It also helps protect our economic stability and consumers’ deposits.

Several agencies are involved in banking regulation, such as the Fed, FDIC, OCC, and NCUA. While they rarely need to take action such as overseeing a bank closure, it can be wise to know who they are and how they function. This can help you feel more secure, knowing that they are there, backing you up; transparency in financial matters is important.

If you’re looking for a home for your funds, SoFi can be the reliable, transparent banking partner you seek. When you open an online bank account with SoFi, you pay no account fees and earn a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), which can help your money grow faster. Plus, you have tools at your disposal to help increase your savings, such as Vaults and Roundups. And, with our Checking and Savings, you’ll spend and save in one convenient place and be able to track your money with our easy-to-navigate app.

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

FAQ

How do I know which agency regulates my bank?

The agency that regulates your bank will likely depend on the kind of bank that holds your money: The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) oversees national banks and federal savings associations; the Federal Reserve (the Fed) regulates some state-chartered banks, certain nonbank financial institutions, bank and financial holding companies, and foreign banking organizations; and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) supervises state-chartered banks that are members of the Federal Reserve.

Does the FDIC regulate banks?

The FDIC regulates state-chartered banks that are members of the Federal Reserve. In addition, an array of banks are insured by the FDIC. This means that clients’ accounts are insured for $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category, per insured institution.

What level of government regulates banks?

Banks are typically regulated by the federal government, with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Federal Reserve (the Fed), and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) overseeing many banks. State-chartered banks may also be regulated by their state’s agency.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

SOBK0323039

Oct

2023

Guide to Adding a Beneficiary to a Bank Account

By Rebecca Lake | Family Finances, Life & Career, money, Money & Life | Comments Off

Adding a beneficiary to a bank account is similar to naming a beneficiary to a life insurance policy or retirement account. A bank account beneficiary is entitled to receive the assets in the account when you pass away.

Should you name a beneficiary to your bank accounts? Maybe, if you’d like to ensure that the money goes to a specific person, group of persons, or entity after you die.

There are, however, some bank account beneficiary rules to keep in mind when deciding how to handle your accounts. Here, you’ll learn more about:

• What a bank account beneficiary is

• What privileges a beneficiary has

• The pros and cons of naming a beneficiary to a bank account.

What Is a Beneficiary on a Bank Account?

A bank account beneficiary is an individual or entity who’s entitled to inherit assets once the account owner passes away. Generally, the beneficiary to a bank account can be anyone you choose to name, including:

• A spouse

• Adult children

• Siblings or other relatives

• Trusts

• Charitable organizations.

It may be possible to name a minor as the beneficiary to a bank account if your financial institution allows it. However, you might be better off appointing someone to act as a custodian for them and naming that person as the beneficiary, since leaving assets to children can get tricky from a legal perspective.

You could also set up an account in their name if you want to establish an account for a minor. The minimum age to open a bank account alone is typically 18 or 19, depending on which state you live in. However, parents can open youth savings accounts or teen checking accounts on behalf of minor children.

All beneficiaries to the account have an equal share. So, if you have five adult children and you name each of them as beneficiaries to your bank account, it would be a five-way split when it’s time to divide the assets. Each person would receive 20%.

Bank Account Beneficiary Rules

If you’re interested in naming one or more beneficiaries to your bank accounts, it’s helpful to understand a little more about how it works. Your bank can offer more information on adding beneficiaries or removing them, if necessary. In the meantime, here are a few key things to know.

Is a Beneficiary Required?

You’re not required to name a beneficiary to a bank account. However, if you’re opening a new bank account, the bank might ask you if you’d like to name one or more beneficiaries.

Is there an advantage to naming a bank account beneficiary? There are a couple, actually.

• Naming a beneficiary ensures that the person you choose will inherit the assets in your account after you’re gone.

• Bank accounts that have a beneficiary are not subject to probate. Probate is a legal process in which a deceased person’s assets are inventoried, outstanding debts are paid, and remaining assets are distributed to their heirs. It can be costly and time-consuming, but accounts with named beneficiaries are exempt from the process.

Can Beneficiaries Interact With Your Account?

You might be wondering what control, if any, a beneficiary might have over your account. For example, when can a beneficiary withdraw money from a bank account?

The simple answer is that a beneficiary can’t do anything with the account until you pass away. Unless you add them as a joint owner, they wouldn’t be able to make withdrawals or get information about the account.

Once you pass away, however, the money becomes theirs. At that point, they could do whatever they like with it since they technically own it. Keep in mind that naming a beneficiary wouldn’t prevent a government withdrawal from your account if your balance is offset for unpaid debts.

Recommended: What Is Private Banking?

Does Marriage Affect Beneficiary Rules?

Whether marriage impacts bank account beneficiary rules can depend on how the account is owned and what state law dictates.

If you and your spouse are both listed as joint account owners, for instance, then the beneficiary you name would likely need to wait until both of you pass away to collect any money. An account that’s owned solely by you could be passed on to your beneficiary without any of the money going to your spouse.

However, your spouse may be able to contest the beneficiary designation with the probate court. You may also need your spouse’s consent to leave assets in a bank account to someone other than them after your death.

If you get divorced and your spouse was the beneficiary to your bank account, you’d likely want to update that designation. Otherwise, they’d still be entitled to any money from the account after you’re gone.

Are There Any Downsides to Having a Beneficiary?

Naming a beneficiary to a bank account has its upsides, but there are some potential drawbacks to keep in mind as well.

• The beneficiary can do what they want with the money once they inherit it. If you’d like to have a say in how they manage those funds after you’re gone, you might be better off leaving the money in a trust instead. With a trust, you can specify exactly how and when your heirs can access their inheritance.

• Beneficiary designations can also get tricky if you change your mind later. You may need to close the account and open a new one to remove a beneficiary, depending on your bank’s policy.

• Naming beneficiaries can also be problematic if it causes infighting among your heirs. For example, you might name your daughter the beneficiary to your checking account but not your son. That could lead to squabbles between them and even legal disputes if your son challenges the beneficiary designation after your death.

Do All Banks Allow Beneficiaries?

Do bank accounts have beneficiaries automatically? Usually, the answer is no. But most banks allow you to name a beneficiary to bank accounts. Credit unions can allow them too. You can check with your bank to see if naming one or more beneficiaries is an option.

If your bank does allow beneficiaries, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the rules. For example, the bank might restrict who you can name and the number of beneficiaries allowed. Or it might have certain guidelines for changing or removing beneficiaries later.

Can you open a bank account for someone else if your bank doesn’t allow beneficiaries? You might be able to, depending on the bank’s rules. For example, you could set up a joint account for yourself and someone else or open an account for a minor child. Either one could allow you to bypass beneficiary designation rules.

Payable-on-Death Accounts vs. Bank Account Beneficiaries

When you open a new bank account you may be able to designate it as a payable on death (POD) account. Payable on death means that when you pass away, the money in the account is payable to the beneficiary or beneficiaries that you named at the account opening.

It’s possible to add a beneficiary to a bank account after the fact. That may be as simple as filling out a form or logging onto online banking and adding the beneficiary’s information to an existing account. The money in the account would still be payable on death to the beneficiary once you pass away.

Whether your bank specifically refers to your account as payable on death or not, the beneficiary rules are the same. Anyone who’s named to inherit the assets in the account would not be able to touch them until after you’ve died.

Recommended: How Many Bank Accounts Should I Have?

The Takeaway

Adding a beneficiary to a bank account could make transferring money to loved ones easier, especially if you’d like them to be able to sidestep probate or just feel financially secure during a trying time. If you’re not sure whether you can add a beneficiary to a bank account or not, you can ask your bank for more details.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with 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.

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

FAQ

Can a beneficiary take over a bank account?

A beneficiary is entitled to inherit a bank account when the original account owner passes away. Someone who is listed as a beneficiary, but not a joint owner, would not be able to take over the account or access it during the owner’s lifetime.

What happens when you add a beneficiary to your bank account?

When you add a beneficiary to your bank account, you’re telling the bank that you’d like the money in the account to go to that person (or persons) when you pass away. The beneficiary would be able to inherit the account from you after your death.

Who gets the money in your bank account after your death?

If you name one or more beneficiaries to a bank account, then those beneficiaries would be entitled to get the money in your account when you pass away. On the other hand, if you don’t name a beneficiary, then your bank account can get included in your estate. It would then be distributed to your heirs, according to the terms of your will or state inheritance law if you die intestate (without a will).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOBK0323016

Oct

2023

Guide to Transferring Law Schools

By Kayla McCormack | Life & Career, student_loan | No Comments

There are a variety of reasons why a law student may consider transferring schools. Maybe you don’t love the professors or environment, the city isn’t a fit, the tuition is too high or you need to relocate for personal reasons. Whatever the reason, transferring schools is a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

While you are at your current school, focus on your grades and rounding out your resume. These are two factors admissions officers may evaluate when you apply to transfer. Continue reading for a guide on how to make a transfer happen and what you should consider before choosing to make the move.

What Is a Law School Transfer?

Typically, completing law school takes three years of full-time study. A law school transfer involves switching from one law school to another while pursuing a JD. In most cases, transfers take place after a student completes their first year of law school, commonly known as their 1L year.

It is possible to transfer after your second year, but this is less common because credits taken during your 2L year may not transfer.

What to Consider Before You Transfer Law Schools

Switching law schools involves a lot of work and some trade-offs. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you take the leap:

Is the new law school ranked significantly better than your current one?

If you’re looking to change schools in order to upgrade to a better one, make sure it’s worth the trouble. A school that’s ranked only slightly better or falls within the same tier won’t change your job prospects very much, and what you sacrifice could eclipse any benefits. Aim to jump to at least the next tier of law schools. If you’re already in the top tier, you may want to focus on just the top five schools.

Will a “better” school be right for you?

When you move to a higher-ranked school, you may see your grades fall or feel stressed because of stiffer competition. You may get less personalized attention from faculty and administrators and have a harder time getting to the top of the list for institution-based law school scholarships and internships. Setbacks like these aren’t guaranteed, and you can certainly bounce back, but make sure you think through the move carefully and get to know your prospective institution well.

Are you willing to put in the work?

Applying as a transfer student requires pretty much the same amount of time and effort as applying to law school the first time. You’ll also have to pay application fees of up to around $100 per school.

Are you OK with potentially losing out on opportunities?

When you change schools, you may have to give up scholarships, the chance to study abroad, or the opportunity to participate in the law review or moot court. You will also have to give up your first-year grades (you don’t bring them with you to the new school).

Can you deal with setbacks in your relationships?

When you transfer, you might lose the bonds and connections you’ve started forming during your first year.

Conversely, many of the students at your new school will have formed strong friendships as well, so you might have a harder time breaking in. Considering the importance of networks in career advancement, this could affect not only your personal life, but also your professional future.

💡 Quick Tip: Get flexible terms and competitive rates when you refinance your student loan with SoFi.

How to Complete a Law School Transfer

Most students transfer after their first year, which allows them to receive a degree from their new school with no mention of the original institution. Many schools will not allow you to transfer after your second year, or if they do, they’ll still require you to attend two additional years at the new school.

Applying for a transfer looks very similar to applying for law school in the first place. Generally, you’ll need to submit:

• A résumé

• A personal statement

• Two letters of recommendation

• Transcripts

• LSAT or GRE scores

Preparing Your Application

Applying to transfer does not guarantee that you’ll be admitted. Your GPA and class rank are usually the most important factors in your application and are weighed more heavily in transfer decisions than your LSAT score and extracurricular activities.

Most schools will only admit transfers that are in the top 10% of their class. Your class rank must be even higher if your school is ranked relatively low. To improve your chances, focus on getting good grades in your first year. You should also start early on building relationships with professors who might offer recommendations by reaching out to them, attending office hours, and speaking up in class.

A law school transfer personal statement must focus not only on why you want to study law in general but also on why you want to transfer. The reason you cite should be substantive and tied to the institution you want to attend, rather than a purely personal motive, such as being closer to family.

Don’t just cut and paste the essay you submitted when applying to law school initially, and don’t turn in a generic statement. Instead, tailor the essay to the school you want to transfer to, and why they are the right fit for you. Steer clear of trash-talking your current law school — that doesn’t look good to the admissions committee. Instead, speak in positive terms about what you’ve gained and accomplished, and make clear what contribution you would make to the school if you were accepted.

What Are Admissions Officers Looking at in a Transfer Application?

The exact criteria an admissions committee evaluates may vary based on the law school. However, there are commonalities that admissions officers evaluate and opportunities for you to strengthen your application as a law school transfer. Some of the top criteria evaluated include grades, letters of recommendation, résumé, and your personal statement.

• Grades. The grades you earn during your 1L year can illustrate how you’ll perform in future years of law school. As mentioned, LSAT scores will still likely be a factor, but may fall in importance after completing 1L classes.

• Letter of recommendation. This can help the committee understand how you performed in your 1L classes and any other criteria that could help you stand out from other applicants. Think carefully about which professor may be the best fit to write a letter on your behalf and be open about your reasons for wanting to transfer.

• Resume. The admissions committee will also likely evaluate any law-related extracurriculars you participated in during your 1L year.

• Personal Statement. The personal statement is an opportunity to explain why you are interested in transferring in addition to why you want to pursue a law degree and how it will influence your future career plans.

What to Do if Your Transfer Is Accepted

If you’re admitted as a transfer student, congratulations! Once you’ve committed to switching schools, you’ll need to take care of a number of things to ensure a smooth transition. First, inform your current school of your plans to transfer (and tell your landlord if you’re moving). Next, get in touch with your new school to confirm which of your credits will be transferred, and take careful note of all the classes you need to earn your degree.

You will also want to reach out to the financial aid office to make sure your package is squared away. And don’t forget to contact career services to connect with your advisor and sign up for on-campus interviews and other opportunities. If you’re moving, you’ll need to get set up in a new apartment. Once you’re at your new school, work extra hard to build relationships with professors and peers. These will pay off in terms of future recommendation letters and lifelong networks.

How Student Loan Refinancing Can Help

As a lawyer-in-training, you’re probably on track to make a good living once you graduate. But in the meantime, law school can be an expensive endeavor. That high price tag, especially when combined with the cost of undergraduate education, is one reason why law school students can expect to graduate with more than $100,000 in student debt. In fact, According to a 2020 survey conducted by the American Bar Association (ABA) Young Lawyers Division and AccessLex Institute, median cumulative student loan debt was $160,000.

Maybe you are looking to transfer because your current law school is too expensive, or maybe you’re upgrading to a higher-ranked school that also comes with higher costs. Either way, student loan refinancing can help get your law school debt under control.

What Is Student Loan Refinancing?

Student loan refinancing involves getting a single new loan from a private lender to pay off one or more existing student loans. Your new loan comes with a single payment, and potentially, a different interest rate and repayment term. You can refinance both federal and private loans. However, if you refinance federal loans, you permanently forfeit all federal protections and benefits such as income-driven repayment plans, deferment and forbearance options, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

Lenders will usually evaluate factors such as your credit score, credit history, and income, among other personal factors to help determine the loan terms. It is possible to refinance student loans with bad credit, but this can be more challenging or result in a higher interest rate or less favorable terms. That’s why some borrowers may consider adding a cosigner to strengthen their application.

Refinancing without a cosigner is also an option. Borrowers with limited history or low credit scores may want to spend some time building credit before refinancing if they do not want to rely on a cosigner.

The question is, should you refinance your student loans? The answer is deeply personal, but being an informed consumer can help you make the decision. A major draw of refinancing is to secure a more competitive interest rate, which could help you save money over the life of the loan. You can get an idea of how refinancing can influence your loans by using SoFi’s student loan refinance calculator.

If you think refinancing may be a fit for you, shop around and compare terms to find the best rates and terms available to you. On your way, consider refinancing student loans with SoFi.

Recommended: Guide to Establishing Credit

The Takeaway

There are a lot of reasons students may want to transfer law schools. Typically, this happens after a student has completed their 1L year. Admissions committees will generally evaluate factors including a student’s 1L grades, letters of recommendation, their resume, any law-related extracurriculars, and the student’s personal statement, among other factors as determined by the school.

Nearly 90% of law students graduate with student loan debt. Student loan refinancing might be right for you if you have good credit and could potentially qualify for a lower interest rate. Keep in mind that if you refinance federal loans, you give up the opportunity to take advantage of income-based repayment plans or federal relief offerings such as deferment or forbearance. You can consider refinancing your undergrad loans while in law school, or once you have a steady job after law school, you can refinance your undergrad and law school loans.

You may also consider taking out a private student loan with SoFi to finance the rest of your law school experience. SoFi offers flexible repayment plans and a quick application with no fees.

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

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 Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

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.

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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Oct

2023

7 Top Self-Employed Jobs for Parents in 2022

7 Top Self-Employed Jobs for Parents in 2024

By Jacqueline DeMarco | Building Your Career, Life & Career, relay | Comments Off

Many busy parents find that a traditional 9-to-5 job isn’t the best option while they’re raising young children. Working for yourself can provide more flexibility and control, as well as better work-life balance. But there are trade-offs.

Let’s take a look at some of the best self-employed jobs in 2024. We’ll also provide tips on finding a self-employed job that helps support a family’s needs.

What Jobs Are Considered Self-Employed Jobs?

At one time, self-employed business people typically worked out of a storefront or office with a small staff. Today, many self-employed individuals work from home with no employees. They deliberately keep their operation small to maintain flexibility in their schedule (and keep overhead costs down). Solo entrepreneurs usually have a strong background in a specific service they can offer to clients, such as accounting, marketing, or graphic design.

There are a number of different ways self-employed workers get paid. For instance, they may identify as an independent contractor when they work for larger businesses. They can also start a sole proprietorship or a partnership with another entrepreneur.

Because of the amount of time spent attracting and communicating with clients, self-employment may not be the best choice of job for antisocial people.

💡 Quick Tip: Online tools make tracking your spending a breeze: You can easily set up budgets, then get instant updates on your progress, spot upcoming bills, analyze your spending habits, and more.

Examples of Self-Employed Jobs for Parents

Self-employed jobs can be logistical, analytical, creative, or involve a skilled trade. Parents may pursue self-employed work as a freelance writer or a lawyer. As long as the work can be done independently, there’s virtually no limit to the type of services someone can offer when working for themselves.

Recommended: Best On-Campus Jobs

Tips to Finding Self-Employed Jobs for Parents in 2024

Parents who are considering self-employment should first ask themselves these questions:

• How much do I hope to make per hour?

• How many hours per week do I want to work?

• What is my strongest skill set?

• What services can I offer based on that skill set?

Parents have two options for pursuing work. They can apply for posted contract or freelance roles that seem like a good fit for their skills and scheduling needs. Or they can advertise their services and work on attracting clients.

Difficulties Parents Can Encounter When Looking for Self-Employed Jobs

One element of self-employment that many people struggle with is making the transition to boss. Parents who have a lot of responsibilities on their plate may find it especially hard to create a structured workday, or to make time between projects to source new clients.

Many self-employed people find it tough to promote themselves or set appropriate rates. Another money challenge: budgeting with a fluctuating income.

All of these things get easier over time, but the early days of self-employment can be challenging. If money management is a concern for you, check out these financial planning tips for freelancers.

Recommended: Does Net Worth Include Home Equity?

Pros and Cons of Self-Employed Jobs for Parents

There are advantages and disadvantages to working for oneself.

Pros of Self-employment	Cons of Self-employment
• Flexible schedule • Work from home — or wherever you work best • Choose clients you enjoy working with	• Inconsistent income makes budget planning hard • Sourcing clients is time consuming • No paid sick days, vacation, bereavement, or parental leave

Pros of Self-employment

Cons of Self-employment

• Flexible schedule

• Work from home — or wherever you work best

• Choose clients you enjoy working with

• Inconsistent income makes budget planning hard

• Sourcing clients is time consuming

• No paid sick days, vacation, bereavement, or parental leave

Check your score with SoFi

Track your credit score for free. Sign up and get $10.*

7 Self-Employed Jobs for Parents

What are the best self-employed jobs? The fact is, what’s best for one parent may not be right for another. Consider a broad range of possibilities before you settle on one. The following jobs were chosen because they offer flexibility and high wages.

1. Business Consultant

Average hourly pay: $37

A business consultant helps other businesses improve a select area of their business (such as their marketing department) or their business as a whole. Consultants can provide support to sales, finance, operations, HR, IT, and other areas. While business consultants can book time to work with clients in a way that fits their schedule, they will often need to do so during business hours since so much of their work involves client communications.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree (preferred), or a certification from a business consultant association.

Schedule Flexibility [1-5]: 3

Duties:

• Advising clients

• Creating business plans

• Improving employee performance

2. Software Developer

Average hourly pay: $37

Software developers write and test code for clients when creating systems software, apps, video games, and other products. Many clients need temporary or ongoing support in this area, which can provide software developers with a lot of flexibility. Developer roles usually appear on lists of ideal jobs for introverts.

Requirements: Knowledge of programming languages.

Schedule Flexibility [1-5]: 4

Duties:

• Writing code

• Testing code

• Project planning

3. Virtual Assistant

Average hourly pay: $34

Supporting clients as an administrative assistant virtually. Because so much of this work can be done via email, and immediate responses aren’t expected, virtual assistants can often choose their own hours.

Requirements: Office skills

Schedule Flexibility [1-5]: 4

Duties:

• Scheduling calls

• Providing email support

• Booking travel plans

4. Editor

Average hourly pay: $31

Editors polish writing projects across a variety of industries and media formats. This work can be done independently from home, but may require virtual meetings during traditional office hours.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and industry experience.

Schedule Flexibility [1-5]: 4

Duties:

• Writing copy

• Editing copy

• Mentoring writers

5. Copywriter

Average hourly pay: $28

Similar to editors, copywriters can work from home and do their work independently. Many writers are hired on a freelance basis, which gives them the option of taking on more projects when they have the time.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and industry experience.

Schedule Flexibility [1-5]: 4

Duties:

• Crafting headlines

• Writing technical guides

• Creative writing

6. Web Designer

Average hourly pay: $35

Web designers create websites for clients from scratch, update existing website designs, and provide ongoing website support. This work can be done independently, but does require meeting with project stakeholders during business hours.

Requirements: Knowledge of design programs, and HTML and CSS programing languages.

Schedule Flexibility [1-5]: 3

Duties:

• Build and design websites

• Enhance user interface (UI) and user experience (UX)

• Bring client’s vision to life

7. Career Coach

Average hourly pay: $24

Working as a career coach can create really flexible working hours for parents because many clients want to book sessions on nights and weekends when they aren’t working.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree (preferred)

Schedule Flexibility [1-5]: 5

Duties:

• Advising clients on job search process

• Helping clients plan career trajectory

• Resume consulting

💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

The Takeaway

Being self-employed can be very rewarding — especially for parents. Working for yourself can make it possible to have flexible working hours and to work from home. Almost any service can be offered on a freelance or consulting basis. The key is to evaluate your skills and give yourself time to build a client base.

Challenges may include creating your own workday structure, making time for administrative tasks that aren’t billable, no paid time off, and a fluctuating income. Before making the leap into self-employment, it can be helpful to take a good hard look at the family’s financial situation.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

SoFi helps you stay on top of your finances.

FAQ

How can a stay-at-home mom make money in 2024?

There are plenty of ways a stay-at-home mom can earn an income from home in 2024. One popular option for busy moms who need a flexible schedule is working as a virtual assistant on a part-time basis. These roles make it possible to work from home during times when children are napping or at school.

What is the best job to have as a parent?

There is no one best job for a parent to have, but there are some very desirable traits that appeal to most parents. Moms and dads are likely to value job opportunities that have flexible schedules, are remote, and have a high enough wage to support a family.

What job can I do from home with a baby

Nowadays, many job opportunities are remote, which can make it possible for people to work from home with a baby. Some parents may choose to create their own job by going the self-employed route. Others may pursue careers as a virtual assistant, bookkeeper, copywriter, web designer, or another role that they can perform from home.

Photo credit: iStock/pixdeluxe

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

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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Oct

2023

8 Great Flexible Part-time Jobs in 2022 for Gen Z and Millennials

8 Great Flexible Part-time Jobs in 2024 for Gen Z and Millennials

By Jacqueline DeMarco | Building Your Career, Life & Career, relay | Comments Off

Flexibility can be a real asset in a career. Maybe you’re young and figuring out your post-graduation path. Or you’re busy balancing the demands of running a home and caring for a family. Or you’re an athlete who needs plenty of time for training and recovery.

There are lots of flexible-schedule jobs out there, if you know where to look. Let’s check out some part-time jobs with flexible schedules.

What It Means for a Job to Have a Flexible Schedule

Whether you’re in college or caring for children or pursuing an unpaid passion, there are many reasons why someone would want some flexibility in their career.

But what does a flexible schedule mean exactly? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a flexible schedule is one that allows people to work outside traditional 9 to 5 office hours. Aside from that, situations vary depending on the role and employer.

Workers may be able to choose the time they arrive at and depart work, for instance. With certain flexible work policies, employees still have to work a set number of hours per pay period or be available during a daily “core time.” So while the employee may not have to show up at 9am on the dot and leave at exactly 5pm, they may need to at least show up by 11am and stay until after 3pm. However, this type of shortened schedule could work for many people, including parents who are self-employed.

💡 Quick Tip: We love a good spreadsheet, but not everyone feels the same. An online budget planner can give you the same insight into your budgeting and spending at a glance, without the extra effort.

Tips for Finding a Flexible Part-time Job in 2024

Flexible part-time jobs can be logistical, analytical, creative, or involve a skilled trade. When it comes time to search for flexible-schedule jobs, keep in mind these tips.

• Stay focused. Job applicants who know what they’re looking for and what they can offer an employer can plan a more effective job search. If someone knows they have to have a flexible part-time schedule in order to accept a job, they can save a lot of time and energy by only applying for jobs that offer that. Trying to convince an employer to change their staffing plans is an uphill battle.

• Prepare to hear No. Know that it will take a while to find the right fit, and that rejection is a normal part of any job search. Psychologically preparing yourself can help you persevere until the right job comes along.

• Don’t be a square peg. If a flexible part-time schedule is what matters most, you may need to be flexible yourself in other areas. For example, accept that you may need to compromise on title, salary, or industry. Giving up the highest-paying job for one with a more relaxed schedule can be worth it.

• Go remote. Work-from-home jobs with flexible schedules can often be easier to find than on-site jobs that have flexible schedules. When reviewing online job boards, look for flexible schedule remote jobs.

Recommended: Does Net Worth Include Home Equity?

Why It Can Be Difficult to Find Part-time Jobs With Flexible Schedules

It can be difficult to find flexible-schedule part-time jobs because many jobs require being in a certain location at a certain time. For example, a hairstylist has to show up for work when they have appointments scheduled. A restaurant has to know they have enough servers on hand during operating hours. Even a corporate job where some work can be done remotely and independently can require being online during set times so that it’s easy to communicate with coworkers.

Check your score with SoFi

Track your credit score for free. Sign up and get $10.*

Great Part-Time Jobs With Flexible Schedules

Perhaps someone wants to take on a second job to help them pay down their debt or save for a dream vacation. Whatever the reason, it’s easy to see the appeal of a part-time job with a flexible schedule.

While there are countless part-time jobs on the market that can suit a variety of workers’ desired schedules, these are some of the best flexible schedule jobs for Gen Zers and Millennials. And if you’re in college, don’t miss our list of the best on-campus jobs.

1. Landscaper and Groundskeeper

Average hourly wage: $17.39

Job description: Landscapers and groundskeepers typically set their own schedules and plan which days they’ll tend to a client’s yard, but they don’t have to tell them exactly what hour they’ll show up to do their work.

Requirements: In some areas a license may be required to use pesticides and fertilizers.

Schedule flexibility: 4

Duties:

• Mowing lawns

• Removing weeds

• Planting and maintaining flowers, bushes, and trees

2. Recreation and Fitness Worker

Average hourly wage: $22

Job description: Running a fitness or recreation class can be fun and rewarding work that is often performed on a part-time basis. Many instructors can choose when they host their classes (like when their young child is in school), but they do have to stick to those times.

Requirements: Licensing or background checks may be required.

Schedule flexibility: 4

Duties:

• Plan programming

• Run classes

• Clean up post-class

3. Freelance Software Developer

Average hourly wage: $37

Job description: Many businesses hire freelance software developers to create computer programs and applications for business or consumer use. Some meetings during business hours may be required.

Requirements: Knowledge of select programming languages.

Schedule flexibility: 4

Duties:

• Write code

• Test code

• Meet with project stakeholders

4. Virtual Assistant

Average hourly wage: $34

Job description: Plenty of professionals can’t afford or don’t need a full-time assistant. Instead, they hire virtual assistants who can tackle administrative work for a few hours a week. Virtual assistance can be a rewarding job for introverts who are conscientious and organized.

Requirements: Office skills

Schedule flexibility: 4

Duties:

• Scheduling meetings

• Managing clients’ inbox

• Helping with administrative work

5. Freelance Copywriter

Average hourly wage: $28

Job description: A writer can work with many different brands as a freelance copywriter and can choose when they want to take on new projects and what hours of the week they work on them. Working as a freelance copywriter is also a great side hustle.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and industry experience

Schedule flexibility: 5

Duties:

• Research

• Writing copy

• Editing copy

6. Freelance Web Designer

Average hourly wage: $35

Job description: Freelance web designers work independently designing websites for a variety of clients, instead of a full-time job. Work-from-home web design can be a well-paying and fulfilling job for antisocial people.

Requirements: Knowledge of design programs, and HTML and CSS programing languages.

Schedule flexibility: 3

Duties:

• Design web pages and sites

• Code designs

• Present to clients and incorporate feedback

7. Freelance Editor

Average hourly wage: $31

Job description: Similar to copywriters, editors can work freelance for multiple clients.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and industry experience

Schedule flexibility: 4

Duties:

• Nurturing writers

• Editing copy

• Publishing content

8. Business Consultant

Average hourly wage: $37

Job description: A business consultant can offer services to multiple businesses who need support as a whole or who are looking to improve a certain area of their business, such as their marketing efforts, operations, or HR.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree (more advantageous), or a certification from a business consultant association.

Schedule flexibility: 3

Duties:

• Assess potential areas of improvement

• Create improvement plans

• Find ways to cut costs

💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

The Takeaway

There are plenty of great flexible-schedule jobs that millennials and Gen Zers can pursue to give them the time they need to attend school, start a business, or take care of young children. Some remote freelance roles can be entirely flexible — such as web designers, writers and editors — while other jobs require your presence during certain core hours.

Choose whether you prefer a more physically demanding job — such as landscaper or fitness worker — or an office job that requires a laptop (like virtual assistant). It may take time to find the right position, so be patient. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on how your money comes and goes to ensure you’re sticking to your savings goals.

SoFi helps you stay on top of your finances.

FAQ

What part-time job has the most flexible hours?

There is no single part-time job that has the most flexible hours. That said, jobs where work can be done independently and remotely usually have the most flexibility. Jobs like working as a freelance writer or graphic designer are good examples of jobs someone can usually do during times that work well for them.

What job gives you the most free time?

Flexible-schedule work-from-home jobs can give workers the most free time because they don’t have to worry about a commute. It’s also usually easier to control your work schedule when you work from home. As a bonus, you can use your breaks to be productive — by tackling household chores or working out — or enjoy down time.

What jobs can I make my own hours?

Some jobs with flexible schedules allow workers to set their own hours. The key is to look for a job where the hours someone works doesn’t matter as much as the type of work they produce.

Photo credit: iStock/Eva-Katalin

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

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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