Mar
05
2024

How Much Will a $350,000 Mortgage Cost You?

By | Family Finances, Home Ownership, mortgage | Comments Off on How Much Will a $350,000 Mortgage Cost You?

Over the life of a $350,000 mortgage with a 7% interest rate, borrowers could expect to pay from $216,229 to $488,233 in total interest, depending on whether they opt for a 15-year or 30-year loan term. But the actual cost of a mortgage depends on several factors, including the interest rate, and whether you have to pay private mortgage insurance.

Besides interest, homebuyers need to account for a down payment, closing costs, and the long-term costs of taxes and insurances that are included in a $350,000 mortgage payment.

First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,
with as little as 3% down.

Cost of a $350,000 Mortgage

When you finance a home purchase, you have to pay back more than the borrowed amount, known as the loan principal. The total cost of taking out a $350,000 mortgage is $838,281 with a 30-year term at a 7% interest rate. This comes out to $488,233 worth of interest, assuming there aren’t any late monthly mortgage payments or pre-payments.

When you buy a home, there are usually some upfront costs you’ll have to pay, too. Mortgages often require a down payment, calculated as a percentage of home purchase price, that’s paid out of pocket to secure financing from a lender. The required amount varies by loan type and lender, but average down payments range from 3% – 20%.

Closing costs, including home inspections, appraisals, and attorney fees, represent another upfront cost for real estate transactions. They typically sum up to 3% to 6% of the loan principal, or $10,500 to $21,000 on a $350,000 mortgage.

The total down payment on $350,000 mortgages also impacts the total cost of taking out a home loan. Unless buyers put 20% or more down on a home purchase, they’ll have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) with their monthly mortgage payment. The annual cost of PMI is generally between 0.5% – 1.5% of the loan principal. Borrowers can get out of paying PMI with a mortgage refinance or when they reach 20% equity in their home. If this is your first time in the housing market, consider reading up on tips to qualify for a mortgage.


💡 Quick Tip: When house hunting, don’t forget to lock in your home mortgage loan rate so there are no surprises if your offer is accepted.

Monthly Payments for a $350,000 Mortgage

The monthly payment on a $350K mortgage won’t always be the same amount. You’ll need to factor in your down payment, interest rate, and loan term to estimate your $350,000 mortgage monthly payment.

With a 30-year loan term and 7% interest rate, borrowers can expect to pay around $2,328 a month. Whereas a 15-year term at the same rate would have a monthly payment of approximately $3,146. However, these estimates only account for the loan principal and interest. Monthly mortgage payments also include taxes and insurances, but these costs can differ considerably by location and based on a home’s assessed value.

There are also different types of mortgages to consider. Whether you opt for a fixed vs adjustable-rate mortgage, for instance, will affect your monthly payment.

To get a clearer idea of what your monthly payment might be with different down payments and loan terms, try using a mortgage calculator.

Recommended: Best Affordable Places to Live in the U.S.

Where to Get a $350,000 Mortgage

Homebuyers have many options in terms of lenders, including banks, credit unions, mortgage brokers, and online lenders.

The homebuying process can be stressful, so it may be tempting to go with the first mortgage offer you receive. However, shopping around and getting loan estimates from multiple lenders lets you choose the one that’s the most competitive and cost-effective.

Even a fraction of a percentage point difference on an interest rate can add up to thousands in savings over the life of a mortgage. Besides the interest rate, assess the fees, terms, and closing costs when comparing mortgage offers.

Recommended: Home Loan Help Center

What to Consider Before Applying for a $350,000 Mortgage

When taking out a mortgage, it’s important to consider the total cost of the loan. You’ll need cash on hand for a down payment and closing costs, plus sufficient income and funds to cover the monthly payment and other homeownership costs.

Before applying for a $350,000 mortgage, crunching the numbers in a housing affordability calculator can give a better understanding of how these costs will work with your finances.

It’s also helpful to see how $350,000 mortgage monthly payments are applied to the loan interest and principal over the life of the loan. The majority of the monthly mortgage payment goes toward interest rather than paying off the loan principal, as demonstrated by the amortization schedules below.

Here’s the mortgage amortization schedule for a 30-year $350,000 mortgage with a 7% interest rate — which would amount to $488,233 in interest. For comparison, we’ve also included the mortgage amortization schedule for a 15-year $350,000 mortgage with a 7% interest rate. A $350,000 mortgage payment, 15 years’ out, would add up to $216,229 in interest. When weighing a 30-year vs 15-year loan term, the shorter loan term carries a higher monthly payment but less than half the total interest over the life of the loan.

Amortization Schedule, 30-year Mortgage at 7%

Year Beginning Balance Total Interest Paid Total Principal Paid Remaining Balance
1 $350,000 $24,386 $3,555 $346,425
2 $346,425 $24,129 $3,812 $342,613
3 $342,613 $23,853 $4,088 $338,525
4 $338,525 $23,558 $4,383 $334,142
5 $334,142 $23,241 $4,700 $329,442
6 $329,442 $22,901 $5,040 $324,402
7 $324,402 $22,537 $5,404 $318,998
8 $318,998 $22,146 $5,795 $313,203
9 $313,203 $21,717 $6,214 $306,989
10 $306,989 $21,278 $6,663 $300,326
11 $300,326 $20,796 $7,145 $293,182
12 $293,182 $20,280 $7,661 $285,520
13 $285,520 $19,726 $8,215 $277,306
14 $277,306 $19,132 $8,809 $268,497
15 $268,497 $18,496 $9,446 $259,051
16 $259,051 $17,813 $10,128 $248,923
17 $248,923 $17,081 $10,861 $238,062
18 $238,062 $16,295 $11,646 $226,417
19 $226,417 $15,454 $12,488 $213,929
20 $213,929 $14,551 $13,390 $200,539
21 $200,539 $13,583 $14,358 $186,181
22 $186,181 $12,545 $15,396 $170,784
23 $170,784 $11,432 $16,509 $154,275
24 $154,275 $10,238 $17,703 $136,573
25 $136,573 $8,959 $18,982 $117,590
26 $117,590 $7,586 $20,355 $97,236
27 $97,236 $6,115 $21,826 $75,409
28 $75,409 $4,537 $23,404 $52,006
29 $52,006 $2,845 $25,096 $26,910
30 $26,910 $1,031 $26,910 $0

Amortization Schedule, 15-year Mortgage at 7%

Year Beginning Balance Total Interest Paid Total Principal Paid Remaining Balance
1 $350,000 $24,065 $13,684 $336,296
2 $336,296 $23,076 $14,673 $321,624
3 $321,624 $22,015 $15,733 $305,890
4 $305,890 $20,878 $16,871 $289,020
5 $289,020 $19,658 $18,090 $270,929
6 $270,929 $18,351 $19,398 $251,531
7 $251,531 $16,948 $20,800 $230,731
8 $230,731 $15,445 $22,304 $208,427
9 $208,427 $13,832 $23,916 $184,510
10 $184,510 $12,103 $25,645 $158,865
11 $158,865 $10,249 $27,499 $131,366
12 $131,366 $8,261 $29,487 $101,879/td>
13 $101,879 $6,130 $31,619 $70,260
14 $70,260 $3,844 $33,904 $36,355
15 $36,355 $1,393 $36,355 $0

Recommended: The Cost of Living By State

How to Get a $350,000 Mortgage

To qualify for a $350,000 mortgage, borrowers will need to meet the income, credit, and down payment requirements. It’s also important to have an adequate budget for long-term housing costs and other financial goals and obligations like savings and debt.

Using the 28/36 rule, a monthly mortgage payment shouldn’t be more than 28% of your monthly gross income and 36% of your total debt to be considered affordable. With a $2,328 monthly mortgage payment, you’d need a minimum gross monthly income of at least $8,300, or annual income of $96,600, to follow the 28% rule. Similarly, your total debt could not exceed $660 to keep housing and debt costs from surpassing 36%.

Home mortgage loans, with the exception of certain government-backed loans, require a minimum credit score of 620 to qualify. However, a higher credit score can help secure more competitive rates. If you qualify as a first-time homebuyer, you could get a FHA loan with a credit score of 500 or higher, though borrowers with a credit score below 580 will have to make a 10% down payment.

As mentioned above, it’s a good idea to compare lenders and loan types to find the most favorable rate and loan terms. From there, getting preapproved for a home loan is a logical next step to determine the loan amount and interest rate you qualify for. It also puts you in a better position to demonstrate you’re a serious buyer when making an offer on a property.

After putting in an offer, completing the mortgage application requires many of the same forms used for preapproval, plus an earnest money deposit.


💡 Quick Tip: Generally, the lower your debt-to-income ratio, the better loan terms you’ll be offered. One way to improve your ratio is to increase your income (hello, side hustle!). Another way is to consolidate your debt and lower your monthly debt payments.

The Takeaway

Buying a home is the largest purchase many Americans make in their lifetime. How much you’ll end up paying for a $350,000 mortgage depends on the interest rate and loan term. On a $350,000 mortgage, the monthly payment can range from $2,328 to $3,146 based on these factors.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.

SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.

FAQ

How much is a $350K mortgage a month?

The cost of a $350,000 monthly mortgage payment is influenced by the loan term and interest rate. On a $350K mortgage with 7% interest, the monthly payment ranges from $2,328 to $3,146 depending on the loan term.

How much income is required for $350,000 mortgage?

Income requirements can vary by lender. But using the 28/36 rule, a borrower who isn’t burdened by lots of other debts should make $99,600 a year to afford the monthly payment on a $350,000 mortgage.

How much is a down payment on a $350,000 mortgage?

The down payment amount depends on the loan type and lender terms. FHA loans require down payments of 3.5% or 10%, while buyers could qualify for a conventional loan with as little as 3% down.

Can I afford a $350K house with a $70K salary?

It may be possible to afford a $350,000 house with a $70,000 salary, but only if you are able to make a sizable down payment to lessen the amount of money you need to borrow. Having a good credit score and minimal debt would also better your chances.

Photo credit: iStock/sturti

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information.

*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

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

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

¹FHA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by FHA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. FHA loans require an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP), which may be financed or paid at closing, in addition to monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP). Maximum loan amounts vary by county. The minimum FHA mortgage down payment is 3.5% for those who qualify financially for a primary purchase. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.

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Mar
05
2024
Guide to Employee Stock Ownership Plans

Guide To Employee Stock Ownership Plans

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing, Preparing for Retirement, Terminology | Comments Off on Guide To Employee Stock Ownership Plans

You may have come across the term “ESOP” and wondered, what does ESOP stand for? An employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) is a type of defined contribution plan that allows workers to own shares of their company’s stock. While these plans are covered by many of the same rules and regulations that apply to 401(k) plans, an ESOP uses a different approach to help employees fund their retirement.

The National Center for Employee Ownership estimates that there are approximately 6,533 ESOPs covering nearly 15 million workers in the U.S. But what is an employee stock ownership plan exactly? How is an ESOP a defined contribution plan? And how does it work?

If you have access to this type of retirement plan through your company, it’s important to understand the ESOP meaning and where it might fit into your retirement strategy.

What Is an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)?

An ESOP as defined by the IRS is “an IRC section 401(a) qualified defined contribution plan that is a stock bonus plan or a stock bonus/money purchase plan.” (IRC stands for Internal Revenue Code.) So what is ESOP in simpler terms? It’s a type of retirement plan that allows you to own shares of your company’s stock.

Though both ESOPs and 401(k)s are qualified retirement plans, the two are different in terms of how they are funded and what you’re investing in. For example, while employee contributions to an ESOP are allowed, they’re not required. Plus, you can have an ESOP and a 401(k) if your employer offers one. According to the ESOP Association, 93.6% of employers who offer an ESOP also offer a 401(k) plan for workers who are interested in investing for retirement.

💡 Quick Tip: Before opening an investment account, know your investment objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance. These fundamentals will help keep your strategy on track and with the aim of meeting your goals.

How Employee Stock Ownership Plans Work

In creating an ESOP, the company establishes a trust fund for the purpose of holding new shares of stock or cash to buy existing shares of stock in the company. The company may also borrow money with which to purchase shares. Unlike employee stock options, with an ESOP employees don’t purchase shares themselves.

Shares held in the trust are divided among employee accounts. The percentage of shares held by each employee may be based on their pay or another formula, as decided by the employer. Employees assume ownership of these shares according to a vesting schedule. Once an employee is fully vested, which must happen within three to six years, they own 100% of the shares in their account.

ESOP Distributions and Upfront Costs

When an employee changes jobs, retires, or leaves the company for any other reason, the company has to buy back the shares in their account at fair market value (if a private company) or at the current sales price (if a publicly-traded company). Depending on how the ESOP is structured, the payout may take the form of a lump sum or be spread over several years.

For employees, there are typically no upfront costs for an ESOP.

Get a 1% IRA match on rollovers and contributions.

Double down on your retirement goals with a 1% match on every dollar you roll over and contribute to a SoFi IRA.1

1Terms and conditions apply. Roll over a minimum of $20K to receive the 1% match offer. Matches on contributions are made up to the annual limits.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan Examples

A number of companies use employee stock ownership plans alongside or in place of 401(k) plans to help employees save for retirement, and there are a variety of employee stock ownership plan examples. Some of the largest companies that are at least 50% employee-owned through an ESOP include:

•   Publix Super Markets

•   WinCo Foods

•   Amsted Industries

•   Brookshire Grocery Company

•   Houchens Industries

•   Performance Contracting, Inc.

•   Parsons

•   Davey Tree Expert

•   W.L. Gore & Associates

•   HDR, Inc.

Seven of the companies on this list are 100% employee-owned, meaning they offer no other retirement plan option. Employee stock ownership plans are popular among supermarkets but they’re also used in other industries, including engineering, manufacturing, and construction.

Pros & Cons of ESOP Plans

ESOPs are attractive to employees as part of a benefits package, and can also yield some tax benefits for employers. Whether this type of retirement savings plan is right for you, however, can depend on your investment goals, your long-term career plans, and your needs in terms of how long your savings will last. Here are some of the employee stock ownership plans pros and cons.

Pros of ESOP Plans

With an ESOP, employees get the benefit of:

•   Shares of company stock purchased on their behalf, with no out-of-pocket investment

•   Fair market value for those shares when they leave the company

•   No taxes owed on contributions

•   Dividend reinvestment, if that’s offered by the company

An ESOP can be an attractive savings option for employees who may not be able to make a regular payroll deduction to a 401(k) or similar plan. You can still grow wealth for retirement as you’re employed by the company, without having to pay anything from your own pocket.

Cons of ESOP Plans

In terms of downsides, there are a few things that might make employees think twice about using an ESOP for retirement savings. Here are some of the potential drawbacks to consider:

•   Distributions can be complicated and may take time to process

•   You’ll owe income tax on distributions

•   If you change jobs means you’ll only be able to keep the portion of your ESOP that you’re vested in

•   ESOPs only hold shares of company stocks so there’s no room for diversification

Pros and Cons of ESOP Plan Side-by-Side Comparison

Pros Cons

•   Shares of company stock purchased on employees’ behalf, with no out-of-pocket investment

•   Fair market value for those shares when they leave the company

•   No taxes owed on contributions

•   Dividend reinvestment, if that’s offered by the company

•   Distributions can be complicated and may take time to process

•   You’ll owe income tax on those distributions

•   Changing jobs means you’ll only be able to keep the portion of your ESOP that you’re vested in

•   ESOPs only hold shares of company stocks so there’s no room for diversification

By comparison, a 401(k) could offer more flexibility in terms of what you invest in and how you access those funds when changing jobs or retiring. But it’s important to remember that the amount you’re able to walk away with in a 401(k) largely hinges on what you contribute during your working years, whereas an ESOP can be funded without you contributing a single penny.

💡 Quick Tip: Did you know that you must choose the investments in your IRA? Once you open a new IRA and start saving, you get to decide which mutual funds, ETFs, or other investments you want — it’s totally up to you.

ESOP Contribution Limits

The IRS sets contribution limits on other retirement plans, and ESOPs are no different. In particular, there are two limits to pay attention to:

•   Limit for determining the lengthening of the five-year distribution period

•   Limit for determining the maximum account balance subject to the five-year distribution period

Like other retirement plan limits, the IRS raises ESOP limits regularly through cost of living adjustments. Here’s how the ESOP compares for 2023 and 2024.

ESOP Limits

 2023

 2024
Limit for determining the lengthening of the five-year distribution period $265,000 $275,000
Limit for determining the maximum account balance subject to the five-year distribution period $1,330,000 $1,380,000

Cashing Out of an ESOP

In most cases, you can cash out of an ESOP only if you retire, leave the company, lose your job, become disabled, or pass away.

Check the specific rules for your plan to find out how the cashing-out process works.

Can You Roll ESOPs Into Other Retirement Plans?

You can roll an ESOP into other retirement plans such as IRAs. However, there are possible tax implications, so you’ll want to plan your rollover carefully.

ESOPs are tax-deferred plans. As long as you roll them over into another tax-deferred plan such as a traditional IRA, within 60 days, you generally won’t have to pay taxes.

However, a Roth IRA is not tax-deferred. In that case, if you roll over some or all of your ESOP into a Roth IRA, you will owe taxes on the amount your shares are worth.

Because rolling over an ESOP can be a complicated process and could involve tax implications, you may want to consult with a financial professional about the best way to do it for your particular situation.

ESOPs vs 401(k) Plans

Although ESOPs and 401(k)s are both retirement plans, the funding and distribution is different for each of them. Both plans have advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of their pros and cons.

ESOP

 401(k)
Pros

•   Money is invested by the company, typically, and requires no contributions from employees.

•   Employees get fair market value for shares when they leave the company.

•   Company may offer dividend reinvestment.

•   Many employers offer matching funds.

•   Choice of options to invest in.

•   Generally easy to get distributions when an employee leaves the company.

Cons

•   ESOPs are invested in company stock only.

•   Value of shares may fall or rise based on the performance of the company.

•   Distribution may be complicated and take time.

•   Some employees may not be able to afford to contribute to the plan.

•   Employees must typically invest a certain amount to qualify for the employer match.

•   Employees are responsible for researching and choosing their investments.

Recommended: Should You Open an IRA If You Already Have a 401(k)?

3 Other Forms of Employee Ownership

An ESOP is just one kind of employee ownership plan. These are some other examples of plans an employer might offer.

Stock options

Stock options allow employees to purchase shares of company stock at a certain price for a specific period of time.

Direct stock purchase plan

With these plans, employees can use their after-tax money to buy shares of the company’s stock. Some direct stock purchase plans may offer the stock at discounted prices.

Restricted stock

In the case of restricted stock, shares of stock may be awarded to employees who meet certain performance goals or metrics.

Investing for Retirement With SoFi

There are different things to consider when starting a retirement fund but it’s important to remember that time is on your side. No matter what type of plan you choose, the sooner you begin setting money aside for retirement, the more room it may have to grow.

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).

Easily manage your retirement savings with a SoFi IRA.

FAQ

Can employees contribute to an ESOP?

In most cases, the employer makes contributions to an ESOP on behalf of employees. Rarely, employers may allow for employee contributions to employee stock ownership plans.

What is the maximum contribution to an ESOP?

The maximum account balance allowed in an employee stock ownership plan is determined by the IRS. For 2024, this limit is $1,380,000, though amounts are increased periodically through cost of living adjustments.

What does ESOP stand for?

ESOP stands for employee stock ownership plan. This is a type of qualified defined contribution plan which allows employees to own shares of their company’s stock.

How does ESOP payout work?

When an employee changes jobs, retires, or leaves the company for any other reason, the company has to buy back the shares in their account at fair market value or at the current sales price, depending if the company is private or publicly-traded. The payout to the employee may take the form of a lump sum or be spread over several years. Check with your ESOP plan for specific information about the payout rules.

Is an ESOP better than a 401(k)?

An ESOP and a 401(k) are both retirement plans, and they each have pros and cons. For instance, the employer generally funds an ESOP while an employee contributes to a 401(k) and the employer may match a portion of those contributions. A 401(k) allows for more investment options, while an ESOP consists of shares of company stock.

It’s possible to have both an ESOP and a 401(k) if your employer gives you that option. Currently, almost 94% of companies that offer ESOPs also offer a 401(k), according to the ESOP Association.

Photo credit: iSTock/pixelfit

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.

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.

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.


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

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Mar
05
2024
What Is an Itemized Deduction?

Guide to Itemized Deductions

By | Budgeting & Goals, Family Finances, money | Comments Off on Guide to Itemized Deductions

Tax deductions enable taxpayers to reduce their total taxable income. That can be a very good thing: It can result in a lower tax bill or, if you had too much withheld through the year, a larger refund.

While most people now take the standard deduction — especially since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 effectively doubled the standard deduction amount — some taxpayers may benefit from itemizing their deductions.

Doing so can be a somewhat complicated and time-consuming process, but it may save you money. Here’s your guide to itemizing deductions; read on to learn:

•  What is an itemized deduction?

•  How do itemized deductions differ from standard deductions?

•  What are examples of itemized deductions?

•  What are the pros and cons of itemizing deductions?

What Is an Itemized Deduction?

Itemized deductions are a strategy to lower your adjusted gross income for a tax year. Rather than taking a set standard deduction whose amount is determined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), some taxpayers choose to calculate all deductions for which they’re eligible. They can then decrease their taxable income by that amount.

It’s worthwhile for some taxpayers to do the math and see how much they can reduce their tax bill by itemizing. That said, many may realize they can actually reduce their taxable income more by taking the standard deduction. Why? The standard deduction is much larger than it used to be since the passing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act at the end of 2017.

For the 2023 tax year (filing in 2024), the standard deduction is:

•  $13,850 for single tax filers

•  $20,800 for heads of household

•  $27,700 for married couples filing jointly

Almost everyone can take the standard deduction — and there’s a lot less math and paperwork involved. But for a unique set of taxpayers, itemized deductions could yield an even larger tax liability reduction than what the IRS offers through the standard deduction.

💡 Quick Tip: An online bank account with SoFi can help your money earn more — up to 4.20% APY, with no minimum balance required.

Itemized vs. Standard Deduction: What’s the Difference?

So what are the differences between itemized deductions and the standard deduction? Let’s take a look.

•  Dollar amount: The standard deduction is a set amount. If you choose the standard deduction, you cannot reduce your tax liability further by tacking on itemized deductions. When itemizing, the amount by which you reduce your tax burden varies depending on your unique tax situation. In nearly every case, it only makes sense to itemize if the resulting deduction is larger than the standard deduction or if you aren’t eligible to take the standard deduction.

•  Process: Claiming the standard deduction is straightforward. You don’t need to produce receipts and sort through expenses. If you itemize, you’ll need to educate yourself about all the deductions for which you qualify, produce the proof that you qualify in case of a tax audit, and fill out what is known as Schedule A on your tax return.

•  Eligibility: Anyone can itemize their deductions, but the standard deduction has a few exceptions. For example, if you’re married but filing separately and your spouse itemizes, you must itemize as well. While almost everyone is eligible to take the standard deduction, it never hurts to check with the IRS or your accountant to ensure eligibility.

Recommended: How to Pay Less Taxes: 9 Simple Steps

How Do Itemized Deductions Work?

Now that you know what itemized deductions vs. standard ones are, consider a more specific example of how they work.

Itemized deductions reduce your overall tax liability, just like the standard deduction. The catch? You can only take the itemized deductions for which you’re eligible. If you can cobble together enough itemized deductions to equal a larger tax-liability reduction than the standard amount, it could be worth itemizing.

As an example, let’s assume your gross income was $100,000.

•  The standard deduction for this income is $13,850 for single filers, so your taxable income would be $86,150.

•  Let’s suppose your itemized deductions are worth $20,000. It will lower your taxable income to $80,000.

Because your itemized deductions are greater than the standard deduction, it makes sense to itemize. Doing so will lower your taxable income and can thereby reduce the taxes you pay.

While it may take longer to calculate your deductions and prepare your tax return, it may make good financial sense to keep that extra cash in your pocket (or savings account, as the case may be).

Types of Itemized Deductions

The IRS offers an extensive list of potential itemized tax deductions, but you’ll probably only qualify for a handful. Here are a few of the most common:

•  Property tax deduction

•  Mortgage interest deduction

•  Charitable contribution deduction

•  Deduction of state and local sales taxes

•  Deduction of certain medical and dental expenses

While the IRS used to have a long list of miscellaneous deductions — from moving expenses to unreimbursed job expenses to tax preparation fees — many of these disappeared with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Independent contractors may want to consider itemizing; check out the tax deductions for freelancers to see which ones you may qualify for. As you itemize your business expenses, pay attention to the home office tax deduction, as well as how much you spend on office supplies, travel, and other business-related expenses. Make sure to keep good documentation of what you’ve paid.

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How to Claim an Itemized Deduction

To claim itemized tax deductions on your return, you’ll need to fill out IRS Schedule A with your Form 1040. Here’s what that process looks like:

1.   Research itemized deductions. It’s helpful to know which deductions you qualify for — and to gather up necessary documentation to enter in all the information beforehand. Preparing for tax season can make the process go much more smoothly!

2.   Fill out Schedule A. You’ll enter in all your expenses and add them up to get your total deduction.

3.   Compare it to the standard deduction. Before copying that total over to your Form 1040, it’s wise to reference the standard deduction for your filing status this year. Once you’re sure that the itemized deduction can yield larger savings, you can write down the number on Form 1040 and continue filing your taxes.

While the process sounds straightforward, it can be difficult to find out which deductions you’re eligible for and how to tabulate all your expenses. If you’re unsure, it may be a good idea to work with an accountant or at least professional tax preparation software.

Recommended: How to File Taxes for the First Time

Pros and Cons of Itemized Deductions

So what are the benefits and drawbacks of itemizing your deductions? Let’s take a look.

Pro: Itemizing could help lower your taxable income and save you more money than the standard deduction.
Con: Given changes to tax law a few years back, there’s a good chance you may save more with the standard deduction.
Pro: Because you’re writing off certain expenses and know which expenses are deductible, you may be more prudent with your spending habits throughout the year.
Con: Itemizing can involve a lot more paperwork and effort. It can be confusing, and you must make sure you’re only itemizing deductions for which you actually qualify to avoid trouble with the IRS.

The Takeaway

Most people will likely save more money on their taxes with the standard deduction, but depending on your scenario, you could see a greater reduction in your tax liability by itemizing. If you have the time, it may be worth it to go through the process of itemizing, just to see if you could save money. If you can, great! And if not, the standard deduction also offers great savings.

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FAQ

Can anyone itemize a deduction?

All taxpayers are permitted to itemize deductions, but the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has made it less attractive to itemize for many Americans. Why? The standard deduction essentially doubled in size, while fewer expenses became eligible for itemizing.

Still, it may be worth calculating your itemized deductions to see if you can save more than you would with the standard deduction.

What are some things that you cannot itemize?

Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, there are fewer things that you can itemize on your tax return. Even some popular deductions that people used to take are no longer eligible, including moving expenses, tax preparation fees, and unreimbursed business expenses.

Many deductions have a lot of fine print — both for inclusion and exclusion — so it’s a good idea to work with an accountant or professional tax preparation software to determine what counts as an itemized deduction.

Do you need proof for itemized deductions?

Generally, you should have proof for expenses that you are claiming as an itemized deduction. Such documentation would prove that you paid the expenses and that they were eligible for the deduction. The IRS calls this the burden of proof.

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As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.20% 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 4.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

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

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

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/31/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

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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.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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


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Mar
04
2024

How to Manage Student Loan Debt: 9 Tips

By | Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off on How to Manage Student Loan Debt: 9 Tips

More than half of college students graduate with some debt. The average federal student loan debt balance is $37,718, while the total average balance (including private loan debt) may be as high as $40,499, according to the Education Data Initiative.

While those numbers may look daunting, keep in mind that you typically don’t need to start repaying your student loans until six months after you graduate. What’s more, lenders (both federal and private) generally offer a number of repayment options that can make managing student loan debt easier.

Here’s a look at nine tips and strategies that can make repaying your student loans as stress-free as possible.

1. Understand Your Total Debt

Before you can determine the best way to manage student loan debt, you’ll want to get a full picture of what you owe. You may graduate with several loans, both federal and private, and the interest rate may be different depending on when you took out the loan.

You can find your federal student loan balances by logging into your account at StudentAid.gov. For private student loan balances, you can contact your loan servicer or check your credit report (you can request a free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com ).


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2. Know Your Repayment Terms

Know Your Student Loan Repayment Terms

In addition to your unpaid balances for each student loan, there are other repayment factors that impact your payoff strategy. This includes each loan’s:

•   Term Your repayment term is the amount of time until you get out of student loan debt, if you follow your original repayment plan.

•   Interest rates This is the cost of financing. While federal student loan rates are the same for every borrower, private student loan rates range based on the lender, the type of interest rate (fixed or variable), and the borrower’s credit score.

•   Grace period Many student loans offer a grace period, which is the length of time that you have after graduation before you need to start paying back your loans. Often the grace period is six months after you graduate or drop below half-time attendance.

Recommended: Average Student Loan Debt

3. Determine if You Qualify for Loan Forgiveness

If you have federal student loans, you could be eligible for certain debt forgiveness programs. These programs can wipe away all or a portion of your student debt after you’ve satisfied certain repayment and eligibility criteria. Some pathways to forgiveness include:

•   Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Under PSLF, government and nonprofit workers may be eligible to see the remaining balance of their federal student loan debt forgiven after making 120 qualifying payments. You can use the government’s PSLF help tool to see whether you work for a qualifying employer and generate your PSLF form.

•   Income-driven repayment (IDR) An income-driven repayment plan sets your monthly student loan payment at an amount that is intended to be affordable based on your income. If your federal student loans aren’t fully repaid at the end of the repayment period (which may be 20 or 25 years), any remaining loan balance is forgiven.

•   Teacher Loan Forgiveness Teachers who work full time for five consecutive academic years at a low-income school may be eligible for up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness. To qualify, you must meet the FSA’s requirements as a highly qualified teacher.

4. Select a Repayment Plan That Works for You

Depending on the type of student loan you have, you may be able to choose from a variety of different repayment plans. Loans in the federal system offer access to a set list of repayment options, while private loan repayment plans vary. Choosing a payment plan that works with your budget can make it much easier to deal with student loan debt.

Private Student Loan Repayment Options

Student Loan Repayment Options

When you take out a private student loan, you may be able to choose between several different repayment plans. These may include:

•   Immediate repayment This means you’ll make full monthly payments while you’re still in school.

•   Interest-only repayment Here, you’ll pay only the interest on your loan while you’re still in school.

•   Partial interest repayment With this plan, you’ll make a fixed monthly payment while you’re in school that only covers part of the interest you owe.

•   Full deferment If you go this route, you pay nothing while you’re enrolled in school. However, your loan balance will grow during that time due to accruing interest.

You may also be able to choose your loan repayment term, such as five, 10, or 15 years. Picking a shorter repayment term can help you save on interest (it may also help you qualify for a lower interest rate), but may mean a higher monthly payment.

Once you pick a repayment plan, you generally can’t change it after the fact. However, if you experience a financial hardship, the lender may agree to temporarily lower your payments, waive a payment, or shift to interest-only payments.

Federal Loan Repayment Options

All federal student loans are on the Standard Repayment Plan (which is a 10-year fixed payment repayment plan) by default. However, you can request to enroll in other plans, such as:

•   IDR Plan Income-driven repayment (IDR) plans base your monthly payment amount on how much money you make and your family size. The four IDR options are: Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Income-Based Repayment (IBR), and Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR). Depending on the plan, your payment is reduced to 10% to 20% of your discretionary income. After satisfying a certain number of months of qualifying payments on an IDR plan, you can get the remaining balance of your loan forgiven.

•   Graduated Repayment Plan With this option, payments are lower at first and then increase, usually every two years. Payment amounts are designed to ensure your loans are paid off within 10 years (or within 10 to 30 years for Consolidation Loans).

•   Extended Repayment Plan With this plan, your payments can be fixed or graduated and your loan term is stretched to 25 years.

5. Consider Consolidating or Refinancing Your Loans

If you have multiple federal student loans, even if they are with different loan servicers, you may be able to combine them into one loan with a single monthly payment through a Direct Consolidation Loan. This can simplify loan repayment and make it easier to manage student loan debt by giving you a single loan with one monthly bill.

Whether you have federal, private, or both types of loans, you might consider refinancing your student loans with one private student loan, ideally with a lower interest rate and/or better repayment terms. This can simplify repayment and could also help you save money. Just keep in mind that if you opt for a longer long term, you can end up paying more in total interest. Also be aware that if you refinance federal loans to private, you may lose some benefits, such as student loan forgiveness and IDR plans.

Recommended: What Happens if You Just Stop Paying Your Student Loans

6. Ask Your Employer About Student Loan Assistance

Many employers are now offering student loan repayment assistance or tuition reimbursement as a way to recruit and retain top employees.

And starting in 2024, employers will be able to pair student loan repayment with contributions to a traditional 401(k) plan. With this benefit, an employer matches a worker’s student loan payments as if they were payments to a qualified retirement plan, even if they don’t contribute to the company’s retirement plan.

The upshot: It can be worth asking your employer if they have any repayment assistance — or are planning to offer it in the future.

Recommended: Jobs that Pay for Your College Degree

7. Explore Payoff Strategies

Whatever type of student loan repayment plan you have, there are steps you can take on your own to help manage your student loan debt, and even speed up repayment. Here are two effective strategies to consider:

•   Making extra payments toward principal If you have any extra cash to spare after you make your minimum monthly loan payment(s), consider putting it directly toward lowering your principal balance. Doing this can help you reduce the amount of debt you owe, pay off your loans faster, and save you money on interest over time. Just be sure to tell your lender in writing that your extra payment should go toward the principal and not toward future payments.

•   Avalanche repayment method This can be useful if you have multiple student loans. With this approach, you make minimum student loan payments on all your loans and then direct any extra money toward the loan with the highest interest rate. Once that loan is paid off, you funnel your extra funds to the loan with the next-highest rate until that debt is paid off, and so on until all your student debts are gone. This payoff method can speed up loan repayment and also save you money.

8. Take Advantage of Lender-Specific Benefits

Some student loan lenders offer certain benefits to their borrowers. For example, federal, as well as many private, lenders offer a discount on the interest rate if you agree to set up your payments to be automatically withdrawn from your checking account each month.

In addition, some private lenders offer specific borrower perks, such as a one-time cash reward if you get above a certain GPA or the ability to earn reward points that you can then use to lower your monthly payments. It’s a good idea to learn about — and take advantage of — any repayment benefits your lender offers. This can make it easier to handle your student loan debt after you graduate.

💡 Quick Tip: Need a private student loan to cover your school bills? Because approval for a private student loan is based on creditworthiness, a cosigner may help a student get loan approval and a lower rate.

9. Budget Your Finances Accordingly

No matter the amount or type of student debt you have, a key way to manage repayment is to set up a basic budget. While that may sound complicated, it’s actually a relatively simple process.

The first step is to figure out how much money you have coming in each month (like your income after taxes and any help you may receive from your parents). Next, make a list of all your fixed monthly expenses, such as rent, utilities, phone/cable bill, food, and minimum payments due on loans, including your student loans.

You then subtract your fixed costs from your total income. Whatever is left is your disposable income — the money you have to spend on things like eating out, movies, other entertainment, and clothing.

Going through this exercise can help ensure you have enough funds to make your loan payments each month and avoid getting hit with late fees or, worse, defaulting on your student loans.

The Takeaway

There’s no one right way to handle student loan debt. Federal student loan borrowers have access to many student loan repayment strategies that can make paying off your debt more manageable. Private lenders typically also offer several different repayment options and sometimes even forbearance or deferment for borrowers who run into financial difficulty making payments.

No matter what type of student debt you have, you can utilize smart repayment strategies (such as making extra payments towards principal or using the avalanche repayment method) to pay off your loans faster and save money on interest.

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. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

FAQ

How to pay off 70K in student loans?

There are many ways to pay off $70,000 in student loans, depending on the type of loans you have and repayment goals.

If you have federal student loans, you might sign up for an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan. With these plans, your payments are based on your income — typically 10% to 20% of your discretionary income. In addition, you could have any remaining balance forgiven after 20 to 25 years, depending on the plan.

For any type of student loan (federal or private), you might consider refinancing. This involves taking out a new private student loan and using it to pay off your existing student loans. Depending on your credit, you might get a lower interest rate, which could save you money on interest. You might also be able to shorten your loan term, and pay off your loans faster.

What is the best student loan repayment method?

The best repayment method for you depends on the type of student loans you have, your repayment goals, and your current financial situation.

If you’re looking to repay your loans as quickly as possible, you might consider paying interest while you’re in school and then, after you graduate, making extra payments toward the principal whenever you can. Another way to potentially pay off your loans faster is to refinance. This may allow you to lower your interest rate and/or shorten your repayment term.

What age group holds the most student loan debt?

Borrowers between age 30 and 39 hold the most student debt, with an average student loan balance of $42,748, according to the Education Data Initiative.

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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.

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

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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Mar
04
2024
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Applying for Economic Hardship Deferment

By | Fresh Out of School, Student Loans, student_loan | No Comments

Managing student loan payments can feel like a part-time job. It can be even more overwhelming if you’re experiencing financial trouble, whether that’s due to a job layoff, caring for a family member, or for another reason.

The good news is there are options available to those going through a rough financial patch, including the Economic Hardship Deferment program. But even then, it can be difficult to navigate all of the information on which deferment program you may be eligible to apply for based on the reason for your hardship and the type of student loans you have. So that’s what we’re going to discuss today.

Economic Hardship Deferment, also known as student loan financial hardship, is a program offered in certain cases on federal student loans for borrowers who are eligible and having an exceedingly difficult time making their student loan payments for financial reasons.

Below, we’ll discuss the Economic Hardship Deferment program and what it means for you and your loans, who qualifies to make a hardship claim for student loans, how to apply for the program, and whether it’s the right path for you. We’ll also cover alternatives to Economic Hardship Deferment.

What Is Economic Hardship Deferment?

Student loan deferment allows you to reduce or pause your student loan payments for a designated period of time. An Economic Hardship Deferment is awarded to those who are facing serious financial trouble, as determined by factors such as monthly income and family size.

Those approved for the program can take up to 36 consecutive months of deferment so long as they still meet the qualifications. All participants (except those in the Peace Corps) need to reapply each year.

An important distinction to understand is whether your loans will qualify for a deferment period where interest will accrue, or one where interest does not accrue. Generally, loans that are subsidized will not accrue interest during deferment, whereas an unsubsidized loan will.

In the event your loan qualifies for deferment but will continue to accrue interest, you’ll usually have two options: Make interest-only payments on the loan, or allow interest charges to rack up.

When you allow interest charges to accumulate on an unsubsidized loan, that interest will be tallied up and added to the balance of the loan at the end of the period. This is a process called “capitalization.”

Not only will you have a new, larger balance to pay off, but any future interest payments will be calculated on top of the new, higher balance, meaning you’re paying interest on top of interest. All else equal, the result is that your monthly payments will likely be even higher than they are now.

Which Loans Qualify for Economic Hardship Deferment?

This is a federal loan program, and not all federal loans qualify. Here are a few examples of loans that may qualify (and check the link below for a full, updated list of eligible loans):

•  National Direct Student Loans (NDSL Loans)

•  Federal Family Education Loans (FEEL Loans)

•  Federal Stafford Loans

•  Federal Perkins Loans

•  Federal Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS Loans)

•  Federal PLUS Loans

•  Federal Consolidation Loans

•  National Defense Student Loans

The Economic Hardship Deferment program is typically available for loans borrowed on or after July 1, 1993.

The Economic Hardship Deferment program is only available for federal student loans, so private loans borrowed through independent financial institutions won’t qualify. However, some private lenders offer their own hardship programs. If your lender offers such a program, they will have their own unique qualifications and application process.

It certainly doesn’t hurt to ask if you are in a difficult financial situation. Remember, lenders don’t want you to default on your loans, and are often willing to work with borrowers to find some sort of solution. With both federal and private loans, never hesitate to call the lender, discuss your situation, and explore options.

Who Qualifies for Economic Hardship Deferment?

To make a hardship claim for student loans, you will have to fill out paperwork and provide documentation proving that you are experiencing financial hardship. Some of the eligibility criteria for an Economic Hardship Deferment will depend on your income, family size, and the poverty income guidelines for your family size in the state where you live (150% of the state poverty level or less). It will also depend on what percentage your student loan payment is of your monthly adjusted gross income.

To qualify for Economic Hardship Deferment, you will need to provide personal information such as your name, Social Security number, and address. You’ll also need to know what type of loan you are requesting economic hardship deferment for.

Here are some examples of what you may need to prove to the loan servicer evaluating your eligibility for deferment:

  1. You’ve already been granted Economic Hardship Deferment on loans made under another federal student loan program.

  2. You’re receiving payments under a federal or state public assistance program during the time in which you request your loan deferment. Examples of such programs include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Food Stamps/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or other forms of state assistance.

  3. You are serving as a Peace Corp volunteer.

  4. You work full-time (30 hours per week) and your monthly income does not exceed 150% of the poverty guideline for your family size and state.

Here’s how to tell if you meet this last guideline: First, determine your family size. This includes you, your spouse, any children who receive more than half of their support from you, any unborn children who are to be born during the deferment period, and anyone else living with you for whom you provide at least half of their support.

Next, find your family size on the following table, and compare it to your annual income (divide by 12 to get your average monthly income).

Family Size   Alaska     Hawaii     All Other States  
1 $18,210 $16,770 $14,580
2 $24,640 $22,680 $19,720
3 $31,070 $28,590 $24,860
4 $37,500 $34,500 $30,000
5 $43,930 $40,410 $35,140
6 $50,360 $46,320 $40,280
7 $56,790 $52,230 $45,420
8 $63,220 $58,140 $50,560
Each additional person, add $6,430 $5,910 $5,140

These figures are from 2023 and are subject to change annually.

You are likely to qualify for the student loan financial hardship program as long as you meet one of these prerequisites. If that is the case, and you would like to pursue the option, contact your lender or student loan servicer. Tell them you would like to apply for Economic Hardship Deferment. At this point, they typically ask you a series of questions and have you fill out an Economic Hardship Deferment Request form.

Pros and Cons of Economic Hardship Deferment

Pros

For someone who is in desperate need of reprieve from their student loan payments, the program can be a godsend. You may want to consider taking advantage of this program if the alternative is defaulting on student loans, which can have a long-lasting, detrimental effect on your credit score and history.

If your loans are subsidized, there is no cost to taking an Economic Hardship Deferment.

Periods of deferment are provided to borrowers who need time to find a job, increase their income, or recover from the many myriad of life events that could leave someone in a place of need. There is no shame in this, whatsoever, but it’s a great idea to use the deferment period to work on rebuilding.

Cons

With unsubsidized loans, taking a period of deferment will make the loans in question cost more over time. Even if you make interest payments during your deferment, you aren’t chipping away at the principal, and so all of those payments are essentially a wash. If you don’t make interest payments, the total value of those unpaid interest payments will be slapped on top of the loan balance, increasing your loan balance and the amount you’ll owe in interest, over time.

When the period of deferment ends, your monthly payment will likely be higher than it is now, which may be difficult for someone who is already experiencing financial hardship. Use the program if you need it, but know it can come with some costs in the long term.

It is also extremely difficult to qualify for Economic Hardship Deferment. The program utilizes stringent criteria to determine eligibility with income review using poverty level guidelines as noted above. (For example, a single person working full-time and earning $20,000 per year and living in California who is not already on food stamps or other forms of government assistance would probably not qualify for Economic Hardship Deferment.) This makes the program unavailable to many people who are legitimately having difficulty making their loan payments.

Alternatives to Economic Hardship Deferment

Forbearance

If you do not qualify for Economic Hardship Deferment, an option is to request forbearance. Forbearance is similar to deferment, though interest accrues in all cases, and periods of forbearance generally do not exceed 12 months (and could be shorter). You’ll need to check with your loan servicer to see if you qualify.

Income Driven Repayment Plans

There are four income-driven repayment plans, including the latest SAVE plan, that help make student loan payments more affordable by reducing them to a percentage of your discretionary income. SAVE, for example, caps your payments at 5% to 10% of your income, depending on the types of loans you have. Under other plans, your payments may be capped at anywhere from 10% to 20% of your income.

IDR plans also stretch your repayment timeline out up to 25 years. If you have any debt left over after than, it’s forgiven (though it may be subject to income taxes).

Though your monthly payments will be lower, which provides some immediate relief, you will pay significantly more in interest over time. It is possible to switch to an alternative repayment plan and back again if your financial situation improves.

Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

With 10 years of on-time payments at a qualifying job (like a government worker, a teacher, a doctor, or nurse at a qualifying facility), it is possible to have student loans forgiven with the PSLF program. If you go this route, you’ll usually want to switch to an income-driven repayment plan.

Student Loan Refinancing

Another option to consider for both your federal and private student loans is student loan refinancing. Refinancing is the process of switching out your loan or multiple loans with one new loan at an (ideally) lower rate of interest.

The lower rate of interest could save you money on interest payments over the life of the loan. Use a student loan refinancing calculator to see how lower interest rates affect your monthly payments.

It’s important to know that if you refinance federal loans with a private lender, you will lose access to federal student loan programs such as Economic Hardship Deferment or PSLF.

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

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


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.

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