Financial Topics Archives | Page 678 of 808

Apr

2023

4 Steps for Balancing a Checkbook

By Krystal Etienne | Budgeting & Goals, Financial Independence, money | Comments Off

Admittedly, checks and checkbooks aren’t as popular as they were in the past, when they were a standard way to pay for life’s daily expenses. But that doesn’t mean that balancing a checkbook isn’t still a valuable skill and an important way to keep your budget in good shape.

It’s a smart idea to keep tabs on how much is coming into your checking account and how much is going out. This helps you avoid bouncing checks (and paying those steep overdraft fees), spot errors and fraud attempts, and know how well you are doing in terms of spending.

Many people shy away from balancing (aka reconciling) their checking account because it seems as if it’s a time-consuming task and may require high-level math skills. Not true!

Once you learn the four steps of balancing your checkbook, it is a simple task that can be accomplished in a few minutes once every week or so. Read on to learn:

• What does balancing a checkbook mean?

• How do you balance a checkbook?

• What is the first step in balancing a checkbook?

• What are the benefits of balancing a checkbook?

What Does Balancing a Checkbook Mean?

The task of balancing a checkbook actually doesn’t have anything to do with the checkbook itself (the stack of checks you may write to pay for goods and services), although your checkbook register is still a great tool for doing the job.

Rather, balancing a checkbook refers to the process of reconciling and cross-checking the many transactions that occur in your checking account.

To summarize the process of balancing your checkbook: This involves recording all of your deposits and withdrawals on a regular basis, adding and subtracting them as you go, and then comparing your numbers to the bank’s to make sure they agree.

Benefits of Balancing Your Checkbook?

Balancing your checkbook, whether with personal vs. business checks, comes with a number of key benefits. These Include:

Knowing Your Balance in Real Time

When you log every transaction, you add to your balance if it’s a deposit or subtract if you’re paying a bill. In this way, you are able to know the true balance of your account, which may not yet be reflected online or in your app.

That’s because when you write a check against your account, the bank won’t deduct those funds from your account until the person you gave the check to deposits it.

Your bank app may show you have $2,000 in your account but if you wrote a $1,000 check yesterday, you actually only have $1,000 available to spend.

Tracking Your Spending and Sticking with Your Budget

During the balancing process, you look at every transaction in your checking account for a period of time, whether it’s a day, a week, or a month.

You might find that you’re spending more than you thought or taking out more cash from the ATM each month than your current budget allows.

Balancing your checkbook on a regular basis can help you monitor your spending, and help to ensure you’re able to maintain your savings goals.

Reviewing Your Account for Errors, Fraud, or Billing Changes

Regular reviewing and tracking of your account’s expenditures can help you immediately spot any purchases or transfers of money that you don’t recognize.

You may also pick up on fees your bank is charging that you weren’t aware of or that are new.

Or, you might notice that one of your auto-pay bills has gone up in price. If your payments are processed automatically without your review, those increases could go unnoticed and unaddressed for months, disrupting your cash flow and possibly causing other financial issues down the line.

Recommended: Can I Use Checks With an Old Address?

Are There Reasons Not to Balance Your Checkbook?

You don’t need to balance your checkbook if you are using and are satisfied with another method to keep tabs on your spending. For instance, if your bank offers an app that works well for you, fine. Or perhaps you are in the habit of monitoring your checking account regularly and feel comfortable with that process.

As noted above, however, there can be a lag time between when you write a check or even swipe a debit card and when the charge is actually debited. This may lead you to believe you have more money on deposit than you truly do. That may motivate you to balance your checkbook instead.

How to Balance a Checkbook in 4 Steps

Here’s an easy step-by-step approach to balancing your checkbook.

1. Recording Your Current Balance

Here’s the first step toward reconciling your checkbook register: logging your bank account balance.

• You can quickly find your checking account balance by going on your bank’s website or using its mobile app.

• If you’re using a paper checkbook register, you can then record this number in the top spot above the spaces you use to log your transactions.

• If you don’t have a register or prefer to go digital, you can create your own register on your computer, or use an open source spreadsheet platform, such as Google Sheets. An online spreadsheet has the advantage of being accessible anytime from any device.

That’s it for the first step in balancing your checkbook.

2. Recording Any Pending Transactions

The next step in balancing your checkbook involves recording transactions that haven’t fully processed yet.

• Account for any pending transactions. These are transactions that you know are coming, but have not yet cleared. For example, when you deposit a check (whether at a bank, ATM, or mobile deposit), your bank might release only part of the funds immediately, placing a hold on the rest of the money until the check clears.

Similarly, when you pay for something with your debit card or a check, the transaction may take a day or two to go through.

• You can write down the date of the transaction and a brief description and, if it’s a check, the check number.

• Do the math next: Starting with the first transaction you enter, subtract the amount from your available balance, or, in the case of a deposit, add it to the balance.

• Then record the new amount on the next line of your register. You can continue doing this until all transactions are reconciled. The final number is (ta-da) your current available balance: the actual amount you have in the account to spend.

3. Continuing to Record Transactions

Next, you can log transactions as they happen or at regular intervals.

• As you continue to make transactions, you can then record them in your register or spreadsheet so you have a running tally of your debits, credits, and current balance. You’ll want to account for both checks, debit card usage, and deposits to the account.

You can do this as you go, or you can collect your receipts and record them in your checking register or spreadsheet at the end of the day or week.

4. Comparing Your Numbers

Now it may be time for a little bit of cross-checking detective work:

• Once or twice a month, it’s a good idea to log on to your account and compare your bank’s total withdrawals and deposits and balances with your own records. If they match, you’re in good shape; you have a balanced checkbook.

If the numbers don’t align, you may then want to go back through your records, as well as the bank’s transaction history, to see where the discrepancy lies.

You may find that you forgot to record a transaction or you wrote down a number incorrectly, or made a simple math error. Or perhaps you forgot to account for account fees or a miscellaneous charge that was deducted.

Or you might pick up an error on the bank’s part, a change in the amount a vendor is billing you, or a potentially fraudulent charge. Generally, the quicker you pick up and address any discrepancies the better, particularly in the case of bank fraud or identity theft.

What Is a Check Register?

A check register is a compact booklet that acts as a kind of spreadsheet, helping you record transactions and tally your checking account’s balance.

These typically come when you order checks, or you can buy them at some retailers or online vendors.

Check registers can be a valuable tool in balancing your checkbook and staying on budget.

Is Knowing How to Balance a Checkbook Now Obsolete?

Knowing how to balance a checkbook may be less vital than it was in the past, but it is still an important skill for tracking incoming funds, outgoing payments, and your total amount of money on deposit.

If you don’t like the paper and pencil aspect of balancing a checkbook, you can use apps and digital tools to keep tabs on your funds.

Digitally Balancing a Checkbook

If you are the type of person who doesn’t like writing down numbers and calculating your available balance on paper, you can use digital tools to help the process along.

There are apps that promise to help you balance your checkbook, but some involve a fair amount of data entry. Your financial institution may offer tools (online and in an app) to help you check your balance, see charges, view pending transactions, and more. For many people, these can be a way to keep tabs on their account balance.

Opening Checking and Savings SoFi Accounts

Even in an increasingly paperless world, it can still be important to balance your checkbook.

Regularly balancing your checking account can give you a clear sense of not only how much money is in your bank account, but where your money goes.

This can help you track your spending, avoid bouncing checks, detect billing changes, and also spot errors or even fraudulent charges as soon as they happen.

If you’re looking for an easy way to keep tabs on your money, you may want to sign up for a new bank account with SoFi.

With SoFi Checking and Savings, you can get all the numbers you need to track your finances at a glance and on the go using the SoFi app. Plus, you’ll earn a competitive annual percentage yield (APY) and pay no account fees, which can help you money grow faster.

See how easy it is to manage your finances with SoFi Checking and Savings today.

FAQ

Is balancing a checkbook still necessary?

While balancing your checkbook isn’t as common as it was before, it is still a valuable way to keep tabs on the money in your checking account, spot errors, and identify any suspicious activity. It is also a wise move if you are trying to stick with a budgeting method and avoid overdrafting your account.

How do you balance a checkbook that hasn’t been balanced before?

You can start balancing your checkbook at any time. View your balance online, and log it in your checkbook. Account for any pending transactions, and then, going forward, note deposits, withdrawals and other debits, plus any fees that are taken out of your funds.

How often should you balance your checkbook?

It can be wise to balance your checkbook in real time. That means, it can be smart to note any checks you write as you do so, and log debit card transactions as they happen so you don’t forget about them. For some people, though, this isn’t convenient, and they prefer to spend a few minutes reconciling their checkbook once or twice a week. The choice is yours.

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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.

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Apr

2023

What Is an Assumable Mortgage?

By Nancy Bilyeau | Home Ownership, mortgage | Comments Off

Assuming a mortgage means that the buyer of a home is able to take over the seller’s existing mortgage. When mortgage assumption is possible, it may help a buyer score a lower interest rate and save money in other ways as well. In times when interest rates are headed upward, an assumable mortgage can be quite a windfall.

But, reality-check time: Mortgages are only assumable in certain situations, and there are pros and cons to consider. If you’re home shopping and want to consider this option, read on to learn more, including:

• What is an assumable mortgage?

• How do I know if a mortgage is assumable?

• What are the benefits of an assumable home loan?

• What are the downsides of an assumable mortgage?

What Is an Assumable Mortgage?

The meaning of an assumable mortgage is that the buyer, when purchasing a home, takes over the existing mortgage held by the seller. This means the buyer assumes responsibility for the loan’s outstanding balance, its interest rate, and making payments for the entire loan term.

This can be an appealing option if, say, the seller’s mortgage was taken out with a considerably lower interest rate than is currently available. In this scenario, the buyer could stand to save thousands over the life of the mortgage loan.

However, a buyer may also need to finance the amount of equity the seller has in the home.

It’s important to note that not all mortgages are assumable. For those that are, it’s recommended that all parties know in advance what obligations they have when they agree to a mortgage assumption, just as with any other financial agreement.

Note: SoFi does not offer assumable mortgages at this time. However, SoFi does offer mortgage refinancing options.

What Types of Loans Are Assumable?

Typically, home loans that operate outside the federal government’s mortgage loan environment, such as conventional 30-year mortgages issued by private lenders, are not assumable. (How do you know if a conventional mortgage is assumable? It will likely be an adjustable-rate loan, and the seller will have to check with their lender to be sure.)

Certain kinds of mortgages that are insured by the government and issued by private lenders are, however, assumable. A seller usually must obtain lender approval for the assumption, or in the case of USDA loans, agency approval. And the buyer must qualify. These loans include:

• FHA loans: The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insures these mortgages, which are popular with first-time homebuyers. With a minimum 3.5% down payment for borrowers with a credit score of 580 or higher, FHA mortgages are assumable.

• VA loans: Home loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are also assumable, and — perhaps surprisingly — the buyer does not have to be a veteran or in the military. Note: The seller of these loans may remain responsible for the mortgage if the buyer defaults.

• USDA loans: Loans guaranteed by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) are assumable only if the current owner is up to date on payments.

One last note about the options above: While assumable mortgages can be part of a wrap-around mortgage, they are not one and the same.

When a mortgage is assumed, the buyer pays the lender every month. With a wrap-around mortgage, which is a kind of owner-financing, the buyer pays the seller.

How to Get an Assumable Mortgage Loan

Here are some points to consider if you are contemplating assuming a mortgage:

• First, confirm that the loan is assumable. For most conventional mortgages, assumption is not an option.

• If assumption is possible, the homebuyer must apply for the assumable mortgage and be vetted for creditworthiness and the ability to meet all the contractual requirements. It’s vital that the buyer show that they have the financial assets needed to qualify for the loan.

• Recognize that the buyer will need to make up any difference between the amount owed and the home’s current value. This means that if the seller of a $300,000 home has a $100,000 mortgage that’s assumable, the buyer would need to be able to put down $200,000 to assume that loan. Obviously, this scenario could present a significant financial hurdle for many prospective homebuyers.

• If the mortgage lender or agency signs off on the deal, the property title goes to the homebuyer, who starts making monthly mortgage payments to the lender.

• If the lender denies the application, the home seller must move on, and the buyer would likely resume shopping elsewhere.

Recommended: How to Buy a Multi-Family Property

Why Do Assumable Mortgages Exist?

Actually landing an assumable debt can be beneficial for both a buyer and seller, but the mortgage lending industry may not make it easy to cut a deal. Why? Because as history attests, mortgage lenders may lose money on assumable mortgages.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, when interest rates were at the highest levels in modern history, assumable mortgage deals were attractive to buyers who could take over a seller’s mortgage at the original loan interest rate. In many cases, this would yield a bargain vs. the then-current rate for a new mortgage. (How high did rates go? In October 1981, 30-year fixed-rate mortgages hit an eye-watering peak of 18.45%.)

Mortgage companies, however, could see that they would lose money if home buyers chose a lower-rate assumable loan over a higher-rate new mortgage loan. That’s one reason mortgage companies began inserting “due on sale” clauses, which mandated full repayment of the loan for most home transactions.

As the FHA and VA began issuing more mortgage loans to homebuyers, they offered more relaxed rules allowing assumption transactions. Mortgages could transfer to the homebuyer as long as they demonstrated the ability to repay the remaining home loan balance, usually after a thorough credit check.

How Do Assumable Mortgages Work?

With an assumable mortgage, the buyer will become the holder of the mortgage originally taken out by the seller. The buyer, as mentioned above, may have to clear certain qualification hurdles to do so.

It’s also important to note that, as briefly mentioned above, the homebuyer must make up any difference between the amount owed on the mortgage and the property’s current value. That could mean the buyer pays cash to make up the difference or takes out a second mortgage.

An example: Say a house is valued at $350,000, and the home seller has a $225,000 balance on the home’s original mortgage. Under the terms of most assumable mortgage loans, the homebuyer would need to deliver $125,000 at closing to cover the difference between the original mortgage and the current estimated value of the home, usually determined by an appraisal.

Another important aspect of how assumable mortgage loans work are the two models possible: a simple mortgage assumption or a novation-based mortgage assumption.

Simple Assumption

In a typical simple mortgage assumption, the buyer and seller agree to engage in a private transaction.

• This means that the mortgage lender is not necessarily aware of the transfer of the mortgage and therefore the new buyer does not go through the underwriting process with the lender.

• The home seller usually just transfers the title of the property to the buyer after the buyer agrees to take over the remaining mortgage payments.

• If the buyer misses monthly payments or defaults on the original mortgage loan, the lender could hold both parties responsible for the debt, and the credit scores of both buyer and seller could be significantly damaged if the debt isn’t repaid. In this scenario, an assumable mortgage home for sale could wind up being problematic for both parties.

Novation-Based Assumption

Unlike a simple mortgage assumption, where mortgage underwriting usually isn’t directly involved, an assumption with novation means the lender is involved.

• The lender vets the buyer and agrees to the loan transfer.

• This means the buyer agrees to assume total responsibility for the existing mortgage debt and remaining payments.

• Under those terms, the original mortgage lender releases the home seller from liability for the remaining mortgage loan debt. The documentation, such as a deed of trust (if used), will be in the buyer’s name alone.

Pros and Cons of Assumable Mortgages

Assumable mortgage loans have upsides and downsides.

Upsides of an Assumable Mortgage

First, consider these pluses:

• A lower rate may be possible. The buyer may save significant money on the loan if the original mortgage’s interest rate is lower than current rates.

• Closing costs are curbed. The buyer might also benefit because closing costs are minimized in private home sale transactions between a buyer and a seller.

• No appraisal is needed. With no need to get a new mortgage on the property, a home appraisal isn’t required for a mortgage assumption, which can save time and money. The buyer could request an appraisal as part of the general home purchase agreement, however.

Downsides of an Assumable Mortgage

Now, the minuses:

• Upfront cash may be required. To meet the terms of an assumable mortgage, the buyer may need to have a substantial amount of upfront cash or take out a second mortgage to close the deal. This usually occurs when the property’s value is greater than the mortgage balance. The seller has perhaps built up considerable equity over the years.

• Second mortgages can be problematic. Second mortgages aren’t always easy to obtain, as mortgage lenders may be reluctant to issue a second home loan when the original mortgage still has a balance due. And a second mortgage probably carries closing costs, meaning the seller needs to shell out more cash.

• The property may be in distress. In some cases, the home seller may be eager to get out of a home that is proving to be too expensive for their budget. Simply put, they might be behind on payments. In that event, the mortgage lender may require the mortgage to be made current (meaning getting up to date on payments) before it will approve an assumable mortgage.

• FHA loans carry an add-on. If the home seller put down less than 10% of the home’s cost when getting an FHA loan, there will be a mortgage insurance premium for the entire loan term. This would add to the buyer’s monthly costs.

Here’s how this intel stacks up in chart form:

Pros of Assuming a Mortgage	Cons of Assuming a Mortgage
Possibility of a lower interest rate than market rate, saving money over the life of the loan	Buyer must make up difference if home value exceeds mortgage balance
Reduced closing costs	Home may be in distress
Home appraisal not necessary	FHA loans usually carry mortgage insurance premium

Examples of Assumable Mortgages

If you’re hoping to find an assumable mortgage, it will most likely be a government-insured or -issued loan, as mentioned above; perhaps one offered as a first-time homebuyer program. Here’s a bit more about these mortgages and how a loan assumption would work:

• Federal Housing Authority (FHA) loans: These government loans, which are insured by the FHA, may be assumable. Both parties involved in a mortgage assumption, however, must qualify in certain ways. For instance, the seller must have been living in the home as a primary residence for a period of time, and the buyer needs to be approved via the usual FHA loan application process.

• Veterans Affairs (VA) loans: If a seller has a loan backed by the VA, it may indeed be assumable. A buyer who wants to take over the loan can apply for a VA loan assumption and doesn’t need to be a current or former member of the military service.

• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans: To assume a USDA loan on a rural property, a buyer will have to show an adequate income and credit to be approved by the USDA.

Recommended: Buying a Home with a Non-Spouse

Who Are Assumable Mortgages For?

Assuming a mortgage can be a good option for those who are property shopping in a time of rising interest rates and would like to take over the seller’s lower-rate loan. This can help save money, and it can also spare the buyer some of the time, energy, and money needed to apply for a new loan.

In addition, an assumable mortgage may work best for buyers with access to cash, as they will probably need to cover the difference between the mortgage amount and the value of the home they are buying.

Who Are Assumable Mortgages Not For?

Those purchasing a home that currently has a conventional mortgage will most likely not be able to take over that loan.

Additionally, if a mortgage is assumable, it’s important to recognize this scenario: If there’s a considerable gap between the mortgage amount and the property’s value, the buyer needs to bridge that. That means either ponying up a chunk of cash or finding a second mortgage, which may not be financially feasible for some prospective homebuyers.

The Takeaway

Assumable home loans are generally difficult to find and to close, and may require the buyer to take on the onerous task of qualifying for a second mortgage. But if the buyer finds that assuming the mortgage will save money over getting a new mortgage (primarily through a lower rate), an assumable mortgage could be a good way to go.

Hunting for a mortgage? SoFi offers home mortgage loans with as little as 3% down for first-time homebuyers, and getting prequalified is quick and easy.

SoFi Mortgage Loans: Fast and flexible.

FAQ

Is it a good idea to assume a mortgage?

Assuming a mortgage can have benefits. If you find an assumable mortgage home for sale, you might be able to take over the seller’s mortgage at a lower rate than what’s currently offered by lenders, thereby saving you money over the life of the loan. Closing costs and schedules might also be leaner. However, mortgage assumption is not always possible, and if it is, you may have to make up the difference between the mortgage amount and the home’s current value.

What is required to assume a mortgage?

To assume a mortgage, the seller must have a loan that allows for assumption. These are usually government-insured or -issued mortgage loans. In addition, you may have to submit credentials to the lender and be approved. You may also have to pay the difference between the mortgage amount and the property’s market value.

How much does it cost to assume a mortgage?

Typically, when you assume a mortgage, you may pay some closing costs, but these could be lower than on a new loan. In addition, there may be a one-time funding fee; for instance, on a VA loan, this amounts to 0.5% of the existing mortgage balance. Last but not least: The buyer is usually liable to pay the difference between the remaining balance on the mortgage and the current value of the home.

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Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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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Apr

2023

Can You Lose Money in an Index Fund?

By Brian Nibley | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off

As is the case with any investment, you can lose money in an index fund. Still, index funds allow investors to track the market in a low-cost, consistent way, according to most analysts and advisors. That’s because an index fund provides exposure to a diverse selection of publicly traded securities that are intended to perform identically to a market index.

However, index funds don’t always perform in an exact one-to-one ratio, as we will see. But in general, most high-quality index funds perform in close lockstep with their underlying indexes.

How Can You Lose Money in an Index Fund?

All investments carry risk. An index fund, like anything else, can potentially lose value over time.

That being said, most mainstream index funds are generally considered a conservative way to invest in equities (although there are lesser-known index funds that are thought to carry greater risk). This is largely due to the fact that index funds are greatly diversified, distributing risk throughout many securities. Risk is also lowered by reducing an individual’s responsibility in managing the funds — investors can simply buy and hold for years, or even decades.

As you weigh the risks, also keep in mind that most financial experts agree that the biggest risk is not investing at all. While saving money is important, inflation steadily eats away at savings over time.

How Does an Index Fund Work?

Index funds are part of a growing trend of what’s referred to as “passive investments.” Similar to an exchange-traded fund (ETF), an index fund is composed of many different assets packaged into a single security that investors can trade like a regular stock.

When you buy shares of an index fund, many people think that you are almost buying a tiny piece of a share of every company in that index all at once. An S&P 500 index fund, for example, gives investors exposure to most 500 companies in the S&P 500, or so the story goes. And some index funds do work this way.

But in reality, things are not always so straightforward. The goal of an index fund is to track the performance of a stock market index, and the fund can invest in any number of assets to achieve this end. That often does include a substantial amount of holdings of the stocks contained in a specific index, but there can be other assets included as well.

Some funds might not actually hold any of the assets that are present in the index they are supposed to be tracking. Instead, they might invest only in derivatives, like options and futures, that are intended to perform similarly to the index.

Some funds also provide leverage, meaning they are designed to provide returns or losses greater than what their respective index provides. If a fund has 3x leverage, for example, then it might produce a return or loss three times as high as what its index does. Leveraged bets of any kind are generally considered to be riskier and more speculative.

How Likely Are Index Funds to Go to Zero?

Index funds are generally not as volatile as individual stocks because of their diversification. But of course, if the underlying index is volatile, then the index fund will be, too, assuming it tracks the index’s performance well.

Investors who stick to well-established index funds that own real assets probably don’t have too much to worry about — but they aren’t 100% free of risk either.

Markets don’t go up or down in a straight line, so over the short term, funds will fluctuate. But index funds can provide a good option to gain exposure to broad swaths of the market without having to select individual stocks or manage a portfolio actively.

Although any index fund comes with risk of loss, like all investments, some funds may have a real possibility of losing a significant portion of investment capital. Leveraged funds and funds that invest in derivative products have a higher-than-average chance to produce suboptimal returns.

Over long periods of time, though, most indexes have seen large returns, as the large companies that are included in most indexes continue growing.

What Are the Benefits of Investing in Index Funds?

The benefits of index funds involve everything described so far. Low risk and high diversification provide an excellent way to grow wealth steadily over time. For this reason, index funds can be a reasonable option for most long-term portfolios.

For the most part, major index funds with an established track record don’t require much active management. That’s why they fall under the umbrella term “passive investments.” This is another reason why some investors like index funds: They don’t have to keep track of a bunch of different securities, their performance, or their latest news releases and company fundamentals.

Some Common Misconceptions About Index Funds

Not all index funds are created equal, and not all of them work in a simple, straightforward manner. While the general concept may be simple enough, in practice things don’t always work out the same way.

Here are a few notes about some of the most common misconceptions about index funds.

Index Funds Always Perform the Same

Sometimes, some index funds might provide returns less than the actual index they track. This can happen for a number of reasons. A high expense ratio, for example, might mean that there are hidden fees associated with owning the fund, making it more expensive.

To this end, it can be important for investors to make sure their funds won’t underperform. Index funds are generally a good way to minimize bad decisions, but only if someone chooses a fund that has broad exposure and low fees.

All Index Funds Are Low Risk

As mentioned, index funds tend to be on the lower end of the risk spectrum. But not all index funds are created the same. For investors looking for minimal risk, it might be wise to seek out a fund that directly owns shares of stocks, offers the most diversification possible, and has a long-standing track record of performance that mimics its underlying index.

Index Funds Work Well As Short-Term Investments

In general, some advisors suggest that index funds ought to be held for at least five years, if not 10 or more.

Funds of this type don’t make for good short-term investments because they usually don’t move a lot over short time periods, and the fees or commissions involved tend to eat into the meager profits investors might gain.

There are certain leveraged funds and ETFs that are better suited to short-term trading, but we won’t get into those here.

Try Investing With SoFi Invest

Can you lose money in an index fund? Of course you can. But index funds still tend to be an appealing choice for investors due to their built-in diversification and comparatively low risk. Just make sure to note that not all index funds always perform the same, and that now every index fund out there is low-risk.

If you’re beginning your portfolio-building journey you might consider getting started with SoFi Invest®. The platform offers educational content as well as access to financial planners. Plus, the Active Investing platform lets investors choose from an array of stocks, ETFs, or fractional shares.

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

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.

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.

Claw Promotion: Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $25 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.

SOIN0323030

Apr

2023

Participating Preferred Stock, Explained

By Becca Stanek | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off

You may have heard mention of preferred shareholders or preferred stocks in investment circles. And you may have wondered: How do I get preferred stocks? Preferred stocks are available to individual investors. That being said, there is a type of preferred stocks that may be out of reach to most, and that’s participating preferred stocks.

Here’s a look at what participating preferred stock is, as well as when one might have the option to own participating preferred stock and what the benefits of participating preferred stock are.

What Is Preferred Stock?

Preferred stock shares characteristics of both common stocks and bonds. Preferred stocks allow investors to own shares in a given company and also receive a set schedule of dividends (much like bond interest payments).

Because the payout is predictable and expected, there isn’t the same potential for price fluctuations as with common stocks — and thus there’s less potential for volatility. But, the shares may rise in value over time.

Recommended: Preferred Stock vs. Common Stock

How Preferred Stocks Work

Shares of preferred stock tend to pay a fixed rate of dividend. Preferred stocks have dividend preference; they’re paid to shareholders before dividends are paid out to common shareholders.

These dividends may or may not be cumulative. If they are, all unpaid preferred stock dividends must be paid out prior to common stock shareholders receiving a dividend.

For example, if a company has not made dividend payments to cumulative preferred stock shareholders for the previous two years, they must make two years’ worth of back payments and the current year’s dividend payments to preferred shareholders before common stock shareholders are paid any dividend at all.

Because of the fixed nature of the dividend, the investments themselves tend to behave more like how a bond works. When an investment pays a fixed and predictable rate of interest, they tend to trade in a smaller and more predictable bandwidth. Compare that to stocks, whose future income stream and total return on investment are less predictable, which lends itself to plenty of price disagreement in the short-term.

Preferred stockholders do not typically enjoy voting rights at shareholder meetings. But, preferred stock shareholders are paid out before common shareholders in a liquidity event.

Participating Preferred Stocks

Participating preferred stock takes on all of the above features, but they may receive some bonus benefits, such as an additional dividend payment. This additional payment may be triggered when certain conditions are met, often involving the common stock. For example, an additional dividend may be paid out in the event that the dividend paid to common shareholders exceeds a certain level.

Upon liquidation, participating preferred shareholders may receive additional benefits, usually in excess of what was initially stated. For example, they may have the right to get back the value of the stock’s purchasing price. Or, participating preferred shareholders may have access to some pro-rata cut of the liquidation proceeds that would otherwise go to common stock shareholders.

Non-participating preferred stocks do not get additional consideration for dividends or benefits during a liquidation event.

For those with access, participating preferred stock is an enticing investment. That said, the average individual investor may not have the chance to invest in participating preferred stock. This type of stock is typically offered as an incentive for private equity investors or venture capital firms to invest in private companies.

The Takeaway

Preferred stock offers some benefits that common stock does not — such as a regular dividend schedule and the potential to increase in value without threat of volatility. Participating preferred stock offers investors even more potential benefits, including additional dividends and the opportunity to participate in liquidity events. However, participating preferred stocks are generally an option only for private equity investors or venture capitalists.

Though an investor might not have the chance to get involved with this particular investment opportunity, there are other ways to trade stocks online and invest in the market. SoFi Invest® offers both active investing and automated investing options to suit every type of investor.

Take a step toward reaching your financial goals with SoFi Invest.

SoFi Invest®

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

Apr

2023

Swing Trading Explained

By Inyoung Hwang | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing, Terminology | Comments Off

What Is Swing Trading?

Swing trading is a type of stock market trading that attempts to capitalize on short-term price momentum in the market. The swings can be to the upside or to the downside, and typically occur within a range from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. While day traders typically stay invested in a position for minutes or hours, swing traders invest for several days or weeks. Still, swing trading is a more short-term strategy than investors who buy and hold onto stock for many months or years. But it’s important to bear in mind the potential risks, costs, and tax implications of this strategy.

Generally, a swing trader uses a mix of technical and fundamental analysis tools to identify short- and mid-term trends in the market. They can go both long and short in market positions, and use stocks, exchange-traded funds, and other market instruments that exhibit pricing volatility.

It is possible for a swing trader to hold a position for longer than a few weeks, though a position held for a month or more may actually be classified as trend trading.

Cost and Tax Implications

A swing trading strategy is somewhere in between a day-trading strategy and trend-trading strategy. They have some methods in common but may also differ in some ways — so it’s important to know exactly which you plan to utilize, especially because these shorter-term strategies have different cost and tax factors to consider.

Frequent trades typically generate higher trading fees than buy-and-hold strategies, as well as higher taxes. Unless you qualify as a full-time trader, your short-term gains can be taxed as income, rather than the more favorable capital gains rate (which kicks in when you hold a security for at least a year).

How Swing Trading Works

Swing trading can be a fairly involved process, utilizing all sorts of analysis and tools to try and gauge where the market is heading. But for simplicity’s sake, you may want to think of it as a method to capture short-to-medium term movements on share prices.

Investors are, in effect, trying to capture the “swing” in prices up or down. It avoids some day trading risks, but allows investors to take a more active hand in the markets than a buy-and-hold strategy.

With that in mind, swing trading basically works like this: An investor buys some stock, anticipating that its price will appreciate over a three-week period. The stock’s value does go up, and after three weeks, the investor sells their shares, generating a profit.

Conversely, an investor may want to take a short position on a stock, betting that the price will fall.

Either way there are no guarantees, and swing trading can be risky if the stocks the investor holds move in the opposite direction.

Day Trading vs Swing Trading

Like day traders, swing traders are highly interested in the volatility of the market, and hope to capitalize on the movements of different securities.

Along with day traders and trend traders, swing traders are active investors who tend to analyze volatility charts and price trends to predict what a stock’s price is most likely to do next. This is using technical analysis to research stocks–a process that can seem complicated, but is essentially trying to see if price charts can give clues on future direction.

The goal, then, is to identify patterns with meaning and accurately extrapolate this information for the future.

The strategy of a day trader and a swing trader may start to diverge in the attention they pay to a stock’s underlying fundamentals — the overall health of the company behind the stock.

Day traders aren’t particularly interested in whether a company stock is a “good” or “bad” investment — they are simply looking for short-term price volatility. But because swing traders spend more time in the market, they may also consider the general trajectory of a company’s growth.

Pros and Cons of Swing Trading

Pros and Cons of Swing Trading
Pros	Cons
Less time intensive	Expenses & taxes
Income potential	Time
May help to avoid market dips	Efficacy

Pros of Swing Trading

To understand the benefits of swing trading, it helps to understand the benefits of long-term investing — which may actually be the more suitable strategy for some investors.

The idea behind set-it-and-forget-it, buy-and-hold strategies is quite simply that stock markets tend to move up over long periods of time, or have a positive average annual return. Also, unlike trading, it is not zero-sum, meaning that all participants can potentially profit by simply remaining invested for the maximum amount of time possible.

1. Time and Effort

Further, long-term investing may require less time and effort. Dips in the market can provide the opportunity to buy in, but methodical and regular investing is generally regarded higher than any version of attempting to short-term time the market.

Swing trading exists on the other end of the time-and-effort continuum, although it generally requires much less effort and attention than day trading. Whereas day traders must keep a minute-by-minute watch on the market throughout the trading days, swing trading does not require that the investor’s eyes be glued to the screen.

Nonetheless, swing trading requires a more consistent time commitment than buy-and-hold strategies.

2. Income

Compared to long-term investing, swing trading may create more opportunity for an investor to actively generate income.

Most long-term investors intend to keep their money invested — including profits — for as long as possible. Swing traders are using the short-term swings in the market to generate profit that could be used as income, and they tend to be more comfortable with the risks this strategy typically entails.

3. Avoidance of Dips

Finally, it may be possible for swing traders to avoid some downside. Long-term investors remain invested through all market scenarios, which includes downturns or bear markets. Because swing traders are participating in the market only when they see opportunity, it may be possible to avoid the biggest dips. That said, markets are highly unpredictable, so it’s also possible to get caught in a sudden downturn.

Cons of Swing Trading

Though there is certainly the potential to generate a profit via swing trading, there’s also a substantial risk of losing money — and even going into debt.

As with any investment strategy, risk and reward are intrinsically related. For as much potential as there is to earn a rate of return, there is potential to lose money.

Therefore it is smart to be completely aware of — and comfortable with the risks, no matter which investing strategy you decide to use.

1. Expenses & Taxes

A good rule of thumb: Don’t trade (or invest) money that you can’t afford to lose.

Additionally, it can be quite expensive to swing trade, as noted above. Although brokerage or stock broker commissions won’t be quite as high as they would be for day traders, they can be substantial.

Also, because the gains on swing trades are typically short-term (less than a year), swing investors have to keep an eye on their tax bill as well.

In order to profit, traders will need to out-earn what they are spending to engage in swing trading strategies. That requires being right more often than not, and doing so at a margin that outpaces any losses.

2. Time

Swing trading might not be as time-consuming or as stressful as day trading, but it can certainly be both. Many swing traders are researching and trading every day, if not many times a day. What can start as a hobby can easily morph into another job, so keep the time commitment in mind.

3. Efficacy

Within the investing community, there is significant debate as to whether the stock market can be timed on any sort of regular or consistent basis.

In the short term, stock prices do not necessarily move on fundamental factors that can be researched. Predicting future price moves is nothing more than just that: trying to predict the future. Short of having a crystal ball, this is supremely difficult, if not impossible, to do.

Swing Trading Example

Here’s a relatively simple example of a swing trade in action.

An investor finds a stock or other security that they think will go up in value in the coming days or weeks. Let’s say they’ve done a fair bit of analysis on the stock that’s led them to conclude that a price increase is likely.

Going Long

The investor opens up a position by purchasing 100 shares of the stock at a price of $10 per share. Obviously, the investor is assuming some risk that the price will go down, not up, and that they could lose money.

But after two weeks, the stock’s value has gone up $2, and they decide to close their position and sell the 100 shares. They’ve capitalized on the “swing” in value, and turned a $200 profit.

Of course, the trade may not pan out in the way the investor had hoped. For example:

• The stock could rise by $0.50 instead of $2, which might not offer the investor the profit she or he was looking for.

• The stock could lose value, and the investor is faced with the choice of selling at a loss or holding onto the stock to see if it regains its value (which entails more risk exposure).

Going Short

Swing traders can also take advantage of price drops and short a stock that they think is overvalued. They borrow 100 shares of stock from their brokerage and sell the shares for $10 per share for a total of $1,000 (plus any applicable brokerage fees).

If their prediction is correct, and the price falls to $9 per share, the investor can buy back 100 shares at $9 per share for $900, return the borrowed shares, and pocket the leftover $100 as profit ($1,000 – $900 = $100).

If they’re wrong, the investor misses the mark, and the price rises to $11 per share. Now the investor has to buy back 100 shares for $11 per share for a total of $1,100, for a loss of $100 ($1,000 – $1,100 = -$100).

Swing Trading Strategies

Each investor will want to research their own preferred swing trading strategy, as there is not one single method. It might help to designate a specific set of rules.

Channel Trading

One such strategy is channel trading. Channel traders assume that each stock is going to trade within a certain range of volatility, called a channel.

In addition to accounting for the ups and downs of short-term volatility, channels tend to move in a general trajectory. Channels can trend in flat, ascending, or descending directions, or a combination of these directions.

When picking stocks for a swing trading strategy using channels, you might buy a stock at the lower range of its price channel, called the support level. This is considered an opportune time to buy.

When a stock is trading at higher prices within the channel, called the resistance level, swing traders tend to believe that it is a good time to sell or short a stock.

MACD

Another method used by swing traders is moving average convergence/divergence, or “MACD.” The MACD indicator looks to identify momentum by subtracting a 26-period exponential moving average from the 12-period EMA.

Traders are seeking a shift in acceleration that may indicate that it is time to make a move.

Other Strategies

This is not a complete list of the types of technical analysis that traders may integrate into their strategies.

Additionally, traders may look at fundamental indicators such as SEC filings and special announcements, or watch industry trends, regulation, etc., that may affect the price of a stock. Trading around earnings season may also present an opportunity to capitalize on a swing in value.

Similarly, they may watch the news or reap information from online sources to get a sense of general investor sentiment. Traders can use multiple swing trading methods simultaneously or independently from one another.

Swing Trading vs Day Trading

Traders or investors may be weighing whether they should learn swing trading versus day trading. Although the two may have some similarities, day trading is much more fast-paced, with trades occurring within minutes or hours to take advantage of very fast movements in the market.

Swing trading, conversely, gives investors a bit more time to take everything in, think about their next moves, and make a decision. It’s a middle-ground between day trading and a longer-term investing strategy. It allows investors to get into some active investing strategies, but doesn’t require them to monitor the markets minute by minute to make sure they don’t lose money.

Swing Trading vs Long-Term Investing

Long-term investing is likely the strategy that involves the least amount of risk. Investors are basically betting that the market, over the long term, will be higher several years from now, which is typically true, barring any large-scale downturns. But it doesn’t give investors the opportunity to really trade based on market fluctuations.

Swing trading does, albeit not as much as day trading. If you want to get a taste for trading, and put some analysis tools and different strategies to work, then it may be worth it to learn swing trading.

Is Swing Trading Right for You?

Whether swing trading is a good or wise investing strategy for any individual will come down to the individual’s goals and preferences. It’s good to think about a few key things: How much you’re willing to risk by investing, how much time you have to invest, and how much risk you’re actually able to handle on a psychological or emotional level — your risk tolerance.

If your risk tolerance is relatively low, swing trading may not be right for you, and you may want to stick with a longer-term strategy. Similarly, if you don’t have much to invest, you may be better off buying and holding, effectively lowering how much you’re putting at risk.

Active Investing With SoFi

Swing traders invest for days or weeks, and then exit their positions in an effort to generate a quick profit from a security’s short-term price movements. That differentiates them from day traders or long-term investors, who may be working on different timelines to likewise reap market rewards.

Swing trading has its pros and cons, too, but can be a way for investors to try out trading strategies at a slower pace than a day trader.

There are also different methods and strategies that swing traders can use. There is no one surefire method, but it might be best to find a strategy and stick with it if they want to give swing trading an honest try. Be aware, though, that it carries some serious risks — like all stock trading.

The SoFi Invest® stock trading app offers educational content as well as access to financial planners. The Active Investing platform lets investors choose from an array of stocks and ETFs. For a limited time, funding an account gives you the opportunity to win up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice. Please see terms and conditions here.

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

FAQ

Is swing trading actually profitable?

Swing trading can be profitable, but there is no guarantee that it will be. Like day trading or any other type of investing, swing trading involves risk, though it can generate a profit for some traders.

Is swing trading good for beginners?

Many financial professionals would likely steer beginning investors to a buy-and-hold strategy, given the risks associated with swing or day trading. However, investors looking to feel out day trading may opt for swing trading first, as they’ll likely use similar tools or strategies, albeit at a slower pace.

How much do swing traders make?

It’s possible that the average swing trader doesn’t make any money at all, and instead, loses money. That said, some swing traders can make thousands of dollars. It depends on their skill level, experience, market conditions, and a bit of luck.

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.

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.

Claw Promotion: Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $25 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.

SOIN0323012