May
18
2024

What Is a Stock Split? How Does It Affect Investors?

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | No Comments

A skyrocketing share price is usually a good thing for a company; investors expect the company to continue growing in the future. However, a stock trading with a hefty price tag may frighten away smaller investors, who may perceive the stock as too rich for their blood. That means many investors might pass over the company’s stock for other stocks with a lower per share price tag.

To combat this, a company may conduct a stock split. This action brings down the price of the company’s stock so that shares look more attractive to more investors, even though the company’s value remains the same. The idea is that investors can invest, and the company gets more marketability and liquidity on the stock market.

Learn more about a stock split and how it works.

Key Points

•   A stock split is when a company increases the number of its outstanding shares on the stock market, lowering the price per share.

•   Stock splits can make shares more affordable to retail investors and increase liquidity in the market.

•   There are different types of stock splits, including forward stock splits and reverse stock splits.

•   Companies conduct stock splits to make their stock more accessible and increase marketability.

•   Stock splits can have pros such as increased accessibility and liquidity, but also cons such as potential expenses and dilution of ownership.

What Is a Stock Split?

A stock split is when a company increases the number of its outstanding shares on the stock market, which lowers the price of its shares, but its market capitalization (sometimes referred to as market cap) stays the same. This is also known as a forward stock split.

For example, if an investor owns 10 shares of a company with a stock price of $100 and the company announces a 5-to-1 stock split, the investor will then own 50 shares of the stock trading at $20 per share after the stock split. Despite the split, the shareholder still owns $1,000 worth of stock.

A stock split may also be referred to as a one-time stock dividend, since the company is giving out additional shares to stockholders.

What Is a Reverse Stock Split?

In a reverse stock split, a company swaps each outstanding share of the company’s stock for a fraction of a share. A company often conducts a reverse stock split when the share price is low and the company is looking to increase the share price.

For example, in late July 2021, General Electric (GE) completed a 1-for-8 reverse split of its shares to boost the stock’s share price. The reverse split increased its share price from less than $13 pre-split to more than $100 post-split; the company replaced every eight shares held by an investor with one share.

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Types of Stock Splits

A number of different ratios can be used to split a stock. When the bigger number comes first in the ratio (such as 2 for 1) it means that the number of outstanding shares will increase—this is a forward stock split. In other words, the stock split ratio can reveal the number of new shares that will be created.

Here are some common stock split types and what they mean.

5 for 1 (5:1)

With a 5 for 1 stock split, for every one share of stock that currently exists, four new shares will be created, for a total of five shares. The share price will adjust downward accordingly, but the company’s market capitalization will stay the same.

2 for 1 (2:1)

In a 2 for 1 stock split, one new share of stock is created for every share that already exists, for a total of two shares. Again, the price for each share will adjust accordingly. A 2 for 1 stock split is one of the most common stock splits.

3 for 1 (3:1)

With a 3 for 1 split, for every share of existing stock, two more shares of stock are created, for a total of 3 shares.

3 for 2 (3:2)

Another fairly common stock split is the 3 for 2 split. In this case, one new share of stock is created for two already-existing shares, for a total of three shares.

Why Do Companies Conduct Stock Splits?

Companies will often split their stock when the share price gets too high. By splitting the stock, a company lowers its share price and makes it more affordable to retail investors, even though the company’s value stays the same.

For example, retail investors may be more likely to buy a chunk of shares of a stock trading at $20 rather than shares trading at $100 or more. This move to reduce the individual share price helps increase the stock’s liquidity in the market.

Pros and Cons of Stock Splits

There are several potential benefits of stock splits, but there are some possible disadvantages of the practice as well.

Pros

Some advantages of a stock split include:

The stock may become more accessible to more investors.

If a stock’s price is very high, smaller investors may be less likely to buy it. Splitting the stock and making it more affordable can result in more investors purchasing the stock.

The stock may have greater liquidity.

Creating more outstanding shares of the stock can make it easier to buy and sell it. For many investors, greater liquidity means they can more readily access their money by selling the stock if they need the funds. Liquidity is typically an important consideration when building a portfolio.

The stock’s price may rise.

Companies that undergo a stock split often do so because their stock price is rising, signaling investor confidence in the company. So, the announcement of a stock split is an indication that the company is doing well. Investors may want to put money into the company, pushing the share price up even before the stock split.

Following the stock split, the stock’s share price may go up because the lower price makes it more affordable to smaller retail investors that may not be able to purchase shares at, say, a $1,000 price. There becomes an increased demand for the lower share price.

Cons

Stock splits can also have drawbacks, such as:

Expensive and complicated.

In order to conduct a stock split, a company must get legal oversight of the process and meet regulatory requirements, which can be costly. A stock split does not change the company’s market cap, so the company must determine whether a split is worth the expense involved.

May attract too many investors.

A company may prefer to keep ownership of its shares exclusive. However, with a stock split, many more investors may be able to afford to buy the stock, meaning the shares would lose their exclusive equity ownership.

Potential for the share price to drop in the future.

It’s possible that once a stock is split and its share price is reduced, the price might drop even lower in the future, which lowers the value of the stock. For instance, if a company’s performance suffers, the face value of the stock might drop more in response.

Examples of Stock Splits Throughout History

Here are some notable stock splits from the last couple of decades:

•   Apple (AAPL): The computer giant split its stock by a 4-to-1 ratio in August 2020. Prior to the split, the stock was trading at around $500. After the split, the stock traded at about $124.

•   Netflix (NFLX): The entertainment company announced a 7-to-1 stock split in July 2015. Before the split, the stock was trading at nearly $800 per share. After the split, the stock traded at about $114.

•   Nike (NKE): The sports apparel company split its stock by a 2-to-1 ratio in December 2015. Prior to the split, the stock was trading at around $128 per share. After the split the stock traded at about $64 per share.

•   Nvidia (NVDA): The technology company engaged in a 4-to-1 stock split in July 2021. Before the split, Apple’s stock was trading at around $750, and after the split, the shares were priced near $187.

•   Tesla (TSLA): The electric car manufacturer split its stock by a 5-to-1 ratio in August 2020. Before the split, the stock was trading at around $2,200. After the split, the stock traded at around $440. Tesla’s shares rallied during the next two years, so the company declared a 3-to-1 stock split in August 2022, bringing the stock price down to around $300 from nearly $900 per share.

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

What Happens When a Stock You Own Splits?

If an investor owns stock in a company that announces a split, it will not materially affect the investment. As mentioned above, if an investor owns $1,000 worth of stock and a company splits its stock, an investor will still own $1,000 worth of stock after the split.

The additional shares at the lower share price will be automatically added to an investor’s account by the broker.

A stock split does not dilute the ownership of existing shareholders like a new stock issue may do. After a stock split, an investor still owns the same percentage of the company.

Recommended: Understanding Stock Dilution

The Takeaway

When a company announces a stock split, it can be tempting for investors to buy the stock because it will be more affordable on a per share basis. However, investors should be wary of making rash decisions simply because a stock may look more affordable and attractive. After all, the value of the company is still the same.

For most investors, it’s wise to make financial decisions that line up with their long-term investment and wealth-building goals, regardless of a stock’s price tag.

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).


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FAQ

Are stock splits a good thing?

Generally, a stock split is considered to be a good thing. It typically happens when the price of a company’s stock is high. The high price and value of the stock tends to be a positive sign reflecting that the company is doing well. Splitting the stock may encourage more investment in it, which could then drive up the price of the stock and be beneficial.

Do stocks do better after a split?

It is possible that a stock might do better after a split, but this isn’t always the case. The stock may be bought by more investors, which could drive up its share price. But even after a stock split, the company’s market capitalization doesn’t change. And it’s possible that a stock could drop in price after a split.

Is a stock split bullish or bearish?

A forward stock split, in which more shares of stock are created, is generally considered bullish, since it typically indicates that the company is performing well. However, a reverse stock split, which reduces the total number of shares of a stock, is usually considered bearish, since it may indicate that a company has underperformed.

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.


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

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.

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May
18
2024

How to Convert a Traditional 401(k) to a Roth IRA

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off on How to Convert a Traditional 401(k) to a Roth IRA

When moving on to a new job, it may be difficult to keep track of the 401(k) left behind at your last job.

What’s more, administrative fees on the account that may have been previously covered by your employer might now shift to you—making it more expensive to maintain the 401(k) account once you’ve left the company. This may leave you wondering, can you roll over a 401(k) to a Roth IRA?

You can! In fact, one of the rollover options for a 401(k) is to convert it to a Roth IRA. For some people, especially those at a certain salary level, this may be an attractive option.

Read on to learn more about rolling over a 401(k) to a Roth IRA, and explore the benefits, restrictions, and ways to execute a rollover, so that you can decide if that’s the right financial move for you.

Key Points

•   Rolling over a 401(k) to a Roth IRA involves converting pre-tax retirement savings to an account funded with after-tax dollars.

•   Taxes must be paid at the time of conversion based on current income rates.

•   There are no limits on the amount that can be transferred, unlike annual contribution limits.

•   The rollover can be direct, transferring funds between providers, or indirect, requiring a 60-day deposit window to avoid penalties.

•   Converting to a Roth IRA can be advantageous for those expecting to be in a higher tax bracket during retirement.

What Happens When You Convert a 401(k) to a Roth IRA?

Converting, or rolling over, your 401(k) to a Roth IRA means taking your money out of one retirement fund and placing it into a new one.

When you convert your 401(k) to a Roth IRA this is known as a Roth IRA conversion. However, because of some important differences between a traditional 401(k) and a Roth IRA, you will owe taxes when you make this kind of rollover.

The reason: A traditional 401(k) is funded with pre-tax dollars. You don’t pay taxes on the money when you contribute it. Instead, you pay taxes on the funds when you withdraw them in retirement. A Roth IRA, on the other hand, is funded with after-tax dollars. You pay taxes on the contributions in the year you make them, and your withdrawals in retirement are generally tax free.

Because with a 401(k) you haven’t yet paid taxes on the money in your account, when you roll it over to a Roth IRA, you’ll owe taxes on the money at that time. The money will be taxed at your ordinary income rate, depending on what tax bracket you’re in. For the 2023 and 2024 tax years, the income tax brackets range from 10% to 37%.

💡 Quick Tip: How much does it cost to set up an IRA? Often there are no fees to open an IRA account, but you typically pay investment costs for the securities in your portfolio.

Steps to Converting a 401(k) to a Roth IRA

These are the actions you’ll need to take to convert your 401(k) retirement plan to a Roth IRA.

1. Open a new Roth IRA account.

There are multiple ways to open an IRA, including through online banks and brokers. Choose the method you prefer.

2. Decide whether you want the rollover to be a direct transfer or indirect transfer.

With a direct transfer, you will fill out paperwork to transfer funds from your old 401(k) account into a Roth IRA. The money will get transferred from one account to another, with no further involvement from you.

With an indirect transfer, you cash out the 401(k) account with the intention of immediately reinvesting it yourself into another retirement fund. To make sure you actually do transfer the money into another retirement account, the government requires your account custodian to withhold a mandatory 20% tax — which you’ll get back in the form of a tax exemption when you file taxes.

The caveat: You will have to make up the 20% out of pocket and deposit the full amount into your new retirement account within 60 days. If you retain any funds from the rollover, they may be subject to an additional 10% penalty for early withdrawal.

3. Contact the company that currently holds your current 401(k) and request a transfer.

Tell them the type of transfer you want to make, direct or indirect. They will then send you the necessary forms to fill out.

4. Keep an eye out to make sure the transfer happens.

You’ll likely get an alert when the money is transferred, but check your new Roth IRA account to see that your funds land there safely. At that point, you can decide how you want to invest the money in your new IRA to start saving for retirement.

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.

Considerations Before Rolling a 401(k) to a Roth IRA

There are a few rules to consider when rolling over 401(k) assets to a Roth IRA.

Roth IRA Contribution Limits

Contribution limits for Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs are much lower than they are for 401(k)s. For tax year 2023, you can contribute up to $6,500 in a Roth or traditional IRA. Those aged 50 and up can contribute up to $7,500, which includes $1,000 of catch-up contributions. For tax year 2024, individuals can contribute up to $7,000 in a Roth IRA, and those 50 and over can contribute up to $8,000.

By comparison, contribution limits for a 401(k) are $22,500 in 2023, and $23,000 in 2024 for those under age 50. Those aged 50 and over can make an additional $7,500 in catch-up contributions to a 401(k) in 2023 and 2024.

Income Limits for Roth IRA Eligibility

Unlike traditional IRAs, which anyone can contribute to, Roth IRAs have an income cap on eligibility. These income limits are adjusted each year to account for inflation. However, when you are rolling a 401(k) to a Roth IRA, the income limits do not apply. So if you are a high earner, a conversion from a 401(k) to a Roth IRA could be a good option for you.

What are those income caps? For tax year 2023, single filers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) below $138,000 can contribute the full amount to a Roth IRA. However, those with a MAGI of $138,000 to $153,000 can only make a partial contribution to a Roth, while those who make more than $153,000 cannot contribute at all.

For individuals married filing jointly for tax year 2023, those with a MAGI of less than $218,000 can contribute the full amount, while those whose MAGI is $218,000 to $228,000 may contribute a partial amount, and those making more than $228,000 can’t contribute to a Roth IRA.

For tax year 2024, single filers with a MAGI below $146,000 can contribute the full amount to a Roth IRA, those with a MAGI between $146,000 and $161,000 can make a partial contribution, and those making more than $161,000 can’t contribute.

For individuals married filing jointly for tax year 2024, those with a MAGI under $230,000 can contribute the full amount, those whose MAGI is $230,000 to $240,000 can contribute a partial amount, and those making more than $240,000 can’t contribute to a Roth IRA.

As you can see, for high earners, the fact that these income limits do not apply to a 401(k) to Roth conversion, could be a potential reason to consider this type of rollover.

Rollover Amount Will be Taxed

You will have to pay taxes on your IRA rollover. Since your 401(k) account was funded with pre-tax dollars and a Roth IRA is funded with post-tax dollars, you’ll need to pay income tax on the 401(k) amount being rolled over in the same tax year in which your rollover takes place.

A Roth IRA is Subject to the Five-Year Rule

Once you transfer money into your new Roth IRA, it pays to keep it there for a while. If you withdraw any earnings that have been in the account for less than five years, you will likely be required to pay income tax and an additional 10% penalty. This is known as the five-year rule. After five years, any earnings withdrawn through a non-qualified distribution is subject to income tax only, with no penalties.

Penalties for Early Withdrawals

In addition to the five-year rule, non-qualified distributions or withdrawals from a Roth IRA — meaning those made before you reach age 59 ½ — can result in penalties and taxes. While there are certain exceptions that may apply, including having a permanent disability or using the funds to buy or build a first home, it’s wise to think twice and research any potential consequences before withdrawing money early from a Roth IRA.

💡 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.

Should You Convert Your 401(k) to a Roth IRA ?

Converting a 401(k) to a Roth IRA may be beneficial if you anticipate being in a higher tax bracket when you retire since withdrawals from the account in retirement are tax-free. And if you are a high earner, a 401(k) rollover to a Roth IRA may give you the opportunity to participate in a Roth IRA that you otherwise wouldn’t have.

Another advantage of a Roth IRA is that you can withdraw the money you contributed (but not the earnings) at any time without paying taxes or penalties. And unlike 401(k)s, there are no required minimum distributions (RMDs) with a Roth IRA. Finally, IRAs generally offer more investment options than many 401(k) plans do.

Can You Reduce the Tax Impact?

There are some potential ways to reduce the tax impact of converting a 401(k) to a Roth IRA. For instance, rather than making one big conversion, you could consider making smaller conversion amounts each year, which may help reduce your tax bill.

Another way to possibly lower the tax impact is if you have post-tax money in your 401(k). This might be the case if you contributed more than the maximum deductible amount allowed to your 401(k), for instance. You may be able to avoid paying taxes currently by rolling over the after-tax funds in your 401(k) to a Roth IRA, and the rest of the pre-tax money in the 401(k) to a traditional IRA.

In general it’s wise to consult a tax professional to see what the best strategy is for you and your specific situation.

The Takeaway

One way to handle a 401(k) account from a previous employer is by rolling it over into a Roth IRA. For some individuals, it might be the only way to take advantage of a Roth IRA, which typically has an income limit. With a Roth IRA, account holders can contribute post-tax dollars now, and enjoy tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

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 I roll over my 401(k) to an existing Roth IRA?

Yes, you can roll over a 401(k) to an existing Roth IRA — or to a new Roth IRA.

Can I roll my 401(k) into a Roth IRA without penalty?

You can roll over 401(k) to a Roth IRA without penalty as long as you follow the 60-day rule if you’re doing an indirect rollover. You must deposit the funds into a Roth IRA within 60 days to avoid a penalty.

How much does it cost to roll over 401k to Roth IRA?

Typically there is no charge to roll over a 401(k) to a Roth IRA, unless you are charged processing fees by the custodian of your old 401(k) plan or the new Roth IRA. However, you will owe taxes on the money you roll over from a 401(k) to a Roth IRA. The money will be taxed at your ordinary income tax rate.

Is there a time limit when rolling over a 401(k) to a Roth IRA?

If you do an indirect rollover, in which you cash out the money from your 401(k), you have 60 days to deposit the funds into a Roth IRA in order to avoid being charged a penalty.

Is there a limit on rollover amounts to a Roth IRA?

No, there is no limit to the amount you can roll over to a Roth IRA. The standard annual contribution limits to a Roth IRA do not apply to a rollover.

How do you report a 401(k) rollover to a Roth IRA?

You will need to report a 401(k) rollover on your taxes. Your 401(k) plan administrator will send you a form 1099-R with the distribution amount. You typically report the distribution amount on IRS form 1040 when filing your taxes. You can consult a tax professional with any questions you might have.

Can you roll over partial 401(k) funds to Roth IRA?

You can typically roll over partial 401(k) funds as long as your plan allows it. Check with your plan’s administrator.

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.


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.


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

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May
17
2024
How to Dispute a Credit Card Charge: All You Need to Know

How Do You Dispute a Credit Card Charge? All You Need to Know

By | Credit, Family Finances, money | Comments Off on How Do You Dispute a Credit Card Charge? All You Need to Know

If you’re unhappy with a recent purchase or believe an unauthorized charge occurred, you can dispute credit card charges by filing a claim with your card issuer.

Whether you willingly made the purchase or a criminal got a hold of your credit card details, you may still be protected under the law so that you don’t necessarily have to pay.

Read on for more details on instances on when you may and may not consider disputing a credit card charge, as well as instructions for how to do so.

Disputing Credit Card Charges

Disputing a credit card charge involves filing a claim with a credit card issuer that argues that the cardholder shouldn’t be responsible for paying for a specific purchase made with their credit card.

A cardholder can’t make a dispute if they simply don’t like the item or service they received. However, they can dispute a credit card charge if the merchant is acting maliciously, such as if they don’t deliver an item the consumer ordered or don’t properly reimburse a return. A cardholder also can dispute credit card charges when certain billing issues are made or if they believe there was a fraudulent charge.

The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) gives consumers the right to dispute a charge and to request an investigation into the issue. Thanks to the FCBA, consumers are also entitled to a quick response from their credit card issuer and to have their credit score protected during the course of the dispute investigation, which is critical given how credit cards work.

Recommended: Charge Cards Advantages and Disadvantages

When To Dispute a Credit Card Charge

There are a few different times when disputing a credit card charge makes sense. Here are examples of when a person might consider a dispute.

Fraudulent Charges

You can dispute a credit card charge that was the result of theft, such as if you fell victim to a credit card skimmer or due to unauthorized use. Before you report a fraudulent charge, make sure it was not just another authorized user on the card who made the charge or that you didn’t let someone else use your card. Also keep in mind that merchants may use another name or address for billing.

If it does appear to be a fraudulent charge after review, report it immediately. By law, you can’t be held liable for more than $50 in fraudulent charges, and many credit card issuers have a $0 liability policy. This would mean you wouldn’t have to worry about the charge at all, let alone any interest that may have accrued based on the APR on a credit card.

Billing Errors

Billing errors can also occur and are a good reason to dispute a charge on your credit card.

For example, if the credit card issuer sends a bill to the wrong address, which interferes with the cardholder paying their bill on time, they can dispute any credit card interest or late fees that have accrued.

A credit card bill can also have numerical errors if the charges were incorrectly totaled. Any bill with the wrong date or amount included on it can also count as a billing error, such as if you pay taxes with a credit card but the total reflected in your statement is different than what you actually paid.

Bad or Unrendered Services

Even if someone agreed to pay for a purchase, it is possible to dispute a credit card charge for goods or services that were not delivered or that were unsatisfactory. This can include if someone doesn’t receive an item they purchased through a merchant that accepts credit card payments or if they didn’t receive a refund after making a return.

Per the FCBA, to take advantage of this protection, you must first make a good faith effort to resolve the issue with the merchant. Additionally, the purchase must be for more than $50, and it must be made either within your home state or within 100 miles of your billing address.e for more than $50, and it must be made either within your home state or within 100 miles of your billing address.

When You Should Not Dispute a Credit Card Charge

There will be times when making a dispute isn’t doable. To save time and stress in the future, here’s when disputing a credit card charge may not be the right step.

If a Friend or Relative Made a Purchase

For a credit charge to be considered “unauthorized use,” the purchase must be made by someone who doesn’t have a right to use the credit card.

Unauthorized use can happen if someone steals a credit card (whether the physical card or credit card information, like the CVV number on a credit card), or if they find one that doesn’t belong to them and then uses it.

On the other hand, if someone gives a friend or family member official permission to use their credit card, but they use it for a purchase the cardholder didn’t approve, this is still considered authorized use.

This is why it’s important to only authorize trusted users. If a friend or family member abuses their access to a credit card, the cardholder would need to contact their credit card company and remove them as an authorized user. In the meantime, the cardholder would remain responsible for any charges the individual made when they were an authorized user — even if they push them up to their credit card limit.

You Did Not Inform the Merchant Concerning the Issue First

If it’s a complaint regarding the quality of goods and services, you must first contact the merchant about the issue before making a dispute. Credit card companies may want to see proof that you’ve tried to work with the merchant before you turned to them, though this will vary by issuer.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due

How to Dispute a Credit Card Charge

The process for how to dispute a credit card charge depends on the credit card issuer as well as the reason for the dispute. Just as issuers have their own process for how to apply for a credit card, they also have their own process for filing a dispute. That being said, here is the general process for each type of credit card dispute:

•   Billing error disputes: The billing error dispute process is regulated by the FCBA. To dispute a credit card charge related to a billing error, contact the credit card issuer’s billing inquiries department (and make sure to keep track of this; say, save a copy of the email). You should use the sample letter for disputing charges provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to do this. In your letter, detail the reason for the dispute and include any supporting documentation.

•   Fraudulent charge disputes: If a dispute is related to fraudulent charges, the cardholder can contact the credit card company. The company may request proof of a police report or other documentation that proves their credit card was either lost or stolen.

•   Bad service or unrendered services disputes: When it comes to service issues, it’s best to start with the merchant. If the merchant won’t refund the purchase, the cardholder can request a credit card chargeback online or in app, over the phone, or by mail. They should include any supporting documentation that backs up their claim and shows their attempts to work with the merchant directly first.

It’s important that you do not pay for the disputed charge while the issue is still being resolved, though you’ll still want to make the credit card minimum payment to avoid late fees or other penalties.

Generally, consumers have 60 days to file a request to dispute a credit card charge. After filing a dispute with the credit card issuer, the issuer has 30 days to send a letter acknowledging the dispute, and they must settle the issue within 90 days of receiving the letter.

The Takeaway

If a consumer believes that a billing error occurred, their card was used fraudulently, or they received bad service or unrendered services, then they have a right to dispute the charge with their credit card issuer. Not all issues can be resolved with a dispute. However, it’s worth confirming what options the credit card issuer has for moving forward when you’re unhappy with a charge.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

How long do you have to dispute credit card charges?

In the case of a billing error or unsatisfactory charges, you must make a dispute within 60 days of receiving your statement. There are no limits on how soon you must dispute a charge related to fraud.

What happens if you dispute a charge on your credit card?

There’s no guarantees that a dispute will work out in the cardholder’s favor. The credit card issuer must resolve the investigation surrounding the dispute within 90 days of receiving it.

Does a dispute affect credit score?

Filing a dispute doesn’t necessarily impact a credit score. However, if the dispute is surrounding an inaccurate late payment or other negative event, having the issue resolved after a dispute can help build the account holder’s credit score.

What happens if a credit card dispute is denied?

The credit card issuer can choose to approve or deny a dispute. If the filer disagrees with the result of their investigation, they can appeal the decision by writing to the creditor within 10 days of receiving the explanation for why the dispute was denied.

Can you dispute a charge after 90 days?

Generally, consumers only have 60 days to dispute a credit card charge after receiving their bill. The only exception to this timeline is fraud, which has an unlimited window for reporting. That being said, if someone realizes a charge is inaccurate after 60 days, it’s worth consulting their credit card issuer about their options.

Photo credit: iStock/Just_Super

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

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

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.

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

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May
17
2024
Choosing a Retirement Date: The Best Time to Retire

Choosing Your Retirement Date: Here’s What You Should Know

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing, Preparing for Retirement | Comments Off on Choosing Your Retirement Date: Here’s What You Should Know

Choosing a retirement date is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. Your retirement date can determine how much money you’ll need to save to achieve your desired lifestyle — and how many years that money will need to last.

Selecting an optimal retirement date isn’t an exact science. Instead, it involves looking at a number of different factors to determine when you can realistically retire. Whether you’re interested in retiring early or delaying retirement to a later age, it’s important to understand what can influence your decision.

The Importance of Your Retirement Date

When preparing to retire, the date you select matters for several reasons. First, your retirement date can influence other financial decisions, including:

•   When you claim Social Security benefits

•   How much of your retirement savings you’ll draw down monthly or annually

•   In what order you’ll withdraw from various accounts, such as a 401(k), Individual Retirement Account (IRA), pension, or annuity

•   How you’ll pay for health care if you’re retiring early and not yet eligible for Medicare

•   Whether you’ll continue to work on a part-time basis or start a business to generate extra income

These decisions can play a part in determining when you can retire based on what you have saved and how much money you think you’ll need for retirement.

It’s also important to consider how timing your retirement date might affect things like taxes on qualified plans or the amount of benefits you can draw from a defined benefit plan, if you have one.

If your employer offers a pension, for example, waiting until the day after your first-day-of-work anniversary adds one more year of earnings into your benefits payment calculation.

Likewise, if you plan to retire in the year you turn 59 ½, you’d want to wait until six months after your birthday has passed to withdraw money from your 401(k) in order to avoid a 10% early withdrawal penalty on any distributions you take.

Get a 1% IRA match on rollovers and contributions.

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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.

💡 Quick Tip: Want to lower your taxable income? Start saving for retirement with a traditional IRA. The money you save each year is tax deductible (and you don’t owe any taxes until you withdraw the funds, usually in retirement).

Choosing Your Date for Retirement

There are many questions you might have when choosing the best retirement date: What is the best day of the month to retire? Is it better to retire at the beginning or end of the year? Does it matter if I retire on a holiday?

Weighing the different options can help you find the right date of retirement for you.

End of the Month

Waiting to retire at the end of the month could be a good idea if you want to get your full pay for that period. This can also eliminate gaps in pay, depending on when you plan to begin drawing retirement benefits from a workplace plan.

If you have a pension plan at work, for example, your benefits may not start paying out until the first of the following month. So, if you were to retire on the 5th instead of the 30th, you’d have a longer wait until those pension benefits showed up in your bank account.

Consider End of Pay Period

You could also consider waiting to the end of the pay period if you don’t want to go the whole month. This way, you can draw your full pay for that period. Working the entire pay period could also help you to accumulate more sick pay, vacation pay, or holiday pay benefits toward your final paycheck.

Lump Sums Can Provide Cash

If you’ve accumulated unused vacation time, you could cash that out as you get closer to your retirement date. Taking a lump sum payment can give you a nice amount of cash to start your retirement with, and you don’t have to worry about any of the vacation time you’ve saved going unused.

Other Exceptions to Consider

In some cases, your retirement date may be decided for you based on extenuating circumstances. If you develop a debilitating illness, for example, you may be forced into retirement if you can no longer perform your duties. Workers can also be nudged into retirement ahead of schedule through downsizing if their job is eliminated.

Thinking about these kinds of what-if scenarios can help you build some contingency plans into your retirement plan. Keep in mind that there may also be different rules and requirements for retirement dates if you work for the government versus a private sector employer.

Starting a Retirement Plan

The best time to start planning for retirement is yesterday, as the common phrase says, and the next best time is right now. If you haven’t started saving yet, it’s not too late to begin building retirement wealth.

An obvious way to do this is to start contributing to your employer’s retirement plan at work. This might be a 401(k) plan, 403(b), or 457 plan depending on where you work. You may also have the option to save in a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA or SIMPLE IRA if you work for a smaller business. Any of these options could help you set aside money for retirement on a tax-advantaged basis.

If you don’t have a workplace retirement plan, you can still save through an IRA. Traditional and Roth IRAs offer different types of tax benefits; the former allows for tax-deductible contributions while latter offers tax-free qualified distributions. You could also open a SEP IRA if you’re self-employed, which offers higher annual contribution limits.

If you decide to start any of these retirement plans, it may be helpful to use a retirement calculator to determine how much you need to save each month to reach your goals. Checking in regularly can help you see whether you are on track to retire or if you need to adjust your contributions or investment targets.

💡 Quick Tip: Can you save for retirement with an automated investment portfolio? Yes. In fact, automated portfolios, or robo advisors, can be used within taxable accounts as well as tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

Retirement Investing With SoFi

Choosing a retirement date is an important decision, but it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming one. Looking at the various factors that can influence how much you’ll need to save and your desired lifestyle can help you pin down your ideal retirement date. Reviewing contributions to your employer’s retirement plan and supplementing them with contributions to an IRA can get you closer to your goals.

Not everyone’s journey to retirement is going to look the same, so you should weigh your options. Think about your goals, and what tools you can use to help you reach them. If you need guidance, it may be a good idea to speak with a financial professional.

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).

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.

FAQ

Is it better to retire at the beginning or end of the month?

Retiring on the last day of the month is typically the best option. This enables you to collect all your paychecks during this period. You may also benefit from collecting any holiday pay that might be offered by your employer for that month. As a note, it doesn’t necessarily matter if the last day of the month is a work day for you.

What is the best day to retire?

The best day to retire can be the end of the month or the end of the year, depending on how pressing your desire is to leave your job. If you can wait until the very last day of the year, for example, you can collect another full year of earnings while maxing out contributions to your workplace retirement plan before you leave.

Is my retirement date my last day of work?

Depending on how your employer handles payroll, your retirement date is usually the day after your last day of work or the first day of the next month following the date you stop working.

Photo credit: iStock/Tatomm

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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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May
17
2024
10 Advantages of Credit Card: Perks of Using It

10 Advantages of Credit Cards

By | Credit, Family Finances, money | Comments Off on 10 Advantages of Credit Cards

You may already know that credit cards offer an easy and convenient way to make purchases, but that’s just one of many potential credit card benefits. From rewards offerings like cash back, travel points, and one-time bonuses, to financial benefits like payment security, the opportunity to build credit, and a grace period, there are a number of reasons to keep a credit card in your wallet.

Read on to learn 10 advantages of using a credit card, as well as some tips to ensure you use your card responsibly.

1. Cash Back

Many credit cards allow you to earn cash back on everyday purchases, such as gas or groceries, a reward introduced long ago in the history of credit cards. Essentially, with cash back, you get a small amount back in cash that’s a percentage of how much you spent.

With cash-back cards, you can usually put any cash you receive towards your credit card balance, or you can opt to receive the money through a direct deposit to your bank account, as a check or gift card, or put it towards other purchases.

Recommended: Tips for Using a Credit Card Responsibly

2. One-Time Bonuses

Credit cards sometimes will offer a one-time, introductory bonus that allows you to earn enhanced rewards as long as you spend a certain amount on your card within the first months your account is open. For instance, you might be able to earn a bonus of 75,000 reward points if you spend $4,000 within the first three months of opening your card. These rewards can be a great way to get something extra out of opening a new credit card.

3. Reward Points

Reward points are similar to cash-back rewards in that they offer an incentive for you to use your card. You’ll earn points for every dollar you spend on your card, such as one cent for every dollar spent. You can then redeem those points to put towards travel, gift cards, merchandise, charitable donations, or statement credits.

4. Safety

Another one of the many perks of how credit cards work is the built-in security and safety features they offer. Many major credit card issuers offer a zero-liability policy for fraud, meaning you won’t be responsible if any fraudulent purchases are charged to your account. Other credit card safety features include encryption and chip-and-pin technology, which keeps your account information safe when using your card for in-store transactions. Plus, many credit cards offer fraud and credit monitoring services to allow you to easily keep tabs on your account.

Compared to debit cards, credit card security tends to be much more robust and the protections against fraud are more consumer-friendly.

Recommended: What is a Charge Card

5. Grace Period

This usually isn’t the first advantage of a credit card that comes to mind, but it’s a major one and a key part of what a credit card is. A credit card’s grace period between when your billing period ends and when your payment is due. During this grace period, no interest accrues. So if you are able to pay your balance in full during the grace period, you won’t owe any interest.

6. Insurance

Many credit cards come with insurance. For instance, travel credit cards might come with travel insurance, trip cancellation insurance, trip delay insurance, or rental car collision insurance. Cards may also offer price protection, extended warranties, purchase protection, or phone protection.

7. Universal Acceptance

Credit cards are pretty much accepted anywhere, and you can use one whether you’re paying a bill via snail mail or making a purchase in store, online, or over the phone. A credit card can be used to pay for most things, including paying taxes with a credit card.

Breaking it down by credit card network, Visa and Mastercard are accepted in over 200 countries, as are Discover cards; American Express cards are accepted in over 190 countries. This comes in handy when you’re traveling and don’t want to fret about converting your U.S. dollars into foreign currency.

If you’re running a business, accepting credit card payments can help prevent fraudulent activity, such as someone trying to pay with counterfeit bills. It can also make it easier to keep track of transactions and purchases related to your business.

8. Building Credit

Another major perk of using a credit card is that it can help you build credit. Credit card issuers report your activity to the three main credit card bureaus — Transunion®, Equifax®, and Experian® — which is then used to calculate your credit score.

If you maintain a continuous streak of on-time payments, it will help with your payment history, which makes up 35% of your credit score. Plus, the longer you keep a credit card open, the more it helps with your length of credit, which is 15% of your score. A credit card can also help you build credit because it helps with your credit mix, which makes up 10% of your score.

9. Increased Purchasing Power

Having a credit card can increase your purchasing power, as you’ll have access to a line of credit that can make it easier to buy big-ticket items. For instance, if you’re down to $1,000 in the bank, you won’t be able to purchase that new $2,000 laptop. But if you have a credit line of $3,000 (and know you have a paycheck en route), you can purchase that laptop you’ve been wanting when it’s on sale and then pay it off when the funds hit your bank account.

Take this credit card advantage with a grain of salt, though — using your credit card to cover more than you can immediately afford to pay off can lead you to get into credit card debt.

10. Keeping Vendors Honest

Unscrupulous behavior from vendors does happen, unfortunately. If you pay a vendor through another means, such as cash, Venmo, or by writing a check, the vendor will have an easier time getting away with not providing the goods or services they promised.

But if you pay a vendor using a credit card, the credit card issuer has an incentive to get to the bottom of the issue and prevent fraud. And if you dispute a credit card charge, the issuer will withhold funds from the vendor. In turn, the transaction won’t go through, and you may be able to get your money back.

What to Look for in a Credit Card

Before applying for a credit card, do some comparison shopping first. Think about what kind of credit card you might need. Depending on your needs, preferences, and lifestyle, a travel credit card or cash-back card might be the best fit for you. Or, if you’re after a card with a low APR and minimal fees, a solid everyday card might be a better fit. If you’re working to rebuild your credit, you might consider a secured card.

Besides any credit card perks, look at the card’s interest rate. Your annual percentage rate (APR) will vary depending on your creditworthiness and the type of card you’re applying for (top rewards cards tend to have higher APRs than more basic cards). In general, however, a good APR for a credit card is one that’s below the current average credit card interest rate, which is 22.8%, according to the Federal Reserve.

Additionally, it’s important to check whether a card has an annual fee. If it does, look at its perks and how much you anticipate putting on the card in a given year to see if that fee is worth it. Also take into consideration any other fees a credit card may charge, such as late payment fees, foreign transaction fees, and balance transfer fees. You may want to avoid as many credit card fees as possible.

Using a Credit Card Responsibly

To use a credit card responsibly, it’s crucial to make on-time payments of at least the minimum payment due each billing cycle. This ties in with not spending more than you can afford to pay back, or running up a high balance on multiple cards, both of which could lead you into credit card debt.

Another rule of thumb to use your credit card responsibly is to keep your credit utilization ratio — the total amount you owe divided by your total available credit — under 30%. The average credit card limit in the U.S. is currently just under $30,000. So, to maintain a 30% credit utilization ratio, you’d need to keep your balances below $10,000.

When Not to Use a Credit Card

If you’re spending more than you can afford to pay back (or pay back within a reasonable amount of time), then it’s best to avoid using a credit card. The advantages of a credit card aren’t worth it if using credit cards is causing you to get into debt.

You’ll rack up interest charges on any remaining balances each month, and those costs can start to add up fast. While there are options like credit card debt forgiveness, they aren’t necessarily easy to get, and you can damage your credit score in the process.

Recommended: Does Applying For a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score

The Takeaway

As you can see, there are a number of potential advantages of credit cards, from rewards to payment security to an interest-free grace period. Enjoying credit card benefits requires using your credit card responsibly though. If you’re racking up more charges than you can afford to pay back, the interest and other implications could quickly outweigh the credit card advantages.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

How secure are credit cards?

Credit cards come with many security features, such as pin-and-chip technology, fraud and credit monitoring, and zero-liability fraud protection. Plus, there are usually features like two-factor authentication or biometrics at login, and you can temporarily freeze your credit card if you suspect fraudulent activity.

How can I protect myself from credit card fraud?

You can protect yourself from credit card fraud by reviewing your credit card statement regularly, storing your cards safely, keeping your passwords protected, and being vigilant when using your credit card. You can also set security alerts for transactions over a certain dollar amount or for in-person, online, or phone purchases. If you suspect fraudulent activity, block your card, and report the suspicious activity immediately.

Do credit cards allow you to save more?

Credit cards usually enable you to spend more. However, if used smartly and responsibly, they can help you save through credit card rewards and other advantages, such as insurance and discounts. However, you’ll want to stay on top of payments and ideally pay your balance in full. Otherwise, the interest charges might outweigh any perks.

Should I use a credit card if I have a poor credit score?

If you have a poor credit score, it could be a good idea to use a credit card to build your score — as long as you can use it responsibly and manage on-time payments. Keep in mind that those with poor scores likely won’t get approved for the cards with the most competitive rewards, and they may face a higher APR and fees.

Photo credit: iStock/Suphansa Subruayying

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

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

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

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