Regardless of your age and life stage, unexpected bills can derail someone’s finances. Unforeseen events can be particularly challenging for college students who don’t have a lot of wiggle room in their budgets.
If you’re a student who’s experiencing financial hardship — or you’re just worried about how to prepare for a rainy day — be assured that help is available to students in need. Emergency financial aid grants are designed to keep students in college through financial setbacks.
We’ll review your options, and the pros and cons of each, so you can feel ready to take on any situation.
Key Points
• Emergency grants for college students provide financial relief for unexpected expenses like medical treatments, job loss, or technology replacement.
• The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) offers grants for students affected financially by COVID-19.
• HEERF grants do not affect a student’s Expected Family Contribution and are not considered part of their financial aid package.
• Colleges may offer additional emergency support such as tuition assistance, food pantries, and temporary housing.
• Private student loans are available if federal aid and emergency grants are insufficient to cover all educational expenses.
Why You Might Urgently Need More Money as a Student
Students are pretty familiar with seeking financial aid to help pay for tuition, school supplies, and other educational costs. However, some expenses aren’t covered by scholarships and student loans.
Emergency financial aid for college students can help cover the cost of:
• Medical treatments
• Job loss
• Rent increases
• Financial hardship due to COVID-19
• Replacement technology, such as a laptop or phone
• Car repairs
• Loss of athletic scholarship due to injury
• Loss of child care services
Some of these costs are fairly common, while others affect only a small percentage of students. The common thread: They’re all unpredictable and financially challenging. (By the way, we have a great guide to money management for college students.)
Students around the world experienced a sudden shift during the pandemic. Some students also felt a direct financial impact from COVID-19. If your schooling was disrupted by the pandemic, you might be able to receive a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) grant. The program was created in March 2020 under the CARES Act and continues through the American Rescue Plan of 2021.
What Are They?
A HEERF grant is a type of emergency grant for students whose lives were upended by the pandemic. In July 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration released the final funds: $198 million.
How Do They Work?
The Department of Education disbursed the emergency financial aid grants for HEERF directly to 244 participating schools. The institutions that received funding are required to allocate a certain percentage as emergency grants for college students. Schools are tasked with identifying students in need, especially those who demonstrate financial hardship. Students who have received a Pell Grant likely meet this requirement.
HEERF emergency financial aid grants can be awarded to online students, DACA recipients, asylum seekers, and other eligible student groups.
Students can use the funds for any expense resulting from the pandemic. That includes the cost of attendance, housing, food, healthcare, or child care.
Pros and Cons of HEERF Emergency Grants
Although emergency college grants can offer financial relief, there are limitations. Below are the pros and cons of HEERF emergency grants for college students.
School has discretion about who receives funds and how much
Don’t count toward your annual gross income (AGI) for taxes
Each school has their own application process
Don’t count as part of your financial aid package.
Can be used toward your cost of attendance or any expense that came up due to COVID-19.
Financial Support From Your College
Other emergency college grants and support programs can be discovered through your school:
Emergency Tuition Assistance
Emergency tuition assistance is designed to help students stay enrolled in school when they’re suddenly unable to cover the cost of attendance. Assistance might be in the form of a grant, scholarship, voucher, or other relief.
If you’re at risk of dropping out of school because an emergency is making it hard to pay your school bills, ask your financial aid office about emergency tuition assistance.
Emergency Food Options
Inflation is making it harder for everyone to pay for groceries. If you’re experiencing food insecurity, ask your Student Affairs office about campus food pantries.
This resource can offer non-perishable goods, like dry pasta, legumes, and canned foods, as well as fresh produce and even basic toiletries (don’t get us started on the “pink tax” for period supplies).
Emergency Housing
Although not many schools have dedicated emergency housing options for their students, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Reach out to your school’s Student Affairs department to inquire about short-term emergency housing programs that might be available.
If your school doesn’t offer emergency housing, they might point you to external resources, such as local nonprofits and community groups.
If you’ve already maximized the federal undergraduate loans or graduate loans you’re eligible for, a private student loan is an alternative financing option. Private student loans are offered by private lenders, like banks, credit unions, and online financial institutions.
This type of student loan can cover an amount up to the certified cost of attendance, minus the financial aid you’ve already received. Private loans can have fixed or variable interest rates, with rates and terms varying by lender. Additionally, private student loans don’t have the same borrower benefits as federal student loans, like loan forgiveness and income-driven repayment, so tread carefully.
If you’re a student who’s struggling financially due to an unexpected expense or event, help is available. Reach out to your School Affairs or Financial Aid office, explain your situation, and learn about emergency financial aid grants. The federal HEERF program can cover any expense related to Covid-19, from tuition to hospital bills. Other emergency programs can help you cover housing, food, and other basic needs. If you’re ineligible or have exhausted your grant options, private student loans are an alternative to consider.
With SoFi private student loans, you can borrow up to your school’s certified cost of attendance with zero fees. And getting prequalified online takes only minutes, so you can get financing for school fast during an emergency.
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
What did the CARES Act do for college students?
The CARES Act, which was passed in March 2020 as a response to COVID-19, offered student loan repayment relief and emergency grants for college students. Federal student loan borrowers were provided automatic administrative loan forbearance and a pause on interest. Eligible students can also receive emergency aid through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).
Will there be another CARES Act for college students?
In July 2022, the Department of Education announced that it allotted the final funds toward the HEERF. The amount of $198 million was provided to 244 colleges to help their students recover from the pandemic.
Are there grants for students due to Covid-19?
Yes, the federal government created a college emergency grant, called the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). The program was created under the CARES Act in March 2022 and continues under the American Rescue Plan.
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For many, downsizing is more accurately described as “right-sizing.” The idea of a smaller home is that it helps people live more compactly and reduce the typical avalanche of stuff.
It’s not about giving up everything, but instead deciding what’s really important and then finding ways to better incorporate those things into one’s lifestyle.
Shrinking a home’s total square footage might not be the right fit for everyone, but it does offer economic, lifestyle, and emotional benefits for some.
Read on to learn why less is more for the Americans who choose to downsize.
The Rise of Downsizing
Living minimally has always been a lifestyle choice, but in recent years, more and more people have opted to live with less. The minimalist lifestyle went mainstream with Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, which urges readers to get rid of items that don’t bring joy.
Downsizing as a trend goes hand in hand with minimalism, the urge to have fewer objects and live in a smaller space. It’s part of the cultural shift of valuing doing something over having something. Three-quarters of Americans value experiences more than things, one study showed.
That shift and home building data suggest that it’s not just empty-nesters looking to purchase a home with less square footage. The National Association of Home Builders reported the slight shrinking of the average home size in recent years.
The choice to downsize a house is personal, but it’s one that many homeowners are taking on.
Signs It’s Time to Downsize
No matter a person’s life stage, there are a few signs that may signal it’s time to downsize.
• Housing expenses are too high. The traditional notion is that no more than 30% of a person’s gross income should be spent on housing costs. (The number has been debated, but the 50/30/20 rule has wide support: 50% of post-tax income goes to essential needs, including housing, 30% to discretionary spending, and 20% to savings.)
If the cost of the mortgage, upkeep, and additional home-related expenses far exceed a 30% of a person’s budget, it might be time to think about downsizing. This could apply to a retired couple now living on a fixed income or a first-time homebuyer who has a hard time paying the mortgage without roommates.
• No ties to the location. Remote work is still common, and that could mean employees are no longer tied to their neighborhood, city, or state. Similarly, the kids might be out of school and parents no longer feel the need to stay in the school district. When a homeowner no longer feels committed to their property’s location, it might be time to consider downsizing.
• A lifestyle change. It could stem from limited mobility or simply fewer people living in the house, but if rooms or even floors aren’t being used weekly, it could be time to try a smaller space.
• Home equity could be used. Depending on the amount of equity a person has in their home and the value of the market, they could be sitting on a potentially huge payday. The proceeds from the sale of their home could be a significant down payment on a smaller property.
Downsizing can sound restricting, but there’s a lot to benefit from.
• Less upkeep. A smaller home means less upkeep overall. A bigger home requires more maintenance, cleaning, and possibly yard work.
• More affordable. A smaller home will probably come with a smaller mortgage payment or none at all. On top of that, the less space, the less things that can go wrong in the home. Additionally, a smaller space typically means lower heating and cooling bills.
• A fresh locale. In general, smaller homes typically cost less, so that could create the opportunity to move into a small place in a more desirable or exciting neighborhood. It could cost more on average per square foot, but with less square footage overall, up and coming neighborhoods might be attainable.
• Freed-up money. A smaller space with fewer expenses and less upkeep can translate to a bigger budget for travel and experiences.
The Downside of Downsizing
Downsizing has its perks, but there are a few potential drawbacks to the life choice as well.
• Less space. A smaller footprint could mean sacrificing a guest room, having fewer bathrooms, or losing some garden space. Homeowners thinking about downsizing can be forced to make tough decisions about what truly matters to them in their day-to-day living space.
• Cost of moving. Overall, downsizing is a more affordable lifestyle, but don’t discount the cost of selling a home and the costs of moving. Remember, when selling a home, real estate agent commissions and other fees can eat up to 10% of the sales price of the home. Selling should lead to a payday, but homeowners take on expenses when prepping their property for sale. Additionally, a full-service move can cost thousands, move.org notes.
• Stress of sorting through stuff. In a recent survey, 45% of respondents said moving is the most stressful event in life, ranked a hair above divorce or a breakup. Downsizing can be particularly stressful because not everything can go with you. It could mean parting with keepsakes; paring down heaps of clothes, shoes, books, holiday decorations, and the list goes on; or deciding to go without some beloved items because they simply don’t suit a smaller home.
• Staying minimalist-minded. Downsizing isn’t just a one-time choice; it’s the conscious decision to live with less. The initial work of downsizing is probably the biggest hurdle to overcome, but there’s the ongoing choice to live with less and resist buying and accumulating more stuff.
How to Downsize: Steps to Get Started
• Explore alternative housing. Before diving headfirst into downsizing, it’s worth trying out a smaller way of life. That could mean renting a smaller home for a week or two in a new neighborhood. Downsizing can mean a lot of things, from a tiny house or a condo, or moving from a four-bedroom to a two-bedroom. Getting an idea of what downsizing will mean on a personal level begins with understanding how small you’ll go.
• Start organizing. Sorting through all your worldly possessions and deciding what to get rid of can be exhausting. Getting the organizing process underway sooner rather than later can save downsizers time and energy. Starting to live with less can make the transition a little easier.
• Research your property’s value. Knowing the value of your current property, as well as the equity you have, can help create a road map to more affordable living. With an idea of the market value and the proceeds, you’ll have a good idea what your down payment could be.
The Takeaway
If you’re asking yourself “Should I downsize my home?” know that downsizing comes with benefits including less stuff, a smaller mortgage payment, and minimized upkeep, freeing up time and money for other pursuits.
Downsizing is about making everything simpler, down to the mortgage process and loan. A SoFi home mortgage loan comes with competitive rates, an easy online application, and help from start to finish.
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Here comes another school year, and that can mean it’s time to get shopping for some nice new pencils, notebooks, backpacks, and cool clothes. But don’t expect it to come cheap: Last year, the cost was estimated at $661 per school-age child, and this season could well top that.
No one wants to go into credit card debt to get their kid outfitted for the first day of school, so here’s help.
Read on for 31 back-to-school shopping tips that will save you money while getting your kids prepped for a great year ahead.
1. Check the Circulars
You might receive weekly circulars in the mail that include coupons to local stores that can help you save money on school supplies. If you don’t receive any circulars or you want more, using a website like Flipp can give you access to digital circulars and coupons you can use at the store.
2. Download Honey
The Honey browser extension is helpful when it comes to back-to-school savings. Installing Honey on your web browser will enable the extension to automatically search for coupon codes and deals when you check out online, saving you both time and money.
💡 Quick Tip: Help your money earn more money! Opening a high-yield bank account online often gets you higher-than-average rates.
3. Use Online Coupons
Some websites, such as Coupons.com, RetailMeNot, and Savings.com, offer online coupons. Browsing these sites may lead to savings on school supplies you need.
4. Join Target Circle
Doing back-to-school shopping at Target will let you earn rewards through Target Circle . You can access hundreds of deals as well as earn 1% back when you shop (or 5% back when you shop with your Target RedCard). You can redeem your savings on later purchases. Another perk: You may also see special discounts on back to school, such as 20% off a purchase for college students.
5. Use Cash Back Credit Cards
Making school-supply purchases with a cash-back credit card is another option to save some money. Then, you can put your savings towards future purchases or use the cashback to pay a portion of your credit card bill.
6. Get Cash Back for Shopping
On sites like Rakuten and Swagbucks , you can earn cash back when you shop at your favorite stores. Check these sites for cash back offers before heading out for back-to-school shopping.
7. Sign Up for Store Emails
If there are a few stores you know you’re going to be shopping at this year, then sign up for their email list ahead of time to receive coupons and find out when they are running sales. Some stores offer a percent-off coupon or a dollar-amount discount for signing up for their emails or texts.
8. Download Store Apps
Along with signing up for emails, you can also download store apps to receive exclusive savings and deal alerts. You may receive a one-time coupon at the beginning and then additional deals after that.
9. Ask Friends for Their Old Supplies
If you have friends who aren’t using their old supplies anymore, they may be willing to give them to you so they don’t go to waste. This could save you a lot of money, especially when it comes to paying for college textbooks.
Consider joining local parent groups on Facebook or other social media platforms to see if anyone is giving away supplies or selling them at a steep discount. Connecting with other parents before the first day of school can also be a good way to form friendships and trade back-to-school shopping tips.
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11. Look on Used Goods Marketplaces
You may also be able to find the supplies you need on used goods marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Keep safety precautions in mind when meeting strangers to complete a transaction: Consider meeting at a police station, bring someone with you, and trust your instincts if you feel the situation is unsafe.
12. Wait to Make Some of Your Purchases
Your children are not going to need all of their school supplies on the first day, or perhaps even in the first month of school. Instead, you can ask your children’s teachers what they will need right away and then wait to shop for the rest of the supplies when retailers start marking down their inventory, which typically happens in September or October.
13. Create a Budget
Before setting foot into a store, come up with a back-to-school monthly budget so you know exactly how much you can spend and avoid impulse purchases. Without a plan, it can be easy to spend too much and get caught off guard when you get your credit card statement in the mail.
14. Take Inventory of What You Already Have
You may already have what you need for back to school in your home. Look around for extra pencils, art supplies, books, and other items that you thought you needed to purchase but may already own.
15. Pay With Cash
One of the old tricks for sticking to a budget and saving money is to pay with cash instead of a debit or credit card. Paying with cash may make you more mindful of your purchases because you see the cash disappear when you spend it. You might not be tempted to spend as much if you opt for good, old-fashioned dollar bills and coins.
Cash is also helpful for negotiating. Though you may not be able to negotiate prices at a big-box store, you might be able to at a local shop, flea market, or yard sale if that’s where you’re headed for school supplies. Let the merchant know how much you’re willing to pay, and they may just be willing to cut a deal with you.
17. Look for Price Matching
Some stores will match another store’s price if you show them that their competitor is offering a better price on the same product. Prior to going to the store, take a few minutes to compare prices online, and bring proof of the lower price when you shop. Price matching policies vary from store to store and can usually be found on a store’s website.
18. Buy in Bulk
When it comes to how to save on school supplies, you may be able to save big if you buy in bulk from wholesale clubs or warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club. Some of the best things to buy in bulk for back-to-school include pens and pencils, folders, and notebooks. Bulk purchases of things like paper towels, toilet paper, and shampoo might also make good financial sense. Joining other parents to split costs on bulk purchases might just result in a new, like-minded friend group.
💡 Quick Tip: If you’re creating a budget, try the 50/30/20 budget rule. Allocate 50% of your after-tax income to the “needs” of life, like living expenses and debt. Spend 30% on wants, and then save the remaining 20% towards saving for your long-term goals.
19. Buy Refurbished Electronics
If you need to pick up electronics like laptops, tablets, or phones, consider buying a refurbished version instead of a new device. Certified used models are often available directly from the manufacturer or from reputable online sellers.
20. Head to the Dollar Store
While the dollar store isn’t the ideal place for all your back-to-school shopping needs, you can find a number of inexpensive items there to save money on. These items include pencils, pens, crayons, folders, and clipboards.
21. Shop on Tax-Free Days
Some states hold annual tax-free days, usually in July or August, which can be perfect for back-to-school shopping. Check online to see if and when your state offers this money-saving option.
22. Use Your Student Discount
College students may be able to use their college ID or student email address to score discounts on electronics and other items. Check out stores around your college that offer deals to students.
23. Buy Used Textbooks
Another way to score some back-to-school savings is to purchase used textbooks. BookFinder.com searches all the bookseller websites to find the best deals on your textbooks.
24. Keep Your Receipts
If you keep your receipts and find out that items you purchased have been discounted further, then you may be able to get a price adjustment or a partial refund to make up for the price difference. Policies vary by retailer, but it doesn’t hurt to check sales after you’ve made a purchase and ask the store if they offer price adjustments.
25. Buying From Thrift Stores
Thrift stores like Goodwill or Salvation Army often have back-to-school essentials like clothing and backpacks. Plus, buying used items can be environmentally friendly. Families who are facing financial difficulty affording school supplies may qualify for assistance through various charitable organizations, such as The Salvation Army or even their local school districts.
26. Find Brand Giveaways
By following brands on social media or contacting them directly, you may get free samples or promo codes to get discounts on goods.
27. Turn in Those Rebates
Sometimes, you won’t be able to access back-to-school savings at the time of purchase. Instead, you’ll need to send in rebates. Look for products that offer rebates and remember to keep your receipts and anything else required for the savings.
28. Invest in Quality Purchases
While you may want to buy everything at discount stores, poor-quality items may not even last an entire school year. For items that get a lot of use, such as a backpack, consider paying a bit more so they last. For example, you may be able to use the same high-quality, well-made backpack for several years before it wears out.
29. Use Alternatives for Your Kids’ Favorite Characters
Your child might really want a backpack with a specific character on it, but next year’s favorite character will probably be different. Buying your child a plain backpack and then adding some keychains or stickers that feature their favorite character is an inexpensive compromise that will keep your kids happy and save you big bucks.
30. Buy Reusable Items
While plastic and paper bags may be convenient, you’ll save much more money (and the environment) if you buy a reusable lunch bag and containers instead. Find a lunch bag that’s easy to clean to save time as well.
31. Hold a Clothing Swap
Kids quickly grow out of clothes, so it’s not budget-friendly to buy a lot of expensive new garments. You can invite over some friends and neighbors who have kids and swap used clothing instead. Or you might try Nextdoor and see if people in your community want to see about a trade or offloading some outgrown clothes.
💡 Quick Tip: When you overdraft your checking account, you’ll likely pay a non-sufficient fund fee of, say, $35. Look into linking a savings account to your checking account as a backup to avoid that, or shop around for a bank that doesn’t charge you for overdrafting.
The Takeaway
Taking some pre-shopping time to estimate costs is a good practice when trying to figure out how to save on school supplies. Setting a financial goal and saving a little bit at a time is a good thing to do whether the goal is purchasing school supplies or something a little more expensive.
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You probably know how easily you can tap to pay for items when shopping and click to send a friend money for your share of a dinner tab. Why can’t most of your financial transactions be that easy?
They can be. You can be freed from much of the usual day-to-day account activity by automating your finances. Doing so can eliminate your wondering whether you have paid bills on time, allocated the right amount to savings, and more.
Automating your finances can be a smart money move that saves you on late fees and reduces financial stress. It may also help you establish and stick to a budget, as well as get on a path to growing your wealth.
Deciding where and when to automate personal finances need not be complicated. Here’s a guide sharing what it means to automate your finances, the different ways you can put your money management on autopilot, and tips for making the process super simple.
What Does It Mean to Automate Your Finances?
Automating your finances means you use today’s technology to pre-schedule and preapprove transfers of your funds. It’s a “set it and forget it” way to pay bills, move money from checking to savings, and even enrich your retirement account.
The beauty of doing so means you can avoid late fees (which many of us, no matter how responsible we are, get hit with sooner or later). You may also become more organized and free your mind to ponder better things. Worrying about when bills are due is so last decade, after all!
Check out our Money Management Guide.
This article is from SoFi’s guide on how to manage your money, where you can learn basic money management tips and strategies.
What Kind of Accounts Can You Automate?
If you’re wondering what kind of accounts you can automate, you’ll probably like this answer: Almost any kind. Here’s a list of some of the most popular:
• Credit cards
• Rent or mortgage
• Utilities
• Investment accounts
• Loans (car, personal, etc.)
• Insurance
• Savings (from short-term vacation funds to your emergency fund to retirement accounts).
Automating payments can spare you late fees and overdraft charges. It can also help you streamline the process of staying active and accountable on your accounts (a great way to avoid winding up with credit charge offs).
It may also help keep your credit score from being impacted by missed payments. In fact, payment history contributes 35% to your FICO® score. You want to protect those digits.
(Btw, it’s a good idea to scan for common credit report errors on an annual basis, just to make sure nothing is amiss.)
💡 Quick Tip: Want to save more, spend smarter? Let your bank manage the basics. It’s surprisingly easy, and secure, when you open a bank account online.
Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.
No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.
Up to 4.00% APY on savings balances.
Up to 2-day-early paycheck.
Up to $2M of additional FDIC insurance.
Different Ways to Automate Your Finances
When it comes to the set-up of automating personal finances, there are a few different techniques to try. Here, you’ll learn some of the most popular options so you can decide what’s right for you, whether it’s one method or a combination.
Option 1: Sign Up for Automatic Payments with Your Creditor
Here’s how this works: Say your wifi provider or landlord of your rental apartment gives you an automatic bill payment option.
• Through their payment portal, you’ll set up an autopay schedule, connecting the service provider to your bank account. On the agreed-upon date (say, rent is due by the 7th of every month so you select to pay on the 6th), they will automatically deduct the amount from your checking.
• In some cases, you may be assessed a fee for this privilege; it varies with the provider.
• When you opt into this kind of plan, you may be given the opportunity to have the payment charged to a credit card or deducted from an account other than your bank account. Look carefully, though; you may wind up paying additional fees for this.
You may find that some creditors don’t offer you the kind of convenience described above, but your bank may swoop in and help you pay automatically. Many major banks will issue payments on your behalf to a creditor or service provider, which can make your life infinitely easier. No more writing checks every month and digging around for stamps. The steps to take:
• Check with your bank about what they offer. Typically, they will need the account number and address of the business you are paying.
• You’ll also need to assess how long this process will take every month; it may not be instantaneous. You’ll want to make sure the money arrives on time and you are not charged any late fees so your credit score doesn’t suffer.
• Then you’ll sign up for the series of payments to be handled by your bank.
Option 3: Set Up Direct Deposit with Your Employer (if You Have the Option)
An excellent way to automate and fund your personal finances is to set up direct deposit of your paycheck (the vast majority of salaried workers are paid this way). You’ll know your salary is getting sent to your bank account and when it hits. Some pointers:
• You’ll likely need to share your account number and routing number with your employer in order to establish direct deposit.
• You may also need a voided check to get the funds moving to the right place.
• You can then schedule your automated payments for the right dates, when your balance is feeling especially flush.
• A great hack to know about: Some bank accounts will allow you access to your paycheck funds a day or two early if you sign up for direct deposit with them. That’s another great way to keep abreast of those bills.
💡 Quick Tip: As opposed to a physical check that can take time to clear, you don’t have to wait days to access a direct deposit. Usually, you can use the money the day it is sent. What’s more, you don’t have to remember to go to the bank or use your app to deposit your check.
Option 4: Set Up Automatic Retirement Contributions
It’s all too easy to think, “I’ll get around to saving for retirement…someday.” Perhaps that’s why the average American had only $65,000 stashed away for retirement according to the Federal Reserve’s most recent survey. That’s probably not enough if your dream is moving to Hawaii at age 65 and spending your days with your toes in the sand.
That’s why learning how to automate your finances for retirement savings can be such a helpful practice. Experts agree that 10% to 15% of your pretax income is a good amount to have deposited into your retirement plan every paycheck. Some tips:
• You can authorize your HR or payroll department to automatically whisk away a certain amount of your pre-tax income every paycheck and put it toward retirement. You won’t miss what never hits your checking account, right?
• Aim for the maximum amount allowed, or at least put in enough to get any company match that’s offered. Otherwise, you’re leaving free money on the table.
If you’re self-employed, you can also automate your savings with recurring transfers into such vehicles as a solo 401(k), SEP IRA, or SIMPLE IRA as you save for your future.
Option 5: Put Your Savings on Autopilot
Your non-retirement savings are another important account to automate. Again, if your salary hits your checking account, you may feel rich and go spend more than you should. By automating your savings and funneling money from your paycheck straight into an account, you may avoid going on shopping sprees.
This can be a very effective tool. In one study by financial psychologist Brad Klontz, people who visualized their goals and set up automatic withdrawals enjoyed a 73% increase in their savings after just one month.
Into what kind of account can you direct those funds? That’s up to you. Perhaps you want to have a few separate accounts that feed different goals. You might have one account for a down payment fund, one for vacation savings, and one for your child’s future educational expenses. You can direct how much and how often you want each transfer to be.
Of course, there are options about where exactly you keep your savings. Some possibilities to consider:
• Standard savings accounts are good, but a high-yield savings account can be even better. These tend to pay a significantly higher annual percentage yield (APY) than a standard account and are often offered by online vs. traditional banks.
• CD accounts can be another good option. These are time deposits, meaning you commit to keep the funds with the financial institution for a specific period of time, which may typically range from a few months to several years. In return, you are assured a specific interest rate. However, there may be penalties if you withdraw funds early.
• A TreasuryDirect account can allow you to make recurring purchases of electronic savings bonds directly from your paycheck. You can learn more about this at the TreasuryDirect website .
Option 6: Set Up Regular Contributions to Your Emergency Fund
Your emergency fund is another bundle of cash that can benefit from automated infusions of money. An emergency fund is a stockpile of easily accessed cash that can tide you over when unexpected circumstances hit. Perhaps you get a major car repair or medical bill or are laid off from your job. An emergency fund can let you pay bills without accessing a high-interest line of credit (say, ringing up too much debt on your credit card).
In terms of emergency funds, keep the following in mind:
• It’s wise to have at least a few to several months’ worth of basic living expenses in the bank. That means mortgage or rent, utilities, insurance payments, food, childcare, and other must-have goods and services, plus minimum debt payments.
• Most people can’t create this fund with a single, lump-sum deposit. Making regular transfers into your account (even if it’s only $20 per paycheck or per month) will get you started. Any contribution is better than nothing!
• Where to keep your emergency fund? Since you want it to be available almost immediately in urgent situations, a high-yield savings account or standard savings account can be a good option. Either way, you’ll earn some interest. A money market account may also serve this purpose.
Option 7: Sign Up for Automated Investing with Your Brokerage
If you currently have an investment portfolio or are planning on starting one, that’s another task that can be made simpler by technology. Automated investing can allow you to achieve consistency with minimal effort, which can help you build your net worth over time.
Some examples:
• As noted above, you might set up recurring transfers into a retirement plan that invests the funds for you.
• You can automatically transfer money from your checking account into a brokerage account.
• You might work with a robo-advisor that picks investments based on your needs and preferences and also rebalances your portfolio.
• Investing apps are another possibility. These can be as simple as the ones that round up the price of purchases and then invest the change for you.
Tips to Successfully Automate Your Finances
Now that you have a good grounding in the benefits and how-to’s of automating personal finances, consider these success strategies:
Create a Budget Based on the Balance You Get Paid
Look at where your money stands after you deduct your retirement and savings amounts. With the remaining funds, you can plan out ways to budget. There are various techniques out there, like the 50-30-20 budget rule, among others. Do an online search and see what resonates with you.
A budget will guide your saving and spending and can reveal how you are doing in terms of setting financial goals and meeting them on other fronts, such as a vacation fund or a retirement account.
It will help you handle good vs. bad debt more effectively. All are terrific ways to avoid excessive debt and build wealth.
Be Aware of All Your Bill Due Dates
As you automate your finances, do pay careful attention to the due dates on your bills. Who wants to see their hard-earned cash get drained by late fees?
• Look at the calendar; check when your paycheck hits and when certain bills are due. Some creditors may set your due date in stone; others may have some flexibility.
Similarly, some autopay portals may allow you to set the payment date; others may have a specific date on which they will debit funds.
• Make sure you understand if there’s any lag with automatic payments. Be sure they will arrive on time.
• It can be better to stagger autopayments so you don’t risk overdrawing your account. See what best suits your lifestyle and money style to keep your account in good shape.
Review Your Bank Account and Bank Statements Often to Stay on Top of Your Transactions
One of the pleasures of automating your finances is that you are freed from thinking and worrying about your money and your bills on a regular basis. However, daily life involves all kinds of money blips, from treating your bestie to a fancy birthday dinner to (ugh) having fraudulent charges appear on your credit card bill.
So do review your bank account and other statements regularly to make sure everything is as it should be and that your balance isn’t too low. Check in with your accounts often. Should you check your bank account every day? Not necessarily. A couple of times a week can be a good cadence.
Increase Your Contributions When It Makes Sense
While you’re checking your finances and bank balances, don’t overlook whether it’s time to increase your contributions. If you’ve gotten a raise or paid off a student loan, you may have funds available to save more.
Or you might find that a chunk of change has accumulated in your checking account which could do more for your finances if used elsewhere. There are times when you may want to increase your transfers to reflect your positive financial status.
The Takeaway
Automating your finances can be a great way to take control of your money and make bill paying and saving so much more convenient. That kind of organization can let you breathe easier when it comes to managing your money and be more successful in meeting your financial goals.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with 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.
Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.00% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.
FAQ
How often should I review and adjust my automated finances?
You should review your finances and automated transactions regularly, which for some people may mean a couple of times weekly; for others, it might be every other week. Also, it’s wise to check in when you have significant changes in your life, whether you’ve gotten a raise, took out a mortgage, or moved to an area with a higher cost of living. You may want to recalibrate your transfers.
Is it safe to automate my finances?
By and large, it is safe to automate your finances. You should, however, check in regularly to make sure you are not overdrafting or getting close to it, and also to keep in touch with your money. While there is a small risk of glitches or fraud with automatic transfers, it’s not a significant concern.
What are the best tools or apps to use for automating my finances?
There are an array of tools and apps for automating your finances. A good place to start may be with your very own financial institution. They may have roundup apps, automated savings and investing products, and other tools to help you make the most of your money and grow your wealth.
Can I still make manual payments even if I have automatic payments set up?
In many cases, you will still be able to make a manual payment even if you have automated payments set up. This could occur when you have an additional bill to an account that is set on autopay, or when you have a credit and want to pay a lower amount. Check with your creditor or the financial institution handling the transfer for details on how to do this smoothly.
SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. 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 (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, 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 Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.
As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.
SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.
SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.
Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.
Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
It’s no secret that a super-hot housing market and inflation have made it hard to afford daily life in many places across America. It’s also delaying the dream of homeownership for many people.
If, however, you are free to move, you might consider putting down roots where houses are more affordable and where homeownership is potentially easier to achieve. To help you consider your options, here is a list of 10 cities where the cost per square foot of housing is lowest.
The average price in the U.S. per square foot at the time of this survey was $169, and the median home price was $397,000. Take a look at these budget-friendly options, and see if you might want to make one of them your home base.
1. Memphis, Tennessee
Average Home Listing Price: $242,500
Average Price Per Square Foot: $92
Memphis ranked as the most affordable place to live based on the cost per square foot of homes in a recent study using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Realtor.com. Known as the birthplace of the blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and soul (not to mention where Elvis Presley lived at Graceland), Memphis is a city that is great for low-cost housing as well as music.
2. Cleveland, Ohio
Average Home Price: $183,750
Average Price Per Square Foot: $103
With the average home in Cleveland costing less than half of the national average, this Ohio city is clearly a bargain for aspiring homeowners. In addition to its parks, river frontage, and setting next to a Great Lake, it has a burgeoning foodie scene and world-class art museums.
3. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Average Home Price: $210,000
Average Price Per Square Foot: $134
In the past, Pittsburgh lost some of its younger residents to metro areas with a stronger job market, but today’s affordable housing market and job growth are attracting younger residents again. There are multiple universities in the area, such as the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University, that also attract a vibrant and youthful population.
Indianapolis has a lively downtown area that is quite walkable and full of fun things to do, yet it also offers big-city amenities. Those looking for a more suburban feel can enjoy outer neighborhoods that still feature plenty of shopping and entertainment venues without all the hustle and bustle of being in downtown Indianapolis.
5. Buffalo, New York
Average Home Price: $217,450
Average Price Per Square Foot: $139
Buffalo is currently experiencing a sort of renaissance thanks to a rapidly developing waterfront and being home to one of the nation’s most advanced medical corridors.
Local government support has led to an increasing number of local businesses, which means there are likely some pretty good job opportunities to be found for career builders in Buffalo.
💡 Quick Tip: Traditionally, mortgage lenders like to see a 20% down payment. But some lenders, such as SoFi, allow home mortgage loans with as little as 3% down for qualifying first-time homebuyers.
6. Birmingham, AL
Average Home Price: $272,450
Average Price Per Square Foot: $144
Birmingham has plenty to recommend it, from great sports teams to root for to its craft brewery scene. Affordability is a major factor. Housing costs are less than the national median in this area. What’s more, residents tend to spend less on food, healthcare, and other typical expenses than those who are located in other areas of the country.
7. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Average Home Price: $282,124
Average Price Per Square Foot: $149
Oklahoma City has affordable homes, healthcare, transportation, and other basic living expenses. In addition, it has a vibrant arts scene and plenty of parks with all kinds of activities available.
Detroit is a city in the midst of a turn-around. On the one hand, there are many fixer-upper and abandoned houses waiting to be rehabbed, but, on the other, the cost of living has been rising. If you want to jump into the affordable housing market and make Detroit your home, you’ll be rewarded with music festivals and the gigantic Belle Isle Park.
9. St. Louis, Missouri
Average Home Price: $245,000
Average Price Per Square Foot: $152
This historic metro area houses almost 3 million people (known as St. Louisans) and is known for being a tight-knit community that is very family-friendly. Hometown loyalty is strong in St. Louis and many residents choose to come back after heading off to college or paying to move somewhere else for a while.
💡 Quick Tip: If you refinance your mortgage and shorten your loan term, you could save a substantial amount in interest over the lifetime of the loan.
10. Louisville, Kentucky
Average Home Price: $252,500
Average Price Per Square Foot: $152
Families will love spending their weekends in Louisville, thanks to having easy access to the Louisville Zoo, Kentucky Science Center, and the Louisville Slugger Museum. Day by day this city is becoming more diverse! Residents are moving in from around the world and the city is supportive of the LGBTQ community.
First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi Mortgage Loan,
with as little as 3% down*.
Financing a Home
Even the most affordable homes can cost a pretty penny, which is where applying for a mortgage comes in.
Consumers may compare mortgage loan rates and terms from commercial banks, mortgage companies, and certain financial institutions. Typically, certain requirements relating to credit scores and income level help determine if a consumer will receive a mortgage and what their rates and terms are.
When preparing to get a mortgage, it can be helpful to consider multiple lenders, comparing loan terms to get an idea of what might work for an applicant’s financial situation.
Asking lenders for a preapproval or prequalification letter can help mortgage applicants better understand what type of mortgage terms they may be offered.
The Takeaway
It’s possible to find an affordable place to live, where homes cost as little as possible per square foot, and your daily budget may therefore be easier to wrangle. If you are willing to relocate and perhaps move to an up-and-coming town, you may find that your dreams of homeownership can come true sooner rather than later.
Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.
SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.
*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.
SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.
Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
