Oct
01
2024

529 Annual Plan Contribution Limits by State in 2024

By | Going to College, Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off on 529 Annual Plan Contribution Limits by State in 2024

A 529 plan allows you to save money for a child’s education costs. This tax-advantaged plan can be an effective way to build a college fund. However, there are rules regarding 529 plans you should know about, including 529 contribution limits, which differ based on where you live.

Learn how a 529 works and the max contributions to 529 plans in each state.

What Is a 529 Plan?

529 plans, also known as qualified tuition programs, are tax-advantaged savings plans that are designed to be used for qualified education expenses like tuition, housing, and books at postsecondary institutions such as college or trade school. Parents can also withdraw up to $10,000 of 529 funds annually to use for a child’s elementary or secondary school education at a public, private, or religious school.

Each 529 plan has a named beneficiary (the child the plan is for), and the account holder — usually a parent or grandparent — contributes savings to the plan up to the allowable 529 limits. Once contributions are made, you typically have a range of investment options to choose from, including mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Earnings and qualified withdrawals are not subject to federal taxes.

There are some 529 plan withdrawal penalties, however. For instance, any amount of money from the plan used for something other than qualified expenses for the beneficiary’s education incurs an income tax liability and a 10% penalty upon withdrawal.

Why Are There Max Contribution Limits?

While there are no yearly contribution limits to 529 plans, there are aggregate max contribution limits that apply to the total contributions to the plan. States sponsor and operate their own 529 education savings plans and set their own aggregate max contribution amounts. Many states have a total allowable contribution limit of $500,000 per beneficiary, though some states have lower or higher 529 limits. These limits are generally based on the cost to attend a four-year undergraduate or graduate program within the state.

Students who don’t have enough funds in a 529 plan to cover the cost of college can turn to other forms of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and federal and private student loans.

529 Plan Max Contribution Limits by State

The max contributions to 529 plans vary based on the state plan you’re enrolled in. Below is a list of 529 contribution limits for 2024 in every state.

State Contribution Limit
Alabama $475,000
Alaska $550,000
Arizona $575,000
Arkansas $500,000
California $529,000
Colorado $500,000
Connecticut $550,000
Delaware $350,000
Florida $418,000
Georgia $235,000
Hawaii $305,000
Idaho $500,000
Illinois $500,000
Indiana $450,000
Iowa $420,000
Kansas $475,000
Kentucky $450,000
Louisiana $500,000
Maine $545,000
Maryland $500,000
Massachusetts $500,000
Michigan $500,000
Minnesota $425,000
Mississippi $400,000
Missouri $550,000
Montana $396,000
Nebraska $500,000
Nevada $500,000
New Hampshire $596,925
New Jersey $305,000
New Mexico $500,000
New York $520,000
North Carolina $550,000
North Dakota $269,000
Ohio $541,000
Oklahoma $450,000
Oregon $400,000
Pennsylvania $511,758
Rhode Island $520,000
South Carolina $575,000
South Dakota $350,000
Tennessee $350,000
Texas $500,000
Utah $560,000
Vermont $550,000
Virginia $550,000
Washington $500,000
Washington D.C. $500,000
West Virginia $550,000
Wisconsin $567,500
Wyoming N/A (the state does not offer a 529 plan)

States with Highest Aggregate Limits

The states with the highest allowed aggregate 529 contribution limits include:

•   Arizona

•   New Hampshire

•   South Carolina

•   Utah

•   Wisconsin

These states have a maximum contribution limit greater than $550,000, with New Hampshire allowing the highest 529 limit in the U.S. at $596,925.

States with Lowest Aggregate Limits

State 529 programs that have the lowest total contribution limits of $350,000 or lower include:

•   Delaware

•   Georgia

•   Hawaii

•   New Jersey

•   North Dakota

•   South Dakota

•   Tennessee

Georgia’s 529 savings plan has the lowest aggregate contribution limit nationwide at $235,000, while Wyoming doesn’t offer a state-sponsored 529 plan at all.

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Tax Benefits for 529 Plans

The advantages to 529 plans go beyond saving for your child’s college education. A 529 might unlock certain tax benefits. For example, earnings in the account grow tax-free and there is no federal income tax liability for qualified withdrawals. In some states, qualified 529 withdrawals might not be subject to state income tax either.

A number of states allow you to deduct your 529 contributions up to a certain limit from your taxable income on state income tax returns. For example, West Virginia lets state residents with an in-state 529 plan deduct up to $550,000 in annual contributions per beneficiary from their state income taxes. In Louisiana, residents are allowed a state income tax deduction for in-state 529 contributions of $2,400 ($4,800 if filing jointly) per beneficiary.

But not all states allow you to deduct 529 contributions. For example, California, Kentucky, and Hawaii don’t offer a state tax deduction or credit for 529 contributions on their state income tax returns. However, qualified 529 distributions are exempt from income tax in all three states.

Nine states (Alaska, Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming) have no state income tax so there is no 529 deduction in those states. (As a reminder, Wyoming has no 529 plan.)

Tax deduction limits and rules vary by state, so check with yours.

529-to-Roth IRA Rollover

Traditionally, a downside to saving money in a 529 plan has been the 10% penalty and potential tax liability incurred on earnings for non-qualifying withdrawals. This might come up if you over-saved in the account, or if your child chooses not to go to college.

The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 has addressed these concerns. Beginning in 2024, unused 529 funds can be rolled over into a Roth IRA under the original beneficiary’s name without penalty or tax implications.

There are some guidelines for a 529 to Roth IRA rollover. The 529 plan must have been active for at least 15 years, and the rolled over funds must have been in the account for at least five years. Finally, the maximum annual rollover contribution permitted for 2024 is $7,000, based on Roth IRA 2024 contribution limits (IRA contribution limits typically change annually). Despite these rules, the ability to do an IRA rollover gives 529 account holders a penalty-free option, if needed.

How to Maximize Your 529 Contributions

If you’re considering a 529 for your child, you are not limited to choosing a 529 plan from the state you reside in. Many states allow out-of-state residents to open a 529 account. Here are some tips on how to maximize your savings in a 529.

•   Explore plans from multiple states and compare their tax benefits and fees to potential tax benefits and fees of your state’s plan.

•   Check to see if your company offers 529 plan employee benefits. Some employers now provide these benefit plans, which allow you to contribute directly from your paycheck.

•   Many states offer direct-sold plans in which you select the investments in the plan yourself, and broker-sold plans in which a broker selects investments for you. Broker-sold plans typically come with more fees. Consider enrolling in a direct-sold 529 plan to help save on fees.

•   Anyone, including grandparents and family friends, can contribute to a 529 plan, so make sure loved ones are aware that you have a 529 for your child to save for college. They may want to make a contribution to the plan as a birthday gift, for instance.

•   You can open a 529 as soon as the beneficiary has a Social Security number. Start saving early and set up automatic contributions to the plan. The longer the money is invested, the more time it has to grow.

The Takeaway

A 529 can be a good way to save for your child’s education. The earlier you open a 529, the more time you have to contribute and save, and the more time the money in the plan has to grow. Just be sure to find out the 529 maximum contribution limits for the state in which you have the plan.

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FAQ

What happens if you contribute too much to a 529 plan?

Contributing more than a 529 plan allows might result in taxes and penalties. If you over-contribute to a 529 account beyond the 529 limit, one option is to change the primary beneficiary of the plan to another child to be used for their education savings. You can also consider rolling the funds into a Roth IRA for the original beneficiary. Either option can help you avoid a taxable event.

What is the 5-year rule for 529 plans?

You’re allowed to contribute up to $18,000 ($36,000 if filing jointly) per beneficiary in 2024 without paying a gift tax. This amount is not counted against your lifetime gift tax exemption. To contribute more in one year to a single 529 recipient without impacting your lifetime gift tax exemption, you can front-load up to five years of contributions (up to $90,000 in 2024) into the 529. Doing so avoids impacting your lifetime gift tax exemption, but it also means that you can’t make additional contributions to the same beneficiary for the next five years.

What happens to a 529 plan if your child doesn’t go to college?

If your child doesn’t go to college, you have a few options for a 529. You can consider rolling the funds into a Roth IRA for the beneficiary, for instance. Or you could change the primary beneficiary to another family member, like a younger sibling.

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

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.

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

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

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Oct
01
2024

Is a SWIFT Code the Same as a Routing Number?

By | money, Terminology | Comments Off on Is a SWIFT Code the Same as a Routing Number?

A SWIFT code, a group of letters and numbers used globally to identify a bank account, is similar to a routing number, but they function differently.

Say you want to transfer money from your bank account to someone else’s: You’ll need to know some basic information about the recipient’s financial institution and their account. This ensures safe and accurate electronic transfers of funds. If you’re conducting a domestic transfer (that is, from one bank account in the United States to another), an ABA routing number will be required. If you are moving funds internationally (sending money to another country from the U.S. or vice-versa), a SWIFT code is typically required.

Key Points

•   SWIFT codes and routing numbers are both used to transfer money, but they are not the same: SWIFT codes are used for international transfers, while routing numbers are used for domestic ones.

•   SWIFT codes are alphanumeric and identify banks globally, while routing numbers are numeric and used within the U.S.

•   The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications, founded in 1973, oversees SWIFT codes

•   The American Bankers Association, established in 1910, manages the use of routing numbers in the U.S.

•   Incorrect SWIFT codes or routing numbers can cause transaction failures and potential fees, but in some cases may lead to deposits in the wrong account.

Understanding SWIFT Codes

To send money internationally, you’ll usually need a SWIFT code. Learn more about how this string of letters and numbers usually works.

What Is a Swift Code?

The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT) is a network that allows banks and other financial institutions to electronically communicate with each other securely, across borders. A key part of that involves a SWIFT code, also called a BIC (Business Identifier Code), which identifies a specific bank, with information about the country, location, and, if applicable, branch.

Purpose and Usage of SWIFT Codes

SWIFT codes identify specific details of a bank to ensure international payments are going to the right bank. These codes are comprised of eight to 11 alphanumeric characters:

•   The first four characters are letters and represent the name of the bank.

•   The next two characters, also letters, indicate the country the bank is located in.

•   The next (and sometimes final) two characters can be letters or numbers and indicate where the bank’s main office is located.

•   In instances where the bank is large enough to have branches in multiple countries, cities, or regions, there may be a three-digit branch code at the end of the SWIFT code.

If you’re sending an international wire transfer from the United States, you’ll usually need to know the recipient’s SWIFT code. There are a number of countries that do not participate in SWIFT, but generally speaking, SWIFT is the global standard for international payments.

Recommended: Guide to International Bank Account Numbers (IBANs)

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Understanding Routing Number

To send money domestically in the United States, you’ll usually need a routing number. Here’s important information about what these series of digits are and how they function.

What Is a Routing Number?

A routing number is a nine-digit code composed of numbers that are used to identify banks and credit unions within the United States during domestic transfers.

These codes have been around for more than a century. The American Bankers Association (ABA) started to link routing numbers to financial institutions in 1910 as a unique identifier.

Purpose and Usage of Routing Numbers

Like a SWIFT code, a routing number helps direct money transfers to the right financial institution. You’ll also need the recipient’s bank account number to successfully move the funds.

You might think of the routing number like a street name for your bank account (Main or Church Street, say), but your bank account number is the actual numeric portion of your address (to continue the analogy, this would specifically identify a house), to ensure money goes to the right “home” on that “street.”

(It’s worth noting that Canada also uses routing numbers, but not ABA routing numbers. Instead, Canada’s eight- or nine-digit routing numbers include a three-digit institution number and a five-digit transit number, and possibly a zero.)

ACH transfers and wire transfers require knowing the recipient’s bank account and routing number. And you’ll frequently need to know your own routing number for several common transactions, such as:

•   Online bill and tax payments

•   Payment app setup

•   Direct deposit setup

There are some ways to send money to another person in the United States without needing to know their routing number. For instance, you can write and mail a check, you can send a money order, and you can use a peer-to-peer (P2P) transfer app to send money to someone in the U.S. without needing to know their routing number.

Differences Between SWIFT Codes and Routing Numbers

While they serve a similar purpose in electronic funds transfers, there are some key differences when comparing SWIFT codes vs. routing numbers.

Domestic vs. International Transactions

In the U.S., you’ll use routing numbers for domestic transfers. For international transactions, you’ll need to know the recipient’s SWIFT code. U.S. banks typically have a SWIFT code for such situations that is specific to each branch. (Some smaller banks and credit unions may not, however, have SWIFT codes.)

Code Structure and Format

Routing numbers are nine characters, all digits. SWIFT codes are alphanumeric and are typically between eight and 11 characters long.

Issuing Authorities

The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications oversees SWIFT codes and was founded in 1973. The American Bankers Association manages routing numbers in the U.S. and was established much earlier — in 1910.

Recommended: How to Send Money to Someone Without a Bank Account

When To Use SWIFT Codes and Routing Numbers

If you are wiring money internationally, you’ll need to know a recipient’s SWIFT code. (There are a number of countries that do not use SWIFT codes, in which case you’ll need to find an alternate way to identify their bank during an electronic transfer or move money using another method.) Similarly, if someone is wiring money from another country to you in the U.S., you’ll need to provide them with your bank’s SWIFT code.

If you’re transferring money to someone else domestically in the United States, you’ll instead need to know their bank’s routing number. You’ll also need your own routing number when transferring funds, as well as setting up direct deposit, online payments, and other forms of digital transfers and payments.

Locating SWIFT Codes and Routing Numbers

You can typically find your SWIFT code on a bank statement or on your bank’s website or app. Call customer service for your bank if you’re unable to locate it.

Your routing number is also easy to find online or via mobile app when you log into your account. The routing number is also printed on your paper checks. Typically, it is the first set of numbers at the lower left corner of a check.

The Takeaway

SWIFT codes and routing numbers serve the same basic purpose of helping to identify banks when transferring money electronically, but they are used for different kinds of transfers. Domestic transfers in the U.S. rely on routing numbers while international transfers typically need SWIFT codes.

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FAQ

Can a SWIFT code be used for domestic transactions?

In the U.S., SWIFT codes are not used for domestic transactions. Instead, you’ll need to know your bank account number and routing number, as well as the bank account and routing number of the person to whom you are wiring money. Or, if someone is transferring funds to you, they will need your identifying information, including your bank account number and routing number.

Are SWIFT codes and routing numbers interchangeable?

When considering SWIFT codes vs. routing numbers, it’s important to recognize that they are not interchangeable. They’re issued by different authorities, have a different number of characters, and are used for different purposes. While similar, routing numbers are for domestic transfers, and SWIFT codes are for international transfers.

What happens if I use the wrong SWIFT code or routing number?

If you use the wrong SWIFT code or routing number for a wire transfer, the transaction will typically fail, and the payment will be returned to you. In some cases, you might have to pay a fee (including if you resubmit the transaction), and it’s possible money could be routed to the wrong account. For this reason, it’s important to verify that you have the correct SWIFT or routing number when transferring funds.

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As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.30% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.30% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

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

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Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/8/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

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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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01
2024

5 Common Recession Fears and How to Cope

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing, Life & Career | Comments Off on 5 Common Recession Fears and How to Cope

Millions of Americans are anxious about recessions and economic downturns, which often involve job-losses and tightening budgets. Not to mention, investment portfolios tend to take a hit, too. These worries are normal, and fortunately there are ways to cope in the short-term.

The first step to handling that anxiety is overcoming the fear itself. While it’s normal to be worried about a recession — how long it might last, how dire the consequences might be — the truth is that the economy is cyclical. It expands and contracts, and recessions are a natural part of the order.

5 Common Recession Fears

Some investors choose to stick to their strategies or mantras during a recession. Of course, you can always carry on with your online stock trading even during a recession, but whether you choose to do that is up to you. But it’s not always so simple for every investor.

That’s because when it comes to making financial decisions, emotions are rarely your friend – that includes fear, doubt, and anxiety. With that in mind, here are some of the most common recession-related fears people often grapple with during times of economic uncertainty.

1. What If This Recession Lasts for Many Years?

While it’s possible that a recession could last for a long time, it helps to have some historical context.

Since the end of World War II, there have been 12 recessionary periods — including the short, sharp decline in early 2020 sparked by the pandemic. While that one only lasted a couple of months, U.S. recessions have averaged about 11 months in duration.

There have been outliers: Notably, the Great Recession of 2008 lasted for 18 months; and the Great Depression of the 1930s lasted about four years, although the repercussions extended that financial crisis until 1938.

That said, bull markets tend to last longer than bear markets. Equally important to remember is that every financial crisis has also informed new monetary policy and new fiscal tools that help protect consumers and investors.

2. What If Unemployment Soars?

It’s true that the potential for job loss is higher during a recession, when companies may be forced to lay off some of their workforce. While this is a common occurrence — as demand for goods lessens and output drops, companies typically need to cut expenses — there is a potential upside.

Unemployment numbers tend to lag a bit; joblessness typically rises to its highest level at certain points during the recession, and recovers to prior levels after the recession has ended. This means that some workers may have a window of opportunity to either look for new jobs now, or shore up their savings (in case of a layoff).

Be open and flexible to changes in responsibility. Lower your expectations around raises and bonuses. Try to bring value to the company, by going above and beyond, or by learning a new skill.

Make connections with your coworkers and network with people in your industry. It might be helpful to spruce up your resume too. That way, should you be laid off you can hit the ground running.

Take advantage of the shift to the gig economy, e.g. becoming your own boss, and relying on various income streams rather than a single full-time job. Not only are part-time positions becoming more common, it’s possible that your employer may be open to a gig arrangement, rather than completely letting go of a qualified employee.

A common rule of thumb is to keep three to six months’ worth of income in an emergency fund.

Recommended: Discover your ideal emergency fund amount with our emergency fund calculator.

3. What If You Lose Your Savings?

Emergency savings are important in any circumstances, as life is full of curveballs and unpredictable expenses. To that end, it’s smart to keep at least one month’s worth of expenses in a rainy day fund — three to six months is better, of course, but always have a cushion for life’s inevitable emergencies.

A recession can hit your savings hard. But it’s better to spend down your emergency fund than to panic and make financial moves you’ll later regret. At all costs, try to avoid the following:

•   Covering expenses with your credit card, and incurring debt that you have to pay off at high interest rates.

•   Taking out a home equity loan. While the interest rates may be lower on these loans, it’s still an additional monthly expense. And if your home value dips, you could put yourself in a precarious position when you need to sell.

•   Taking a loan from your 401(k). While borrowing from a 401(k) has its pros and cons, and a loan is usually better than taking an early withdrawal, there are still a number of risks. The biggest being: If you do get laid off, the entire loan could be due within a 12-month period.

In short: Build up your savings while you can, especially if you’re concerned about losing your job. And don’t be afraid to spend some or even all of that emergency money if things go south. That’s what the money is there for.

4. What If You Can’t Cover All Your Bills?

A recession can mean that money is tight, and that your bills may go up. If a job loss is looming, you may have real fears of being able to cover your expenses. Fortunately, one area where you have some control is how much money you spend.

The first step in lowering your expenses is to get to know them, especially the bills and subscriptions you pay automatically (or are on an auto-renewal system).

Take a look at your current spending habits by examining your bank statements (you can usually get a transaction history right on your phone). You don’t have to read through months of expenditures. What you spend in one month is probably similar to what you spend any other month (despite some seasonal differences).

As you examine what, where, and why you spend, note that some expenses are easier to control than others. Here are some common areas where it’s often possible to make cutbacks:

•   Food (eating out, snacks) and groceries are generally the biggest household expenses, after mortgage or rent — but they’re also easy to rein in.

•   Utilities (e.g. use less gas, oil, electricity).

•   Clothing and other “nice-to-haves” (limit spending to necessities).

•   Subscriptions (you’re likely paying for several streaming or music services you rarely use; it’s easy to forget what you signed up for a year ago).

•   Examine your insurances. Sometimes you can lower premiums by switching providers or calling and asking for a discount.

Once you trim your expenses, you may realize there are other ways you can cut back that aren’t on the above list — but not everyone has these options. You could change your commute to save money. You could take on a roommate who can split expenses.

5. What If Your Investments Lose Value?

It’s likely that your retirement account(s) and investment portfolio could lose value when the markets are down, or fluctuating. As discussed above, you don’t want to react strongly and pull your money out of the market impulsively. That’s when you lock in losses that can be hard to recover from.

If you have a financial advisor, or you’re thinking of working with one, you may want to discuss sooner rather than later how well-diversified your portfolio is. Diversification can help protect against volatility in some cases. But portfolio diversification is ideally something you do before a recession sets in.

A better approach during a recession is to stay the course. Continue to invest; continue to save for retirement. Rather than impulsively change your financial behavior, intentionally keep doing what you’ve always done. One way to do this is by using a robo advisor, which incorporates highly sophisticated technology that uses automation to help you stick to your own plan. You’ll likely find yourself in better shape when the recession ebbs and the markets rise once more.

The Takeaway

It’s natural to feel worried about the onset of a recession. Most people have fears about how long a recession could last and what the possible consequences could be in terms of their jobs, their bills, their long-term savings and even retirement.

That said, there are a number of ways to cope. While headlines may sound dire, the reality of a recession is that it may not last as long as you fear. Also, it can take some time for ordinary people to feel the impact. That can give you time to be proactive, including giving your job options (and spending habits) a careful review, beefing up your emergency savings, and reminding yourself to stay calm above all.

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).


For a limited time, opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.

SoFi Invest®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

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.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
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.

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.

Claw Promotion: Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $25 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.

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Investing for Retirement: Guide to Emerging Markets

Guide to Investing in Emerging Markets

By | invest, Investing, Preparing for Retirement | Comments Off on Guide to Investing in Emerging Markets

Emerging market investments include owning shares in companies from countries like China, India, Brazil, and South Africa, among others. There are pros and cons to owning emerging market investments, but these stocks are a significant part of the global market.

Investing in emerging markets can help diversify your portfolio, which is one of the reasons that some investors do it. There are, however, risks associated with investing in emerging markets that investors should be aware of.

Understanding Emerging Markets

Investing in emerging markets, or even if you plan to open an IRA and use it to add foreign stocks to your portfolio, may prove to be a part of a successful investment strategy. If, that is, you understand what you’re investing in.

Emerging markets are economies that are in the middle between the developing and developed stages. Emerging markets risk can be high since these areas often see rapid growth and high volatility with booms and busts. Some of the most well-known and biggest countries that investors may look to invest in include China, India, Brazil, and South Korea.

Emerging market investments are generally seen as a higher-risk area of the global stock market. Volatility can spike during periods of political upheaval and when emerging market recessions strike.

As investors get older, risk must be managed through diversified investment plans. You might consider reducing emerging market exposure in your portfolio as your time horizon shortens and retirement nears.

Why Invest in Emerging Markets?

Emerging market investments have been popular for decades. It became easy to own a broad emerging market index fund within an investment portfolio in the early, when exchange-traded funds (ETFs) gained popularity.

The decade of the 2000s featured strong outperformance from the high-risk, high-reward profile of emerging market investments. But volatility in these markets has also been a factor.

People like to invest in areas of the stock market that exhibit rapid growth potential along with having the potential for diversification. High economic growth rates, such as those in China and India, often attract investors seeking to benefit from stocks of those nations. Indeed, there can be periods like the 2000s when strong bull markets take place.

Moreover, owning high-growth areas within a tax-advantaged account can be a savvy retirement savings strategy. This can be helpful when choosing a retirement plan.

Can You Build a Retirement Portfolio With Emerging Markets?

It’s possible to build a segment of a retirement portfolio by investing in emerging markets. Also consider that emerging market bonds are a growing piece of the global fixed-income market.

In addition, owning emerging market investments in retirement accounts is possible via ETFs and both active and passive mutual funds. Moreover, many 401(k) plans offer an emerging markets fund, too.

When thinking about investing in emerging markets, keep in mind that emerging market stocks comprise a fraction of the overall market. Emerging markets stocks represent 27% of the global stock market.

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Pros of Investing in Emerging Markets

There are many pros and cons of investing in emerging markets. When you start saving for retirement, it may be a good time to think about investing in emerging market stocks, since you’d likely have a relatively long time horizon to weather volatility.

Here are some of the pros of investing in emerging markets.

Opportunity to Generate Returns

Investing in emerging markets may present the opportunity to generate returns in your portfolio, although it does assume risks, too.

Also consider that more than 80% of the world’s population lives in emerging market countries, while just 27% of the global stock market is weighted to them. Investing for retirement could have at least some exposure to this area for risk-tolerant individuals.

Diversification Benefits

International investments can help offset the ebbs and flows of U.S. stocks through diversification. Consider that the domestic equity market is more than 60% of the global market. So if the U.S. goes into a bear market, foreign shares might outperform. Retirement investing should have a diversified approach.

Cons of Investing in Emerging Markets

Emerging markets can be volatile, and they expose investors to a host of risk factors. Political, economic, and currency risks can all hamper emerging market investments’ growth.

Due to the many risks, it’s common for retirement investors to tone down their stock allocation as they approach retirement. Here are some potential downsides to investing in emerging markets.

Potential Underperformance

Emerging market stocks have underperformed in recent years for a host of factors – such as the global pandemic, and military conflicts in Europe and the Middle East. So, it’s important to consider that these stocks could underperform domestic stocks in the future as well.

Correlations Might Be Changing

Some argue that emerging markets today have more correlation to other markets, so having exposure might simply expose someone to the risks and not the benefits.

High Volatility

Investors of all experience levels might want to steer away from the boom-and-bust nature of emerging markets. The process of evolving from an emerging market to a developed market is usually fraught with risk. In some areas, political turmoil might cascade into a full-blown economic recession.

Emerging market fixed-income investors can also suffer when high-risk currency values fall during such periods of volatility. Back in 1998, the “Asian Contagion” was an emerging markets-led debacle that caused a big decline in markets across the globe.

Uncertainty in China

China is now the biggest weighting in many emerging market indexes, up to one-third in some funds. That can be a lot in just one country, particularly in one as uncertain as China, given its one-party controlled economy.

Start Investing for Retirement With SoFi

Building a retirement portfolio often includes owning many areas of the global stock market. Emerging market investments can play a pivotal role to ensure your allocation has higher growth potential, but you must be mindful of the risks.

It’s possible to invest in emerging markets through a variety of means, including through a retirement account, such as an IRA. But keep the risks in mind, along with your overall investment goals and time horizon.

Ready to invest for your retirement? It’s easy to get started when you open a traditional or Roth IRA with SoFi. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

FAQ

Is it worth investing in emerging markets?

Strong growth potential and diversification benefits are reasons to own emerging markets for your retirement portfolio. That said, emerging markets are a small part of the global stock market. A diversified retirement portfolio should include this slice of the market, but investors also must recognize the risks. There are periods during which emerging market investments can underperform the U.S. stock market.

What is the best emerging market to invest in?

When figuring out emerging markets, you might be curious which one is the best. It is hard to say there is one in particular. Emerging market risk can be high, so to help mitigate that, owning the entire basket can help ensure the benefits of diversification.

Should my entire retirement portfolio be in emerging markets?

Building a retirement portfolio with emerging markets is common but putting all your eggs in the emerging market basket might not be the wisest move. Young investors can perhaps own a larger weight in this volatile equity area, but older investors should think about winding down their emerging markets stock exposure as they near retirement.

Photo credit: iStock/Kateywhat

SoFi Invest®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

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.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
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.

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.

Claw Promotion: Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $25 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.

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Sep
30
2024

What Is Infrastructure Investment?

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off on What Is Infrastructure Investment?

Infrastructure investment is an alternative strategy that focuses on the physical structures and systems that keep societies operational. Examples of public infrastructure include: railways, highways, harbors, cell towers, school, and wastewater treatment facilities.

As a type of alternative investment, infrastructure is not correlated with traditional assets like stocks and bonds. As such it may provide portfolio diversification. Infrastructure investments come with specific risks, however.

Examining how infrastructure investments work and their pros and cons can help you determine if they might be right for you.

Key Points

•   Infrastructure investments are in the physical structures, facilities, and systems that enable society to run smoothly.

•   Examples of infrastructure sectors include transportation, energy, and telecommunications, and projects may include developing highways, wind farms, and fiber-optic cables.

•   Infrastructure is considered an alternative asset class. Because it’s typically uncorrelated with traditional markets, it can offer portfolio diversification.

•   Investors can access this asset class through municipal bonds, private investments, public-private partnerships, and infrastructure mutual funds or ETFs.

•   Because infrastructure is a physical asset, it can be durable and may offer steady yields. Risks include lack of liquidity, potential vulnerability to higher interest rates, regulatory changes, natural disasters, and political events.

Defining Infrastructure Investment

Infrastructure investing refers to investment in the tangible assets that societies rely on to function, from power plants and parking lots to hospitals and schools. It’s an example of an alternative investment, since infrastructure investments are typically not correlated with traditional assets, such as stocks, bonds, and cash, or cash equivalents.

As a strategy, alternative investments offer the potential to generate higher risk-adjusted returns compared with traditional assets, though this typically comes with higher risk. Infrastructure investments are illiquid, and can be subject to interest rate fluctuations, regulatory changes, and risks owing to climate change and extreme weather.

Infrastructure investment funds, infrastructure stocks, and municipal bonds are some of the ways to invest in this alternative asset.

Types of Infrastructure Assets

Infrastructure assets are long-term capital assets that are used to provide public services. They’re most often stationary and typically have a long life or period of usefulness. Examples of infrastructure assets include:

•   Roads, bridges, tunnels

•   Water, sewer, and drainage systems

•   Dams

•   Municipal lighting

•   Communications networks, cell towers

•   Schools

•   Healthcare facilities

•   Prisons

Infrastructure assets are viewed separately from equipment used to construct critical structures. For example, a new road is an example of an infrastructure asset but the asphalt paving machine used to build it is not.

Public vs. Private Infrastructure Projects

Public infrastructure is available for public use and is funded through public means, such as municipal bonds. When you buy a municipal bond you’re agreeing to let the bond issuer, typically a city or local government, use your money to support public works projects for a certain period. In return, the bond issuer pays you interest, and at the end of the term, you can collect your original investment plus the interest.

Private infrastructure projects use capital from private investors to further the construction or improvement of critical structures. An infrastructure investment fund, for example, may concentrate private equity in a specific sector or subsector.

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Importance of Infrastructure Investment

Infrastructure investment is important for many reasons, starting with its impact on the economy. Without roads, railways, airlines, and waterways, people and goods can’t get where they need to go. Transportation infrastructure facilitates economic growth and reduces disruptions to the supply chain. Investing in utilities, such as electricity and water is also crucial.

Quality of life and basic needs are also dependent on infrastructure. When infrastructure is not maintained, societies risk losing access to safe, clean drinking water, communications, housing, and health care.

Infrastructure investment also serves as a line of defense against cyberattacks, which can threaten the security of everything from banking systems to the electrical grid. In short, investment in infrastructure makes life as we know it possible.

Recommended: Alt Investment Guide

Infrastructure Investment Sectors and Projects

Infrastructure investments can target a specific sector or type of project. Here’s a quick look at different areas of infrastructure investing.

Transportation Infrastructure

Transportation infrastructure refers to structures and systems that allow goods and people to move from one place to another. Examples of transportation infrastructure projects include the building or maintenance of:

•   Canals that allow cargo ships to pass from one body of water to another

•   Ports which allow cargo ships, cruise ships, and other maritime vehicles to dock for the purpose of loading or unloading people and goods

•   Mass transit systems such as subways and buses that allow people to navigate around a large urban area without a car

•   Roads, streets, and highways designed for different speeds and levels of capacity

In the U.S., the interstate highway system is one of the largest public works infrastructure projects ever undertaken.

Energy Infrastructure

Energy infrastructure includes all of the systems and structures that are necessary for generating or transmitting energy to a population. Here are some examples of energy infrastructure projects.

•   Solar panel systems that provide power for street lamps along a highway

•   Large-scale wind turbine farms that generate electric energy for a local population

•   Battery energy storage systems that connect to the existing electrical grid

The Hoover Dam is an example of an energy infrastructure project. The dam was built through a combination of public and private funds, as the government focused on improving infrastructure to generate jobs amidst the Great Depression.

Telecommunications Infrastructure

Telecommunications infrastructure, or telecom, encompasses the various systems and structures people and businesses use to communicate. Telecom infrastructure includes:

•   Telephone lines

•   Fiber-optic cables

•   Wireless networks

•   Routers

•   Cellular phones

Satellites are also an integral part of telecom infrastructure. Global governments and organizations, including NATO, rely on satellites to keep the lines of communication open.

Financing Infrastructure Investments

There are several ways infrastructure investments are financed. Capital may come from public investments and government programs, private investment, or infrastructure funds.

Public Funding and Government Initiatives

Public funding for infrastructure projects most often takes the form of bonds. Investors get the benefit of regular interest payments while the bond issuer is able to get the capital they need to invest in infrastructure.

Bonds are a form of direct investment in infrastructure; taxes are an indirect method. When you pay taxes at the local, state, or federal level, some of that money goes toward funding infrastructure projects. Governments use tax dollars, along with revenue collected from other sources, to build or improve infrastructure.

Private Investment and Public-Private Partnerships

Private investment provides financing for infrastructure projects through individual and institutional investors. When you invest in this type of fund, you may gain exposure to multiple infrastructure classes or just one — it all depends on the fund’s goals and objectives.

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are arrangements in which private investors and governments work together to support infrastructure projects. PPPs can be used to address a variety of infrastructure needs, from building parks and recreation centers to constructing new roadways.5

Infrastructure Funds and Asset Management

Infrastructure funds allow investors to gain exposure to companies or industries that engage in infrastructure activities. For example, you might invest in a fund that holds companies in the shipping and ports sector or a fund that’s dedicated to investing in utilities.

Investing in infrastructure through mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) allows for diversification. You can hold a collection of investments in a single basket, rather than purchasing shares of individual infrastructure stocks.

Infrastructure asset management refers to strategies for managing infrastructure assets. It encompasses key decision-making processes related to the maintenance of infrastructure systems, including risk management and cost management.

Advantages of Investing in Infrastructure

As discussed earlier, because infrastructure is an alternative asset class it’s not correlated with conventional assets like stocks and bonds. Thus, it can provide some portfolio diversification and may help mitigate volatility in other asset classes.

And because infrastructure is generally comprised of long-term physical assets that typically require a high initial investment, these structures tend to be durable. This contributes to lower ongoing investment expenses, and steady yields from population use (i.e., tolls, utility payments, transportation fees).

In that way, infrastructure can also be a resilient investment in the face of other sources of volatility. For example: what happens in the stock market generally won’t impact bridges and tunnels, or the long-term impacts could potentially trickle down in more predictable ways (material costs, interest rate changes) over time.

Risks and Challenges in Infrastructure Investing

Infrastructure investments are exposed to a variety of risks. As an investor, it’s important to understand what those risks can mean for your portfolio.

The most common risks and challenges include:

•   Interest rate risk: This is the risk of interest rates rising or falling in a way that could impact bond rates, as well as the cost of loans for construction and development of certain projects.

•   Regulatory risk: Because municipal structures depend on local regulations, changes in laws and policies can impact how quickly a project may ramp up, and whether new standards or guidelines will increase costs.

•   Construction risk: Construction risk can be a problem if the builder of a project experiences delays, if there are structural impediments that cause significant delays, or if the builder walks away from the contract before the project is complete.

•   Event risk: Infrastructure projects can face a wide range of potential threats from outside forces or actors, including the possibility of cyberattacks, supply chain attacks, and data breaches. Natural disasters, a changing climate, and geopolitical upheaval can also prove challenging for maintaining infrastructure.

The Takeaway

Infrastructure investing might be of interest to you if you’re looking for a way to expand your investments beyond stocks and bonds and diversify your portfolio. The most important thing to remember about alternative investments like infrastructure is that they may carry a higher degree of risk. It’s wise to weigh those risks against the potential returns or other benefits before wading in.

Ready to expand your portfolio's growth potential? Alternative investments, traditionally available to high-net-worth individuals, are accessible to everyday investors on SoFi's easy-to-use platform. Investments in commodities, real estate, venture capital, and more are now within reach. Alternative investments can be high risk, so it's important to consider your portfolio goals and risk tolerance to determine if they're right for you.


Invest in alts to take your portfolio beyond stocks and bonds.

FAQ

What are some examples of infrastructure investments?

Examples of infrastructure investments include municipal bonds that are used to build or improve local roads, public-private partnerships that aim to build more green spaces, and energy sector ETFs.

How can individual investors participate in infrastructure investing?

Infrastructure stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, and municipal bonds may offer the easiest points of entry for investors. You could buy individual shares of stock in an infrastructure company, hold a collection of infrastructure investments in a single fund, or earn interest from muni bonds while helping to fund infrastructure projects.

What are the typical returns on infrastructure investments?

Infrastructure investments can generate returns that may be higher or lower than typical market returns, but it’s important to remember that infrastructure typically does not react to market volatility the same way as conventional assets might. Also some infrastructure investments can offer predictable yields versus other assets.

Photo credit: iStock/RyanJLane

SoFi Invest®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

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.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
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.

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs): Investors should carefully consider the information contained in the prospectus, which contains the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other relevant information. You may obtain a prospectus from the Fund company’s website or by email customer service at https://sofi.app.link/investchat. Please read the prospectus carefully prior to investing.
Shares of ETFs must be bought and sold at market price, which can vary significantly from the Fund’s net asset value (NAV). Investment returns are subject to market volatility and shares may be worth more or less their original value when redeemed. The diversification of an ETF will not protect against loss. An ETF may not achieve its stated investment objective. Rebalancing and other activities within the fund may be subject to tax consequences.

An investor should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. This and other important information are contained in the Fund’s prospectus. For a current prospectus, please click the Prospectus link on the Fund’s respective page. The prospectus should be read carefully prior to investing.
Alternative investments, including funds that invest in alternative investments, are risky and may not be suitable for all investors. Alternative investments often employ leveraging and other speculative practices that increase an investor's risk of loss to include complete loss of investment, often charge high fees, and can be highly illiquid and volatile. Alternative investments may lack diversification, involve complex tax structures and have delays in reporting important tax information. Registered and unregistered alternative investments are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as mutual funds.
Please note that Interval Funds are illiquid instruments, hence the ability to trade on your timeline may be restricted. Investors should review the fee schedule for Interval Funds via the prospectus.

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

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: The projections or other information regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results.

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