SoFi

Figuring out how to prepare for a recession — or any crisis — can be difficult. When facing a potential recession, financial decisions take on a new weight. After all, financial policy may change during a recession, which can leave consumers with questions. For example, if the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates, should you borrow money during a recession?

While lower recession interest rates might sound appealing, there are lots of things to consider before borrowing money during a recession.

Understanding Recessions

A recession is a period of time when economic activity significantly declines. In the U.S., the National Bureau of Economic Research defines a recession as more than a few months of significant decline across different sectors of the economy. We see this decline in changes to the gross domestic product, unemployment rates, and incomes.

In essence, a recession is a period of time when spending drops. As a result, businesses ramp down production, lay off staff, and/or close altogether, which in turn causes a continued decrease in spending.

There are many possible causes of the recession. Usually, recessions are caused by a wide variety of factors — including economic, geopolitical, and even psychological — all coinciding to create the conditions for a recession.

For example, a recession could be caused by a major disruption in oil access due to global conflict, or by the bursting of a financial bubble created by artificially depressed interest rates on home loans during a financial boom (as was partially the case with the 2008 financial crisis in the U.S.). A recession also could be caused in part by something like a pandemic, which could create supply chain disruptions, force businesses into failure, and change spending habits.

As for how psychology plays a role in recessions, financial actors might be more likely to invest in a new business or home renovation during boom years when the market seems infallible. But when an economic downturn or recession starts, gloomy economic forecasts could make people more likely to put off big purchases or financial plans out of fear. In aggregate, these psychological decisions may help control the market.

In the case of a recession, for example, many people choosing not to spend out of fear could cause a further contraction of the market, and consequently further a recession.

Financial Policy During a Recession

Economic policy might temporarily change in an effort to keep the market relatively stable amid the destabilization a recession can bring. The Federal Reserve, which controls monetary policy in the U.S., often takes steps to curb unemployment and stabilize prices during a recession.

The Federal Reserve’s first line of defense when it comes to managing a recession is often to lower interest rates. The Fed accomplishes this by lowering the interest rates for banks lending to other banks. That lowered rate then ripples throughout the rest of the financial system, culminating in reduced interest rates for businesses and individuals.

Lowering the interest rate could help to stem a recession by decreasing costs for businesses and allowing consumers to take advantage of low interest rates to buy things using credit. The increase in business and purchasing might in turn help offset a recession.

The Federal Reserve also may take other monetary policy actions in an attempt to curb a recession, like quantitative easing. Quantitative easing, also known as QE, is when the Federal Reserve creates new money and then uses that money to purchase assets like government bonds in order to stimulate the economy.

The manufacturing of new money under QE may help to fight deflation because the increase in available money lowers the value of the dollar. Additionally, QE can push interest rates down because federal purchasing of securities lowers the risks to lending institutions. Lower risks can translate to lower rates.

Recommended: Federal Reserve Interest Rates, Explained

Downsides to Borrowing Money During a Recession

How do you prepare for a recession? It might seem smart to borrow during this time, thanks to those sweet recession interest rates. But there are other considerations that are important when deciding whether borrowing during a recession is the right move. Keep in mind the following potential downsides:

•   There’s a heightened risk of borrowing during a recession thanks to other difficult financial conditions. Disruptive financial conditions like furloughs or layoffs could make it more difficult to make monthly payments on loans. After all, regular monthly expenses don’t go away during a recession, so borrowers could be in a tough position if they take on a new loan and then are unable to make payments after losing a job. Missed payments could negatively impact a borrower’s credit score and their ability to borrow in the future.

•   It may be harder to find a bank willing to lend during a recession. Lower interest rates may mean that a bank or lending institution isn’t able to make as much money from loans. This may make lending institutions more hesitant.

•   Lenders could be reluctant to lend to borrowers who may be unable to pay due to changes in the economy. Most forms of borrowing require borrowers to meet certain personal loan requirements in order to take out a loan. If a borrower’s financial situation is more unstable due to a recession, lenders may be less willing to lend.

When to Consider Borrowing During a Recession

Of course, there are still situations where borrowing during a recession might make sense. If you’re hit with unexpected expenses or have the opportunity to buy quality stocks for a lower price, for instance, it could make sense to have extra funds available.

Another scenario where it might be a good idea is if you’re consolidating other debts with a consolidation loan.

If you already have debt, perhaps from credit cards or personal loans, you may be able to consolidate your debt into a new loan with a lower interest rate, thanks to the changes in the Fed’s interest rates. Consolidation is a type of borrowing that doesn’t necessarily increase the total amount of money you owe. Rather, it’s the process by which a borrower takes out a new loan — with hopefully better interest rates and repayment terms — in order to pay off the prior debts.

Why trade out one type of debt for another? Credit cards, for example, often have high interest rates. So if a borrower has multiple credit card debts with high interest rates, they may be able to refinance credit card debt with a consolidation loan with a lower interest rate. Trading in higher interest rates loans for a consolidation loan with potentially better terms could save borrowers money over the life of the loan. It also streamlines bill paying.
When considering consolidation, borrowers may want to focus on consolidating only high-interest loans or comparing the interest rates between their current debts and a potential consolidation loan.

Note that interest rates on consolidation loans can be either fixed or variable. A fixed rate means a borrower may be able to lock in a lower interest rate during a recession. With a variable interest rate, the loan’s interest rate could go up as rates rise following a recession.

Additionally, just like many other types of loans, consolidation loans require that borrowers meet certain requirements. Available interest rates may depend on factors like credit score, income, and creditworthiness.

Recommended: How to Apply for a Personal Loan

The Takeaway

It can be challenging to navigate any economic downturn, and it’s natural to wonder how to prep for a recession. Deciding whether to borrow, including taking out a personal loan, is a decision that depends on your specific circumstances. There are downsides to consider, such as the general economic uncertainty that can increase risk and heightened risk-aversion from lenders. But if you have high-interest debt, or can secure a lower rate by consolidating, then taking out a consolidation loan during a recession could make sense. It’s a good idea to weigh the risks and benefits carefully and seek out professional advice before making a decision.

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.

FAQ

Is it good to have money in the bank during a recession?

The general consensus is that banks are a safe place to keep your cash during a recession. If your account is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), then individual deposits up to $250,000 are protected. Banks also protect funds against theft or loss.

Is it better to have cash in a recession?

It’s a good idea to have some of your money in cash during a recession. That’s because if you’re laid off from your job or an emergency arises, it can be helpful to have a cushion of readily accessible money.

Should I withdraw all my money during a recession?

If you’re thinking about how to prepare for the recession, it can be tempting to want to take out all of your money from a bank. But there’s good reason to reconsider. Many banks are FDIC insured, which means deposits up to $250,000 are protected.

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.

SOPL-Q424-054

As a student, you must submit a new Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) each school year to learn the types of federal aid you qualify for, including federal student loans, grants, and work-study programs. Many colleges and states, as well as other student aid programs, use your FAFSA to determine what aid you may be eligible for. So the FAFSA is worth submitting even if you’re not expecting to receive federal aid.

The FAFSA for the 2025-2026 academic year opened on November 21, 2024, and it closes on June 30, 2026. However, it’s best to complete the form as soon as possible since some state and school scholarship programs have different deadlines.

Keep reading for detailed instructions on how to complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA. We’ll walk you through the required fields and highlight changes from previous forms.

Documents You’ll Need

Before you sit down to fill out the online FAFSA application , it’s best to have the following documents or information handy, especially if you want to fill out the FAFSA as quickly as possible. Documents needed include:

•   Completed tax returns

•   Parents’ SSNs if you’re a dependent student

•   Child support records, if applicable

•   Current cash, savings, and checking account balances

•   Investment, business, or farm net worth

Recommended: Who Qualifies for FAFSA? FAFSA Requirements

How to Fill Out the FAFSA in 6 Steps

Ready to file the FAFSA? First, check your watch.

Make sure you have enough time to fill out the form. Most people find that it takes less than one hour to complete, including gathering the personal and financial information you need.

Here’s how to fill out the FAFSA step by step.

Step 1: Create an Account

The preferred way to complete the FAFSA is online. You can do this for free — you should never pay any site to file the FAFSA for you.

Create a StudentAid.gov account before you start the FAFSA. Ensure that your name and Social Security number (SSN) look exactly as they do on your Social Security card.

The individuals who must include information on the form — a spouse, a biological or adoptive parent, or your parent’s spouse — must all have an FSA ID (account username and password). However, contributors without an SSN can create an account to fill out their portion of the 2025-2026 form.

A contributor is anyone required to provide information and approval to have their federal tax information transferred directly into the FAFSA form. This person, while not required to pay for a student’s college education, may include a student’s spouse, a biological or adoptive parent, or a stepparent.

Step 2: Provide Personal Information

After logging in, select either “student” or “parent,” depending on whether you are the student or parent filling out the form. We’ll assume that you’re filling it out as a dependent student for the next few steps.

What is a dependent student vs. independent student? Check out the full list of dependent vs. independent qualifications. Independent students will also answer the same basic set of questions and add spouse information if they are married.

You’ll start by filling out basic personal information, such as:

•   Name

•   Birthdate

•   SSN

•   Email address

•   Mobile phone number

•   Mailing address

Next, as a dependent student, you’ll indicate personal circumstances, such as marital status, college or career school plans, and any unusual personal circumstances.

You’ll answer questions about your parents and family size and “invite” your parents to fill out the FAFSA information. You’ll also answer questions about:

•   Gender identity (though you can select “prefer not to answer”)

•   Race and ethnicity (you can also select “prefer not to answer” here)

•   Citizenship status

•   Parent education status

•   Whether a parent was killed in the line of duty

•   Student’s high school completion status

•   High school information

•   Any federal benefits received

Step 3: Add Dependent Student Financials

Next, you’ll fill out information about your tax filing status, tax returns, and assets (including any cash, savings, and checking accounts you have, or businesses, investments, farms, and/or real estate).

Step 4: Select Colleges

In this section, select the colleges you’re considering. You can choose up to 20 colleges or universities where you want your FAFSA recognized. You can search based on city, state, or college name.

Step 5: Review Page and Add Signature

The review page shows the responses you’ve added to the FAFSA. You can review all responses by clicking “Expand All” or show each section individually. Select the question’s hyperlink to edit. Once you invite a parent to the form, you can see the status of the parent invitation.

Finally, you acknowledge the terms and conditions of the FAFSA form and sign, which means you’ve submitted your section of the FAFSA form. It’s not considered complete, however, until a parent signs their portion.

Step 6: Parents Add Information

Once a dependent student invites a parent and they log in, the parent will receive information about onboarding. They will add their:

•   Name

•   Birthdate

•   SSN (if they have one)

•   Email address

•   Mobile phone number

•   Mailing address

The parent must provide consent to transfer federal tax information directly from the IRS into the Parent Financials section.

The FAFSA form will also ask the parent about:

•   Demographic information

•   Marital status

•   State of legal residence

•   Finances

•   Federal benefits

•   Tax filing status

•   Family size

•   Number of kids in college in the household

•   Tax return information

•   Assets

Next, the FAFSA will prompt questions about that parent’s spouse or partner, walk through a review page similar to the student review page, and ask for a signature where the parent acknowledges the terms and conditions of the FAFSA form. Finally, the parent signs that section.

Can a parent fill out the entire form on a student’s behalf, without student consent or signature?

Yes. A parent can fill out the entire FAFSA on behalf of the student indicating from the very beginning that they are filling it out as a parent.

If You Need Additional Help Filling Out the FAFSA

If you need help filling out the FAFSA form, you can click on the white question mark icon next to each FAFSA question to reveal a tip on how to answer that question. You can also learn more about the recently updated form and get the answers to frequently asked questions at the FAFSA Help Center, watch the FAFSA tutorial video, or chat with Aidan, the virtual assistant.

In addition, you can contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center. The Department of Education says it has added more staff to address applicants’ questions, and expanded the hours to provide help.

You can also look at our FAFSA guide for information on the FAFSA process. Finally, you can get help through the financial aid office at the college or career/trade school you plan to attend. They will often walk through the form with you.

Recommended: Avoid These Common FAFSA Mistakes

What Happens After You Submit the FAFSA?

After you hit the “submit” button, your form should be processed in one to three days. At that point, you should receive a copy of your FAFSA submission summary, which summarizes the information you included on your FAFSA form. You can check the status of your FAFSA at any time by logging into your account at StudentAid.gov and clicking on your FAFSA submission in the “My Activity” section of your dashboard.

The FAFSA submission summary will also include your Student Aid Index (SAI), which lets schools determine the amount of aid you can receive. It also helps each school determine the financial aid you can receive from that particular institution. The financial aid office at each school will send you a financial aid award letter, which may include types of government aid such as:

•   Direct Subsidized Loans

•   Direct Unsubsidized Loans

•   Work-study

•   Pell Grants

•   TEACH Grants

•   Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

Recommended: How Financial Aid Works

Who Should Complete the FAFSA?

Anyone who could benefit from college financial aid has nothing to lose by filling out the FAFSA. Many students leave money on the table every year by failing to complete it, and low-income families are often less likely to complete the form than wealthier ones.

Even if you’re not eligible for federal aid, it’s worth your while to complete the FAFSA because most schools and states use FAFSA information to award non-federal aid. Non-federal aid includes scholarships, state aid, employee-sponsored aid, and more. Our scholarship tool can help you find scholarships and other aid opportunities that may be available.

To qualify for federal grants, work-study, and different types of student loans, you must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen. You’ll need a valid SSN, with few exceptions, and a high school diploma, GED, or another recognized equivalent. You’ll also need to enroll in an eligible educational program and maintain satisfactory academic progress.

You may become ineligible for federal aid if you owe money on a previous federal student grant or are in default on a previous federal student loan.

Some types of federal aid are available only to people who demonstrate financial need. This includes the Federal Pell Grant and Direct Subsidized Loans. For the latter, the government pays the accrued interest while the borrower is in college or during most of their deferment periods.

What If I Don’t Qualify for Any or Enough Aid?

The amount of FAFSA money you receive depends on a variety of factors, including the institution you’re applying to, your assets, your parents’ assets, and more.

Merit aid, based on academic excellence, talent, and/or certain achievements, is also available. Some colleges won’t consider you for any of their merit scholarships until you’ve submitted the FAFSA, according to the Department of Education. Businesses, nonprofits, cultural organizations, and local groups also offer merit scholarships.

In addition, you can look into state grants and scholarships. Every state has its own money and process for distributing aid. Some only require a completed FAFSA; others, a separate application.

Then, there are private student loans, which are issued by banks, credit unions, and online lenders (as opposed to the government). Although private student loans don’t come with the benefits and protections that federal student loans have — like income-driven repayment plans and federal forbearance — they may help bridge funding gaps.

You can check to see what various lenders offer and what types of student loans you’d qualify for.

The Takeaway

Completing the FAFSA application doesn’t have to take hours of your time. In fact, it typically takes less than an hour to complete from start to finish. Use our guide to walk through how to fill out the FAFSA step by step in order to see how much federal aid you’ll qualify for and what types of aid you’re eligible to receive.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. This can help you find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

What’s the due date for the new FAFSA?

The FAFSA form for the 2025-2026 academic year must be submitted by 11:59pm central time (CT) on June 30, 2026. You can submit corrections or updates by 11:59pm CT on Sept. 13, 2026.

Can I fill out FAFSA myself?

Yes, students can complete the FAFSA on their own. The new FAFSA application instructions are easier to understand, and the Department of Education says it has modernized the FAFSA process and improved the user experience and functionality in filling out the online form. You can then invite your parents to enter their information.

How long does it take to fill out the FAFSA?

It typically takes less than an hour to fill out the FAFSA, including reading the FAFSA application instructions. However, it may take you longer to complete if you don’t gather important information ahead of time, such as your Social Security numbers and tax returns.

What disqualifies you from getting FAFSA?

To file the FAFSA, you must meet certain FAFSA requirements. For example, you must demonstrate financial need for need-based federal student aid programs, be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, have a valid SSN except in certain situations, be enrolled or accepted at an eligible institution as a regular student, maintain satisfactory academic progress, provide consent for federal tax information to go to the FAFSA, sign the certification statement on the FAFSA, and show you qualify to obtain higher education.

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 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.

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.

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.

SOISL-Q424-037

Shareholder voting rights allow certain stockholders to vote on issues impacting company performance, including mergers and acquisitions, dividend payouts, new securities, and who is elected to the board of directors. Investors who own shares of common stock of a company usually have shareholder voting rights. Investors with common stock are generally allowed one vote per share they own. Thus, an investor who owns 1,000 shares of stock may have 1,000 votes to cast.

If the idea of potentially participating in a company’s decision-making process is appealing to you, keep reading to learn more about the voting rights of equity shareholders and how they work.

What Are Stockholder Voting Rights?

Stockholder voting rights are the privileges granted to shareholders of a company to vote on matters that affect the company, such as the election of directors and the approval of major corporate actions, and to have a say in how the company is run.

First, it helps to distinguish between common and preferred stock. As noted above, investors who own shares of common stock are typically granted voting rights, usually at one vote per share.

Meanwhile, investors with preferred stock generally can’t vote on matters relating to the company’s governance and policies, but these investors are given preferred treatment in terms of dividend payouts. In the case of bankruptcy, preferred shareholders are usually paid before common stockholders.

There’s another wrinkle when understanding the voting rights of equity shareholders. In a privately held company, the corporation itself (along with state corporation laws) oversees and can restrict shareholder voting rights. In a publicly traded company, shareholder voting follows company rules but must also adhere to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) guidelines.

And while investors who own common stock generally have shareholder voting rights, only “investors of record” are allowed to vote at the annual company meeting. “Of record” status refers to the process whereby investors are added to company records, which isn’t determined simply by which type of shares they own but by when they bought the shares. Investors must buy their shares before the record date to be added to the company record before a meeting — and thereby allowed to vote.

What Do Shareholders Vote On?

Shareholders vote on matters such as the election of the board of directors, the approval of significant corporate actions, like mergers and acquisitions, and the adoption of changes to the company’s bylaws.

The voting rights of equity shareholders don’t extend to issues concerning day-to-day operations or management issues, like hiring and firing, budget allocation, product development, etc. The management team of a company makes these decisions throughout the year.

Nonetheless, the issues shareholders vote on can significantly impact a company’s bottom line, strategy, and overall profitability.

Given the one vote per share rule, the more shares an investor owns, the more influence they can exert if they actively exercise their voting rights — which is why many large investors pay close attention to critical issues where their vote might make a difference. Many shareholder activists use the voting process to exert influence over their investments.

Shareholders are generally alerted to the annual meeting via mail, including a package that summarizes the main issues to be addressed at the company meeting. These can include topics like:

•   Electing directors to the board

•   Approving a merger or acquisition

•   Approving a stock compensation plan

•   Executive salaries and benefits

•   Major shifts in company goals

•   Fundamental corporate structure changes

•   Approving stock splits

•   Dividend payments

As you’re considering which stocks to invest in, you may want to look into how shareholder voting works with each company. For instance, some companies don’t allow shareholders to call special meetings, and a supermajority vote is required to change some of the company’s bylaws.

What Happens at a Shareholder Meeting?

If you choose to attend the annual general meeting of a company in which you own stock, this is typically the only time that the company directors and shareholders will interact.

In certain states, public and private companies hold annual meetings, but the rules about holding these meetings are stricter for public companies. The agenda will probably be similar to the following:

Notice of Meeting

The voting rights of equity shareholders allow those investors to get advance notice of what will be covered at the annual meeting. Each company has specific rules about how far in advance they must notify shareholders of the meeting, but in most cases, the company sends physical mailers with pertinent information.

The company must also file a statement with the SEC outlining the date, time, and location of the next meeting. This statement will also include the topics to be discussed and voted on at the meeting.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

Notes from what happened at the previous general meeting are presented and approved.

Presentation of Financial Statements

The company will present current financial statements to the shareholders.

Ratification of Director Actions

Decisions made by the board of directors over the previous year are presented and approved or denied by the shareholders. This can include the payment of dividends according to a set dividend payment schedule.

Speeches

Certain companies will present an overall vision of the company’s goals for the upcoming year or other information relevant to shareholders.

Open Floor for Shareholder Questions

Typically there will be a time when shareholders are allowed to ask questions.

Election of the Board of Directors and Other Votes

Shareholders vote on who will be members of the company’s board of directors for the upcoming year. Voting on other issues will also take place.

Extraordinary Matters

If a special meeting is called during the year, which is different from the annual general meeting, other topics will be discussed and voted on. These could include the removal of an executive, an urgent legal matter, or another issue that requires immediate attention.

How Does the Voting Process Work?

There are a few different ways you can exercise your shareholder voting rights. These differ depending on the company and what type of owner you are. As mentioned, certain companies may give shareholders one vote per share of stock they own, while others give each shareholder one vote in total.

If you get one vote per share, this means you have a larger say in decision-making at the corporate level if you are more heavily invested in the company.

However, for voting to commence, the meeting must have a quorum. Reaching a quorum refers to the minimum number of shareholders that must be present or represented at a shareholder meeting for the meeting to be valid and for votes to be counted. Usually, this is a simple majority of share votes.

Registered owners hold shares directly with the company, while beneficial owners hold shares indirectly through a bank or broker. Most U.S. investors are beneficial owners. As either type of owner, you should receive instructions on how to vote in each of the following ways:

In Person

Companies typically hold annual meetings that shareholders are allowed to attend. They can also hold special meetings throughout the year.

Shareholders receive materials in the mail or via e-mail containing details of upcoming meetings. Most companies hold their annual meetings between March and June, within six months after the close of the previous fiscal year.

By Mail

You can exercise your stock voting rights by mail if you are a registered owner. You will receive instructions on filling out a proxy card so that a delegate can vote on your behalf. You will receive a voting instruction form if you are a beneficial owner.

By Phone

The materials you receive in the mail might include a phone number and directions to vote over the phone.

Over the Internet

Some companies are now providing instructions for shareholders to vote online. This can be a more convenient way to complete shareholder voting.

What Are Proxy Requirements?

Many shareholders live too far away and are too busy to attend company meetings and vote in person. For this reason, shareholders may vote by proxy, meaning they authorize someone to vote on their behalf.

You may be familiar with the estate planning term “health care proxy” or “financial proxy” — a designation allowing an agent to make decisions on behalf of someone else. It’s similar in that a formal power of attorney or other permission must be granted to allow a proxy vote.

As a shareholder, you will receive a proxy ballot in the mail containing information about the issues on which you can vote.

The proxy statement also may include information about the company’s management and the qualifications of any potential board members, the agenda for the meeting, and the company’s largest shareholders. These statements are filed with the SEC annually before the general meeting.

If you own stocks through a mutual fund, the investment managers can also cast proxy votes on your behalf.

The proxy voter is often someone on the company’s management team. Even if you choose to vote by proxy, there are some issues you can still directly vote for or against, such as the election of directors and the chief executive officer’s salary.

How Do You Know When to Vote?

Part of understanding how the voting rights of equity shareholders work hinges on knowing when you can vote. If a company is preparing to hold a vote, it sets what is known as a “record date.” As noted above, if you own shares of that company on the record date, you have a right to vote. The company will send all eligible voters one of the following three notices:

•   A physical notice stating that proxy materials are available for viewing online,

•   A package containing a voting instruction form or proxy card, as well as an annual report, or

•   A package containing an information statement and annual report but no proxy card.

When deciding whether to invest in a stock, you may want to look for any news regarding previous shareholder meetings. You can find out more about what shareholders have voted on in the past and how shareholder voting works with that company to make the best choices about how you might decide to cast your votes.

The Takeaway

The voting rights of equity shareholders can be summed up pretty simply: Investors of record who own shares of common stock are generally entitled to one vote per share, which they can cast at the annual shareholder meeting to shape company policy — and potentially profitability.

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).

FAQ

Which type of stock comes with voting rights?

Most publicly traded companies issue two types of stock: common stock and preferred stock. Common stock typically comes with voting rights, while preferred stock does not.

What is the difference between registered and beneficial owners when voting on corporate matters?

A registered owner is a person or entity whose name is recorded on the company’s books as the owner of a particular share of stock. This person or entity has the right to vote on corporate matters and to receive dividends and other distributions from the company. On the other hand, a beneficial owner is a person or entity that ultimately owns or controls the stock, even though their name may not be recorded on the company’s books. Beneficial owners may have acquired their ownership interest in the stock through a brokerage account or a trust, for example.

How do shareholders vote for the board of directors?

Shareholders typically vote for the board of directors at the annual meeting of shareholders. In most cases, shareholders can vote in person at the meeting or by proxy, which allows them to appoint someone else to vote on their behalf. Some companies may also allow shareholders to vote by mail or online.

What is the impact of voting rights?

Voting rights are an important aspect of ownership in a publicly traded company. As a shareholder, your voting rights give you the ability to influence the company’s direction and hold its management accountable.

What is e-voting in shares?

E-voting, or electronic voting, is a process that allows shareholders to cast their votes electronically rather than in person or by mail. E-voting is usually done through an online platform provided by the company or a third-party service provider.

About the author

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake has been a finance writer for nearly a decade, specializing in personal finance, investing, and small business. She is a contributor at Forbes Advisor, SmartAsset, Investopedia, The Balance, MyBankTracker, MoneyRates and CreditCards.com. Read full bio.

You may also be interested in:

Stakeholder vs Shareholder: What’s the Difference?

Class A vs Class B vs Class C Shares, Explained

Shares vs Stocks: What’s the Difference?

SoFi Invest®