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Perkins loans, which were offered through the Federal Perkins Loan Program, are low-interest subsidized federal student loans for students with high financial need.

The Perkins Loan Program was discontinued in 2017. While these loans are no longer offered, borrowers who have Perkins loans are still required to repay them. These borrowers may also qualify for certain federal benefits like Perkins loan forgiveness.

Read on to learn more about repaying Perkins loans, federal Perkins loan forgiveness, plus current financial aid options to help make college more affordable.

Overview of Federal Perkins Loans

Students may choose to take out federal or private student loans to help pay for college. A type of federal student loan, Perkins loans were unique in that they were issued by schools. Federal Perkins Loans were intended for students with exceptional financial need and had a fixed 5% interest rate. Perkins loans were also subsidized, which means the government covered the interest that accrued while a borrower was in school.

The Perkins loan program allowed students to borrow the following amounts:

•   $5,500 a year with a cumulative limit of $27,500 for undergraduates

•   $8,000 per year for graduate students with a lifetime maximum of $60,000, including undergraduate Perkins loan debt

Repayment of Federal Perkins Loans

Federal Perkins loan borrowers are required to repay their Perkins loans plus interest within 10 years. That’s how college financial aid works in this particular instance.

Perkins loan borrowers had a nine-month grace period after graduating, leaving school, or dropping below half-time status before they needed to start repayment. Schools typically require monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly payments on Perkins loans.

These loans offer forgiveness and cancellation programs. Borrowers may be eligible for Perkins loan forgiveness if they work full-time in public service. Forgiveness through public service is available to those who hold such jobs as:

•   Child or family services workers

•   Educators

•   Firefighters

•   Law enforcement officers

•   Nurses

•   Members of the U.S. armed services

For eligible public service workers, up to 100% of their Federal Perkins loans may be forgiven over a five-year period. For more information on forgiveness, check out this student loan forgiveness guide.

If forgiveness isn’t an option, borrowers might qualify for cancellation of their Perkins loans in certain circumstances, including:

•   Bankruptcy

•   Total and permanent disability

•   Death

•   If your school closed while you were getting your degree

If one of these situations applies to you, you may be eligible for total and immediate discharge of your Perkins loans.

To apply for Perkins loan cancellation or forgiveness, contact your school’s financial aid office. They should be able to give you the appropriate forms to complete. If the school transferred your loans to a loan servicer, you can reach out directly to the servicer.

If you are not eligible for forgiveness or cancellation, you may want to consider the option of student loan refinancing. When you refinance student loans, you replace your old loans with a new loan that ideally has lower rates and more favorable terms if you qualify for them.

Recommended: Student Loan Payment Calculator

Comparison with Other Federal Student Loans

Although Perkins loans are no longer available, there are several other types of federal loans that may help you cover the cost of college. Here’s how these loans compare to Perkins loans:

•   Direct Subsidized Loans: Undergraduate students with financial need may be eligible for Direct Subsidized Loans. The school determines how much they can borrow with these loans based on the student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Like Perkins loans, the federal government subsidizes Direct Subsidized Loans by paying the interest on them while the borrower is in school and during the six-month grace period after graduation.

For the 2024-2025 school year, federal student loan interest rates are 6.53% for undergraduate students. That’s higher than the 5% interest rates on Perkins loans.

•   Direct Unsubsidized Loan: Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students are eligible for these loans, which are not based on financial need. Unlike Perkins loans, the interest on Direct Unsubsidized loans accrues while the borrower is in school and during the six-month grace period afterward. The borrower is responsible for paying that accrued interest.

•   Direct PLUS Loans: These loans are for parents who borrow money for dependent undergraduate students, and for eligible graduate and professional students. Unlike most federal loans, Direct PLUS loans require a credit check.

Current Status of the Federal Perkins Loan Program

The Federal Perkins Loan Program was discontinued in 2017 after Congress failed to renew it. Even though these loans are no longer available, borrowers who have Perkins loans must repay them. Alternatively, they can apply for forgiveness or cancellation of Perkins loans to help with getting out of student loan debt if they are eligible.

Alternatives for Students

Even though borrowers can no longer take out Perkins loans, there are a number of other financial aid options for college students. These include:

•   Federal Direct Loans: These loans offer helpful benefits for borrowers, including income-driven repayment and some forgiveness options. And as noted above, with Direct Subsidized Loans, the federal government pays the interest on the loans while the borrower is in school.

•   Scholarships: This type of aid is considered gift aid because it does not need to be repaid. Scholarships can come from a wide variety of sources, including your state, certain businesses, and national and local organizations. Explore the different scholarships available to see what you might be eligible for.

•   Grants: Many grants are need-based, and they typically do not need to be repaid. Grants may be available from the federal government or your state government.

•   Private student loans: These loans are offered through private lenders, including banks and online lenders. The repayment terms and benefits vary from lender to lender, and the interest rates on these loans may be fixed or variable.

A lender will typically do a credit check and review your financial history before approving you for a private loan, so it may be beneficial to have a student loan cosigner in order to qualify. It’s also important to be aware that private loans do not provide access to federal income-driven repayment plans and forgiveness programs.

Recommended: Scholarship Search Tool

The Takeaway

Federal Perkins loans are no longer available, but borrowers who have these loans must still repay them. If you have a Perkins loan you’re working to pay off, you can look into Perkins loan forgiveness and cancellation to see if you might be eligible.

Another option to consider is refinancing your Perkins loan, especially if you can qualify for a lower interest rate or better terms. Refinancing these loans means you’ll no longer be eligible for federal Perkins loan forgiveness, however, so make sure you won’t need to take advantage of that program.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

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

FAQ

Who is eligible for Federal Perkins Loans?

Federal Perkins loans are no longer available because the program was discontinued in 2017. However, there are other types of student loans you may be eligible for, including Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, as well as private student loans.

What is the interest rate on Federal Perkins Loans?

All Federal Perkins loans have a fixed interest rate of 5%. In addition, Perkins loans were subsidized, which means that the federal government paid the interest on the loans while borrowers were in school.

Are Federal Perkins Loans still available for new borrowers?

No, Federal Perkins Loans are no longer available. However, there are several other federal loan options for new borrowers, including Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, that come with certain benefits such as access to federal programs such as income-driven repayment plans.

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Photo credit: iStock/cagkansayin

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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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Finding the right financial aid can make all the difference when pursuing higher education. For Hawaiian students, there are numerous scholarships available for the 2024-25 academic year, specifically designed to support your educational journey.

Whether you’re seeking aid based on academic performance, financial need, or cultural background, these scholarships offer valuable opportunities. If you have a Native Hawaiian lineage, here are 15 prominent scholarships you may want to apply for.

Scholarships for Native Hawaiians

Scholarships are essentially free money from different organizations, groups, or institutions to be used toward your education. Since these are awards, the money doesn’t need to be paid back. They can help make affording college easier and may even eliminate the need to apply for federal or private student loans.

Below you’ll find some of the more commonly touted Native Hawaiian scholarship opportunities. However, this list is only partial, and you can find others through the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and by using SoFi’s scholarship search tool. You can also register for a chance to win a $2,500 SoFi Scholarship simply by entering your name and email address.

Here are the top 15 scholarships you can consider applying for if you are of Hawaiian ancestry:

1. Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce Scholarship

Sponsored by the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, this scholarship is geared toward students pursuing study in the area of business administration at an accredited two- or four-year college institution in Hawaii or the continental U.S.

Applicants for this must exhibit interests in the Hawaiian language, culture, and history, and have a commitment to contribute to the greater community.

2. Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program

The Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program (NHHSP) is a merit scholarship given to students seeking a degree in the field of healthcare. Some of the health professions include physician, nurse, dentist, clinical psychologist, dietitian or nutritionist, and social worker, among others. It’s important to note the eligible health professions may change each year.

Native Hawaiian students enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university in Hawaii can apply. Recipients who receive an NHHSP award are obligated to work full-time in medically underserved areas in Hawaii for a minimum of two years and a maximum of four.

Along with covering the student’s tuition and other education-related costs, the scholarship provides a monthly stipend for their full-time work requirement in their health care discipline.

3. Second Century Scholarship

The Second Century Scholarship is an award available to all Native Hawaiians attending any of the 10 campuses and educational centers within the University of Hawaii system. Since the scholarship is need-based, students who apply need to show they qualify for the requisite amount of financial aid.

Award amounts differ and are determined by the applicant’s financial need and the availability of funds. Native Hawaiian students can apply for financial aid through their campus financial aid offices. All regular financial aid deadlines apply.

4. Jean Ileialoha Beniamina Scholarship for Ni‘ihau Students Fund

A need-based scholarship, the Jean Ileialoha Beniamina Scholarship for Ni‘ihau Students Fund is for students who reside on either Kaua‘i or Ni‘ihau Island. Current Ni‘ihau residents or Kaua‘i residents who are one or two generations removed from Ni‘ihau Island are given preference, along with those students who are proficient or fluent in the Hawaiian language.

5. Blossom Kalama Evans Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Blossom Kalama Evans Memorial Scholarship Fund is sponsored by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, which has over $7 million dollars a year available for scholarships from more than 300 funds.

College juniors, seniors, or those going on to grad school can apply. Applicants must be a resident of Hawaii and attend college in the state. Preference is given to those students who major in Native Hawaiian or Hawaiian studies.

6. Prince Kūhiō Hawaiian Civic Club Scholarship

The Prince Kūhiō Hawaiian Civic Club, an organization dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian values, culture, and education, sponsors scholarships open to a variety of students pursuing degrees or certificates.

Preference for these awards are given to Hawaiian students that have engaged in community service or volunteer work, along with individuals pursuing degrees in the Hawaiian language, culture, studies, journalism, or education.

In addition, there is a vocational scholarship program for students who live in Hawaii. Applicants need to be enrolled at least part-time in a vocational degree program, including associate degrees, or a certification program on a list of their approved educational institutions and approved programs in Hawaii.

7. Warren Nakupuna Ah Loo Memorial Scholarship

This merit-based prize, named for the late civil servant Warren Nakupuna Ah Loo, is funded by the Nakupuna Foundation, a nonprofit committed to the advancement of the Native Hawaiian community.

Created for high school graduates or anticipated graduates from one of Hawaii’s Kamehameha Schools, the Warren Nakupuna Ah Loo Memorial Scholarship is designed to support students attending college anywhere in the U.S. who are pursuing studies in STEM (science, technology, engineering, or math).

Recommended: 30 College Scholarships for Minority Students

8. Rosemary & Nellie Ebrie Scholarship

This scholarship, also sponsored by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, is for Native Hawaiians who were born and currently reside on the island of Hawai‘i, otherwise known as the Big Island.

Applications for the Rosemary & Nellie Ebrie Scholarship are open to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate financial need.

9. Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Program

Asian & Pacific Islander American (APIA) Scholars offers a range of scholarships for students who identify as Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander. These awards are for undergraduate students who are already attending a U.S. accredited college or university, and range from $2,500 for one-year awards to $20,000 for multi-year awards.

APIA scholarships give special focus to those students who live at or below the poverty level and are first-generation college students. Applicants also must be a citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the U.S.

Recommended: FAFSA Grants and Other Types of Financial Aid

How Do I Know if I’m Eligible for Native Hawaiian Scholarships?

The term Native Hawaiian refers to a person with origins in the aboriginal, indigenous people who settled in Hawaii, founded the Hawaiian nation, and exercised sovereignty over their territory. A Native Hawaiian person is also considered to be a Pacific Islander, which refers to those people from Polynesian, Micronesian, and Melanesian cultural backgrounds.

It’s important to note people who are born in Hawaii but don’t have any ancestral links aren’t considered to be Native Hawaiians.

Scholarships for Native Hawaiian Women

If you’re a Native Hawaiian woman, you have the opportunity to apply for scholarships specifically created to support your educational pursuits. These scholarships include:

1. Ida M. Pope Memorial Scholarship

Women of Hawaiian ancestry can apply for the Ida M. Pope Memorial Scholarship through the Hawai‘i Community Foundation. This scholarship is set up to benefit a female student pursuing a career in the field of health, education, or STEM. Applicants need to demonstrate financial need, be a resident of Hawaii, and enroll as a full-time student.

2. Ka‘ehu Scholarship Fund

Another women-only scholarship offered through Hawai‘i Community Foundation, the Ka‘ehu Scholarship Fund, is for female-identifying students working toward earning an undergraduate or graduate degree.

The need-based award gives preference to women of Hawaiian ancestry that identify as LGBT and have participated in community service, clubs, and/or high school athletics.

3. AAUW Honolulu Branch Education Funds

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) promotes equity and education for women and girls. The Honolulu branch of AAUW offers need-based scholarships for Hawaiian female undergraduate students who already have some college credits.

The AAUW Honolulu Undergraduate Scholarship is for women who have already completed some college (a minimum of 12 credits), but had to halt their education for certain life circumstances. For this reason, the application is open to those who are 21 or older.

Female students must already be accepted or enrolled as a full- or part-time undergraduate in a college, community college, university in Hawaii, or online program from a regionally accredited public or private not-for-profit educational institution. Applicants need to be a Hawaiian resident and demonstrate financial need.

AAUW Honolulu also has graduate scholarships that are offered and administered through the Hawai‘i Community Foundation.

4. The Betty Bell Scholarship for Kauai Women

Established in 2020, the Betty Bell Scholarship for Kauai Women benefits women from the island of Kauai who demonstrate a strong work ethic and may not normally have the opportunity to go to college.

The prize is named after Betty J. Bell, the first licensed pharmacist on the island of Kauai, who was a strong advocate for women, especially for those who wanted to achieve their career dreams. Her namesake scholarship prioritizes working mothers, as well as women who are returning learners who had started college but didn’t get to complete their degree.

The scholarship is administered through the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, and applicants must be a resident of Kauai Island and demonstrate financial need.

5. Ka’iulani Home for Girls Trust Scholarship

A need-based scholarship, the Ka’iulani Home for Girls Trust Scholarship supports female students of Hawaiian ancestry who are full-time college freshman or sophomores.

Women must be of Hawaiian ancestry, residents of Hawaii, and attend an accredited, two- or four-year, not-for-profit college or university within the Aloha state.

Recommended: 10 Popular Scholarships for Women

Can I Get a Scholarship for Being Hawaiian?

Yes, there are many scholarships for those who are of Hawaiian ancestry as well as for individuals who are Hawaiian born and residents of the state.

How Do I Get a Hawai’i Promise Scholarship?

If you are planning to attend one of the University of Hawaii’s seven community colleges, you can apply for a Hawai’i Promise Scholarship. This scholarship offers money from the state of Hawaii, along with the University of Hawaii, to provide qualified students with all of their direct education costs (tuition, books, fees) that aren’t met by other forms of financial aid.

In 2023, almost $3.8 million was awarded to 1,774 eligible students in the UH Community College system, with the average award per student equaling $2,142.

To qualify for a Hawai’i Promise Scholarship, you’ll need to be enrolled in at least 6 credits per semester at a UH Community College, be a resident of Hawaii, and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You’ll then be notified by your campus if you’re eligible for the scholarship.

Recommended: Important FAFSA Deadlines to Know

What Is Native Hawaiian Exemption Tuition?

Students who can show proof of their Native Hawaiian ancestry may be able to get a Native Hawaiian Tuition Waiver. Those who apply must have a financial need based on information given on the FAFSA form.

The waiver applies to part of your tuition (not fees) and you must be at least a part-time student (6 credits) and attending an institution within the University of Hawaii system.

Recommended: What Is Need-Based Financial Aid?

The Takeaway

There are a multitude of scholarship opportunities available for Native Hawaiians, aka people who are of Hawaiian ancestry. Scholarships for Native Hawaiians can be need- or merit-based and are open to undergraduate, graduate, vocational students, and community college attendees. Since competition for scholarships can be fierce, being able to apply for specific scholarships can give a Native Hawaiian student a major leg up when it comes to paying for college.

Other ways to pay for college include cash savings, grants, federal student loans, and private student loans.

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

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

FAQ

If I was born and live in Hawaii, does that make me a Native Hawaaian?

Not necessarily. A Native Hawaiian is a person who is a descendant of one of the original Polynesian settlers in Hawaii. You can be a Native Hawaiian and not live in Hawaii, or even not have been born there, but you must have indigenous ancestry.

Do you have to live in Hawaii to be eligible for a scholarship?

It depends. Some Native Hawaiian-specific scholarships require the applicant to be a Hawaiian resident, but it’s not always a prerequisite.

How much does it cost to go to school in Hawaii?

The average cost for tuition and fees for a four-year college program is $7,723 for in-state students and $20,995 for out-of-state students. Tuition for private colleges or universities in Hawaii clocks in at $17,121.

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Photo credit: iStock/davidf

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

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

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.

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Editor's Note: For the latest developments regarding federal student loan debt repayment, check out our student debt guide.

When Jennifer S. clocked in on her first day of work as a nurse at a major hospital, she remembers thinking, “I’ve got this.” And she did. Nursing school had prepared her well for working in the emergency room.

She felt less confident about navigating her finances, however. Jennifer had to balance her living expenses and long-term goals with $40,000 in student loans while earning $25 an hour.

She cooked meals at home and kept her expenses low. Jennifer also created a monthly nursing budget to help organize her finances. “I saw that I should start saving a little more during the second half of the month, when I usually had leftover money, in case I needed it for the next month’s bills,” she says.

In addition, Jennifer discovered ways she could make extra money. Consider this nursing budget example: She switched to overnight shifts making an additional $7,000 a year. When a hurricane hit her state, she worked around the clock at the hospital for a week — and earned roughly $6,000, which she put toward a down payment on a home. And she routinely picked up per diem and travel assignments.

Why You Need a Nursing Budget

It’s an interesting time to be a nurse. On one hand, staffing shortages and burnout worsened during the pandemic, and the nursing shortage is expected to continue to grow until 2035. The rising cost of higher education, including how to pay for nursing school, has resulted in a growing number of students graduating with debt.

According to the latest figures from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), roughly 70% of nurses take out nursing student loans to pay for school, and the median student loan debt is between $40,000 and $55,000.

On the plus side, nurses have some leverage. The profession is in such high demand right now that some hospitals are offering incentives like sign-on bonuses, shorter hours, and student loan repayment help.

And in general, nurses can earn a good salary. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income for a registered nurse in 2023 was $86,070. The median income for a licensed practical nurse or licensed vocational nurse was $59,730. The median income for a nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, or nurse practitioner — fields that typically require a master’s degree — was $129,480 per year. Nurses who are willing and able to take on additional shifts, work overnight, or accept lucrative travel assignments stand to make even more.

If you’re a new nurse who is figuring out your finances, a nursing budget is a good place to start.

How to Budget as a Nurse

With tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of student loans to repay, it’s helpful for nurses to create a budget to manage their money, cover their living expenses, pay down the debt they owe, and plan for their financial future. Here’s how to do it.

•   Set financial goals. Think about your short-term and long-term aspirations. These might be things like saving $2,000 in your bank account, paying off your student loans, or investing for retirement. Knowing what you’re working toward will help give you the motivation to get there.

•   Calculate your income. Look at your pay stubs to see how much you’re bringing home each month. That’s the amount you have to work with.

•   Determine your expenses. Pull out all your bills and add up how much you’re spending each month for rent, food, utilities, loan and credit card payments, and so on. Be sure to include “fun” expenses such as dining out, entertainment, and self-care costs.

•   Find a budgeting method that works for you. There are different types of techniques, such as the 50/30/20 rule that divides your budget into different categories: 50% for essential expenses like rent, utilities, food, car payments, and debt payments; 30% for discretionary expenditures such as eating out, travel, and shopping; and 20% for goals like saving for a home, your child’s education, and retirement. There’s also the envelope budgeting system, which has you put cash monthly into envelopes for each spending category like housing and food. Once the money in an envelope is gone, you’ll need to wait until the next month to spend in that category again or take money from another envelope. Explore the different methods and choose the one that works best for your lifestyle.

•   Review your nurse budget regularly and update it as needed. Make adjustments as your situation changes. For instance, maybe your car breaks down and you need extra money for emergency repairs. Or perhaps you get a raise that increases your income. Tweak your budget accordingly.

Common Financial Challenges for Nurses

As a nurse, you’ll face some unique money-related challenges. For example, you may have work expenses, such as purchasing a uniform, comfortable shoes, and certain tools to do your job. Many hospitals and clinics require you to buy your own stethoscope, for instance. And working long shifts or irregular hours may leave you with less time for cooking so that you end up spending more money on takeout.

In addition, as a nurse, you may decide to pursue an advanced degree like a master’s to move up the ladder and earn more money. That could mean taking out new student loans to cover the cost of your continuing education, in addition to the loans you already have.

These financial challenges are all things to factor into your nurse budget so that you have a plan for paying them off.

Watch Your Spending

Even when you’re on a budget, it can be easy to fall into the habit of overspending because there are different ways to supplement your income as a nurse. “When I was doing travel assignments, I just kept working,” Jennifer says. “At the time, I didn’t realize it would stop, so I didn’t think to save as much as I could have.”

In fact, lifestyle creep can be a common pitfall, especially when you start earning more money, says Brian Walsh, CFP, senior manager, financial planning for SoFi. Spending more on nonessentials as your income rises can potentially wreak havoc on your savings goals and financial health. That’s why budgeting for nurses is so important.

While you’re starting to establish your spending habits, Walsh recommends using cash or a debit card for purchases. Automate your finances whenever possible by doing things like pre-scheduling bill payments.

Develop Your Savings Strategy

A sound savings plan can help you make progress toward your short- and long-term goals and provide a sense of security. Walsh suggests nurses set aside 20% of their income for retirement and other savings, like building an emergency fund that can cover three to six months’ worth of your total living expenses. He recommends placing it in an easy-to-access vehicle, like money market funds, short-term bonds, CDs, or a high-yield savings account.

The remaining 80% of your income can go toward current living expenses, including monthly student loan payments.

Jennifer found success by adopting a set-it-and-forget-it approach to saving. “Whenever I worked a per diem shift, I got in the habit of putting $100 or $200 of every check into a savings account,” she says. Before long, she had a decent-sized nest egg and peace of mind.

Explore Different Investments

One simple way to build up savings is to contribute to your 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plan, if one is available to you, and tap into a matching funds program. There’s a limit to how much you can contribute annually to one of these plans. In 2024, the amount is $23,000; if you’re 50 or older, you can contribute up to an additional $7,500, for a total of $30,500. In 2025, you can contribute up to $23,500 to a 401(k), and if you’re 50 or older, you can contribute an extra $7,500, for a total contribution of $31,000.

If you don’t have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, there are other ways to save for the future. “Start by figuring out what your targeted savings goal is,” Walsh says. If you’re going to save a few thousand dollars, you can consider a traditional IRA or Roth IRA. Both can offer tax advantages.

Contributions made to a traditional IRA are tax-deductible, and no taxes are due until you withdraw the money. Contributions to a Roth IRA are made with after-tax dollars; your money grows tax-free and you don’t pay taxes when you withdraw the funds in retirement. However, there are limits on how much you can contribute each year and on your income. In 2024 and 2025, you can contribute up to $7,000 to an IRA annually with an additional $1,000 for individuals 50 and up.

Ideally, Walsh says, you’re saving more than a few thousand dollars for retirement. If that’s the case, then a Simplified Employee Pension IRA (SEP IRA) may be worth considering. “Depending on how your employment status is set up, a SEP IRA could be a very good vehicle because the total contributions can be just like they are with an employer-sponsored plan, but you control how much to contribute, up to a limit,” he says. What’s more, contributions are tax-deductible, and you won’t pay taxes on growth until you withdraw the money when you retire.

Another option is a health savings account (HSA), which may be available if you have a high deductible health plan. HSAs provide a triple tax benefit: Contributions reduce taxable income, earnings are tax-free, and money used for qualified medical expenses is also tax-free.

Depending on your financial goals, you may also want to consider after-tax brokerage accounts. They offer no tax benefits but give you the flexibility to withdraw money at any time without being taxed or penalized.

Take Control of Your Student Loans

You have different priorities competing for a piece of your paycheck, and nursing school loans are one of them. You may need to start repaying loans six months after graduation, and options vary based on the type of loan you have.

If you have federal loans and need extra help making payments, for example, you can look into a loan forgiveness program or an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan, which can lower monthly payments for eligible borrowers based on their income and household size.

If you’re struggling to make payments, you may qualify for a student loan deferment or forbearance. Both options temporarily suspend your payments, but interest will continue to accrue and add to your total balance.

You can also explore the option of student loan forgiveness. There are a number of student loan forgiveness programs for nurses, such as the NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program. If you work for a government or nonprofit organization, you can look into the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to see if you qualify.

Chipping away at a student loan debt can feel overwhelming. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, there are a couple of different debt pay-off approaches you may want to consider. With the avalanche approach, you prioritize debt repayment based on interest rate, from highest to lowest. With the snowball approach, you pay off the smallest balance first and then work your way up to the highest balance.

While both have their benefits, Walsh says he often sees greater success with the snowball approach. “Most people should start with paying off the smallest balance first because then they’ll see progress, and progress leads to persistence,” he explains. But, he adds, the right approach is the one you can stick with.

Consider Whether Student Loan Refinancing Is Right For You

When you choose refinancing, including medical professional refinancing, a private lender pays off your existing loans and issues you a new loan. This combines all of your loans into a single monthly bill, potentially reduces your monthly payments, and may give you a chance to lock in a lower interest rate than you’re currently paying. A quarter of a percentage point difference in an interest rate could translate into meaningful savings if you have a big loan balance, Walsh points out.

A student loan refinancing calculator can help you determine how much refinancing might save you.

Still, refinancing your student loans may not be right for everyone. By choosing to refinance federal student loans, you could lose access to benefits and protections, like the current pause on payment and interest or federal loan forgiveness plans. Be sure to weigh all the options and decide what makes sense for you.

Recommended: Student Loan Refinancing Guide

The Takeaway

Nursing can be a rewarding career, with flexibility and opportunities to add to your income. However, as a new nurse, you are likely trying to stretch your paycheck to cover student loan debt and everyday expenses. Fortunately, by using a few smart strategies, such as budgeting and saving, and exploring options like refinancing, you can start to pay down your loans—and reach your financial goals.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

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

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

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

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

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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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If you have an old or expired credit card, you might shred or otherwise dispose of it. Most credit cards come with an expiration date printed on the face of the card alongside the credit card account numbers. If you keep your account open, you’ll usually get a new card in the mail before your previous card expires.

When you get your new credit card or if you’ve decided to close your account, you’ll want to be careful about what to do with your expired credit card. There are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you keep your financial information safe.

Things to Do With an Old or Expired Credit Card

If you have a credit card that’s closed or has passed its credit card expiration date, here are some options to consider as you decide what to do with the card.

Shredding Your Credit Cards

The simplest thing you can do after closing a credit card is to shred it. Most modern shredders have the ability to shred plastic credit cards in addition to paper. If you don’t have a shredder, you can cut your card into multiple pieces with scissors.

You might consider putting each piece of your card in a different trash can or trash bag. This will minimize the chance that someone might be able to reconstruct your full account number.

Disposing of Metal Credit Cards

It gets a little more complicated if you’re disposing of a metal credit card. Most retail shredders will not be able to handle shredding a metal credit card. If you have an expired metal credit card, you can try the following:

•   Cutting it up with metal snips

•   Turning it in at a physical bank branch

•   Sending it back via certified mail to your credit card issuer

Contacting Expired Credit Card Hobbyists

Believe it or not, there are people who collect old credit cards as a hobby. They may do so because they are fascinated by the history of credit cards. While you might not feel comfortable having your credit card and account information in the hands of someone else, if you are, there may be someone who would want to have it.

Just keep in mind that while there are some old or historical cards that have actual value as collectibles, most current credit cards won’t be worth anything to a collector.

Deactivating Magnetic Strips and Chips

As part of the process of destroying a credit card that’s past its credit card expiration date, it’s not just the account number that you’ll need to take care of. Most credit cards have either a magnetic strip or an EMV chip (or both) that contain account information that you’ll need to make sure is destroyed.

If you have a contactless credit card, remember that it also contains potentially sensitive information.

Keeping Your Card Out Of The Recycling Bin

Above all else, don’t just throw your card in the recycling bin. While most credit cards are plastic, that doesn’t mean they can be recycled as-is. Check with your local trash or recycling authority to see if credit cards can be recycled. Even if your card can be recycled, it’s not a great idea to toss it in the recycling bin whole due to security risks.

Recommended: Tips for Using a Credit Card Responsibly

Things to Do Before You Close Your Credit Card Account

It can be difficult to know when to cancel a credit card due to the implications it can have for your credit score. Especially if the account you’re thinking about closing is one of your older ones, it can impact the length of your credit history. As this is a factor that goes into determining your credit score, canceling a long-standing card could cause your score to drop.

So before closing your credit card account, consider the following options first.

Downgrade Your Card

Instead of closing your credit card account, you might consider downgrading your account to a different type of credit card. Most credit card issuers have a variety of different cards, so you might find one that’s a better fit for you. Plus, keeping your account open can help maintain your average age of accounts.

Recommended: How to Avoid Interest On a Credit Card

Upgrade to an Unsecured Card

If you currently have a secured credit card, you can move from a secured card to an unsecured credit card rather than simply closing out your account.

A secured credit card can make sense if you have a limited credit history or are working on rebuilding your credit history. But once you have an established history of adhering to credit card rules like making on-time payments, you may be able to qualify for an unsecured card.

Keep Your Card for Small Purchases

It may make sense for you to keep your credit card and use it to make small purchases here and there, especially if it doesn’t have an annual fee. Keeping a credit card open can help you maintain your average age of accounts, especially if the card is one of your older ones.

Just keep in mind that if you do decide to keep it open, you may want to make occasional small purchases on it. Otherwise, your credit card issuer may close it for inactivity.

Recommended: Can You Buy Crypto With a Credit Card?

The Takeaway

If you have an old or expired credit card, it’s important to take the necessary steps to keep your financial information safe. In most cases, it’s a good idea to shred your expired card so that nobody can access your information. You might also just keep your credit card account open to avoid lowering your average age of credit accounts.

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

Can an expired credit card be charged?

In most cases, if you try to make a purchase after your credit card’s expiration date, it will be declined. Keep in mind, though, that merchants may continue to attempt to charge a card after its expiration date if you have it set up for recurring charges. Check with any merchants where you have recurring charges to see how this might affect you.

Can I cancel a credit card online?

Yes, in most cases you do have the ability to cancel a credit card online. You could do so through your online account or possibly by using a chat feature on the card issuer’s website. If you’re not able to cancel your credit card online, you may have to call the customer service number on the back of your card to cancel your card.

What should I do before canceling a credit card?

Knowing when to cancel a credit card is a matter of balancing a variety of different factors. Before canceling a credit card, make sure that it won’t drastically affect your credit score. You’ll also want to contact any merchants where you have recurring charges to update your account information. That will ensure that you don’t have any interruption in service.

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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.

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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Structured products are investment vehicles that are structured to seek specific objectives or goals. Most often, structured products are designed with the aim of generating returns based on the performance of an underlying security or basket of securities.

Structured products may offer investors built-in downside protection, with the potential for higher returns. However, investing in structured products does have risks, which investors should be aware of.

Understanding Structured Products

Structured products are a type of alternative investment that can act as a counterbalance to more traditional investments, like stocks or bonds. Alternative investments, in general, may be structured to seek higher returns for investors compared to other investment types, though they typically entail a higher degree of risk.

They also require that investors hold onto them until they mature, meaning that they’re suited to buy-and-hold strategies, which can be important to note for investors who may have a different overall investment strategy.

Definition and Basic Concepts

In simple terms, a structured product is an investment that derives its value from other investments. Structured products are designed to offer maximum upside, based on market conditions.

There are different categories of structured products you might invest in:

•   Participation products: These track an underlying asset, which may be an individual security or an index. Risk/reward profiles align with the underlying asset.

•   Yield enhancement products: These pay a set coupon or interest rate and offer downside risk protection, so long as the underlying asset’s value remains at or above a certain level.

•   Capital protection structured products: These offer guaranteed recovery of your initial investment, with the potential to benefit from increases in the value of the underlying asset.

Market-linked certificates of deposit (CDs) are one example of structured products. These are bank CDs that tie potential returns to an underlying asset, such as individual stocks or a stock index.

For example, you might invest $10,000 into a market-linked CD that bases returns on the performance of the S&P 500. The CD has a 12-month term. During that period, you get the benefit of returns that parallel the performance of the 500 largest publicly traded companies in the U.S., with the reassurance of FDIC insurance protection.

Individuals and institutional investors can invest in structured products. The difference between institutional vs. individual investors lies in who they represent. Institutional investors trade on behalf of other investors; a bank is one example. Individual investors trade for themselves.

How Structured Products Differ from Traditional Investments

Structured products are distinct from traditional products in terms of how they work and what they’re designed to do for investors.

Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) may be good for diversifying your portfolio, but there are limits to the needs they can meet for certain investors. Structured products may help fill gaps in a portfolio.

In terms of what a structured product looks like, they can be issued as:

•   Publicly offered or privately placed debt securities

•   Closed-end funds or trusts

•   CDs

Each option has a different risk/reward profile, allowing investors to select structured products that align with their goals and risk tolerance. Structured products can be traded on exchanges just like stocks and some also trade on the secondary market, though that’s rare.

Compared to stocks or other traditional investments, structured products tend to be more complex in both how they work and how they’re taxed. In the past, structured products required a substantial minimum investment. Today, more financial institutions offer structured products such as market-linked CDs with low minimum buy-ins, reducing barriers to entry for a broader range of investors.

Benefits and Risks of Structured Products

Structured products can be attractive to investors for a variety of reasons. Some of the chief benefits of investing in structured products may include:

•   Potential for higher returns, based on the performance of the underlying asset

•   Indirect exposure to alternative investments

•   Certain types may have built-in downside protections

It’s important to understand that structured product returns follow an “if/then” model. If the underlying asset delivers ABC return, then you reap XYZ rate of return.

That’s what makes structured products both enticing — and risky. You’re essentially banking on the underlying asset meeting or exceeding performance expectations. But structured products allow for flexibility, so you can choose investments that are most aligned with the outcomes you seek.

That can enhance diversification. And if you’re unsure why portfolio diversification matters, it’s simple. A diversified portfolio helps you to balance risk.

On the risk side, it’s important to know that structured products are not liquid investments, as they require you to hold the investment until maturity. That is, investors can’t sell early if they hope to receive the specified returns and protections they signed up for. They’re less widely traded than traditional stocks or bonds and if you need to exist before maturity, you may have to do so at a loss.

Structured products are often highly customized, which adds another wrinkle if you plan to sell. Cost structures can sometimes be difficult to decipher and high fees can detract from your overall rate of return. Gains are taxed at ordinary income tax rates, versus the more favorable long-term capital gains rate.

💡 Quick Tip: All investments come with some degree of risk — and some are riskier than others. Before investing online, decide on your investment goals and how much risk you want to take.

Who Should Consider Structured Products?

Structured products are more appropriate for some investors than others. If you’re a complete beginner to trading, you may want to familiarize yourself with more traditional investments before looking into structured products.

These investments may be most suitable for investors who:

•   Have experience with derivatives

•   Are comfortable accepting a higher degree of risk to seek potentially better returns

•   Want to diversify with alternative investments, without buying them directly

•   Understand the liquidity implications of allocating part of their portfolio to structured products

Note that some structured product finance investments may require you to be an accredited investor. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) defines an accredited investor as someone who:

•   Has a net worth >$1 million, excluding their primary residence AND

•   Has income over $200,000 (or $300,000 with a spouse or partner) in each of the prior two years, with a reasonable expectation for the same income in the current year

Financial professionals who hold a Series 7, Series 65, or Series 82 securities license may also qualify.

Evaluating and Purchasing Structured Products

If you’re interested in adding structured products to your portfolio, it’s important to do your research. The due diligence process can involve:

•   Checking the minimum investment requirements and accredited investor requirements, if applicable

•   Researching the product’s underlying assets/investments to understand how it generates returns and what type of performance you might expect.

•   Reviewing the fees associated with the structured product

•   Understanding the product’s risk profile and how it corresponds to your personal risk tolerance

•   Planning your eventual exit from the investment and what consequences may apply if you need or want to exit early

Working with a financial advisor can be helpful if you have questions about how a particular structured product works or where it might fit into your portfolio. A financial professional can look at your entire asset allocation, risk tolerance, and goals to determine how well structured products might work for you.

The Takeaway

While alternative investments may enable you to seek potentially higher returns in your portfolio, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the risks. Structured products can offer exposure to alternatives, with some downside protection added. While SoFi doesn’t offer structured product investments at this time, it does allow you to invest in stocks, ETFs, and more.

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

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

FAQ

Are structured products suitable for beginner investors?

Structured products are often complex, which could make them a less suitable choice for beginner investors. You may want to learn the basics of stocks and bonds first before exploring the possibilities of structured products and other alternative investments.

How are structured products taxed?

Gains from structured products are typically taxed at ordinary income rates vs. the long-term capital gains tax rate. That could be a disadvantage if you’re in a higher tax bracket year to year, as the long-term capital gains rate maxes out at 20%.

Can I sell a structured product before maturity?

It’s possible to sell structured products before maturity if you can find a buyer on the secondary market. If you’re unable to find a buyer you may have to sell to the original issuer at a reduced price. You may also be charged fees or penalties to sell before maturity, which can reduce returns.

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SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

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

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.

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