Financial Topics Archives | Page 656 of 800

May

2023

8 Ways to Stay Motivated to Save Money

By Stacey Leasca | Budgeting & Goals, money | Comments Off

If you find your focus on saving money is losing steam, don’t give up. There are some simple habits that can help you get on track and boost your cash reserves without feeling too much of a pinch.

Here, you’ll learn eight habits that can help you get on top of your money and save for short-term and long-term goals that really matter. Whether that means the dream of booking a beach house next summer or putting away enough for your baby’s future education, you’ll see that there’s no mystery to being a smarter saver.

1. Finding the ‘Why’

Saving just to save may not be enough for some to stay motivated. Instead, it could be helpful to figure out your own personal “why.” Why are you saving, what are you saving for, and how long do you need to save to get it?

It can be easy to start saving and lose motivation when life gets in the way: The bills stack up, emergencies happen, the car won’t start, and on and on and on. However, if a person has a reason for saving, or a money goal, in the back of their mind it may be easier to stay the course.

By the way, a person’s savings motivation can be for literally anything their heart desires. Sure, it can be to save for retirement, to buy a house, or to start a family, but it can also be to go on vacation, renovate the kitchen, buy the latest mobile device, or to just have enough in the bank so they can have peace of mind. Make it whatever you want.

When finding money motivation, it can be useful to try to think about financial priorities. A person needs to pay for food, shelter, and clothing, but do they need to have a new phone? Or a new car? A new designer watch or the latest gadget? Before setting a budget and starting a new savings journey, it’s important to think about personal priorities.

2. Building a Budget

To help clarify savings goals, try building a personal budget around the priorities mentioned above. A personal budget makes a great road map for the future and can help keep you motivated to save because you know exactly where your money is going, and how it can help you get the things you want.

• To create a budget, first, start tracking all personal spending. To do so, gather all account information and sift through a few month’s worth of expenses. Don’t forget about commonly forgotten expenses, such as birthday gifts for friends and family or insurance premiums.

• Next, determine how to categorize expenses. Getting too granular can make it challenging to track. Consider keeping it generic with categories like “groceries,” “shopping,” “entertainment,” “health,” “home,” “bills,” “medical,” “car payment,” etc. Try to make sure every dollar spent has a home somewhere.

• Then, plot out the next few months of anticipated expenses and see how much cash is left over. This can go into some type of savings account.

• If you want to save more, you can take a critical eye to your purchases and see where you can cut back on spending. For example, not using that gym membership? Cut it. No longer reading that magazine subscription? Bye-bye. Every little bit can help.

3. Saving Little by Little

Once your priorities are in focus and your budget is set, it’s time to actually start saving. Yes, it can be thrilling to drop a whole heap of cash into a savings account, but the thrill can wear off after a while. Instead, try saving little by little. This way, you won’t feel the pinch and it won’t feel like you are missing out on the fun stuff just to save for a hypothetical future.

One strategy is to automate your finances and set up recurring transfers, so that money is saved without much effort. This can help a savings account add up without feeling like an effort, which could have major effects on your motivation.

4. Try Walking Away From Impulse Spending

There are a lot of spending triggers in this world. Sales, pretty items, shiny objects, nights out, the list goes on and on. Sometimes, the best thing people can do is walk away before purchasing or saying “yes.” Take a night out with friends as one example. Before immediately responding “Sure,” you could say, “Can I get back to you?” and then really think about whether you really want to attend or if it’s just a habit. Set an alarm for 30 minutes, and decide when the timer is up. Allowing yourself a minute to step back, can help you be intentional with your spending.

For bigger purchases, people can try the 30-day rule. It’s a financial strategy that can help people regain control over impulsive and compulsive shopping. Basically, if you see something you want to buy but don’t necessarily need, you just stop and walk away. Not just for a minute, but for a full 30 days.

Next, write down the item you want to buy and where you can find it, along with the price. Put it away and set a calendar reminder 30 days from that date.

At the end of that timeframe, if you really still want the item, you could return and purchase it. However, after a month has passed, you may no longer feel the urge to buy or may have forgotten the item altogether. As a bonus, if you get to the end of the 30-day block and decide you no longer need the item, you could put the amount you didn’t spend into a savings account to use the money toward your priority list instead.

5. Setting Short-Term Savings Goals

Saving for long-term goals, like retirement, is important, but don’t overlook the small stuff. Setting a savings goal can help people know there is an end in sight.

One place to start is establishing an emergency fund. Having an emergency fund can provide stability should you run into, well, an emergency.

Other shorter-term goals might include things like new furniture, a vacation, or a renovation. Having these smaller goals can make saving for something as grandiose as retirement seem less intimidating.

Whatever it is, find a number and stick to it. Then, once you hit that goal, you can set another and start the entire process over again.

6. Remembering to Reevaluate Every Now and Then

After setting a priority, budget, and goal, it’s important to also set reminders to reevaluate those markers from time to time too. One way to do this could be making it a New Year’s resolution to look at money goals and see if they are still in line with your personal goals.

Life changes and finances may need to change with it. It’s okay to reallocate the money already saved and put it in a new bucket.

Perhaps you began saving for a vacation but had a baby along the way and want to start saving for their college education instead. Or maybe someone switched jobs within the last year and is making more money now. They can readjust their budgets and savings plans to fit their new financial outlook. The same goes for those who may have lost work too. Reevaluating, reprioritizing, and reallocating can help make financial change more manageable.

7. Telling Others About Savings Goals

Sometimes, the best thing one can do to stay motivated is to let others know about their plans. You can let your inner circle in on your savings goals and priorities and ask those trusted few to help you stay on track.

By letting people in on plans, you can also avoid any tricky situations, like having to say “no” to events, parties, or nights out because people already know you are trying to save. The inner circle could also help keep you on the straight and narrow when it comes to wants vs. needs and help to keep financial goals in sight.

8. Organizing Your Savings

Being able to see your savings grow is perhaps the best money motivator out there. There are a number of financial apps that can help you see your finances all in one place. Some even offer visual representations, such as bar charts and graphs, so you can see just how much your savings have grown over time. That can be very motivating!

The Takeaway

It can be easy to lose motivation when saving money, but with a little effort, you can adopt new habits to help you through. Those might include building or tweaking a budget, trying the 30-day rule, setting short-term goals, and sharing your financial goals with a few trusted friends or relatives.

SoFi can also be a trusted partner in helping you save money. With a SoFi Checking and Savings Account, you can create multiple financial Vaults within your account to help you save toward specific goals. You’ll also earn a competitive annual percentage yield (APY) and pay no account fees, both of which can help your savings grow faster.

Save smarter with SoFi.

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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.

SOBK0523019U

May

2023

Understanding the Basics of an Employee Savings Plan

By Lauren Ward | Budgeting & Goals, money | Comments Off

Here’s what an employee savings plan offers: It is a tax-advantaged investment plan that an employer makes available to members of their staff. The employer may or may not contribute a company match of some level in addition to the money contributed by their employees. These accounts can typically be used at a later date by the employees, who can tap the funds for long-term goals such as retirement or for healthcare expenses.

One benefit of employee savings plans is that they can simplify the saving process. The employer typically takes automated deductions from a worker’s paycheck before income tax is assessed. In this way, these savings plans may increase your contributions to retirement savings contributions while also saving on taxes.

What Is an Employee Savings Plan?

Some employers offer an employee savings plan to help employees invest for retirement and other long-term financial goals, like a down payment on a house. Leveraging an employee savings plan is one of the first steps to building a simple savings plan you can stick to.

Each employee chooses how much they want to contribute to the plan each month. That amount is then deducted from the employee’s paycheck each month. If paychecks are distributed biweekly, the contribution will likely be split up between the two.

The automated process can help make it easier to save, and employees generally have the option to change their contribution amount based on their needs and goals.

Employee savings plans contributions are made on a pre-tax basis. That means the funds are transferred to your savings plan before taxes are taken from your paycheck. This allows account holders to save money while paying taxes on a smaller portion of your salary.

In some cases, your employer may offer a matching contribution to any funds you contribute to your employee savings plan. Usually, there is a match limit equivalent to a certain percentage of your salary.

For instance, imagine your employer matches your contributions up to 3% of your salary and you earn $75,000 a year. That amounts to $2,250.

As long as you contribute at least $2,250 to your plan, your employer will give you the same amount, for a total of $4,500 — plus anything over that amount you decide to contribute.

Recommended: How to Switch Banks

Types of Employee Savings Plans

There are several types of employee savings plans you may have access to through your job.

Many organizations offer qualified defined contribution plans, which means it qualifies for pre-tax contributions and tax-deferred growth. Private companies offer these through 401(k) plans, while public or non-profit organizations generally offer 403(b) or 457(b) plans.

Another type of employee savings plan you may see is a health savings account (HSA). Some companies will offer this kind of account to their team.

If you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), this plan lets you save money tax-free to pay for qualified medical costs that aren’t covered by insurance.

A profit-sharing plan is less common, but also helps you save for retirement. Employees own shares of the company and receive distributions from the company either quarterly or annually. However, as an employee, you cannot add your own contribution to a profit-sharing plan.

A defined benefits plan, also known as a pension plan, is another type of employer-sponsored plan. In this type of plan, employees are offered a specific benefit, which may be based on factors like your years of service at the company.

These days, very few companies offer this type of benefit, instead opting to offer a 401(k) plan or other similar option.

What Are the Benefits of an Employee Savings Plan?

There are a number of advantages to using an employee savings plan. The first is that contributions are tax-free. In most cases, income taxes are paid at the time of withdrawal. That may reduce the amount of taxes you’ll have to pay on your overall salary.

So even though your take-home pay is smaller because of those automatic contributions, your taxable income is also less. Plus you have a growing investment account to help you prepare for retirement or other goals.

Another advantage of participating in an employee savings plan is that your employer could offer a free contribution match as part of their benefits package to retain team members. According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report, 51% of employers who offer 401(k) plans provide some kind of company match.

Employee savings plans also come with larger annual contribution limits compared to individual retirement accounts (IRAs), which are also tax-advantaged. For the tax years 2023, the limit for employee savings plans is $22,500 . A traditional IRA, on the other hand, only allows you to contribute $6,500 for the tax year.

If you’re 50 years or older, both types of plans do allow for an extra catch up contribution. You can add an extra $7,500 for eligible employee savings plans in 2023, but only an extra $1,000 for your IRA.

Employer matches do not count towards your plan’s contribution limit.

What to Look Out For

While there are a number of advantages that come with an employee savings plan, there are also some pitfalls to beware of. Consider these points:

• Some employers require you to work at the company long enough to become vested before you can access your matched funds. Being fully vested means that you’ve reached the minimum number of years to be able to make withdrawals from your employer match.

• If you leave the company before becoming vested, you do get all of the contributions (and growth) you’ve made in your plan. But if you leave before becoming vested, you may lose the matched funds from your employer.

In some cases, you may receive a percentage of that money based on how long you’ve been there. Either way, it’s important to find out these details from the human resources department at your company, especially if you’re thinking about a job change.

• Another downside to an employer savings plan is that although your contributions are tax-free, you do have to pay federal and state income taxes when you make withdrawals.

• Another factor to consider is your tax bracket. Some people may expect to be in a higher tax bracket during their prime working years, so the immediate tax deduction may be helpful. Others may end up being in a higher tax bracket after they’ve accumulated wealth over decades and reach retirement age.

• In addition to paying income taxes on your withdrawals, employee savings plans also typically come with a 10% early withdrawal penalty if you take out cash from, say, a 401(k) before reaching 59 ½ years old. There are some exceptions to this penalty, but be aware of it should you be considering making an early withdrawal.

• Also remember that your plan contributions are investments that are subject to risk. It’s not like a savings account through a financial institution that offers a yield based on your deposits. You will typically be responsible for crafting your portfolio and managing your investments. The options available to you may vary based on the specific plan offered by your employer.

• No matter how much you contribute, the value of your plan is impacted by the performance of your investment choices, regardless of how much money you contributed over the years. It is also helpful to review your goals regularly and gauge your risk based on your time horizons.

For instance, investors may opt to invest in riskier investment vehicles when they’re younger because the potential for gains may outweigh the risk. As they get older and approach retirement, they may begin to allocate less money to those higher-risk investments.

• Finally, be aware of any administrative fees that come with your plan. The average cost is 0.37% of invested assets per year for the largest plans and 1.42% for the smallest plans; fees will probably vary based on the plan.

Explore different options available within your plan to choose the one that makes sense in terms of both investments and fees.

Recommended: How to Automate Your Finances

Borrowing from Your Employee Savings Plan

Many employee savings plans designed to save for retirement allow you to borrow funds from your account if you choose to. The IRS has limitations, such as only being able to borrow the lesser of 50% or $50,000.

You’ll pay interest just as you would with any other loan, but that money gets paid back into your account. This may be one option to consider if you find yourself in need of cash, but there are several drawbacks to be aware of.

The loan terms only apply while you remain at the job providing the employee savings plan. If you leave your job with a loan balance, you must repay the full amount by the due date of your next federal tax return.

Another consideration is that if you don’t pay the loan back by its due date, it counts as a distribution and you will likely have to pay income taxes and penalty on the money.

You’ll also miss out on the growth those borrowed funds may have experienced, which could set back your retirement goals. When considering different types of savings accounts, it’s wise to acquaint yourself with a variety of possible scenarios.

The Takeaway

An employee savings plan can be an advantageous way to save towards retirement and other goals. It can be especially beneficial if your employer offers matching contributions, which can help boost your savings.

By starting early and automating the process, you can build an investment account with robust contributions throughout your career.

An employee savings plan may be just one part of a well-rounded financial portfolio, but there are other types of savings accounts that can be useful. For shorter-term goals, like an emergency fund, it may be worth looking into another type of account, like a checking or savings account.

SoFi Checking and Savings is an online bank account that allows users to save and spend in one place. You’ll earn a competitive annual percentage yield (APY) and pay no account fees, which can help your money grow faster.

SoFi Checking and Savings: See how we can help you meet your money goals.

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.

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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.

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.

SoFi Invest®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

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

SOBK0523008U

May

2023

Common Money Fights

By Jacqueline DeMarco | Budgeting & Goals, money | Comments Off

Fighting about money is one of the top causes of strife among couples, and one of the main reasons married couples land in divorce court.

Married or not, it’s important to address the problems at the heart of financial disagreements and start communicating. Otherwise these issues may fester and grow.

Instead of judging each other’s spending habits or fighting over money, couples can learn how to start working on financial issues together as a team.

Here are some ways to help you make money discussions productive, and not a fight.

Common Causes of Couple Money Fights

While there are countless variations of money fights you might have, these are a few of the most common triggers:

Sharing important account information
Determining budgeting and spending limits
Dealing with debt
Savings and investing
Retirement planning

Some couples struggle with privacy limits and financial security, and they may disagree upon what level of access their partner should have to their financial accounts. If one partner feels they don’t have fair access to financial accounts, passwords, and paperwork, resentment can build.

Married couples in particular may find it confusing and challenging to not have a full picture of their complete financial health.

Determining budgeting and spending limits

Maybe one of you likes to spend and enjoy life. And the other likes to save for a rainy day. This disconnect happens all the time. Not all couples see eye to eye on how much they should be spending and this can lead to anger and tension.

Dealing with debt

If one partner brings debt with them to the relationship, it isn’t uncommon for the couples to disagree about who is responsible for paying off the debt.

Tackling debt can be stressful under the best circumstances, and it can lead to turmoil and fighting if a romantic partner feels the debt is an unfair burden on the relationship.

Savings and investing

Some couples can’t agree how much money they should save and how they should be saving it.

One partner may feel investing their savings is the better path to a stronger financial future, but the other partner may find investing too risky and want to keep the money in a high-yield savings account. This can cause turmoil if both partners’ chosen path forward is the only one they are comfortable with.

Retirement planning

When you’re balancing a lot of different expenses, deciding as a couple how much money to save for retirement and what age they may want to retire can be challenging.

But those who don’t have a plan for slowly and consistently saving for retirement can find themselves continually fighting about retirement savings. This is especially true if one partner is particularly worried about not being financially prepared for the future.

How to Stop Fighting About Money

Before your next money fight erupts, try these tips to help stop the arguing.

Changing the way you talk about money

Working on your communication skills can help keep financial discussions from devolving into arguments.

When you’re discussing money, the main goal of a productive talk is to really listen to each other and try to understand the other person’s point of view, as opposed to jumping to conclusions or making accusations.

One technique that can help with this is using “I” instead of “you” in your statements. For example, one partner might say, “I get frustrated when the bills aren’t paid on time. Can I help you out with that?” rather than, “you never pay the bills on time.”

Another method is trying to avoid using the words “always” and “never” when discussing money matters. These terms can put the other person immediately on the defensive.

Setting up a budget together

Creating a budget as a couple is key. To help establish your saving goals and monthly spending targets, begin by figuring out what your joint net worth is. Then track your income and expenses for several months.

Once you know what you’re spending money on, you can work out a flexible budget, with short-term financial goals and long-term goals.

Planning ahead helps both partners agree on how much needs to be set aside for retirement or a down payment on a house, and how much you each can allocate to spending as you individually see fit.

Being open and honest

It’s tempting to omit key information when we’re trying to avoid conflict. But even if a person doesn’t fib about an expensive purchase or lending money to a family member, failing to share significant financial information can make the other partner feel like they’re being lied to and misled. This can breed distrust and cause financial stress.

Prevent these problems by being honest about financial decisions, even if you know they may upset your partner. As reluctant as you may be to bring these topics up, it can be better in the long run than hiding it from them and committing financial infidelity.

Establishing some boundaries

One way to avoid the need to cover up pricey purchases is to agree to a few simple rules about what spending decisions should be shared and what spending decisions are okay to make solo.

For example, one couple may decide they don’t need to alert each other about a purchase if it’s under $500. Another couple may agree to lend money to siblings when they need it. And some couples may together decide to never lend money to friends or family under any circumstances.

By setting boundaries and limits, and then adhering to them, couples may stop feeling like they have to report their every financial move.

Setting up a joint account

One of the main benefits of opening a bank account together is that it can provide a clear financial picture. A joint account allows couples to track spending, and it can make sticking to a budget easier, while also helping to foster openness.

On the downside, sharing every penny can sometimes lead to tension and disagreements, especially if partners have different spending habits and personalities. One solution might be to have a joint checking and savings account, as well as two individual accounts with a set amount of money to play with every month.

Having different accounts, including one for their personal use, can give each partner some freedom to spend on themselves without having to explain or feel guilty about their expenditures.

Teaming up against debt

Working together on a reasonable plan to start getting out of debt can help couples alleviate a major stress on their marriage.

One strategy for debt reduction might be the avalanche method. To do it, you make a list of all your debts by order of interest rate, from the highest percentage to the lowest. Then, while continuing to make all your minimum monthly payments on existing debts, the couple might decide to put as many extra payments as possible to the highest interest rate loan.

Or, they might decide to simply eliminate the smallest debt first, or look into consolidating debts into a single loan, which could make it easier to manage.

Whatever plan you agree on, working on debt reduction can give you a shared goal to work toward together.

Scheduling a monthly financial check-in

Even if one partner takes on a bigger role in managing finances, paying bills, and keeping on top of the budget, both parties need to stay up to date on what’s going on in order to achieve financial security.

Rather than only talking about your finances when you’re stressed about bills, a better strategy might be to set a specific time on your calendar each month to sit down together and review your recent spending, income, savings, bills, and investments.

If you can’t swing monthly meetings, then aim for quarterly or biannual financial sit-downs.

Getting help from an advisor

While spending more money may seem like an added stressor, some couples who pay for a financial coach may find that it helps them save more down the road.

And, it might be easier to talk about an emotionally charged subject like money with an unbiased third party who can help diffuse tension and get you both to agree on a smart spending and savings strategy.

The Takeaway

Fighting over money, or finding it hard to talk openly and constructively about it, is a common source of friction between couples. Some strategies that can help include learning how to communicate about financial issues more productively, setting up monthly money check-ins, and letting each partner have some financial privacy.

For couples who are ready to integrate their finances, SoFi Checking and Savings makes it easy to create a joint account that gives you both shared access to your money. Plus, you’ll earn a competitive APY and pay no account fees. That’s something that you can both agree is a good thing!

Manage your money as a team with SoFi Checking and Savings.

May

2023

11 Ways to Prepare for High School Graduation

By Kevin Brouillard | Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off

Making it to high school graduation is a big deal. For most people, it’s taken 13 years of education since starting in kindergarten.

This is a time to celebrate, but also to start planning for the next step into adulthood. Taking care of the practical stuff now can allow more time to enjoy your senior year and relax before moving on to the next big thing.

To help get you started, check out these tips to close out high school on a high note and prepare for summer and beyond.

Preparing for High School Graduation

1. Keeping Up Your Grades

You’re almost across the finish line. Yet, slacking off and letting grades slip could be a red flag for the college you plan on attending in the fall.

The extent to which colleges look at senior year grades varies. If an A in calculus drops to a B, that’s probably not a cause for alarm. Rather, having grades fall below a college’s admissions standards could run the risk of a rescinded offer. Staying on top of your coursework and taking some challenging classes your senior year could pay off in the fall.

2. Ordering Your Cap and Gown

To attend high school graduation, you’ll likely have to look the part. If you have an older sibling or friend who graduated before you and is around your size, you can kindly ask to borrow their cap and gown, assuming it’ll match your classmates’ at graduation.

Renting a cap and gown could save money if that option is offered at your high school. Rentals may require a deposit and will likely need to be returned right after the ceremony to discourage graduates from walking off with them amid all the excitement.

If you go the rental route, you may still need to purchase a tassel unique to your graduating class.
Traditionally, there is a moment during the ceremony when graduates are asked to flip their tassel from one side of their cap to the other, which signifies graduation.

3. Return Library Books

At many high schools, failing to return library books, or pay any accrued late fees could make you ineligible to walk at graduation. If there are any other fees or outstanding holds that will prevent you from walking at graduation, take care of them as soon as possible. Your guidance counselor or another administrator at the school may be able to help if you’re not sure.

4. Picking a Graduation-Day Outfit

Yes, you will be wearing your cap and gown for the ceremony. But what about photos afterward? Pick an outfit that is both stylish and one you feel comfortable in. There’ll likely be a lot of photos to celebrate this accomplishment, and wearing an outfit you feel your best in can help make you feel good in front of the camera.

5. Reserving Tickets for Graduation

Some schools may limit the number of tickets a student can reserve for graduation due to venue capacity. In some cases, students may be able request additional tickets, but they are not always guaranteed. If your school has a ticket limit or request process, stay on top of deadlines.

6. Inviting Family and Friends to Graduation

Once you know how many tickets you have to your graduation, you’ll need to invite family or friends to the ceremony. Parents, siblings, grandparents, or close friends may all want to come watch, but if there are ticket restrictions, you may be limited in who you can invite.

Consider sending the information for the ceremony including date, time, location, and any parking instructions in writing via email or text so your family members can easily reference relevant details to see you walk across that stage.

7. Taking Photos with Friends and Family

Graduating high school is a major accomplishment. This is a day you’ll want to remember and you’ll want to get photos with family and friends on the big day. Scope out some meaningful locations for a few photos. If you run hurdles, perhaps you want some photos out on the school track.

8. Registering for Dorm Room Necessities

If you’re expecting gifts from family and friends in honor of your graduation, consider registering for dorm room necessities like towels, twin-XL sheets, duvet, or a mini-fridge. Letting your family know what you want and need for the next four years could make it easier for them to purchase something you’ll actually use.

9. Celebrating With Friends and Family

High school graduates have passed numerous milestones from kindergarten to senior year. Besides the homework and exams, many high schoolers have put countless hours into varsity sports, drama club, marching band, or other extracurricular activities.

High school graduation is a well-deserved moment to have fun and celebrate the culmination of these accomplishments. Whether you’re moving away for college or commuting from home, your schedule may change significantly.

Spending time with family and friends, attending senior activities, and throwing a graduation party are some ways to honor the occasion and process the transition.

10. Plan Your Graduation Party (If You’re Hosting One)

Graduation parties are popular for high schoolers (and their families). If you — or your parents — are hosting a party you’ll want to determine details like the date, time, and location, budget for the event, and guest list.

You’ll want to invite guests and track RSVPs so you can get an accurate headcount for food and drink at the event. From there, you can look into decorations and any party rentals (like chairs, flatware, plates, table cloths, and more).

11. Writing Thank You Notes

As you receive graduation gifts, keep a log of who sent each gift. Show your gratitude for thoughtful gifts by writing a thank you note to each sender. Express your thanks for the gift, and mention a couple specific details about the item they sent and how you plan to use it. Close out your thank you with a thoughtful note about when you hope to see them next (or how great it was to see them at your graduation party) and thank them once again.

Generally, it’s best to send your thank you notes soon after receiving the gifts, so staying organized as you approach graduation can be helpful.

12. Landing a Summer Job

Between hanging out with friends and going on family trips, you might have time to take on a part-time or full-time summer job. These experiences can help boost your resume and gain references for internships and jobs down the road.

Additionally, putting in some hours now can further pad your college savings for tuition and living expenses. If all goes well, you may be invited back to work next summer.

13. Managing Your Schedule and Setting Goals

College schedules can be a big adjustment for students. Instead of following a strict bell schedule like most high schools have, college students are responsible for managing their own schedules with little oversight.

Each college course’s credit hours usually indicate how many hours that class meets per week. Full-time students typically take between 12 and 18 credit hours each semester, which translates to roughly the same number of hours in class. This means college students have more flexibility than high school students in planning their schedule for completing homework and other assignments. That flexibility also means more responsibility for their own time management.

Students might consider preparing for this adjustment by trying out a few planning systems — e.g., paper, digital, or a combination of both — to see what works best for them so they’ll be ready to hit the ground running in the fall.

Some things to plan for, other than class schedules, might be a summer job schedule, family vacations, summer parties with friends, or savings goals.

14. Cleaning up Your Social Media Presence

High school can feel like a bubble. Some students have known each other since elementary school.

Upon graduating and leaving this familiar environment, graduates will encounter an influx of new friends, coworkers, employers, and professors. To put your best foot forward in these scenarios, it could be worth revisiting your social media posts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Many people have said or posted things online they aren’t proud of or no longer reflect their current opinions on a subject. Checking to see what posts you’re tagged in, too, can help refine your online presence and give peace of mind as you head into the “real world.”

In serious cases, colleges have rescinded students’ admission for inappropriate and offensive conduct on social media.

Preparing for College

While finishing senior year and taking care of high school graduation, getting ready for college is just around the corner. There are plenty of ways to prepare for college before the fall semester rolls around. Let’s take a look at some of the key things you may want to consider.

1. Creating a Plan to Pay for College

Pay for college often requires students to pull together a few different types of funding. In addition to savings or using your grad money to pay for college expenses, students can also rely on financial aid including scholarships, grants, federal student loans, and work-study.

Typically, college-bound high school seniors will fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) in February. This form is the first step in applying for federal student aid, which can include scholarships, grants, and loans, depending on a student’s eligibility.

Students who are looking to fill gaps in funding may consider private student loans — which are offered by private lenders and lack benefits offered to federal student loans, like deferment or forgiveness options. Check out SoFi’s guide to private student loans for more information.

2. Researching Classes and Majors

Generally speaking, most programs do not require incoming freshmen to declare a major right away. Still, taking some time before registration to learn about different majors and general course requirements can help students figure out what they want to study, create a balanced schedule, and graduate on time.

3. Getting Ready to Move Away From Home

Students planning to attend college away from home may be feeling a mix of excitement and stress about moving.

Putting that energy into planning for college living arrangements might alleviate some of those feelings.

If coordinating with roommates ahead of time is a possibility, students might consider splitting up the list of room necessities — one roomie can bring the microwave and another can bring the mini-fridge. If the college provides those things, there are many other items that can make the transition from home to college dorm easier.

The Takeaway

Graduating from high school is a huge accomplishment. As you approach graduation day, make sure you have met graduation requirements and have no holds on your student account that will prevent you from walking. Get ready for the big day by ordering your cap and gown, picking your grad day outfit, reserving tickets for the ceremony, and planning a celebration with friends and family.

3 Student Loan Tips

1. Can’t cover your school bills? If you’ve exhausted all federal aid options, private student loans can fill gaps in need, up to the school’s cost of attendance, which includes tuition, books, housing, meals, transportation, and personal expenses.

2. Parents and sponsors with strong credit and income may find much lower rates on no-fee private parent student loans than federal parent PLUS loans. Federal PLUS loans also come with an origination fee.

3. Even if you don’t think you qualify for financial aid, you should fill out the FAFSA form. Many schools require it for merit-based scholarships, too. You can submit it as early as Oct. 1.

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

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

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.

SOPS1022001

May

2023

How Much Is Pet Insurance?

By Kim Franke-Folstad | Budgeting & Goals, money | Comments Off

Many people think of a pet as a member of their family. So of course pet owners want to be sure they’re providing the best possible care for their animals without having to worry about what a trip to the veterinarian might cost.

Pet insurance offers a way to help pay for that care — whether it’s a routine checkup or an emergency. However, just like health insurance for humans, choosing the right pet insurance policy can be complicated.

There’s a wide range of coverage options and policy costs to consider. And pet insurance may not be the right fit for every pet owner. Here’s what to know.

What Is Pet Insurance?

Though it has a lot in common with human health insurance coverage, a pet policy falls under the property and casualty insurance classification.

Pet insurance has been around for almost 100 years, but has only been available in the United States since 1982, when a subsidiary of Nationwide sold its first policy to cover the dog that played Lassie on TV.

As with health insurance for humans, pet insurance has a range of options and costs to consider.

And it’s growing in popularity: The North American Pet Health Insurance Association reports that the industry has more than doubled since 2018, and the number of pet insurance premiums in the U.S. grew by 30.4% from 2020 to 2021.

Most of the 4.4 million pets insured are dogs (82% in 2021) and cats (18%). But some insurers may offer coverage for birds, fish, and other pets.

Pet policies are designed to protect pet owners from the high cost of taking their animal to the vet. (If a pet bites another animal or person, those costs typically are covered by homeowner’s insurance.)

There are a few types of pet insurance. Coverage can be limited to accident-only care for an animal, or it can be more comprehensive and include treatment for injuries and illness.

Some policies also include wellness costs, such as vaccinations, dental care, and medical tests. A few include extra benefits, such as coverage for pet care when an owner has an emergency, or coverage for vet care when the owner travels out of the country with the pet.

But preexisting conditions and cosmetic procedures usually aren’t covered. And policies tend to come with a waiting period of 14 to 30 days, which means if a pet is diagnosed with an illness or is injured before that time is up, treatment for that condition won’t be covered.

💡Quick Tip: Want to save more, spend smarter? Let your bank manage the basics. It’s surprisingly easy, and secure, when you open an online bank account.

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?

The average cost of an accident and illness pet policy was $48.66 per month for a dog in 2021, or $583.91 per year, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association. For a cat, the average cost was $28.57 per month, or $342.84 per year. Adding wellness care and other benefits can increase the cost of a policy. So can the deductible, co-pay, and maximum coverage amounts the pet owner chooses. These costs are something to consider as you’re budgeting for a new dog or cat.

Reimbursement is typically 80%-90%, which means the insured pet owner can be reimbursed for up to 80%-90% of a qualifying claim. The deductible can be up to $1,000. Research shows many pet owners choose a deductible of $250.

The cost of coverage also may be affected by where the pet owner lives. In cities or regions where veterinary practices generally charge more for office visits or treatments, the cost of pet insurance may be higher.

And coverage may cost more based on a pet’s breed and age as well. Because some purebred cats and dogs may be more susceptible to certain medical conditions, they can be more expensive to insure.

Age is a factor. The older a pet is, the more it may cost to get coverage — both at the time of enrollment and as the pet ages.

The good news is, there are no “out-of-network” provider charges to worry about with pet insurance. As long as the pet owner takes Fido or Fluffy to a licensed vet, and the expenses for the visit qualify, it’s just a matter of filing a claim. Some insurance companies may pay the vet directly, but most reimburse the pet owner after the claim is submitted and verified.

Recommended: 19 Tips to Save Money on Pets

How Can Pet Owners Find Prices and Plans?

Because every pet and every plan is a little bit different, it can pay to do some research.

An increasing number of employers now offer pet insurance in their benefits packages, which could mean a lower premium. So pet owners may want to check with their human resources department to see what their company has to offer.

It’s also easy to get an online price quote from many of the companies that offer pet insurance. A quick search will turn up several well-known insurers (Nationwide, Progressive, Geico, Allstate) that offer coverage, along with insurance companies that are strictly for pets. The insurer will ask a few questions (the pet’s name, age, gender, breed, any preexisting conditions), and then provide quotes for three or more plans, along with some details about the benefits those plans include.

It also may help to have an idea of what it costs to treat common (and not-so-common) problems a certain type of pet might encounter.

For example, a physical for a dog can be as much as $300, and up to $200 for a cat, depending on your location and the pet’s age. Those bills might be daunting but not necessarily devastating for a family’s budget. But an emergency vet visit with multiple overnight stays in an emergency clinic could be as much as $3,500. And surgeries your pet might require can run into the hundreds and even thousands of dollars.

Planning for those costs could help pet owners decide if insurance is something they should consider. (Your vet also may be able to provide some helpful information that pertains to your specific pet.)

💡Quick Tip: If you’re faced with debt and wondering which kind to pay off first, it can be smart to prioritize high-interest debt first. For many people, this means their credit card debt; rates have recently been climbing into the double-digit range, so try to eliminate that ASAP.

So, Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

As with so many financial decisions, there are pros and cons to purchasing a pet health policy.

Insurance may take some of the stress out of making treatment decisions for a beloved pet based on the ability to pay. Although there still could be out-of-pocket expenses to consider, it might help avoid what the pet insurance association calls “economic euthanasia,” when a pet owner makes the heartbreaking choice to put down a sick or injured animal because the required care is just too expensive.

Insurance also might help a pet owner avoid taking on credit card debt or depleting their savings account to pay for their pet’s care.

Another plus: Because policies can be customized, it may be possible to find one that provides basic coverage and still works within the family budget. And pet owners who love their vet won’t have to switch to a new provider.

But pet insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, and premiums also may be higher for breeds that are vulnerable to costly health conditions. The cost also goes up as an animal gets older, which is when many pets start having problems that require expensive treatments.

And, as is the case for most types of insurance, if policyholders don’t use their benefits, they don’t get their money back. So, for example, if the pet owner opts for an accident and illness policy and the pet stays healthy for several years, the insurance bills could end up costing more than the vet bills. You may want to set up an emergency fund to help cover any healthcare costs for your pet instead.

The Takeaway

If you aren’t sure if pet insurance is right for you, it might help to look at how the cost would fit with your current finances. If money is tight, is there something you could or would give up in order to pay for a pet policy? Also, would pet insurance tackle financial stress by keeping you from worrying about what you’d do if your pet needed expensive care?

Think about these questions carefully. If you feel you won’t get your money’s worth out of a health insurance policy, you may want to skip it for now. But if it’s easier for you to pay a premium monthly, rather than having to come up with a hefty sum all at once if something happens, you may decide pet insurance is a good option.

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.

8 Ways to Stay Motivated to Save Money

1. Finding the ‘Why’

2. Building a Budget

3. Saving Little by Little

4. Try Walking Away From Impulse Spending

5. Setting Short-Term Savings Goals

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

6. Remembering to Reevaluate Every Now and Then

7. Telling Others About Savings Goals

8. Organizing Your Savings

The Takeaway

Understanding the Basics of an Employee Savings Plan

What Is an Employee Savings Plan?

Types of Employee Savings Plans

What Are the Benefits of an Employee Savings Plan?

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

What to Look Out For

Borrowing from Your Employee Savings Plan

The Takeaway

Common Money Fights

Common Causes of Couple Money Fights

Sharing important account information

Determining budgeting and spending limits

Dealing with debt

Savings and investing

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

Retirement planning

How to Stop Fighting About Money

Changing the way you talk about money

Setting up a budget together

Being open and honest

Establishing some boundaries

Setting up a joint account

Teaming up against debt

Scheduling a monthly financial check-in

Getting help from an advisor

The Takeaway

11 Ways to Prepare for High School Graduation

Preparing for High School Graduation

1. Keeping Up Your Grades

2. Ordering Your Cap and Gown

3. Return Library Books

4. Picking a Graduation-Day Outfit

5. Reserving Tickets for Graduation

6. Inviting Family and Friends to Graduation

7. Taking Photos with Friends and Family

8. Registering for Dorm Room Necessities

9. Celebrating With Friends and Family

10. Plan Your Graduation Party (If You’re Hosting One)

11. Writing Thank You Notes

12. Landing a Summer Job

13. Managing Your Schedule and Setting Goals

14. Cleaning up Your Social Media Presence

Preparing for College

1. Creating a Plan to Pay for College

2. Researching Classes and Majors

3. Getting Ready to Move Away From Home

The Takeaway

3 Student Loan Tips

How Much Is Pet Insurance?

What Is Pet Insurance?

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?

How Can Pet Owners Find Prices and Plans?

So, Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

The Takeaway

CATEGORIES

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Student Loan Refinancing

Personal Loans

Online Investments

Other

Student Loan
Refinancing

Personal
Loans

Online
Investments