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One downside of leaving a traditional 9-to-5 for a life of self-employment is navigating your personal finances as a sole proprietor. From invoicing to estimating taxes, it’s all on you — because you’re the boss now.

Qualifying for a personal loan while self-employed could also present some challenges. Self-employed individuals may have a need for a personal loan, but may find it difficult to produce traditional documentation, like W-2s or pay stubs, used to verify income. But, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of luck. Here’s a look at some ways to get a personal loan when you’re self-employed.

How to Get a Personal Loan if You’re Self-Employed

A personal loan is a type of installment loan that can be used for nearly any personal expense, including home improvements, a work sabbatical, or consolidating your credit card debt. If you’re considering making a big purchase, like buying an engagement ring, a personal loan can be an alternative to using a credit card, if you don’t have the means to pay the balance off right away.

Personal loans are typically unsecured, meaning a lender won’t require collateral. However, they can also be secured, usually by the asset purchased with the loan. Unsecured loans are usually approved based on the financial standing of the borrower.

In addition to looking at an applicant’s credit history, lenders will also typically consider a potential borrower’s income when deciding whether to not o approve a loan and, if so, what the rates and terms will be. Those who are self-employed may find it more difficult to show proof of income, especially if their income fluctuates from month to month and year to year.

Self-Employed Loan Requirements

Loan requirements for self-employed individuals will be similar to the typical loan requirements for any borrower as determined by the lender. In addition to evaluating factors like the applicant’s credit score, many lenders will require proof of income.

Traditional documentation used to verify income includes pay stubs and W-2s. However, self-employed people may have some difficulty producing these documents, because they often aren’t W-2 employees. It is possible for self-employed individuals to show proof of income, but it may require a little more legwork.

In general, lenders are looking for borrowers who have income stability and it can help if the borrower has been working in a single industry for at least two years. A shorter employment history could indicate that you are a borrowing risk.

Recommended: Typical Personal Loan Requirements Needed for Approval

Showing Proof of Income When Self Employed

Those who are self-employed have a couple of options for showing a lender they have sufficient and reliable income. Here are a few options that self-employed individuals could provide as documentation to prove their income.

Tax statements: Self-employed individuals can use their tax returns from the prior two or three years to offer proof of income. These forms include your wages and taxes for those tax years. Lenders often view tax documents as a reliable source of income proof because they are legal documents.

Bank statements: Bank statements could be used if there is a regular history of deposits that illustrate consistent income.

Profit and loss statement: If you own your own business, this document provides an overview of your costs, expenses, and revenue.

Court-ordered agreements: These may include things like alimony or child support.

Keep in mind that each lender will likely have their own application requirements, so be sure to read those too. Contact the individual lender if you have specific questions on the types of documentation they’ll accept.

Consider Having a Cosigner

In the event that you are still struggling to gain approval for a personal loan with your self-employed proof of income, one option is to consider adding a cosigner. A cosigner is someone who agrees to pay back the loan should you, the primary borrower, have any trouble making payments.

A cosigner can be a close friend or family member, ideally one who has a strong credit history who will strengthen your loan application.

Why It’s Difficult for the Self-Employed to Get a Personal Loan

It can be more challenging for self-employed individuals to provide proof of income to lenders, which can make it more challenging for them to get approved for a personal loan. But it’s important to note that each loan application is unique, and employment status is just one consideration.

For example, a self-employed individual who has a stellar credit history and who has been self-employed for a few years may be in a better position to apply for a personal loan than someone who has just transitioned into managing their own business.

The Income Challenge

Proving consistent and stable income is the biggest challenge for self-employed individuals. Because you may not be guaranteed the same payment each pay period, lenders may request specific documentation in order to verify the fact that you have enough cash coming in to make payments on the loan. Some lenders may request tax returns for several years in order to verify your income.

Consistency Matters

Consistency in income is another major hurdle for the self-employed. It’s not uncommon for self-employed people to experience fluctuation in their income. While some slight fluctuation may be acceptable to a lender, for the most part they are looking for consistent payments getting deposited into your account, even better if there is an increasing trend over time.

Personal Loan Alternatives When Self-Employed

Personal loans aren’t the only option for self-employed individuals looking to borrow money to pay for expenses. Other options to consider include a credit card, cash advance, or a home equity loan.

Credit Cards With 0% APR Promotions

Credit cards can have high-interest rates, but with a 0% APR promotion, a credit card could be a great tool to pay for an upcoming expense. Just be sure to pay off the credit card before the promotional period ends and interest starts accruing.

Recommended: Average Credit Card Interest Rates

Cash Advances

A cash advance is a short-term loan generally offered by your credit card which allows you to borrow cash against your existing line of credit. Cash advances can provide an avenue for you to get quick access to cash, but there may be additional fees and a high-interest rate for borrowing. Be sure to read all the terms and conditions outlined by your credit card company before borrowing a cash advance.

Home Equity Loans or HELOCs

If you are a homeowner, you may be able to tap into the equity you’ve built in your home using a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). A home equity loan is an installment loan where the borrower receives a lump sum payment and repays it in regular payments with interest.

A HELOC, on the other hand, is a revolving line of credit that the borrower can draw from and, once it is repaid, continue drawing from during a specified period of time.

Business Loans

Small business loans can be used to pay for business expenses. Self-employed individuals may be able to qualify for loans backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), as well as private small business loans offered by banks, credit unions, and online lenders.

It is important to keep your personal and business expenses separate as a self-employed person. If you are using the money for a personal expense, you’ll want to avoid borrowing a business loan. Also keep in mind that many lenders don’t allow you to use personal loans for business expenses.

The Takeaway

The challenge for self-employed individuals applying for a personal loan will generally be providing proof of income. Alternatives to traditional proof of income documents include tax or bank statements.

Fortunately, many lenders understand that a full-time job isn’t the only qualifier of financial stability and will also consider factors like your credit score, education, financial history, career experience, monthly income versus expenses, and whether you have a cosigner.

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.

FAQ

Can you get any loans if you’re self-employed with no proof of income?

It is possible to get a loan if you are self-employed. However, with zero proof of income, it may be challenging to gain approval for a loan. To improve your odds of approval, you may consider adding collateral to the loan or applying with a cosigner.

Are there any loans for self-employed people with bad credit?

While a strong credit history can help strengthen a loan application, it’s not impossible to qualify for a loan with bad credit. If you can show a consistent and stable income history, that could help improve your application. If that’s not enough, another option may be to add a cosigner.

Can self-employed freelance workers get personal loans?

Yes, self-employed freelance workers can qualify for a personal loan. Instead of providing W-2 documents to verify their income, they will need to provide alternatives such as tax documents or bank statements. Applicants who have been working in a specific industry as a freelancer for two years or more may be viewed more favorably by lenders. Those with a strong credit score and history may qualify for more competitive rates and terms.

If a self-employed freelancer is struggling to get approved for a personal loan they could consider adding a cosigner to help strengthen their application.

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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.

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.

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.

SOPL-Q224-1910135-V1

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Sometimes you need a loan for a venture that a traditional bank might not approve. In these instances, a peer-to-peer (P2P) loan might be what you’re looking for. Peer-to-peer lending, also known as social lending, rose out of the 2008 financial crisis. When banks stopped lending money as freely as they had in the past, potential borrowers had fewer loan options. At the same time, low interest rates meant lower returns from savings accounts or CDs.

Enter P2P lending sites. P2P lenders essentially cut out the middleman (banks and traditional lenders) and created a space for borrowers and investors to do business. Since then, the concept of lending person-to-person has taken off, with the rise of a number of peer-to-peer lending platforms.

Wondering if a P2P loan is right for you? Or if investing in P2P lending is a smart way to diversify your portfolio? Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons.

What Is Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending?

P2P lending links up people who want to borrow money with individual investors who want to lend money. P2P lending sites like Prosper, Upstart, and Kiva — three prominent P2P lenders — provide low-cost platforms where borrowers can request loans and investors can bid on them.

The most common type of loan available through P2P lending is a personal loan, which provides borrowers with a lump sum of money they can use for virtually any purpose. However, other types of loans, including car loans, business loans, and home loans, are offered.

Personal loan amounts offered on P2P platforms range anywhere from $1,000 to $50,000 and repayment periods are typically 36 to 60 months. Interest rates can vary widely, from around 7.5% to 35.99%, depending on factors including the individual’s credit history and perceived risk, as well as the purpose of a loan.

The lending platforms make money from serving as the intermediary in this process. In exchange for keeping records and transferring funds between parties, they charge a fee — typically 0.5% to 1.5% of the interest earned — to the investors lending the money. Some platforms also charge origination or closing fees to the borrowers, which typically range from 1% to 8% of the loan amount.

Is Peer-to-Peer Lending Safe?

The bulk of the risk of peer-to-peer lending falls onto investors. It’s possible that borrowers will default on their loans, and that risk increases if the investor opts to lend to those with lower credit ratings. If the loan were to go into default, the investor may not get paid back.

Further, peer-to-peer lending is an investment opportunity, and returns are never guaranteed when investing. There is the risk that investors could lose some or all of the amount they invest. Unlike deposit accounts with a traditional bank or credit union, P2P investments are not FDIC-insured.

How Does Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending Work?

The basic P2P lending process works like this: A borrower first goes through a quick soft credit pull with the P2P lending platform of their choice to determine initial eligibility. If eligible to continue, the lender likely will conduct a hard credit pull and then assign a borrower a “loan grade,” which will help lenders or investors assess how much of a risk lending to them might be.

The borrower can then make a listing for their loan, including the interest rate they’re willing to pay. With some P2P lending platforms, the borrower has an opportunity to make a case for themselves; they can provide an introduction and describe why they need the loan. A compelling, creative listing might have more luck grabbing a lender’s attention and trust.

Next, lenders can bid on the listing with the amount they can lend and the interest rate they’d be willing to offer. After the listing has ended, the qualified bids are combined into a single loan and that amount is deposited into the borrower’s bank account.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending Examples

Here are some examples of popular peer-to-peer lending sites:

•   Prosper: Prosper can provide loans in amounts anywhere from $2,000 up to $50,000. Loan terms are two to five years, and funding can happen in as little as one business day.

•   Upstart: Upstart is an AI lending marketplace that can offer borrowers loans of up to $50,000, with loan terms of either three or five years. It’s possible to check your rate in minutes, and most loans are funded within one business day after signing.

•   Kiva: Kiva connects borrowers in need of money to fund their small businesses with a network of lenders who aren’t seeking to make a profit. Kiva requires borrowers to get some funding from one of the microlending partners. Once a certain threshold amount is met, their loan becomes available for public funding.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending for Bad Credit

It is possible to get a peer-to-peer loan with a bad credit score (meaning a FICO score below 580). However, those with lower credit scores will almost certainly pay higher interest rates.

Additionally, those with bad credit may have more limited options in lenders, though there are peer-to-peer lending platforms for bad credit. Many platforms have minimum credit score requirements, which tend to be in the range of fair (580-669) to good (670-739). For instance, Prosper requires a minimum score of 600.

If you have bad credit and are seeking a P2P loan, you might first work to improve your credit profile before applying. Or, you could consider getting a cosigner, which can increase your odds of getting approved and securing a better rate if you’re finding it hard to get a personal loan.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lenders Fees

Peer-to-peer lending platforms can charge fees to both borrowers and investors. Which fees apply and the amount of these fees can vary from lender to lender.

A common fee that borrowers may encounter is an origination fee, which is typically a percentage of the loan amount. Other fees that borrowers may face include late fees, returned payment fees, and fees for requesting paper copies of records.

Investors, meanwhile, may owe an investor service fee. This is generally a percentage of the amount of loan payments they receive.

Recommended: Fee or No Fee? How to Figure Out Which Loan Option Saves You the Most

Pros of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending

There are upsides to peer-to-peer lending for both borrowers and investors. However, the benefits will differ for both parties involved.

Pros of P2P Loans for Borrowers

•   Easier eligibility: The biggest advantage for a borrower getting a personal loan peer-to-peer is being eligible for a loan they might not have been able to get from a traditional lender.

•   Faster approval and competitive rates: P2P lenders might approve your loan faster and offer a more competitive rate than a traditional lender would.

•   Possible to pay off credit card debt: One way that people are using P2P loans is to crush their credit card debt. People with high credit card balances could be paying up to 24.37% APR or higher in interest charges. If they can wipe it out with a P2P loan at a lower interest rate, it can save them a lot of money.

•   Option to finance upcoming expenses: Those who are facing a lot of upcoming expenses might find it more cost-effective to take out a P2P loan rather than put those expenses on a high-interest credit card.

Pros of P2P Loans for Investors

•   Promising alternative investment opportunity: Some see P2P lending as a promising alternative investment. When you lend money P2P, you can earn income on the returns as the borrower repays you. Those interest rates can be a few percentage points higher than what you might earn by keeping your money in a savings account or a CD. While there is some risk involved, some investors see it as less volatile than investing in the stock market.

•   Option to spread out risk: P2P lenders also offer many options in terms of the types of risk investors want to take on. Additionally, there are ways you can spread the amount you’re lending over multiple loans with different risk levels.

•   Sense of community: For borrowers and investors, the sense of community on these sites is a welcome alternative to other forms of lending and investing. Borrowers can tell their stories and investors can help give their borrowers a happy ending to those stories.

Cons of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending

Though there are upsides to peer-to-peer lending, there are certainly drawbacks as well. These include:

•   Risk for investors: The biggest disadvantage of P2P lending is risk. Since P2P loans are unsecured, there’s no guarantee an investor will get their money back. The borrowers on a P2P site might be there because traditional banks already declined their application. This means investors might need to do extra legwork on their end to evaluate how much risk they can take on.

•   Potentially higher rates for borrowers: While P2P lenders might approve a loan that a traditional bank wouldn’t, they might offer it with a much higher interest rate. In these cases, it could be wiser to search for alternatives rather than accepting a loan with a costly interest rate.

•   Effort and personal exposure for borrowers: There can be a lot of effort and personal exposure involved for the borrower. Borrowers have to make their case, and their financial story and risk grade will be posted for all to see. While we’re used to sharing a lot of our lives online, sharing financial information might feel like too much for some borrowers.

•   Relatively new industry with evolving regulations: Then there’s the risk of P2P lending itself. The concept is still relatively new, and the decision on how best to regulate and report on the industry is still very much a work in progress. Some lending platforms have already hit growing pains as well. As regulations around the industry change and investors are tempted elsewhere, the concept could lose steam, putting lending platforms in danger of closing.

Recommended: 11 Types of Personal Loans & Their Differences

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Loans vs Bank Loans

When it comes to P2P loans compared to bank loans, the biggest difference is who is funding the loan. Whereas bank loans are funded by financial institutions, peer-to-peer loans are funded by individuals or groups of individuals.

Further, bank loans tend to have more stringent qualification requirements in comparison to P2P loans. This is why those with lower credit scores or thinner credit histories may turn to peer-to-peer lending after being denied by traditional lenders. In turn, default rates also tend to be higher with peer-to-peer lending.

The Takeaway

Peer-to-peer lending takes out the middleman, allowing borrowers and investors to do business. For borrowers, P2P loans can offer an opportunity to secure financing they may be struggling to access through traditional lenders. And for investors, P2P loans can offer an investing opportunity and a sense of community, as they’ll see where their money is going. However, there are drawbacks to consider before getting a peer-to-peer loan, namely the risk involved for investors.

Whether you’re getting a P2P loan or a loan from a traditional lender, it’s important to shop around to find the most competitive terms available to you.

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.

FAQ

Is peer-to-peer lending safe?

There are certainly risks involved in peer-to-peer lending, particularly for investors. For one, borrowers could default on their loan, resulting in investors losing their money. Additionally, there’s no guarantee of returns when investing.

What is peer-to-peer lending?

Peer-to-peer lending is a type of lending wherein individual investors loan money directly to individual borrowers, effectively cutting out banks or other traditional financial institutions as the middlemen. This can allow borrowers who may have been denied by more traditional lenders to access funds, and provide investors with a shot at earning returns.

What is an example of peer-to-peer lending?

Some popular P2P lending sites include Prosper, Upstart, and Kiva. Borrowers can use peer-to-peer loans for a variety of purposes, such as home improvement, debt consolidation, small business costs, and major expenses like medical bills or car repairs.

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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.

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

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

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

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

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

SOPL-Q224-1909619-V1

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The longer you live in your house, the more obvious it may become that you could use more living space — perhaps for a guest bedroom, home office, or workout space. Your first thought might be to build an addition, but the sticker shock may cause you to shelve that idea and instead consider an attic conversion.

Fortunately, an attic conversion is an idea that may be more economical than a complete home addition. Read on for a full breakdown of the cost to finish an attic.

Should You Convert Your Attic Space?

There are many benefits of converting an attic into usable space, including:

•   The space already exists in your home, making this choice both cost- and time-effective.

•   You don’t need to pour a foundation, again making it a more viable and economical option.

•   Wiring is likely already in place and can be modified to suit your needs.

An attic conversion also allows you to use the entire envelope of your home, rather than wasting potential living space.

Before you fully commit to your attic remodel, though, it’s crucial to make sure your attic has the potential to become a usable living space (more on that below).

Tips on Converting an Attic

One of the first things you might do before converting your attic is to see if your roof is being supported by W-shaped trusses in your attic. If so, building an addition might be a better choice. If your attic contains A-shaped rafters, though, that’s a plus; if there’s enough open space beneath the rafters, then you can potentially convert your attic into usable space.

Other steps to take before an attic remodel include:

•   Check your local building codes to make sure your remodel will fit. The rules vary by area but a typical requirement is that the attic space must be at least 7.5 feet high and over 50% of the floor area. The thickness of the material will also factor into the final headroom and ceiling height. The quickest way to add significant costs to your attic remodel is to be forced to change course mid-project because of a code violation.

•   Determine how you’ll get into the space. Will you need to add a staircase or expand the current one? Stairs that go straight up will need more floor space than, say, spiral staircases. Or perhaps your only option is a pull-down access point; this will limit what furniture and materials you can fit into your attic conversion and how utilitarian the new living space might be.

•   Consider whether you’ll need to add windows. If you’re creating an additional bedroom, codes may require an egress window in case of fires. But even if they aren’t required, you might consider adding windows or punching skylights that open to brighten the space with natural light.

•   Decide how much flooring needs to be reinforced, along with any electrical or plumbing issues. If you ultimately decide that your attic has what’s needed for a successful conversion, it’s time to think both practically and creatively to shape what may well become the most interesting — and potentially challenging — room in your house.

•   Consider your priorities and budget. Once you get a sense of costs (listed below) and what’s most important to you, you’ll want to come up with a budget and a plan for how you’ll pay for the upgrade. If you don’t have enough cash to cover the project, you may want to explore financing. Funding options for finishing an attic include using a credit card (generally the most expensive route), getting a home improvement loan (a type of unsecured personal loan designed for small to mid-sized home renovations), or applying for a home equity loan or line of credit (which uses your home as collateral for the loan).

•   Consult with a professional unless you’re already an experienced builder. Ask friends, family members, and building associations for recommendations and referrals, then request quotes from at least three contractors to understand both possibilities and associated costs. When you contact contractors, ask them for credentials. Compare bids and, tempting as it may be, don’t automatically choose the lowest one. Make sure the contractor describes what will be provided as well as the estimated time frame.

Want to know how much value your attic conversion will bring to the table? Check out SoFi’s Home Project Value Estimator.

How Much Does It Cost to Finish an Attic per Square Foot?

On average, you can expect to pay between $10,600 to $50,000 — or $50 and $150 per square foot — to refinish your attic, according to Angie (formerly Angie’s List). A specialized or high-end attic conversion can cost as much as $200 per square foot.

Overall, costs vary depending on the overall square footage and the materials you use.

How Much Does It Cost to Finish an Attic per Task?

If you hire individual contractors for each aspect of your attic remodel, then it’s easy to see what each portion of the remodel is costing you. However, if you hire a contractor to manage the entire project, you likely won’t receive the project broken down into great detail.

What follows is a breakdown of common costs involved in an attic renovation.

Cost of Walls and Ceilings

New walls and ceilings can effectively transform an unfinished attic into a space that’s both comfortable and livable. Although prices vary by where you live, attic drywall can cost an average of $1,000 to $2,600 to install, with ceilings costing anywhere from $200 to $12,000.

Other aspects to consider: Will you paint the walls and ceilings? Add wallpaper? Do you need trim and crown molding? All of these features will be additional costs and can quickly cause your project budget to skyrocket.

Cost of Flooring

Flooring is another important consideration, so first think about what’s located directly below the attic space. Do you need soundproofing? If a bedroom is located below the attic space, you’ll likely want some sound control. Insulation provides that to some degree, and carpeting adds even more dampening.

The cost of attic flooring will depend on the current state of the attic and what materials you choose. Replacing floor joists to beef up the strength will cost anywhere between $1,000 and $10,000, while installing subfloor will run between $500 and $800. Installing the flooring itself averages between $1,531 and $4,848, depending on material and square footage.

Recommended: Renovation vs. Remodel

Cost of Windows and Skylights

If there currently are no windows in your attic, you may want to add an egress window, which will run you between around $800 and $2,400, as a safety precaution. You also might want windows or skylights to brighten the space with natural light. Expect to pay an average of $2,500 – $5,500 to install an attic window, and $1,000 to $2,400 to add a skylight.

Recommended: How Much Does It Cost to Replace Windows?

Cost of Heating and Cooling

Your attic conversion might require additional heating and cooling. The price to install an attic fan is around $400 to $900, and a standard window AC costs about $150 to $800 per unit. A skillful contractor could also potentially tie in your current climate control system.

For heat, baseboard heaters run $942 on average. If you need to add HVAC ductwork and vents to extend your home’s AC and central heating systems to the attic, you can, expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.

If your attic is difficult to access during the renovation period, contractors may tack on a surcharge. To get an idea of how much your attic renovation will cost, you may want to use an online home improvement cost calculator.

How Much Does It Cost to Finish an Attic Yourself?

It’s generally cheaper to go the DIY route than to hire a professional — though you will need some know-how. If you’re making minor improvements to your attic space (such as adding an attic fan and cleaning it up, you may be looking at an attic remodel cost as low as $300. However, if you’re looking to make a total transformation, your costs for materials could run as high as $50,000.

Though you’ll certainly save on labor costs, make sure to take into account the time involved if you decide to do it yourself as opposed to bringing in a professional.

Recommended: Four Ways to Upgrade Your Home

How Much Does It Cost to Finish an Attic by Type?

How much it costs to finish an attic will also vary depending on the type of attic space you’re creating. Here’s a look at how much an attic remodel costs by attic type.

Cost of Finishing a Walk-Up Attic

The cost of finishing a walk-up attic generally ranges anywhere from $8,100 and $26,000. Large portions of the costs are typically adding a staircase and installing flooring.

Finishing an Attic as a Storage Space

If you’re finishing an attic to serve as a storage space, your costs are generally a little lower as there isn’t as much polishing involved. Generally, the attic remodel cost for a storage space runs from $4,600 for a simpler setup to $18,900 if the space is larger and you opt for more elaborate storage systems.

Cost to Finish an Attic With a Dormer

Installing a dormer — a window that juts out vertically on a sloped roof — can add in some ceiling height and natural sunlight into an attic. However, it will set you back. On average, the cost to add in a dormer along with finishing the attic can run between $8,800 and $32,400.

Cost to Finish an Attic Above a Garage

The cost to finish an attic above a garage can vary widely depending on what’s involved, such as the installation of heating, insulation, or ventilation. You can typically expect to pay anywhere from $4,600 up to $24,000.

Recommended: Garage Conversion Ideas Worth the Effort

What Factors Influence the Cost of Finishing an Attic?

As you may have guessed from the wide-ranging estimates above, the cost of finishing an attic can vary a lot depending on what’s involved and what materials you use. Here a look at some major factors that can affect how much it costs to finish an attic.

•   Square footage: How large your attic is will play a big role in the total costs involved in remodeling. The bigger an attic is, the more materials required and the more time it will take to finish it, which translates to additional labor costs.

•   Need for structural changes: You’ll also pay extra if your attic is an odd shape or difficult to access. These challenges could call for structural updates, such as the addition of height, the expansion of space, or the creation of a staircase.

•   Intended use: Your planned purpose for your attic will also influence cost. If you just want to add in some additional storage space, you’ll pay a lot less than if you plan to install a full suite complete with a bedroom, bathroom, and closet.

•   Extra features desired: Perhaps unsurprisingly, the more features you want in your newly remodeled attic, the more it will cost you. Big-ticket items include windows, electricity, plumbing, and heating and cooling.

Of course, another factor that influences your cost is whether you need to get financing for the project and, if so, what terms you’re able to secure.

The Takeaway

An attic conversion can be one way to create a unique room and add more usable space to your home. It also tends to be more economical than adding an addition to your house. There are a lot of technical aspects to consider, and before getting started, it’s best to check with your local building department so you know any building or permit requirements upfront. You can then come up with a project wishlist and start soliciting bids from at least three contractors.

At the same time, you’ll want to determine if you’ll pay cash or finance all or some of the project. One financing option you might consider for an attic renovation is an unsecured personal loan. Offered by banks, credit unions, and online lenders, rates are typically lower than credit cards. And unlike a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC), you don’t need to use your home as collateral to qualify.

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

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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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If you’re strapped for cash and have a hard time qualifying for traditional loans, or you live in an underbanked area, you may be considering a pawnshop loan. They appear to be a convenient option for fast cash, but they can also come with significant disadvantages, including high fees.

Before putting your valuables down in pawn, learn more about what pawnshop loans are and how they work.

What Is a Pawnshop Loan?

A pawnshop loan is a secured, or collateralized, loan. To borrow the money, you must produce an item of value as collateral – such as a piece of jewelry, a musical instrument, electronics, or an antique – that provides backing for the loan. You and the seller agree to a loan amount and a term. If you don’t pay back the loan (plus fees) within the agreed amount of time, the pawnshop can sell the item to recoup their losses.

Pawnshops will typically offer you 25% to 60% of the resale value of an item. The average size of a pawnshop loan is $150 with a term of around 30 days.

Aside from the need for collateral, there are few other requirements to qualify for a pawnshop loan. You typically don’t need to prove your income or submit to a credit check.

Recommended: No Credit Check Loans Guide

How Do Pawnshop Loans Work?

Pawnshops don’t charge interest on the loans they offer. However, the borrower is responsible for paying financing fees that can make the cost of borrowing higher than other loan options.

Regulations around what pawnshops can charge vary by state, but you could end up paying the equivalent of many times the interest charged by conventional loans.

Say you bring in a $600 guitar to a pawnshop, and they offer you 25% of the resale value, or $150. On top of that, let’s say the pawnshop charges a financing fee of 25% of the loan. That means you’ll owe $37.50 in financing fees, or $187.50 in total.

If you agree to the loan, the pawnbroker will typically give you cash immediately. They’ll also give you a pawn ticket, which acts as a receipt for the item you’ve pawned. Keep that ticket in a safe place. If you lose it, you may not be able to retrieve your item.

You’ll usually have 30 to 60 days to repay your loan and claim your item. According to the National Pawnbrokers Association, 85% of people manage to do this successfully. When a borrower pays off a pawnshop loan, they can retrieve the item they put in pawn. For those who don’t, the pawnshop will keep the item and put it up for sale. There is no other penalty for failing to pay off your loan, but you do lose your item permanently.

Recommended: Can You Get a Loan Without a Bank Account?

The Pros and Cons of Pawnshop Loans

In general, it’s best to seek traditional forms of lending, such as a personal loan from a bank, credit union, or online lender, if you can. These loans tend to be cheaper and can help you build credit. However, if you need cash the same day and you don’t qualify for other loans, you might consider a pawnshop loan. Carefully weigh the pros and cons to help you make your decision.

Pros of a Pawnshop Loan

•   Access to cash quickly. When you agree to a pawnshop loan, you can typically walk out with cash in hand immediately.

•   No qualifications. The ability to provide an object of value is often the only qualification for a pawnshop loan.

•   Failure to pay doesn’t hurt credit. While you will certainly lose the item that you put in pawn if you don’t pay back your loan, there are no other ramifications. Your credit score will not take a hit.

•   Loans aren’t sent to collections. If you don’t pay back your loan, no collections agency will hound you until you pay.

Recommended: How Do Collection Agencies Work?

Cons of a Pawnshop Loan

•   High fees. The financing fees associated with pawnshop loans can be much more expensive than traditional methods of obtaining credit, including credit cards and personal loans. Consider that the average annual percentage rate (APR) on a personal loan is currently 12.21%, whereas pawnshop financing fees, when converted into an APR, can be 200% or more.

•   Loans are relatively small. The average size of a pawnshop loan is just $150. If you need money to cover a more costly expense, you may end up scrambling for cash elsewhere.

•   You won’t build credit. Pawnshop loans are not reported to the credit reporting bureaus, so paying them off on time doesn’t benefit your credit.

•   You may lose your item. If you can’t come up with the money by the due date, you’ll lose the item you put in pawn. (Same if you lose your pawn ticket.)

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Pros	Cons
Quick access to cash.	Monthly interest rates can be as high as 20% to 25% and contribute significantly to the cost of the loan.
No qualification requirements, such as credit check or proof of income.	Pawnshop loans aren’t reported to the credit reporting bureaus, so they won’t help you build credit.
Failure to pay doesn’t hurt your credit.	If you fail to pay back your loan on time, or you lose your pawn ticket, you can’t reclaim your item.
Loans can’t be sent to collections.	Loans are relatively small, just $150 on average.

What Is a Pawnshop Title Loan?

A pawnshop title loan is a loan in which you use the title of your car as collateral for your loan. You can typically continue driving your vehicle over the course of the loan agreement. However, as with other pawnshop loans, if you fail to repay your loan on time, the pawnbroker can seize your car.

Typical Requirements to Get a Loan Through a Pawnshop

There are typically few requirements to get a pawnshop loan, since the loan is collateralized by the item you put in pawn and the pawnbroker holds on to that item over the course of the loan. However, pawnbrokers do want to avoid dealing in stolen goods, so they may require that you show some proof of ownership, such as a receipt.

Alternative Loan Options

There are a number of benefits of personal loans that make them a good alternative to pawnshop loans. Personal loans are usually unsecured, meaning there is usually no collateral required for a personal loan. Lenders will typically run a credit check, and borrowers with good credit scores usually qualify for the best terms and interest rates. That said, some lenders offer personal loans for people with bad credit.

If you qualify for a personal loan, the loan amount will be given to you in a lump sum, which you then typically repay (plus interest) in monthly installments over the term of the loan, often two to seven years. The money can be used for virtually any purpose.

Personal loans payments are reported to the credit reporting bureaus, and on-time payments can help you build a positive credit profile.

The Takeaway

If you only need a small amount of money, you don’t qualify for other credit, or if you’re looking for a loan without a bank account, you may consider a pawnshop loan. Just beware that they are potentially costly alternatives to other forms of credit.

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.

FAQ

How is a loan obtained through a pawnshop?

To borrow money from a pawnshop you must present an item of value that can act as collateral for the loan. The pawnbroker may then provide a loan based on the value of that item.

What happens if you don’t pay back your pawnshop loan?

If you fail to pay back your pawnshop loan on time, you won’t be able to reclaim the item you put up as collateral for the loan. The pawnshop will sell it to recoup their losses.

What’s the most a pawnshop loan will pay?

On average, a pawnshop will loan you about 25% to 60% of an item’s resale value. The average pawnshop loan is $150 and is repaid in about 30 days.

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Photo credit: iStock/miriam-doerr
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.

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.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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For many Americans, not having enough saved up for retirement is a real fear. Which state you live in can have a major effect on how much you may need. Research from Personal Capital, a digital wealth manager, shows just how much your state really impacts that savings number: The state with the highest retirement savings has an average of $545,754, while the lowest had $315,160.

And that number can vary even more when you consider factors like age. Currently, the average retirement age in the U.S. is 65 for men and 63 for women, but you may find yourself retiring much later or earlier depending on which state you live in and when you start saving for retirement.

The Average Retirement Savings by State

Looking at the retirement savings average 401(k) balance by state can help you get a better idea of how much money you need to retire in your state. To find that information, Personal Capital, a financial services company, looked at the retirement accounts of its users and took the average balances by state as of September 29, 2021. This is the most recent data available. You can find out more about Personal Capital’s methodology here.

💡 Quick Tip: Did you know that opening a brokerage account typically doesn’t come with any setup costs? Often, the only requirement to open a brokerage account — aside from providing personal details — is making an initial deposit.

Alaska

•   Average Retirement Balance: $503,822

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 4 out of 51

Alabama

•   Average Retirement Balance: $395,563

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 36 out of 51

Arkansas

•   Average Retirement Balance: $364,395

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 46 out of 51

Arizona

•   Average Retirement Balance: $427,418

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 31 out of 51

California

•   Average Retirement Balance: $452,135

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 17 out of 51

Colorado

•   Average Retirement Balance: $449,719

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 19 out of 51

Connecticut

•   Average Retirement Balance: $545,754

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 1 out of 51 (BEST)

D.C., Washington

•   Average Retirement Balance: $347,582

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 49 out of 51

Delaware

•   Average Retirement Balance: $454,679

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 14 out of 51

Florida

•   Average Retirement Balance: $428,997

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 28 out of 51

Georgia

•   Average Retirement Balance: $435,254

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 26 out of 51

Hawaii

•   Average Retirement Balance: $366,776

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 45 out of 51

Iowa

•   Average Retirement Balance: $465,127

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 11 out of 51

Idaho

•   Average Retirement Balance: $437,396

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 25 out of 51

Illinois

•   Average Retirement Balance: $449,983

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 18 out of 51

Indiana

•   Average Retirement Balance: $405,732

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 33 out of 51

Kansas

•   Average Retirement Balance: $452,703

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 15 out of 51

Kentucky

•   Average Retirement Balance: $441,757

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 23 out of 51

Louisiana

•   Average Retirement Balance: $386,908

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 39 out of 51

Massachusetts

•   Average Retirement Balance: $478,947

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 8 out of 51

Maryland

•   Average Retirement Balance: $485,501

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 7 out of 51

Maine

•   Average Retirement Balance: $403,751

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 35 out of 51

Michigan

•   Average Retirement Balance: $439,568

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 24 out of 51

Minnesota

•   Average Retirement Balance: $470,549

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 9 out of 51

Missouri

•   Average Retirement Balance: $410,656

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 32 out of 51

Mississippi

•   Average Retirement Balance: $347,884

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 48 out of 51

Montana

•   Average Retirement Balance: $390,768

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 38 out of 51

North Carolina

•   Average Retirement Balance: $464,104

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 12 out of 51

North Dakota

•   Average Retirement Balance: $319,609

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 50 out of 51

Nebraska

•   Average Retirement Balance: $404,650

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 34 out of 51

New Hampshire

•   Average Retirement Balance: $512,781

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 3 out of 51

New Jersey

•   Average Retirement Balance: $514,245

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 2 out of 51

New Mexico

•   Average Retirement Balance: $428,041

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 29 out of 51

Nevada

•   Average Retirement Balance: $379,728

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 42 out of 51

New York

•   Average Retirement Balance: $382,027

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 40 out of 51

Ohio

•   Average Retirement Balance: $427,462

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 30 out of 51

Oklahoma

•   Average Retirement Balance: $361,366

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 47 out of 51

Oregon

•   Average Retirement Balance: $452,558

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 16 out of 51

Pennsylvania

•   Average Retirement Balance: $462,075

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 13 out of 51

Rhode Island

•   Average Retirement Balance: $392,622

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 37 out of 51

South Carolina

•   Average Retirement Balance: $449,486

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 21 out of 51

South Dakota

•   Average Retirement Balance: $449,628

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 20 out of 51

Tennessee

•   Average Retirement Balance: $376,476

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 43 out of 51

Texas

•   Average Retirement Balance: $434,328

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 27 out of 51

Utah

•   Average Retirement Balance: $315,160

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 51 out of 51 (WORST)

Virginia

•   Average Retirement Balance: $492,965

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 6 out of 51

Vermont

•   Average Retirement Balance: $494,569

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 5 out of 51

Washington

•   Average Retirement Balance: $469,987

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 10 out of 51

Wisconsin

•   Average Retirement Balance: $448,975

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 22 out of 51

West Virginia

•   Average Retirement Balance: $370,532

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 44 out of 51

Wyoming

•   Average Retirement Balance: $381,133

•   Rank (as of 9/29/21): 41 out of 51

Why Some States Rank Higher

Many factors are involved when determining why some states have higher rankings than others. For the sake of simplifying the data, different tax burdens and cost of living metrics weren’t considered in the analysis, which can make the difference between the highest and lowest ranking state retirement accounts look far wider than they may actually be.

Likewise, not considering the average cost of living by state could explain why states like Hawaii, D.C. and New York aren’t in the top five states for retirement. These states have some of the highest costs of living.

So, when planning your retirement and determining where your retirement savings may stretch the furthest, you may also want to consider tax burdens and cost of living metrics by state instead of just considering the average retirement savings by state.

💡 Quick Tip: Distributing your money across a range of assets — also known as diversification — can be beneficial for long-term investors. When you put your eggs in many baskets, it may be beneficial if a single asset class goes down.

How Much Do You Need to Retire Comfortably in Each State?

How much you need to retire comfortably is largely determined by a state’s cost of living, but it will vary even more based on your own personal financial situation, the retirement lifestyle you’re aiming to pursue, and anticipated retirement expenses.

As such, you may want to use a retirement calculator or even talk with a financial advisor to help you determine just how much you should be saving for retirement based on your lifestyle, what you expect to spend in retirement, where you want to live, your current and projected financial situation, and a slew of other factors.

Recommended: How to Choose a Financial Advisor

By Generation Breakdown

Unsurprisingly, the amount Americans have saved for retirement varies a lot by generation. Personal Capital’s report reveals that generally, younger generations have less saved up for retirement than older ones.

Gen Z

•   Total Surveyed: 121,489

•   Average Retirement Balance: $38,633

•   Median Retirement Balance: $12,016

Millennials

•   Total Surveyed: 742,108

•   Average Retirement Balance: $178,741

•   Median Retirement Balance: $75,745

Gen X

•   Total Surveyed: 375,718

•   Average Retirement Balance: $605,526

•   Median Retirement Balance: $303,663

Baby Boomers

•   Total Surveyed: 191,648

•   Average Retirement Balance: $1,076,208

•   Median Retirement Balance: $587,943

Recommended: Average Retirement Savings by Age

The Takeaway

The average 401(k) balance by state varies quite a bit, and myriad factors can affect how much you’ll personally need to retire comfortably. Your state’s costs of living, the age you start saving for retirement, and your state’s tax burdens will all play a role.

As you’re taking a look at your retirement savings, you may want to explore additional options beyond a 401(k), such as opening an IRA or setting up a brokerage account. Taking the time now to see what options might be right for you could be time well spent when it comes to reaching your financial goals.

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

Invest with as little as $5 with a SoFi Active Investing account.

FAQ

Have more questions about retirement? Check out these common concerns about retirement and retirement savings.

How much do Americans have saved up for retirement?

How much the average American has saved for retirement varies greatly by state and age. Connecticut has the highest average retirement savings, $545,754, and Utah has the lowest, $315,160. In general, younger generations have far less saved up than older generations, with Gen Zers averaging $38,633 and Boomers averaging $1,076,208.

What’s the average retirement age in the US?

The average retirement age in the U.S. is 65 for men and 63 for women. Alaska and West Virginia have the lowest average retirement age, 61, and D.C. has the highest, 67.

What can I do now to help build my retirement savings?

To help build your retirement savings you could take such actions as participating in your workplace 401(k) and taking advantage of the employer 401(k) match if there is one. You might also want to consider opening an IRA or investing in the market. Weigh your options carefully and consider the possible risk involved to help determine what savings and investment strategy is best for you.

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Photo credit: iStock/izusek

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.

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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SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
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Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

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.


Investment Risk: Diversification can help reduce some investment risk. It cannot guarantee profit, or fully protect in a down market.

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