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You can apply for unemployment benefits if you have lost a job through no fault of your own and need help as you hunt for another position. The payments you receive can be a financial lifeline during a challenging period.

This federal unemployment program is administered by the states, and the rules differ, depending on where you live. However, there are some basic guidelines for how to file for unemployment no matter what state you’re in.

Here’s what you need to know about filing for unemployment.

What Is Unemployment?

Unemployment insurance is meant to assist a specific group of people that lost their jobs by temporarily replacing a portion of their wages. You must meet specific eligibility requirements to collect unemployment. Collecting unemployment benefits could help you survive a layoff.

While unemployment requirements vary by state, generally, you need to have lost your job through no fault of your own and worked a certain amount of time or earned a specific amount of income. Some states have additional requirements. Be sure to check with your state’s unemployment office.

Recommended: 7 Ways to Tackle Financial Stress

Filing for Unemployment

The first question to ask is if you’re eligible for benefits in the first place.

Typically, to be eligible for unemployment you need to have worked a salaried job for an employer. Employers pay federal unemployment tax to fund the unemployment account of the federal government. Businesses also may have to pay state unemployment taxes.

By working a set amount of time — it varies from state to state — for an employer that pays that tax, you become eligible to receive unemployment benefits.

The first part of eligibility relates to how you work. The second part relates to how you stop working.

Unemployment is designed to assist those who are no longer working “through no fault of (their) own,” according to the Department of Labor. While each state’s exact rules are different, the general guideline is that you are only eligible for unemployment if you’ve lost your job for economic reasons on the part of your employer as opposed to having been terminated for cause or having left voluntarily.

If you meet the two conditions, you can usually then apply for unemployment benefits from your state. You can use these funds to pay your bills during a job loss.

There are some basic commonalities among the states: You will need to provide your address, phone number, address of your former employer, Social Security number, and the dates that you were employed by your former employer.

How Much Will You Receive?

It varies by state, but the average maximum benefit amount in early 2025 was $1,051 in Massachusetts (at the high end) and $235 in Mississippi (at the low end). Your unemployment benefit is based on your former wages, with higher-wage workers typically getting more benefits, up to a cap. The amount also varies depending on how much you were earning. A person who was making, say, $120,000 a year will usually receive more than a person who was earning $30,000 a year.

The amount you get varies by state and it ranges widely. Having an emergency fund can help tide you over until you find a new job.

This is also a good time to create a budget so that you can carefully track your spending and savings.

Worth noting: Unemployment benefits are considered taxable income by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). You can elect to have taxes withheld from the funds you receive or pay them when you file your taxes.

Which Kind of Benefits Are You Eligible For?

If you receive a Form W-2 and lose your job through a layoff, you will typically be eligible for unemployment Insurance.

If you’re self-employed or an independent contractor, you generally can’t receive unemployment because you haven’t paid into the unemployment fund. However, it may depend on the specific law in your state. Check with your state’s unemployment office to find out if you may be covered.

Recommended: How to Manage Your Money as a Freelancer

When to Apply

Apply as soon as possible. It can take weeks for claims to be approved, so apply right after you lose your job, if possible. You can apply through your state’s unemployment office.

How to Apply

This varies state by state, and you should check on your state’s procedures. You can typically apply online This varies state by state, and you should check on your state’s procedures. You can typically apply online, over the phone, or in person. The U.S. Department of Labor provides a directory of state offices here. Typically, you will need your personal details and dates of employment and contact information for your previous employer.

How Long Does It Take to Receive Benefits?

The Department of Labor says it typically takes “two to three weeks” to receive benefits, but it can take longer.

You will receive benefits for the full amount of time from when you successfully applied (in some states there’s a one-week waiting period), not just from when you started receiving benefits. Also, if you received severance or other separation benefits, that will likely need to be documented and reviewed by the state and factored into what you receive.

How Will You Receive Benefits?

Once again, there are variations among states about the form in which your unemployment benefits are received.

Some states offer direct deposit, meaning you can receive your unemployment benefits as you would your paycheck, directly into your bank account.

Others disburse benefits through a debit card mailed by the state.

One benefit of using a debit card is that an unemployment recipient does not need a bank account in order to access benefits. While this is convenient for those without bank accounts, there are some downsides, like limits on ATMs that can be used without fees, and the general limitation on which merchants accept debit cards.

Using a debit card also puts you at the mercy of the mail before you can start using benefits. If you were getting paid from your job via direct deposit, you will likely receive your benefits faster.

You may want to consider opening a bank account, if you don’t have one, to get your unemployment faster and easier via direct deposit.

Recommended: How to Set Up Direct Deposit

How Can You Remain Eligible for Benefits?

Again, this varies by state, but generally you need to have a record of seeking work to remain eligible for unemployment benefits. States may have some kind of form or portal that you’re required to fill out or log into to show that you are looking for work.

Recommended: Emergency Fund Calculator

How Long Do Benefits Last?

Unemployment benefits last 26 weeks in most states. However, some states provide fewer or additional weeks of benefits, so it’s wise to check with your state upfront. As of 2025, 13 states provide fewer weeks and one provides more. Also, the term of benefits can change during times of economic hardship.

The Takeaway

If you lose your job through no fault of your own, unemployment insurance can cover some of your lost wages as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. File for unemployment with your state unemployment office as soon as you can, since it can take several weeks to receive benefits. The process can be simplified if you have the funds direct-deposited into your bank account.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

FAQ

Who is eligible for unemployment?

Typically, a worker who has lost their job through no fault of their own is eligible for unemployment benefits.

How long are unemployment benefits?

Typically, unemployment benefits last 26 weeks. However, in 13 states, there’s a shorter period and in one state, benefits can be provided for a longer time. Check with your state for details.

How much does unemployment pay?

The amount that unemployment pays will vary by state (each state administers its own program) and by your previous earnings.

SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The SoFi® Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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.

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.

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.
Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

SOBNK-Q225-023

The economy is in a volatile place as of early 2025. Because of economic uncertainty, some companies have resorted to pay cuts to help cut costs. For the workers affected, it likely means scouring their budgets to trim some of their expenses. Taking a pay cut means facing the reality of no longer living the same financial life.

If you’ve just taken a pay cut — or you’re worried that you might soon be facing one — here are four strategies to handle your finances after your salary is reduced.

1. Update Your Budget

First and foremost, create a budget if you don’t already have one. There are many options, including the popular 50/30/20 budget rule, which allocates 50% of your take-home pay to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings or additional debt payments.

Whichever of the different types of budgets you choose, you’ll likely need to list all your expenses for weekly purchases, from groceries to gasoline and parking fees. Add monthly bills, including rent or mortgage, car loan, streaming services or cable, cellphone, utility bills, credit cards, student loans, and any other debt such as personal loans.

Next, examine all your expenses to see which ones you can lower or eliminate for the next six months. Add your income and include part-time jobs or side hustles, tax refunds, bonuses, and any child support or alimony. This will help you determine how much money you can spend for necessities, expenses, entertainment, and other things such as doctor visits.

In addition to a budget, create a plan for both short-term financial goals and long-term goals. A plan will help you determine when you can pay off any loans and how much you want to save for something like a down payment on a house.

Recommended: 50/30/20 Budget Calculator

2. Track Your Spending

You could use a free money tracking app that can help you keep tabs on your spending and help manage your debt. To track your spending, decide if you want to track it daily, weekly, or biweekly. You might try different time periods before you decide on one.

After you track your spending for a couple of months, you’ll see a pattern emerge that indicates where most of your money goes. You’ll also be able to gauge the impact a pay cut has had on your finances. Are you overall in good shape but no longer able to apply additional payments to a loan’s principal? Or are you now living paycheck to paycheck? The answer can help guide your next steps.

3. Cut Expenses

The next step should help keep more money available in your bank account for necessities: trimming how much money goes to the “wants” in life. One place many consumers can cut costs is from entertainment, such as their streaming services. These can really add up. Canceling all or some of these services can improve your cash flow, which is how much money you have left over at the end of the month.

Another place where you can slash expenses is from your food budget. Consider using digital coupons, shopping at warehouse clubs, or going out to eat for lunch instead of dinner to save money on food.

Your expenses include debt such as credit cards, student loans, and personal loans. Paying more than the minimum balance, refinancing to a lower interest rate. and making extra payments can help you pay down the loan sooner.

Consider refinancing your student loans by checking out both fixed and variable rates. Interest rates are at historic lows. You might be able to pay down your credit card bills faster by taking out a personal loan; those interest rates are often lower. And if that’s the case, the debt could be paid sooner.

Automating your finances can make your life easier. This will also help you avoid paying late fees. You can either have your bills paid automatically through your checking account or set yourself a reminder on your calendar if you have some bills such as utilities that are a different amount each month.

You can also automate your savings. You can have money taken out of your checking or savings account each month and have it automatically invested into your workplace 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account (IRA).

In addition, you could consider opening an online bank account with a high-yield APY. That way, your savings could earn money for you as it’s sitting in your account.

Ways to Save

When your salary has been slashed, there are several ways you can save money immediately and long term.

•  Call your mortgage, auto loan, utilities, credit card, and student loan companies to see if you can defer loan payments for several months. Skipping a few payments can help you get back on your feet sooner. If the company cannot provide this option, see if the interest rate can be lowered on, say, credit cards.

•  Check with your local nonprofit organizations. Many provide food or partial payments for utility bills. Look online to see if stores are offering deals. Stock up on staples such as beans, rice, and pasta if they are on sale.

•  If you are still short of money, you might consider talking to family members and friends about obtaining a short-term loan.

•  Now might be the time to use credit card rewards for cash, food, or gift cards. People who have been saving credit card rewards for a vacation might want to go ahead and use them now. Some credit card companies will let you transfer the rewards for cash to your statement or use them for food delivery.

•  Other companies let you use your rewards to receive gift cards. Using these gift cards at retailers that sell staples and necessities such as food, detergent, and other personal items can help you spend less money.

•  Many credit cards will give cash back on purchases such as food and gasoline. See which credit cards are the most beneficial for your financial needs before signing up for a brand-new credit card.

•  Another way to save money is to use cash for gasoline. Some gas stations offer a cheaper price for consumers who use cash. The savings can add up quickly, especially if you have a longer commute.

•  Finally, each month, look for other ways you can save money. If your credit card company denied your request last month to lower your interest rate, try calling again. Rules can change often.

4. Save for Retirement

While you could skip saving for retirement, it’s ideal to continue socking away some money (even if it’s less than previously) each month from your paycheck into a 401(k) plan or IRA. The money you stash away for retirement can lower your taxable income, meaning you’ll owe the IRS less.

Continuing to save money for retirement is a good habit, especially if your salary reduction is temporary. Once you stop contributing to a retirement account, it can be difficult to catch up on your retirement savings. If you have your retirement contribution automatically deducted from your checking or savings account, saving for your future is easier.

The Takeaway

While it can be difficult to navigate a pay cut, creating a budget, tracking your spending, shopping for deals, and cutting expenses can help you save and get through a tough time. These moves can help you stay afloat during a challenging financial period. In addition, opening a new bank account with low or no fees and favorable interest rates could help you maximize your money.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

FAQ

How to survive taking a pay cut?

If you’ve experienced a pay cut, smart moves to survive include creating or updating a budget, tracking your spending, shopping for deals, and reducing expenses.

How to budget after a pay cut?

After a pay cut, take a fresh look at your budget. Review and trim expenses, prioritize debt payments, and consider using credit card rewards to fund essentials. It can be wise to funnel a small amount of money into an emergency fund to provide a cushion.

Is it ever wise to take a pay cut?

Yes, it could be wise to take a pay cut for an opportunity to work in an industry or company you have set your sights on. Or, if you are working at a job and pay cuts happen, accepting that situation could allow you to maintain cash flow and benefits while you wait to see if your pay goes back up or you find another job.

SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The SoFi® Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

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.

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

SOBNK-Q225-022

Inflation has hit all aspects of daily life, including that fun and romantic ritual known as date night. The average cost of date, from grooming costs to gas money, comes in at a whopping $168, according to the most recent BMO Real Financial Progress Index, released in February 2025.

But that doesn’t mean you need to go broke enjoying fun times with your sweetie or getting to know someone new.

Here, you’ll find 27 ideas for date nights that don’t cost much. In fact, some of these date night ideas are more than cheap; they’re free.

Fun Date Ideas for Couples on a Budget

Whether you’re just getting to know each other or you’ve been married for years, here are some ways to enjoy a romantic day or evening out without busting your monthly budget.

1. Watching the Sunrise or Sunset Together

Watching the sun come up or sink over the horizon with your sweetie can be a very romantic and cute date idea. Depending on which time of day you choose, you can bring coffee and donuts or a bottle of wine and some cheese and crackers to mark the occasion.

2. Taking Dance Lessons

Couples can show off their moves while taking a lesson in salsa, ballroom dancing, or swing. Consider a home viewing of “Dirty Dancing” afterwards to close out the date.

💡 Quick Tip: If you’re saving for a short-term goal — whether it’s a vacation, a wedding, or the down payment on a house — consider opening a high-yield savings account. The higher APY that you’ll earn will help your money grow faster, but the funds stay liquid, so they are easy to access when you reach your goal.

3. Going on a Hike

Getting some fresh air and walking in a beautiful area together can be a great bonding experience. To make sure you don’t take on more miles (or hills) than you can handle, you can read reviews of hikes and check out trail maps online before you head out.

4. Picking Apples or Berries

This can be a great idea for a “sweet” date. In the fall, couples can pick apples together and then go home and make some baked apples or an apple pie. In the summer, consider heading to a local farm to pick berries. You can use your harvest to make some tarts or smoothies afterwards.

5. Checking Out a Botanical Garden

Many towns have beautiful botanical gardens where people can walk around. This can be a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon and it should be either free or low cost.

6. Staying In and Watching a Movie

One (or both) or you may have a Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime subscription. Why not take advantage and watch a movie together at home? You can open some wine and order a pizza or inexpensive takeout.

Not a member of those networks? Look into free services like Hoopla or Kanopy.

Recommended: How to Save Money on Streaming Services

7. Gardening Together

Another cute date idea is to garden together. Whether you and your honey live together or apart, you can start your own garden and fill it with flowers, herbs, and vegetables. At the end of the day, you’ll have a shared sense of accomplishment.

8. Checking Out a Free Museum

Some museums are always free, while others will have free days or evenings throughout the month. Couples can go and see cool artwork and have stimulating conversations about the artists.

9. Going to a Free Concert

Many towns will hold free concerts in the park during the summer. You can bring a blanket and some food and enjoy a picnic dinner while listening to great live music.

Recommended: 33 Ways to Save Money

10. Taking a Scenic Drive

You can pick somewhere you’ve never been or head to a favorite spot, such as a nice drive in the country or along the coastline. Consider creating a playlist of tunes you both love for the ride.

11. Breaking Out the Board Games

Who doesn’t love a little competition? This can be a great idea whether you play against one another or with another couple. You can even throw in some prizes from the Dollar Store to up the ante just a bit.

12. Eating at Happy Hour

Want to sidestep a pricey dinner? Here’s a way to save money on food: Find out which establishments have a happy hour and then enjoy some discounted appetizers and drinks for a cheap date idea.

13. Visiting Open Houses

Whether you are actually looking to buy a house or just want to be a voyeur, or pick up some design ideas, consider checking out open houses in your area. You can search for open houses on sites like Redfin and Zillow.

14. Cooking a Dish Together

For a fun and tasty evening, you might go to your local farmer’s market or grocery store and then come home and make a gourmet meal together. If neither of you are skilled in the kitchen, you can order a meal delivery service that sends all the instructions and ingredients you need.

15. Checking Groupon for Deals

You can often find some interesting things to do for date night by checking Groupon to see what experiences are on sale. You might find a good deal on a couples massage or local interactive art exhibit.

16. Renting a Pool

For a fun date on a hot summer day (or night), consider checking out Swimply to see if you can rent out a private pool in your area by the hour. Pool toys and snacks may not be included, so be sure to pack everything you need before heading over for a swim.

17. Going on a Bike Ride

Another cute date idea is to go on a bike ride together. If you don’t own bikes, you may be able to rent them from the city or a local company. You can research local biking trails online before you go.

💡 Quick Tip: When you feel the urge to buy something that isn’t in your budget, try the 30-day rule. Make a note of the item in your calendar for 30 days into the future. When the date rolls around, there’s a good chance the “gotta have it” feeling will have subsided

18. Taking a Ferry Ride

Typically, ferry rides are pretty cheap. They may even be free. Consider taking a ride at sunset so you can enjoy a beautiful view.

19. Checking Out a Local Park

When the weather is nice, you might want to pack a blanket and some food and head to a nearby park to enjoy a lazy afternoon together. Have any leftover bread? Maybe you can feed it to the ducks or birds.

20. Going to a Pet Cafe

Pet cafes are now located in many towns around the county. Couples can sip on lattes while petting cute dogs and cats at the same time.

Recommended: Tips to Save Money on Pets

21. Renting a Canoe or Kayak

If you split the cost of a kayak or canoe rental, you can enjoy a relatively inexpensive afternoon paddling around a lake or bay together.

22. Taking a Walk in the Mall

Just because you go to the mall, it doesn’t mean you have to shop. Instead, you can do some browsing and not spend any money. Though you might want to share some favorite relatively low-cost mall treats like Cinnabons and Auntie Anne’s Pretzels.

23. Listening to a Podcast

Podcasts can be just as entertaining as television and movies. Consider grabbing some drinks and snacks and listening to a great podcast together.

24. Thrifting Together

Here’s a great way to save money on clothes and spend time together: Hit some local thrift stores for a cute and cheap date night. Maybe you’ll find some treasures or just try on outfits from decades past and make each other laugh.

25. Competing in a Video Game Competition

If you and your mate enjoy playing video games, consider challenging each other in a video game competition. You can offer fun rewards, such as the winner gets a gourmet home-cooked meal or doesn’t have to do any dishes all week.

26. Having a Spa Night

For couples who live together, a nice date night idea is to have a spa night at home. You can include foot massages, a bubble bath, and face masks for some relaxation, and laughs.

27. Doing Crafts Together

Couples that are feeling crafty can go to their local art store and buy supplies they need to create something together. You might even choose a sentimental project like a wreath made of corks from bottles you’ve shared or a scrapbook of vacation memories.

Recommended: How to Create a Budget in 6 Steps

The Takeaway

Going out on a “date” doesn’t have to put a major dent in your bank account. With a little bit of imagination and planning, you and your significant other can enjoy a night (or day) out that costs considerably less than the usual “dinner and a movie,” yet can be just as romantic and fun.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

About the author

Kylie Ora Lobell

Kylie Ora Lobell is a personal finance writer who covers topics such as credit cards, loans, investing, and budgeting. She has worked for major brands such as Mastercard and Visa, and her work has been featured by MoneyGeek, Slickdeals, TaxAct, and LegalZoom. Read full bio.

SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The SoFi® Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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.

We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
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.

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Many people are back into the full-time commuting groove again and finding that it can be a major cost. And by cost, it can mean the impact it has on both money and mood.

Some people spend 30 minutes commuting each way; others two or three times that. Some get on an express train while others drive their own car and deal with traffic woes and gas prices.

One way to lessen the burden of commuting (beyond listening to terrific podcasts while en route) is to lower the cost. Here, learn smart ways to do just that.

How Much Does It Cost To Commute?

Commuting to work is a major portion of all driving in the United States. Whether you commute by car daily or just two or three times a week, gas can certainly set you back. But a hidden cost of driving is depreciation, a car’s loss in value over time. Indeed, depreciation is actually the largest annual cost of car ownership, according to AAA.Add to that increased maintenance and repair costs of cars as they age and are driven more frequently.

For 2024, AAA pegged the average cost of car ownership per mile at 82 cents (assuming you drive 15,000 miles per year). That number includes depreciation, finance, fuel, insurance, license/registration/taxes, and maintenance/repairs. At that rate, the cost of driving 15 miles to work and back (30 miles round trip), comes in at $24.60 per day, not including tolls. If you commute daily, you may be spending around $123 a week or $482 a month just to get to and from your place of work (again, not including tolls).

Here’s a look at some ways to reduce the heavy cost of commuting.

1. Aiming for a “Remote First” Culture

Working remotely part- or full-time is a surefire way to cut commuting time and costs. The easiest way to maximize working from home is to find a job at a company where it’s standard. This option has become popular since the pandemic.

If your work makes it possible to work from home sometimes, you may want to try to make it a regular occurrence. That way you can more easily optimize your time spent in the office and save tasks best for home for the day you regularly work from home.

If you work from home regularly, it also means you can get better at it, from setting up a home office that truly works to figuring out how working at home can make you more productive than working in the office, not merely save you the time and money of a long commute — although that’s important, too.

Of course, the easiest way to save money commuting to work is not to do it at all. This not only spares the cost of gas, maintenance, subway tickets, or bus fare, but it also saves precious time.

The money that would have been spent on a commute to work can be put into a high-yield savings account to help you reach your savings goals faster.

2. Living Closer to the Job

One of the most obvious ways to reduce commute time is to make it so your car is less expensive.

There are roughly two ways to do this: Drive less or drive less expensively.

The easiest way to drive less is to live closer to work. While that may save money on gas and maintenance, it could end up being more expensive to live closer to work, especially in a large city.

One of the main amenities people seek when deciding where to live is distance from their job. If you work near where a lot of other people work, trying to live near that job is likely to be pricey as the cost of living may be higher.

So how to make driving less expensive if you can’t reduce the amount of driving necessary to get work? Get someone else to drive, at least some of the time, or drive cheaply (more on both options below).

💡 Quick Tip: Typically, checking accounts don’t earn interest. However, some accounts do, and online banks are more likely than brick-and-mortar banks to offer you the best rates.

3. Giving Carpooling a Spin

Carpooling means a shared ride to and from work, typically with someone who works in the same area or nearby.

Carpooling doesn’t magically get rid of the costs of commuting to work, but it can distribute them among riders or reduce them. Gas costs can be split, and maintenance costs can be reduced as the car is operated less frequently.

Even if you’re the one driving, you can often get access to high-occupancy-vehicle lanes, which means less time on the road and less time stalled in traffic.

4. Getting a Cheaper Car

Let’s say you have no choice about how far you have to drive and how frequently you have to do it. That may be a bummer, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options for saving money. Some cars are cheaper to operate than others, and there are wide variations between them. Generally, smaller is better.

For new cars, according to AAA, a small sedan is the cheapest to own, costing $54.24 per mile, even less than hybrids (66.07 cents) and electric (84.69 cents) vehicles.

More numbers to know: the costs for subcompact SUVs (67.51 cents per mile) and medium sedans (70.38 cents per mile).

There are, of course, other ways to get around besides a car.

Recommended: Savings Calculator

5. Taking Public Transportation

About 3% of commuters are straphangers, bus riders, and other public transit users, according to the most recent U.S. Census data. While a mass-transit commute to work is not costless, it can certainly save money on a per-trip basis.

If you own a car, using mass transit (or driving to a transit stop) won’t spare you from insurance, the cost of a new car, or depreciation, but the costs of car ownership associated with actual driving (gas, maintenance, etc.) will go down.

The only downside is that the ability to commute to work by public transit is often largely determined by locale. Someone who works in an area with a public transit system that serves the office can choose to live somewhere with efficient access to that system.

This will likely be in or near a large city, where the share of commuters who use public transit is far higher than the 3% national average. If you work in a city like New York, Chicago, Washington, Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, or Baltimore, public transit might be an efficient commuting option.

And although public transit may not entirely remove the need for a car, it could make it so a household with two adults only needs a single car, vastly reducing the cost of car ownership.

Finally, some companies offer commuter benefits, such as pretax income to be spent on costs related to the commute.

6. Doing the Legwork

Often the most affordable way to get to work is without using a car or public transportation; that means by foot, bicycle, or some other non-internal-combustion vehicle.

Biking may be impractical or stressful in many parts of the country. Still, some commuters may be up for the challenge. Cycling provides an aerobic workout and can trigger the release of endorphins, build muscle, and increase bone density.

Rolling road warriors may want to invest in a variety of gear to enhance safety and comfort. That can add to the cost, but these expenses will likely pale compared to car-related bills.

Recommended: Reasons to Switch Bank Accounts

7. Tracking Expenses

To reduce costs, commuters have to first get a handle on their spending, whether for gas, maintenance, or mass transit — or even coffees, snacks, and lunches on the job. Creating a budget and accounting for where your money goes is an important step.

Once you see where your money is going (and exactly how much you are spending on commuting) each month, you can then make informed decisions about where you want your money to go. You may find easy places to cut back, such as brewing coffee at home or walking to the train station instead of driving and paying for parking.

Any money you free up can then get siphoned off into a savings account earmarked for a future — and fun — goal, like going on vacation or making a down payment on a home.

The Takeaway

By better understanding the cost of commuting, you can make wise decisions about lowering your costs and saving money on this often-daily expense. From working from home when possible to carpooling and beyond, there are ways to keep your costs down.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The SoFi® Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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.

We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
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 Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

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