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Filing for bankruptcy is a tactic often used to erase large amounts of debt, but nondischargeable debts can prevent that clean slate.

Certain kinds of debt, including child support, student loans, and some tax bills, typically survive a bankruptcy filing.

Some 403,000 Americans filed for bankruptcy in the 12-month period ending March 31, 2023. For one reason or another they found themselves in debt situations complex enough to seek bankruptcy as a means of relief.

Though on the surface bankruptcy may appear to produce an opportunity for a fresh start, nondischargeable debts prevent it from being a true end-all solution.

What Does Nondischargeable Debt Include?

Nondischargeable debts can include home mortgages, certain taxes, child support, and student loans, and can vary based on the chapter of bankruptcy filed.

A debt may also be considered nondischargeable if a creditor formally objects to a discharge in court and wins.

When a debt is discharged through bankruptcy, the debtor is relieved of any legal obligation to pay it back, and the creditor is prevented from taking any further action to collect that debt. This includes contacting the debtor or filing a lawsuit.

Personal loans, credit card debt, and medical bills are types of debt generally considered dischargeable.

Nondischargeable debt, on the other hand, does not dissolve in a bankruptcy filing. The debtor remains liable for payment even after the filing is complete. These are types of debt that Congress has deemed unforgivable due to public policy.


💡 Quick Tip: A low-interest personal loan from SoFi can help you consolidate your debts, lower your monthly payments, and get you out of debt sooner.

Types of Nondischargeable Debt

Nineteen categories of nondischargeable debt apply for Chapters 7, 11, and 12 of the Bankruptcy Code. (A more limited list of exceptions applies to cases under Chapter 13.)

Except in unique circumstances, if a debt falls under one of these categories, it is not considered dischargeable.

1. Debt incurred from U.S. taxes or a customs duty.

2. Debt for money, property, or services obtained fraudulently or under false pretenses.

3. Any debt excluded from bankruptcy filing paperwork (unless the missing creditor received prior notice and had ample time to respond to the filing).

4. Debt acquired due to fraud, larceny, or embezzlement while working as a fiduciary.

5. Debt contracted for a domestic support obligation, including child support and alimony.

6. Debt from intentionally harming another person or their property.

7. Tax debt as a result of a fine, penalty or forfeiture that is, at minimum, 3 years old.

8. Student loan debt (unless not discharging the debt would impose an “undue hardship”).

9. Debt incurred due to the death or injury of someone caused by the debtor while operating a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft while intoxicated.

10. Any debts that were or could have been listed in a prior bankruptcy filing, and the debtor waived or was denied a discharge.

11. Debt obtained by committing fraud or misappropriating funds while acting as a fiduciary at a bank or credit union.

12. Debt incurred for the malicious or reckless failure of a debtor to fulfill any commitment to a federal depository.

13. Debts for any orders of restitution.

14. Debt incurred by penalty in relation to U.S. taxes.

15. Any debt to a spouse, former spouse, or child that is incurred through a separation or divorce.

16. Debts incurred due to condominium ownership or homeowners association fees.

17. Legal fees imposed on a prisoner by a court for costs and expenses related to a filing.

18. Debts owed to a pension, profit-sharing, stock bonus, or another retirement plan, as well as any loans taken from an individual retirement annuity.

19. Debt obtained for violating federal or state securities laws, common law, or deceit and manipulation in connection with the purchase or sale of any security.

Recommended: Understanding Bankruptcy: Is it Ever the Right Option?

How Will Nondischargeable Debt Affect Me?

Nondischargeable debt is just like any other debt in the sense that it must be paid off on time to avoid negative consequences.

If a debt is left unpaid for too long, the creditor may sell the debt to a collection agency, which then may result in any number of the following repercussions:

•   Significantly lowering a credit score

•   Flagging a borrower as “high risk” to future lenders

•   Decreasing the odds of approval for future credit offerings

•   Increasing high-interest rate offers with less favorable terms

•   Adding negative remarks to your credit history

•   Activating a lien against a property or asset

•   Prompting creditors to pursue legal action

•   Enacting wage or asset garnishment

💡 Quick Tip: With low interest rates compared to credit cards, a personal loan for credit card consolidation can substantially lower your payments.

How Can I Resolve Nondischargeable Debts?

Making plans to resolve any outstanding debts as soon as possible is key to managing a credit history and salvaging future credit opportunities. Here are a few strategies to consider for paying off debts.

Stop Using Credit

The first step toward debt resolution is to stop collecting it.

The average American consumer has 3.84 credit cards, and the average balance is $5,910 in 2022, according to data from Experian.

Making a point not to purchase anything that can’t be bought with cash outright can help curb unnecessary expenses. This includes larger purchases that may require financing. Leaving credit cards at home and removing their information from online payment systems can also help remove the temptation of using them.

Create a Budget

According to a 2022 Debt.com survey, 85% of Americans said making a budget helped them get out of or stay out of debt.

A monthly plan including income and expenses can help reveal where extra money might be coming in and where you can cut back on unnecessary spending. A plan will provide a holistic view of spending habits, allowing for larger decisions to be made about how to change habits in order to fit new, debt-focused priorities.

Cutting back on expenses and carefully tracking spending can help reveal extra dollars and cents needed to pay down debts.

Start a Part-Time Job

When paying down debt is a top priority, taking on another job or picking up additional hours at your current one can be extremely helpful.

An extra check here and there can provide funds to make additional payments on debts, helping to dissolve them more quickly. Consider options such as working weekends at a local coffee shop, picking up a temporary gig in food delivery, or freelancing for additional income.

Recommended: 19 Jobs That Pay Daily

Consolidate Debt

Applying for a personal loan is a strategy for managing several debts simultaneously. Though it may seem counterintuitive to take on another loan, a personal loan can be used to pay off multiple existing lines of credit, such as credit cards, and consolidate them into one loan with a single monthly payment and, possibly, a lower interest rate.

In addition to comparing rates, it’s important to make sure you understand how a new loan could benefit you in the long run. For instance, if your monthly payment is lower because the loan term is longer, it might not be a good strategy, because it means you may be making more interest payments and therefore paying more over the life of the loan.

However, a debt consolidation loan could help streamline payments and ease the anxiety that comes with being responsible for managing numerous lines of credit.

The Takeaway

Nondischargeable debts require more than bankruptcy to be resolved, and without proper management, they could worsen your current financial situation. Like any other debt, nondischargeable debt must be paid off on time in order to avoid negative repercussions. Creating a plan to handle outstanding debts as soon as possible is a smart choice.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

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.

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

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

SOPL0623052

There’s a lot that goes into making homes safe and comfortable. After plumbing and electric, many homes in warm and cold climates alike have heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to regulate temperature and air quality.

Installing or updating HVAC systems typically requires ductwork to effectively move air from the system to vents throughout a home or building. There are several factors that impact the cost of HVAC ductwork, including the size and layout of a home, materials used, and type of system.

This guide will give you the basics of how HVAC ductwork operates and key cost considerations.

What Is Ductwork?

In the broadest sense, ductwork can be defined as the channels used for transferring heated and/or cooled air through the rooms and zones of a home or building.

In many cases, HVAC systems need separate supply and return ducts to circulate, filter, and treat air continuously. Supply ducts bring air from the furnace, geothermal pump, or other type of system to blowers and vents to heat or cool an area. On the flipside, return ducts transport untreated air back to the HVAC system.

Some of the most common HVAC systems that need ductwork include:

•   Geothermal or ground source heating and cooling

•   Central air conditioning

•   Furnaces

•   Central gas heating

Between these different systems and a home’s unique characteristics, ductwork can be handled in a variety of ways.

Recommended: How to Winterize a House

Installing New Ductwork

Figuring out how to install ductwork varies in complexity and cost between new construction and finished and furnished homes.

Additional steps that may be necessary for a finished home, such as cutting holes in existing walls, ceilings, and floors, may likely drive up the price of labor and require more materials and time for installation. Depending on where the system is placed, ducts may be run through closets, attics, basements, or up stairwells.

Since different homes require different amounts of ductwork, it’s helpful to think of cost on a linear foot basis. New ductwork can cost about $40 to $65 per linear foot, with the variation coming down to costs for materials and labor.

On average, retrofitting an existing home without ducts can run $2,400 to $6,600.

If you’re building a new home, including plans for HVAC ductwork from the getgo could reduce the overall installation cost. For starters, it would bypass the need to retroactively cut holes throughout a home for ducts and vents.

Additionally, it may be easier to design systems that utilize fewer linear feet since ductwork can be installed before walls and floors are completed.

Replacing Ductwork

If your home is already fitted with ductwork, replacing a portion of it or the entire system might be necessary due to leaks, cracks, or reduced efficiency over time. Since ducts are usually kept out of sight behind walls and ceilings or in attics and basements, accessibility is a key factor in repairing a system.

The replacement process involves both removing the existing materials and installing new ductwork. Replacing ductwork can cost from $25 to $55 per linear foot depending on the location of the existing system and choice of materials for the new ductwork.

Replacing ductwork in a home between 2,000 and 2,500 square feet can run $2,800 to $5,600; for a 3,000 to 3,500 square foot home, it can ring up between $4,200 and $7,800.

Exposed ductwork can be easier for you to reach and replace on your own, but a professional contractor may be necessary for more complicated repairs and getting to concealed HVAC systems.

Additionally, a skilled professional could likely complete the job in less time than a DIYer might, and time may be a more pressing factor than money in the middle of a cold snap or during a heatwave.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s EnergyStar program recommends getting quotes from contractors with North American Technical Excellence (NATE) or Building Performance Institute (BPI) certification to get the job done right on the first try.

Recommended: The Cost of Buying a Fixer-Upper

Ductwork Materials

There are several types of materials to consider when planning how to install ductwork in a home. Broadly speaking, ductwork can be categorized as flexible or rigid, with options for materials within each category. Each comes with tradeoffs in terms of price, lifespan, efficiency, and flexibility.

Flexible Ductwork

True to its name, flexible ductwork is characterized by its ability to bend, which can come in handy when installing inside tight and tricky spaces.

In most cases, aluminum or non-metallic materials like plastic, polyester, and PVC are used for flexible ductwork. Let’s take a look at how they compare.

Flexible Aluminum: Costs between $4 to $7 per linear foot (excluding labor).

Pros:

•   Ideal for installing in hard-to-reach places

•   Longer lifespan than non-metallic flexible ductwork

•   Generally cheaper than rigid ductwork

Cons:

•   Poor energy efficiency without added insulation and sealing

•   Needs to be reinforced to minimize kinks and bends to improve airflow and efficiency

Flexible Polyester: Costs between $1 to $5 per linear (excluding labor)

Pros:

•   Useful for compact spaces

•   Generally one of the cheapest options

•   Resistant to mold and rust

Cons:

•   Prone to tearing and less durable than flexible aluminum

•   Needs to be reinforced to minimize kinks and bends to preserve airflow and efficiency

Rigid Ductwork

Rigid ductwork can be made from several materials, such as fiberglass and galvanized steel or aluminum. These options can also vary in shape (e.g., cylindrical or rectangular) and size. Additionally, there are differences in cost and features for each type of rigid ductwork.

Sheet Metal Ductwork: Made from galvanized steel or aluminum, these materials usually cost anywhere from $8 to $15 per linear foot.

Pros:

•   Greater durability than other materials

•   Can produce less noise than flexible ductwork

•   Less susceptible to mold and mildew

Cons:

•   Difficult to install if there isn’t space for long, straight lines of ductwork

•   Adding insulation may be required for greater energy efficiency

•   More expensive than flexible ductwork

Fiberglass Duct Board: Consisting of metal ductwork lined with fiberglass, this option costs between $5 and $10 on average.

Pros:

•   Built-in insulation improves energy efficiency and temperature control

•   Easy to cut and seal

•   Well suited for installing between a building’s rafters or floor joists

Cons:

•   Over time, they can release fiberglass particles into the air and be susceptible to mold and mildew

•   Can be difficult to clean

•   Often the most expensive option per linear foot

Recommended: Strategies to Lower Your Energy Bill When Working From Home

Sealing and Insulation

Depending on the structure of a home, the type of HVAC system, and other factors, sealing and insulating ductwork may be necessary for health and safety concerns. It might also improve the efficiency of a system, thus potentially lowering your energy use, and may help pay for itself through lower utility bills.

If combustion is involved in your HVAC system, which is generally the case for furnaces and central gas heating, harmful gases like carbon monoxide are generated in the process. Sealing ductwork can further safeguard that such gases are not circulated into the living space of home instead of being emitted outside.

While professional contractors are recommended for sophisticated ductwork insulation and sealing jobs, homeowners may choose to take a DIY approach to sealing near vents and other ductwork connection points with metal tape. These locations, especially vents, can be more accessible and are more common locations for leaks.

How Often Should Ductwork Be Replaced?

While we may immediately notice when the power goes out or the plumbing is backed up, it’s harder to tell if we’re getting the most out of a heating and cooling system.

Maintenance and cleaning can help extend the lifespan of ductwork and heating and cooling systems, but a time will come when replacement is a safer and more financially sound choice.

Erring on the side of caution, you may want to have a heat pump or air conditioner (including ductwork) replaced if it’s more than 10 years old. For a furnace, the estimated lifespan is around 15 years.

To keep your ductwork in tiptop shape, there are some maintenance tasks, like changing air filters monthly, that can be done on a DIY basis. More complex procedures, such as cleaning blowers, checking electrical connections, and lubricating mechanical parts, may be better handled by a professional contractor.

Having a maintenance checklist handy can be helpful for staying on top of your cleaning and maintenance schedule, as well as making sure a contractor checks all the boxes when inspecting your HVAC system.

Recommended: Guide to Buying, Selling, and Updating Your Home

The Takeaway

Whether saving ahead or responding to a sudden home repair cost, there are options available for paying for HVAC ductwork.

Installing energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems may qualify for a residential energy property tax credit. Additionally, some states and utilities offer incentives and rebates.

Although helpful, these incentives and tax credits still leave a portion of the cost to the homeowner. It can sometimes be difficult to save for potentially pricey repairs like these if a budget is already stretched thin.

One financing option you might consider is an unsecured home improvement loan. This is a personal loan designed to be used for home upgrades and repairs, and typically comes with a fixed interest rate, set term, and regular monthly payments. Unlike a home equity loan or line of credit, personal don’t require you to have equity in your home or use your home as collateral.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

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.

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

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

SOPL0623068

Is your bedroom cluttered, depressing, and lacking warmth and coziness? If so, perhaps it’s time for a bedroom remodel, an awakening of a room that can range from paint to structural changes.

If you’re a homeowner looking to spice up or calm down your bedroom, know that bedroom remodels can have a return on investment of 40% to 80%, according to HGTV.

The steps you can take to renovate rooms aren’t too onerous and can often be done without the help of a contractor or other professional. Let’s take a look at the cost to remodel a bedroom, bedroom remodel ideas, and how to pay for a bedroom remodel.

How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Bedroom?

The amount of money you put into a bedroom remodel depends on what you’re trying to achieve. Do you simply want to change up your décor, including your bed, bedside tables, and desk? Or do you want to paint the room a different color and add some window treatments?

You may also be looking at more extensive changes, such as ripping up carpeting and putting in new flooring, installing new windows, or building custom cabinetry in your closet.

The good news is that most bedroom remodels are less costly than renovations that entail taking down walls, rewiring electrical systems, and installing pipes, though some bedroom remodels may call for these types of tasks.

With a bedroom remodel, you’re less likely to be doing major construction that requires hiring licensed professionals like a carpenter, plumber, or general contractor. And even if you have to rely on the services of a vendor, there are likely other aspects of the project you can tackle yourself.

Recommended: The Top Home Improvements to Increase Your Home’s Value

Simple Bedroom Remodel Ideas

Decluttering is a tried-and-true way to visually open up a room. That means organizing books and magazines, laundry or piles of clothes, and furniture. Here are some other ways.

Painting

House-paint companies boomed during the pandemic, ARTnews pointed out. Gray — all 50 shades — were out. Warm tones and deeply saturated color were in.

Some of the major brands and independent companies offer online color consultations. And then, if you feel up to the task, you can avoid hiring a painter by painting your walls yourself.

You’ll want to take stock of the current trim and match a color to it. You’ll also want to consider how the room changes color depending on the time of day. Sometimes a room that looks white in the evening can take on a yellowish tint during the light of day.

You’ll want to make sure you have all the equipment you need to get the work done efficiently and well. This includes paintbrushes, a paint roller and pan, rags, sandpaper, and drop cloths.

The great thing about paint is, if you feel you’ve done a poor job in spots, you can always paint over it.

💡 Quick Tip: You deserve a more zen mortgage. Look for a mortgage lender who’s dedicated to closing your loan on time.

Flooring

What you do with your floors is going to depend largely on personal taste. Your choices include wall-to-wall carpeting, wood or wood-engineered flooring with or without area rugs, and tile or ceramic flooring, which works best in humid climates.

You’ll want to think about how your flooring will complement the rest of the room, including furniture. You’ll also want to take your comfort into consideration. Carpeting, for example, muffles sound, while wood flooring does not.

Some people don’t like walking barefoot on anything besides carpet, for example, while others prefer the look of bare floors.

Cost may also come into play here as wood flooring is generally more expensive than carpeting, topping at $14 per square foot. Carpeting typically runs upward of $11 a square foot, HomeAdvisor notes.

Furnishings

While some homeowners may want to keep the bedroom furniture they’re currently using, others choose to sell or donate what they have and start over.

If you’re in the latter group, you’ll want to consider the paint and flooring you’ve chosen when looking for a new bed and headboard, bedside tables, desk, and dresser.

Looking online for bedroom remodel ideas can be a low-cost way to design your bedroom décor, with many blogs and websites linking to online retailers for easy purchase.

Social media sites like Houzz and Pinterest have scores of photos and boards delineated by room, color, and style to help you brainstorm.

If your budget allows, this might be an area to bring in the help of an interior designer. An interior designer may be able to see things you don’t, such as whether you need a large desk for working from home, a bench at the end of the bed for sitting, or a changing table if you plan to grow your family in the near future.

More Extensive, and Expensive, Bedroom Remodels

While bedroom remodels are typically less wide-ranging than those of a kitchen or bathroom remodel, you may opt for larger changes that can drive up your cost.

These include altering the function and structural design of a room, which may require the use of a professional.


💡 Quick Tip: Compared to credit cards and other unsecured loans, you can usually get a lower interest rate with a cash-out refinance loan.

Structural Changes

If you own a home or are looking to buy, the lack of an ensuite bathroom might be a big deal. Maybe you’d like to be able to pad into the bathroom in the middle of the night without tiptoeing through the hallway.

Depending on the layout of the bedroom and the rooms near it, this may necessitate turning a closet into a bathroom or building a door through a wall that conjoins your bedroom with that hallway bathroom.

Either way, you’re probably looking at hiring a plumber, carpenter, electrician, and contractor. While this type of remodeling affords you more options than sticking with your current footprint, it comes with added costs to be aware of.

Lighting and Fans

Adding recessed lights requires the work of a licensed electrician, who may have to work around obstacles like heating ducts, and will charge for both installing and wiring each light.

Ceiling fans, while pretty and useful, will likely also require hiring a professional installer to burrow through your ceiling, connect to electricity, and complete the necessary patchwork afterward.

Recommended: Guide to Buying, Selling, and Updating Your Home

Paying for It

Having a budget and payment plan is key, no matter the size of your bedroom remodel. Some changes are so small that homeowners can pay upfront.

Those with more extensive remodels might use a home equity loan or home improvement loan.

The Takeaway

A bedroom remodel can be a fun project from start to finish. After all, we spend a lot of time in our personal spaces, so it’s an opportunity to renovate a room to your exact specifications.

A home improvement loan could be just the ticket for a bedroom remodel.

Or if you’re a house hunter and have your eye on a home with bedrooms that could use some invigoration, know that SoFi offers home loans and mortgage refinancing.

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

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

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

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

SOHL0623082

If you’re buying a home and have a down payment of less than 20%, you may have to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI) or a mortgage insurance premium (MIP). This insurance does represent an additional charge you must pay for part or all of the life of the loan, but it can unlock homeownership for you.

Private mortgage insurance may be required for conventional home loans, those not backed by the government. Mortgage insurance premium is always a part of FHA-insured loans, at least for a number of years.

Each is intended to protect lenders against losses if borrowers default. Here’s a guide to how they work, how they differ, how much they cost, and when they can possibly be dropped.

What Is Mortgage Insurance Premium?

Borrowers pay MIP if they’re securing a loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration, no matter the down payment amount or loan term.

MIP runs for the loan’s full term or 11 years. There’s a one-time upfront premium of 1.75% of the base loan amount, which can be rolled into the loan, and an annual premium divided by 12 that is part of the monthly mortgage payment.

A key reason people choose FHA loans is the ability to put down as little as 3.5%.

Additionally, if your heart pounds with excitement when you think about buying a fixer-upper and making it beautiful and functional again, FHA offers the FHA 203(k) home loan for that — something that many lenders won’t do, especially if the home isn’t in good enough shape to be lived in.

With an FHA 203(k) loan, a single source of funding, the interest rate may be slightly higher than other mortgage rates, and the loan can require more coordination. It makes sense to choose contractors to rehab the home who are familiar with the program’s requirements.

Recommended: Different Types of Mortgage Loans, Explained

How Much Is MIP on an FHA Loan?

The ongoing annual MIP of 0.45% to 1.05% is divided by 12 and added to your monthly mortgage payment. What you’ll pay depends on your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio (think: down payment) and length of the loan.

Taking out an FHA loan for the common 30 years, or anything greater than 15 years, will result in the following rates for 2023 (measured in basis points, or bps):

Here’s an example: Let’s say you borrow less than or equal to $726,200 and have a down payment of 5% or less. You’ll pay an annual MIP of 0.50%. On a home loan of $300,000, that’s $1,500 per year, or $125 per month. (0.0050 x 300,000 = 1,500, divided by 12.)

Some homeowners can pay off their loans quicker so they choose a shorter term, such as 15 years. As a result, they can take advantage of lower MIP, like this:

So if you were to borrow less than or equal to $625,500 and put down 10% or less, you’d pay an annual MIP of 0.15%. On a $300,000 home loan, that’s $450 a year, or $37.50 a month.

💡 Quick Tip: SoFi Home Loans are available with flexible term options and down payments as low as 3%.*

Can You Get Rid of MIP?

Maybe.

If you took out an FHA loan before June 3, 2013, you may be able to cancel MIP if you have 22% equity in your home and have made all payments on time. (FHA lenders do not automatically cancel your MIP once you reach that home equity threshold. You’ll need to ask.)

If you purchased or refinanced a home with an FHA loan on or after June 3, 2013, and your down payment was less than 10%, MIP will last for the entire loan term.

If you put down 10% or more, you’ll pay MIP for 11 years.

Here’s a chart that sums it up. For loans with FHA case numbers assigned on or after June 3, 2013, FHA will collect the annual MIP as follows:

One way to get rid of MIP is to refinance the FHA loan into a conventional loan with a private lender. Many FHA homeowners have enough equity to refi into a conventional loan and give mortgage insurance the heave-ho.

What Is Private Mortgage Insurance?

PMI is typically required when you’re putting less than 20% down on a conventional conforming loan. Most conventional mortgages are “conforming,” which means they meet the requirements to be sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

One kind of nonconforming loan, the jumbo loan, which starts at over half a million for a single-family home, does not always require PMI.

Usually, homeowners choose to pay PMI monthly, rather than annually, and it is included in monthly mortgage payments. A few may opt for lender-paid mortgage insurance, but for that convenience a homebuyer will usually pay a slightly higher interest rate.

Although PMI adds costs, it can allow you to qualify for a loan that you otherwise might not. And it can help you to buy a house without putting 20% down.

How Much Does PMI Cost?

PMI varies but often is 0.5% to 2% of the total loan amount annually. The premium amount depends on the type of mortgage you get, LTV, your credit score, and more. It also depends on the amount of PMI that your loan program or lender requires.

According to an Urban Institute report, PMI may be more economical than FHA loans for borrowers with a FICO score of 720 or above and who put 3.5% down.

When Can You Stop Paying PMI?

Buying a home may require you to pay a PMI premium, but there are four methods available to stop paying it.

First, there is a legal end to PMI. Under the Homeowners Protection Act, also known as the PMI Cancellation Act, your lender is required to cancel PMI automatically once your mortgage balance is at 78% of the home’s original value. “Original value” generally means either the contract sales price or the appraised value of your home at the time you purchased it, whichever is lower (or, if you have refinanced, the appraised value at the time you refinanced). Which figure is used for the original value can vary by state.

Second, you can reappraise your home, which will likely result in a new value. Thus, you can ask your servicer to cancel PMI based on your built equity and the current value. Owners of homes that appreciated, either over time or thanks to home improvements, may benefit from this. You may need to be proactive with your lender and meet specific eligibility requirements to help make that happen.

Third, you may be able to refinance your mortgage. If you have at least 20% equity, you can possibly qualify for a conventional loan without the need for PMI.

Finally, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau notes another way in which PMI can be canceled: If you’re current on your payments and you’ve reached the halfway point of the loan’s schedule, even if your mortgage balance hasn’t yet reached 78% of the home’s original value.

💡 Quick Tip: A major home purchase may mean a jumbo loan, but it doesn’t have to mean a jumbo down payment. Apply for a jumbo mortgage with SoFi, and you could put as little as 10% down.

What About Refinancing?

If you have a mortgage that includes PMI or MIP and your property value has increased significantly, one option to consider is refinancing.

Some borrowers may find that they are now able to qualify for a conventional home loan without mortgage insurance.

Refinancing holds appeal because of the possibility of locking in a better rate and reducing your monthly payment. Equity-rich homeowners sometimes like a cash-out refinance.

But as with your original mortgage, you’ll face closing costs if you refinance.

What about a “no cost refinance” you might see advertised? You’ll either add the closing costs to the principal or get an increased interest rate.

The Takeaway

Glass half-full: Private mortgage insurance and mortgage insurance premium open the door to homeownership to many who otherwise could not buy a property. Glass half-empty: PMI and MIP can really add up.

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 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.

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Reasons for paying off your mortgage early include eliminating monthly mortgage payments, saving money in interest, reducing financial stress, and more. But, just because you can pay your mortgage off early doesn’t necessarily mean you should.

Should You Consider an Early Mortgage Payoff?

It can be tempting to rush to pay off your home loan when you have the ability to, especially if you’ve struggled with debt management. And why wouldn’t you want to pay off your mortgage? Getting rid of debt could potentially increase cash flow.

When it comes to your mortgage loan, paying it off early depends on your unique financial situation and goals — there is no one right answer.

Reasons Not to Pay Your Mortgage Off Early

While it may seem like there are no reasons not to pay off your mortgage early, that is actually not the case. Here are a few reasons why it may not be a good idea to pay off your mortgage loan early:

You Have a Competitive Interest Rate

Unless you’ve reached all of your financial goals, it may not make the most sense to pay off your mortgage early when you have a competitive interest rate.

For example, if you are saving to send your child to college or you’re trying to rebuild your emergency fund after a home repair, those might take priority.

You also could possibly earn more by investing your money as opposed to paying off your loan. If that’s the case, it doesn’t make sense to pay off your mortgage early unless you’re wanting the peace of mind that comes with no mortgage debt. Investment decisions should be based on specific financial needs, goals, and risk appetite.

You Would Have Nothing Left in Savings

If you only have enough in the bank to cover your mortgage, it is not advisable to pay it off. Having an emergency fund is necessary and may take priority over having no mortgage payment.

You Might Face a Prepayment Penalty

Make sure to review your mortgage terms closely. Some lenders charge an early payoff penalty, usually a percentage of the principal balance at the time of payoff.

You Might Miss Out on the Mortgage Tax Deduction

For many people who itemize, having a mortgage helps push their itemized deductions higher than the standard deduction. It’s worth discussing the mortgage tax deduction with your accountant or other tax professional before you resolve to pay your mortgage off early.

You Have Other High-interest Debt

If you have other high-interest debt, such as credit card debt, personal loans, or student loans, it may make sense to pay those off in full prior to paying your mortgage off early. Home loans typically have the lowest interest rates of other forms of debt and are considered “good debt” by lenders. It only makes sense to pay off your mortgage early if you have no other debts in your name.

When an Early Payoff May Make Sense

On the flip side, there are some situations when paying off a mortgage early might make more sense than waiting. Reasons to pay off your mortgage early may include:

You’ve Met All of Your Financial Goals

If your emergency savings account is right where you feel it needs to be and you’re diligently contributing to your retirement accounts, there may be no reason not to pay off your mortgage early.

Another idea, however, is to purchase an investment property instead of paying off your mortgage early. This can create a monthly cash flow in addition to the value of the property (hopefully) appreciating over the years.

You’re Interested in Being 100% Debt-Free

Sometimes, just the idea of having loan payments can be mentally taxing, even if you’re in a good place financially. Money is not just about numbers for many; it’s also about emotions.

If paying off your mortgage loan early relieves anxiety because it’s helping you become debt-free, then that might be something to consider.

Of course, reflecting on why you want to become debt-free is important when thinking about paying your mortgage off. If, for example, it’s because you’re approaching retirement and will no longer be getting a steady paycheck, it might make sense to pay off your mortgage.

Recommended: How to Pay Off a 30-Year Mortgage in 15 Years

Ways to Pay Off a Mortgage Early or Faster

If you’ve decided it makes sense for your financial situation to pay off your mortgage early, here’s how you can do it:

Lump sum. The easiest way to pay off your mortgage early is by making one lump-sum payment to your mortgage lender. Contact your lender prior to making the payment so you can make sure you’re paying exactly what you owe, including any possible prepayment fees.

Extra payments. You could potentially pay more toward your mortgage principal each month if you got a raise at work or you’ve trimmed some fat in your budget.

If you make extra payments toward your mortgage, it could lead to paying off the loan faster than if you were just to make the set payment each month. Make sure to contact your lender prior to making extra payments, though, so you know the extra amount is being applied toward the principal amount only, not the principal and interest.

Refinancing. Another option for paying off your mortgage early is refinancing. Refinancing your mortgage means replacing your current mortgage with a new one, ideally with a better rate and term.

If you shorten your loan term from 30 years to 15 years, for example, it may increase your monthly payments but in turn allow you to pay your mortgage off faster. Home loans with shorter terms often come with lower interest rates, too, so more of your monthly payments will be applied to the loan’s principal balance.

The Takeaway

Should you pay off your mortgage early? Maybe. If your retirement fund is fully-funded, you have no other high-interest debts, and you’re interested in becoming 100% debt-free, it may make sense to pay off your mortgage early. However, if you do not have a fully funded retirement and emergency savings account or you could make more money by investing rather than paying off your mortgage debt, it could be best to hold off on paying your mortgage off early.

One way to save on interest and possibly pay off your mortgage early is by refinancing. Refinancing can allow you to lower your interest rate and shorten your loan term, if desired.

SoFi offers competitive mortgage refinance rates and flexible loan terms. Checking your rate takes just a few minutes and will not impact your credit score.*

*Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

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

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

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

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

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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