Dec
05
2022

Trade School Costs Need to Knows

By | Life & Career, student_loan | No Comments

A trade school, often called a vocational or technical school, provides specific job skills to start a career quickly in a given trade, with the requisite certifications and licenses. That career can range from being an electrician to a physician’s assistant to a cook. As opposed to a four-year college, a trade school education is generally completed in just two years and focuses on getting students hands-on experience and securing the job they want.

Trade school costs can vary anywhere from around $3,000 to $15,000+ per year. While trade school can be significantly less costly, and require less time, than a four year degree — there are still expenses to consider. Continue reading for more information on how expensive trade school is and planning for trade school costs.

Key Points

•   Trade schools offer focused training in specific job skills, allowing students to enter careers quickly, typically completing programs in less than two years.

•   The annual cost of trade school tuition can range from approximately $3,600 to $14,500, depending on factors like the school and program.

•   Additional expenses for trade school often include costs for books, supplies, and living expenses, which can vary greatly based on individual circumstances.

•   Financial options for attending trade school include federal aid, grants, scholarships, and part-time work, which can help cover educational costs.

•   When selecting a trade school, important considerations include program accreditation, completion time, available on-the-job training opportunities, and employment support services.

What Is Trade School?

College is not for everyone. Trade school can provide a path to a rewarding career, without the time and money required to pursue a four-year degree.

As previously mentioned, trade school is a type of education that provides training in a specific job or skill set to allow students to start a given trade or career with the requisite certifications and appropriate licenses. Also known as vocational or technical schools, trade school can be a stepping stone into a career as a plumber, electrician, plumbing, dental hygienist, pharmacy technician, paralegal, and more.

Trade schools may be private or public institutions. And it can take as little as a few months to two plus years to complete a trade school program. Community colleges may offer vocational programs or more general education classes for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution.

How Much Does Trade School Cost

The cost of trade school can vary widely based on factors including the school, the program you are pursuing, your location. According to TradeSchools.net, the average cost of annual tuition at a trade school can range from $3,600 to $14,500.

Tuition

As mentioned, the cost of tuition can range dramatically, averaging anywhere from $3,600 to $14,500 per year. According to data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency List, for the 2020-2021 school year, the average cost of tuition and fees at two year institutions was:

•   2-year, public — $3,863

•   2-year, private not-for-profit — $15,549

•   2-year, private for-profit — $15,033

•   Less than 2-year, public — $8,683

•   Less than 2-year, private not-for-profit — $13,127

•   Less than 2-year, private for-profit — $13,127

Books and Supplies

Again, the cost of books and supplies will vary based on the vocational program or trade school. According to data from The College Board, the average cost of books at a two-year public institution was $1,460 for the 2021-2022 school year.

Living Expenses

Unsurprisingly, the cost of living expenses can also vary quite dramatically from student to student. Some students who are attending trades school may be able to live at home with family members. This could help them reduce costs because they may be able to have little to no rent, and share meals with family members.

Trade school students who are living on their own may need to budget for more expensive living costs.

Paying for Trade School

When it comes to paying for college, or trade school, there are a few options available to students including loans, federal aid, grants, and more.

Trade School Loans

The term “trade school loan” is just a way to refer to a student loan, personal loan, or outside funding measure used to pay one’s way through a training or vocational school.

Many trade and vocational schools may qualify for federal student loans and other forms of federal financial aid. To apply for federal loans, students will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) each year.

There are limits for federal student loans, and some students may consider a private student loan. Private student loans are available from private institutions but they may not offer the same benefits or protections as federal student loans.

After all other funding options have been exhausted, a private student loan could be a tool to help fill in the gaps. SoFi private student loans have zero fees and qualifying borrowers can secure competitive rates. While SoFi’s private student loans’ aren’t available to pay trade school, some graduate certification programs may qualify.

Working Part-Time

Trade schools generally offer flexible programming — for example, night classes — so students may be able to work part-time to fund their education. Students may consider getting a part-time job in the field they are studying, or working at a gig that is willing to accommodate their school schedule so they have enough time to take classes and study.

Financial Aid for Trade School

As already mentioned, trade schools may qualify for federal financial aid — including student loans, grants and scholarships. Federal aid can be used for technical schools and some certificate programs as long as the schools are accredited and eligible for federal funds. You can check the Department of Education’s database of qualifying schools to confirm your chosen trade school program qualifies.

Again, to apply for federal financial aid, students will need to fill out the FAFSA each year.

Grants

Students at eligible trade schools may qualify for a Pell Grant. A Pell Grant is a type of federal grant that is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need.

Scholarships

There may also be scholarships available for trade school students. Certain trade schools may offer scholarships and there are vocational school scholarships available from private organizations too. Check in with your school’s financial aid office for more information or look through an online database or SoFi’s scholarship search tool to peruse scholarships you may be eligible for.

Tips on Selecting a Worthwhile Program

Trade school can make a lot of sense for students who are interested in pursuing a specific vocation and are not interested in attending a more traditional four-year school. To evaluate trade schools, consider the following factors:

•   Program Accreditation. This can give you an idea of a program’s reputation. Accredited schools may qualify for federal financial aid.

•   Time to complete. This can inform the total cost of the program.

•   Opportunities for paid on-the-job training. Some programs may offer a combination of in-classroom learning and paid job training. Gaining this real world experience can be valuable.

•   Employment assistance or support. Some trade schools have close connections with local businesses or industries. Find out if there is a career connections office or any job placement assistance.

Private Student Loans for Trade School

SoFi doesn’t offer student loans for trade school programs, but does offer student loans for eligible graduate certificate programs. If you’re a college student interested in pursuing a certificate program, a SoFi private loan could be a tool to help you finance the program.

SoFi student loans have zero fees and qualifying borrowers can secure competitive interest rates. Find out if you prequalify in just a few minutes.

FAQ

Are trade schools more affordable than 4-year universities?

Trade schools are generally more affordable than a college or university. In addition to having a more affordable annual tuition, typically trade school programs can be completed in less than four years.

What are the most high-paying trade jobs?

According to Accredited Schools Online, some of the top-paid trades school jobs include construction managers, radiation therapists, and dental hygienists.

How long is trade school?

The length of trade school can vary based on the program. Some trades school programs can be completed in a few months while others may take two years to complete.

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

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.

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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Nov
30
2022
What is a Dogecoin Mining Pool?

What Is a Dogecoin Mining Pool?

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off on What Is a Dogecoin Mining Pool?

A mining pool is a collection of miners who pool their resources and share the rewards of mining a proof-of-work (PoW) cryptocurrency like Dogecoin (DOGE).

Individual miners receive a portion of block rewards in proportion to how much hashing power they contribute.

Miners may earn less overall when mining in a pool vs. solo mining, in which an individual tries to solve for a block on their own, using significant time and computing power. But they receive rewards on a more consistent basis and can maintain a profitable operation, even with smaller amounts of computing power.

💡 Recommended: Is Crypto Mining Still Profitable in 2022?

How Does Dogecoin Mining Work?

In order to understand Dogecoin mining and Dogecoin pool mining, it’s important to remember the qualities that distinguish DOGE among the other types of crypto.

What Is DOGE?

Dogecoin (pronounced dohj-coin), or DOGE, is widely known as the first joke cryptocurrency. It was launched in 2013 as a way to poke fun at Bitcoin. Nonetheless, the currency captured people’s attention and a fair amount of investment.

Dogecoin is an altcoin similar to Bitcoin and Ethereum in that it runs on a blockchain network using a PoW system. But the number of coins that can be mined are unlimited (versus the 21 million-coin cap on Bitcoin).

Despite its place as one of the biggest coins by market cap, DOGE trades at one of the lowest prices: $0.084 cents, as of November 18, 2022.

Understanding Dogecoin Mining

Dogecoin mining works in much the same way that mining any other PoW cryptocurrency works. Dogecoin is based off of Litecoin, which forked from the original Bitcoin source code.

The main difference between Bitcoin (BTC) and Dogecoin (DOGE) or Litecoin (LTC) is that the latter two are altcoins that use a mining algorithm known as Scrypt. Bitcoin mining, by contrast, uses an algorithm called SHA-256. Scrypt allows for faster block confirmation times, which means faster transaction times.

Here’s a quick guide to crypto basics and how the mining process works.

•   A blockchain is a type of distributed ledger technology (DLT).

•   Blockchain networks are the highways on which cryptocurrencies travel.

•   The computers that maintain a blockchain network are called “nodes.”

•   Some nodes can add new blocks of transactions to the network and gain rewards. These nodes are called “miners.”

•   Miners solve complex mathematical problems to process transactions and achieve consensus on the network, ensuring everyone agrees which transactions are valid.

💡 Recommended: How Does Bitcoin Mining Work?

Like gold mining, mining for crypto requires time and energy, whether you’re mining Bitcoin or an altcoin like Dogecoin or Litecoin. But unlike gold mining, computers do all the work in crypto mining. Individuals set up their mining rigs (powerful computer systems) and monitor the process. For some, mining cryptocurrency offers an opportunity to obtain cryptocurrency without buying it on an exchange.

How Do You Pool Mine Dogecoin (DOGE)?

To participate in a Dogecoin mining pool, you must have a crypto wallet that’s compatible with DOGE, and all the necessary hardware and software for mining.

Using a pool involves one extra step: telling the miners where to “point” their hashing power. This typically involves entering a single line of computer code into the mining software. The mining pool will provide the specific command, likely somewhere on its website or in the software itself.

Dogecoin Mining Equipment

Crypto mining requires sophisticated and powerful computers known as Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). In the case of Dogecoin mining hardware, the ASIC must be specifically designed to run the Scrypt algorithm.

While there might be some pools that allow users to use SHA-256 ASICs, contribute that hashing power to the pool, and take rewards in DOGE, those interested in mining DOGE specifically should stick to Scrypt ASICs.

ASICs take so much electricity that even smaller miners usually require a special power supply to connect to an electrical outlet. They also generate considerable heat, and miners must keep them cool to prevent damage.

In addition to the ASICs and their power supplies, miners will need a laptop or desktop computer. Running the Dogecoin mining software can take a considerable amount of central processing unit (CPU) or graphic processing unit (GPU) power, so that computer probably won’t be able to do much else while the mining is happening.

💡 Recommended: What Is a Bitcoin Mining Pool? Should You Join One?

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Pool Mining vs Solo Mining Dogecoin

Before you decide whether you want to pool mine or solo mine DOGE, you want to weigh the pros and cons.

The benefit of mining solo is that 100% of the block reward will go directly to you. But it could be weeks or months before you find a block because there is so much competition.

Most miners choose to join a mining pool. Pool miners receive rewards in proportion to the amount of hashing power they contribute. However, they also have to pay a small fee in exchange for using the pool.

Pros and Cons of Pool Mining

 Pros and Cons of Solo Mining
Doesn’t require as much computing power. Requires a lot of computing power & energy.
Earn rewards proportional to your hashing power. 100% of the mining reward goes to you.
Easier to join a pool than find a block to mine. Can be hard to find a block to mine.
Must pay pool mining fees, which eat into profits. Overall costs of solo mining are quite high, which can eat into profits.

Using a Pool to Mine Multiple Coins

Some mining pools mine multiple cryptocurrencies. This allows the pool to switch its mining activities should mining a different coin become more popular depending on the constantly changing variables of price and difficulty.

For example, some pools mine both Dogecoin and Litecoin since both rely on the same mining algorithm. If such a pool’s miners were focused on Dogecoin but the price of DOGE stagnates, it could become harder to mine DOGE due to difficulty increases, meaning reduced profits for miners absent a rise in DOGE. Then they could switch to Litecoin.

Dogecoin Cloud Mining

Mining via the cloud is another option, and you won’t need physical hardware or software. Cloud mining DOGE involves buying a contract for a certain amount of hashing power over a certain amount of time. Essentially, you’re renting computing power from someone else.

Be careful, there have been many cloud mining scams over the years.

How to Join a Dogecoin Mining Pool

Other than the above, most mining pools don’t have any special requirements for joining. They want to make it as easy as possible for new miners to contribute because they take a small fee from each block reward. The more miners in the pool, the more often the pool finds new blocks, and the more fees the pool will generate.

Mining pools often have instructions on their website that teach new miners how to join. It usually involves little more than entering a line of code into a mining program. Computers handle the rest.

Here is a rundown of the steps that an individual will take when joining a mining pool:

Step 1: Obtain the necessary hardware. As noted above, joining a mining pool may require less sophisticated equipment than solo mining.

Step 2: Select a Dogecoin mining pool to join (more in the next section).

Step 3: Download and install the software from the pool’s official site.

Step 4: Set up a DOGE crypto wallet and enter the address into the software (so the software knows where to send the new coins.

How to Find the Best Dogecoin Mining Pool

To choose the best Dogecoin mining pool for you, consider the following factors:

Fees and Costs

Because mining cryptocurrency comes with a significant investment of time and money, miners will want to choose a pool that earns them the greatest profit. That involves a pool with the lowest fees and most equitable reward structure. The biggest Dogecoin pool may or may not be the best, as there are other factors to consider.

For example, the Dogecoin mining pool power cost is also important to consider. Mining requires cheap electricity to be profitable, and for miners to make more money.

In addition, the mining pool itself will charge a fee, maybe 0.5% to 4% of the reward. You’ll want to compare the fees charged by different pools.

Reward Distribution

The reward for each block of transactions is 10,000 DOGE, and it’s split among the mining pool members, in proportion to the hashing power that member contributed to the mining pool. For that reason, computing power does matter when you join a mining pool.

The bigger the pool, the more consistent your rewards will be. So while you might be able to score 10,000 DOGE per month as a solo miner, you could earn the same amount in smaller chunks when you join a mining pool.

Hashing Power

You want a pool with a high combined hashrate. That’s more important than the overall size of the pool. But the size of the pool is also an indicator of how trustworthy/secure it is.

The more hashing power you contribute, the bigger your share of the rewards will be. Hashing power is a function of computing power, so it’s something to consider as you invest in your rig, or cloud mining.

Server Locations

In theory, it may be smarter to join a pool with servers on the same continent, in terms of hash rate needed. Proximity to servers may enhance your rewards.

Security

The security of the mining pool is obviously critical, and there are various aspects to consider. First, you want to ensure that the pool is transparent about its hashrate and payout structures. Does the pool have a real-time dashboard of activity that you can review?

Stability is also important. Does the pool have a lot of down time, which can impact your ability to mine as well as potential profits.

5 Popular Dogecoin Mining Pools

While there are many Dogecoin mining pools, some are more popular. Remember that the number of coins mined is correlated with the pool’s computing power. A larger pool may equal more computing power, but not necessarily. A smaller pool running more high-powered computers would outperform a larger pool with older networks.

1. Aikapool

One of the oldest mining pools, Aikapool doesn’t charge a fee and there are no withdrawal limits. The payout is PROP, or proportional to your hash rate.

2. Prohashing

The Prohashing pool is one of the largest pools and it’s notable for paying in DOGE, vs. converting rewards to BTC or LTC.

3. Multipool

Multipool allows you to mine for more than one type of crypto at once, sometimes called merge mining. So you can mine DOGE and LTC, for example. Multipool charges a fee of about 0.25%.

4. 1CoinPool

1CoinPool has a transparent fee structure, and pays according to the PPS (proportional pay per share, where you get a fixed amount per work submitted). 1CoinPoll operates two mining pools – Litecoin and Dogecoin. Also, there are no fees for withdrawals. This means that the miners are rewarded proportionally as per the hashing power. Furthermore, the coins get automatically added to the wallet.

5. LitecoinPool

Litecoin also has a transparent reward system (PPS), and doesn’t charge fees, including no withdrawal fees.

The Takeaway

Cryptocurrency mining is not an easy task, and won’t be profitable for most people most of the time. All the right variables must align for an individual to make money mining in most instances. Many take up mining as a hobby and as a way to build a small crypto portfolio while contributing to the livelihood of the network of a particular coin.

FAQ

Can Dogecoin still be mined in 2022?

Yes. Despite the ongoing volatility in the crypto markets, mining for many types of crypto continues. There are both solo Dogecoin miners and pool miners still active today.

How long does mining 1 Dogecoin take?

You can’t really mine 1 DOGE, because the rewards for mining a block is 10,000 DOGE. Given that it takes about a minute to mine a block of Dogecoin, depending on your equipment and the size of your mining pool, that’s roughly what it would take to obtain 1 DOGE.

How much Dogecoin could you mine in just 1 day?

Again, it depends on the number of blocks you have access to — either as a solo miner or as a pool miner — and how much hashing power you have. The supply of DOGE is unlimited, but you can only earn 10,000 DOGE per block of transactions that are confirmed.

Photo credit: iStock/Thirawatana Phaisalratana

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Crypto: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies aren’t endorsed or guaranteed by any government, are volatile, and involve a high degree of risk. Consumer protection and securities laws don’t regulate cryptocurrencies to the same degree as traditional brokerage and investment products. Research and knowledge are essential prerequisites before engaging with any cryptocurrency. US regulators, including FINRA , the SEC , and the CFPB , have issued public advisories concerning digital asset risk. Cryptocurrency purchases should not be made with funds drawn from financial products including student loans, personal loans, mortgage refinancing, savings, retirement funds or traditional investments. Limitations apply to trading certain crypto assets and may not be available to residents of all states.

2Terms and conditions apply. Earn a bonus (as described below) when you open a new SoFi Digital Assets LLC account and buy at least $50 worth of any cryptocurrency within 7 days. The offer only applies to new crypto accounts, is limited to one per person, and expires on December 31, 2023. Once conditions are met and the account is opened, you will receive your bonus within 7 days. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate the offer at any time without notice.
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$100 $499.99 $15
$500 $4,999.99 $50
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Nov
29
2022
Tips for Paying Childcare as a Student

Guide to Paying for Child Care While in School

By | Going to College, Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off on Guide to Paying for Child Care While in School

Pursuing a college degree can put you on a path to the career of your dreams. But the price tag of tuition, housing, and textbooks can be pretty steep. And if you’re a parent or caregiver, you’re faced with an added obstacle: “How can I afford child care while I’m in school?”

Fortunately, there are a bevy of options out there for adult students with children. On-campus daycares, grants, scholarships, and refinancing student loans can all help alleviate the cost of child care. You don’t have to let the challenge of going to college with kids stop you from reaching your goals.

Paying for Daycare as a Student

One of the biggest financial struggles working parents face is paying for daycare. In 2020, American households spent more than $10,000 annually for child care costs, according to Child Care Aware of America . If you’re a parent returning to college, you may have the extra burden of tuition, housing, and textbooks. You may have to scale back your job hours to accommodate your schedule. Paying for child care while tackling college costs and a possible income reduction could feel like too much.

But child care is essential for adult students. Someone has to look after your little one while you attend class. Even if your school is 100% online, you’ll need uninterrupted time to study and crank out those papers.

Let’s take a look at some avenues of financial support, so you can focus on getting your degree while caring for your family.

Tips to Help Pay for Child Care as a Student

The decision to return to college may not have been in the budget when you financially planned for a family. And with the cost of child care being more than some tuition, the prospect of going back to college with kids can be daunting. Take solace in the fact that you are not alone.

Fortunately, there are resources to help you. Many higher education institutions provide child care grants and subsidies. You can also turn to federal student aid, private student loans, and scholarships to help get you that degree and daycare for your children.

Financial Aid

Student financial aid provides funding used to cover the costs of higher education. It can come in the form of student loans, either from federal or state governments. Scholarships and grants are another fantastic way to help ease your financial anxiety.

To apply for federal financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and federal student loans, students will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) annually. This form will determine how much financial aid you qualify for. It’s also prudent to contact your school financial aid office directly. Talk to them about how they can help you factor child care into the cost of your attendance.

Private Scholarships

Because a private college scholarship doesn’t generally need to be repaid, it can be thought of as free money awarded to pay for school. Scholarships are available from numerous organizations. They are typically based on financial need or merit — grades, test scores, or talent — and (good news!) there are also scholarships available specifically for students with dependent children .

Scholarship money does not have to be paid back, so you may be better able to focus on career and family post-graduation instead of student debt.

You can find more information on scholarships and how to use them toward child care from government resources, a college financial aid office, or a high school counselor. Be sure and pay attention to scholarship submission deadlines so you don’t miss out on funds.

Federal Student Loans and Grants

Many students seek financial aid for college through federal student loans. Federal loans typically have low, fixed interest rates and don’t require a cosigner or a credit check. You don’t have to worry about repayment until after college. These student loan funds are used for tuition, housing, computers, and textbooks, but it’s also possible to put them toward child care. Reach out to your school to ask if they can factor in child care costs to the price of attendance.

A Federal Pell Grant is awarded by the government to students from low-income households, based solely on financial need. While a Pell Grant won’t guarantee you free child care, the expense of having a child reflects directly on your income, which can consequently raise the amount of funds you may be eligible to receive. That money could help pay for daycare. Like scholarships, grants also do not usually have to be repaid.

Private Student Loans

When scholarships, federal loans, and a Pell Grant, aren’t enough, you can turn to private student loans to help cover the cost of daycare. These loans are issued by online lenders, banks, and credit unions. The lender will check your financial history and credit score to calculate the amount you qualify for. If you have limited job experience or your credit score isn’t the greatest, a cosigner can pledge responsibility for your loan.

With private student loans, you can typically borrow up to the cost of tuition and other qualified educational expenses. Unlike federal loans with strict deadlines, you can apply for a private student loan at any time during the year. Private loans could also be an option for parent student loan refinancing.

Unfortunately, private loans tend to have higher interest rates, and some may require payment while you’re still attending college. Additionally, private student loans aren’t required to offer the same benefits or protections that are available to federal student loan borrowers, things like deferment options in the event of financial issues. For this reason, they are generally borrowed only after all other financing options have been thoroughly considered. Be sure to do your homework on the pros and cons of federal vs. private student loans before committing.

Seek Out Lower Cost Daycares

Once you’ve secured some financial wiggle-room via scholarships and student federal and private loans, another step is to find affordable daycare, so you can stretch your monetary aid to the fullest.

In 2018, Congress tripled what’s called CCAMPIS — Child Care Access Means Parents in School. CCAMPIS awards funds to educational institutions to help make child care affordable for low-income students, either at accredited daycares off campus, or on-campus centers. Contact your school to see if they’ve received such funds and have child care services available.

You can also investigate not-for-profit organizations such as Child Care Aware of America, who provides tools to search for lower-cost child care care facilities near your school.

Schools with Child Care Resources

Many schools, including community colleges, have low-cost child care facilities on campus for undergrad and graduate students. These supportive centers not only offer developmental programs for your child, but are tailored to the needs of student parents, with extended hours in the evening and weekends. Spots can go fast though, so be sure and inquire about program availability as soon as possible.

Some colleges offer child care subsidies to adult students in the form of daycare grants, a taxable subsidy. Whether you have a newborn or a high schooler, you may meet the criteria for these funds, and many have no requirement for the money to be used solely for daycare. Daycare grants are purely to support student-parents to achieve their dreams of higher education.

And don’t forget to ask about work-study programs through your college—jobs offering flexible hours to earn money toward your tuition and child care expenses. You can even come up with creative ideas for a passive income stream, so you can spend more time with your kid and with your studies.

Remember, it takes a village to raise a child, and a college is a community. Most institutions have online student-parent support groups, where you can search for daycare services, nanny shares, and babysitting services. Valuable information can often be found on the school’s website or through student services.

The Takeaway

Being a parent can be stressful. Being in college and a parent? At first thought, the idea may seem overwhelming. But between federal and private student loans, grants, and scholarships, you don’t have to wait until your baby’s all grown up to get that college degree. There are loads of resources to support you, from parent groups on campus, to outside sources on how to refinance a student loan once out of college.

Go for it! A college degree can bolster your self-esteem and create new career opportunities. With a higher paying, post-college job, you can start saving for your kid’s college tuition.

SoFi private student loans offer competitive interest rates for qualifying borrowers, flexible repayment plans, and no hidden fees.


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.   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.

3.   Would-be borrowers will want to understand the different types of student loans peppering the landscape: private student loans, federal Direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans, Direct PLUS loans, and more.

FAQ

Can I use student loans to pay for child care?

Student loans can be used to cover tuition and other qualified education expenses like books, room and board, and other supplies. In some cases, child care costs may also be paid for with a student loan. However, it’s generally best to prioritize a grant or scholarship first to cover the costs of child care.

What can I spend my maintenance loan on?

Student maintenance loans are issued by the United Kingdom for students attending a U.K. university. It can be used for everyday expenses, including child care, food, rent, restaurants, and clothes.

Can I get a student loan to take care of my child?

It is possible to use private student loans toward child care. It may be an option to use federal loans too. Talk to your school about factoring child care into the cost of attendance.

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

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

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

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23
2022
What You Need to Know About the Challenges to Biden's Student Loan Forgiveness

What You Need to Know About the Challenges to Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness

By | Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off on What You Need to Know About the Challenges to Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness

Challenges to Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan have created uncertainty and confusion for the more than 40 million borrowers (including college students who were enrolled before June 30, 2022) who may be eligible for debt relief through the program.

On Thursday, Nov. 11, a U.S. District judge in Fort Worth, Texas, ruled in a lawsuit that the plan is unconstitutional. As a result, the Department of Education has stopped accepting applications for student loan forgiveness and is holding the applications it has already received. The Biden administration is appealing the judgment.

To help borrowers in the meantime, on Nov. 22, the U.S. Department of Education issued a new extension of the pause on student loan repayment, interest, and collections to let the Supreme Court rule on whether the forgiveness plan can go into effect. Federal student loan payments may now be extended as long as 60 days after June 30, 2023. The pause is meant to “alleviate uncertainty for borrowers,” according to the administration.

Legal Challenges to the Student Loan Forgiveness Plan

The President’s debt relief plan calls for up to $10,000 in forgiveness for federal student loan borrowers who earn less than $125,000 a year ($250,000 for married couples) and up to $20,000 in relief for Pell Grant recipients. As mentioned earlier, current students who were enrolled before June 30, 2022, may be eligible for this one-time forgiveness. (Borrowers of private student loans are not eligible.)

The Biden administration determined that the president has the authority to wipe out this kind of student debt under the Heroes Act of 2003. Passed in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act gives the Secretary of Education the authority to change federal student aid provisions in the event of a war, military operation, or national emergency.

Because the pandemic was declared a national emergency in March 2020, the administration believes that the Education Secretary has the legal authority to provide debt relief under the act. Both former President Trump and President Biden used the Heroes Act to pause student loan payments during the pandemic. The extension that was just announced on Nov. 22 extends the pause well into 2023.

Six lawsuits have been filed against the plan resulting in two blocks against it. Opponents challenging Biden’s student loan forgiveness program make three primary legal arguments against the administration’s premise:

The No-Worse-Off Clause

Some politicians and legal experts question whether using the Heroes Act is appropriate. Among other things, they point to a clause in the act that says action on student financing can only be taken to ensure people “are not placed in a worse position financially” because of the emergency. The student loan pause, for instance, is designed to make sure that borrowers are no worse off when repayment starts than they were when the pandemic began. However, opponents argue that forgiveness puts borrowers in a better position financially because they will no longer have to pay all or part of their student loans.

Congress Controls the Money

Many lawmakers opposed to the program also say the Biden administration is overstepping its reach. The debt cancellation program could cost as much as $519 billion dollars over 10 years, according to some recent estimates. The Constitution states that Congress controls government funds, and the president and federal agencies may not spend money that has not been appropriated by Congress. Although Congress itself has enacted several specific student loan forgiveness programs — such as those for teachers or permanently disabled borrowers — it has not passed a broad student loan program forgiveness plan.

A Recent Supreme Court Decision

Activities of federal agencies like the Department of Education may come under more scrutiny in the wake of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency. That decision clarified the “major questions doctrine,” which says that federal agencies are limited in making decisions that have “vast economic and political significance” without guidance from Congress. Proponents of the loan forgiveness plan worry this doctrine will be used against the program. Opponents believe they have legal precedent.

Recommended: Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

What Happens Next With the Legal Challenges?

On November 14, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted an injunction request by six states to halt the debt relief plan. The Biden administration has asked the Supreme Court to put that decision on hold as well as the November 11th Texas District Court ruling. The U.S. Justice Department also suggested that the Supreme Court separately take up the case of student debt relief during its current term.

Whether Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan will happen is still up in the air. As the legal challenges play out, borrowers can sign up for updates at the DOE’s Student Aid site.

Recommended: Will My Federal Student Loan Payment Change in 2023?

Logistical Challenges to the Student Loan Forgiveness Plan

In addition to the lawsuits, there are other challenges to overcome in implementing the program. Dealing with millions of dollars of canceled debt at numerous different loan servicing companies may be difficult if the plan proceeds. Right after the August announcement of the student loan forgiveness plan, the Department of Education’s financial aid website crashed, as did the sites of many loan servicers. That raises questions about how prepared the government and the private loan servicers are to handle the onslaught of forgiveness activity.

Recommended: Types of Federal Student Loans

The Takeaway

The Biden administration’s plan to forgive a large chunk of federal student debt was welcome news to borrowers. But it came with significant legal challenges, resulting in six lawsuits (so far). The Biden administration has asked the Supreme Court to rule on whether the plan can go into effect. To help borrowers, the pause of student loan repayment has been extended again. SoFi will continue to keep you updated on developments with the student loan forgiveness program.

In the meantime, you may want to consider how best to handle your student loan debt. Even if you are eligible to have a portion of it forgiven, you will still need to pay off the remainder of your loans. Or perhaps you have private loans, which don’t qualify under the forgiveness program. Refinancing your student loans might lead to lower monthly payments. And that’s especially important to think about now, as interest rates continue to rise. Explore student loan refinancing with SoFi to see what your options are.

FAQ

Will Biden student loan forgiveness stand in court?

It’s uncertain whether the student loan forgiveness plan can stand in court. Currently, six lawsuits have been filed against the plan, and the administration has asked the Supreme Court to rule on whether the plan can go into effect.

Who would challenge Biden’s student loan forgiveness?

Many Republican lawmakers, some Democratic lawmakers, and some economists and education experts are against the plan. Six lawsuits have currently been filed against it.

What are the possible delays to Biden’s student loan forgiveness?

Legal challenges have put the plan on hold. The Department of Education has stopped accepting applications for student loan forgiveness and is holding the applications it has already received.

Photo credit: iStock/Inside Creative House

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


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.

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.

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Nov
21
2022

12 Real Ways to Save Money on Electronics

By | Budgeting & Goals, Family Finances, money | Comments Off on 12 Real Ways to Save Money on Electronics

Having the newest iPhone and a 60-inch TV in every room of your house might sound like a dream worth aspiring to, but hold that thought. If you are trying to grow your savings, start investing, or get out of debt, it’s important to scale back all kinds of spending, including on electronics.

In today’s digital world, having access to a smartphone and laptop — not to mention things like Bluetooth headphones, a smart TV, and maybe even a smartwatch — can be crucial for our remote jobs, connecting with friends and family, and staying informed about the world around us.

So how can you buy the electronics you need for daily life without going broke? In this article, we’ll explore, among other topics, the following:

•   How to save money on electronics

•   How to shop at the right time

•   How to sell old electronics

•   How to get the best discounts.

1. Buying Older Models Instead of the Newest Models

The joke goes that you could buy the newest smartphone today, and it’ll probably be replaced by a newer model within a week. While technology cycles aren’t quite that fast, companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft do release “newer, better” phones, tablets, computers, and other tech regularly.

Just remember: You don’t always need the newest tablet. You don’t always have to upgrade your phone. If your technology still operates efficiently — allowing you to take decent photos, reply to work emails, and stay connected via social media or phone calls, all without issue — hold onto it longer. With a little money discipline, you could instead use those funds to build your emergency savings, pay down your debt, or start investing.

And when it does come time to buy a new device, consider buying the second-newest generation. Features are likely similar to the newer device, but prices will be lower. This is particularly true right around the launch of the new generation.

2. Avoiding Consumerism

An easy way to save on electronics is to reject the idea of consumerism. Consumerism is the belief that your well-being, happiness, and even sense of self-worth will increase the more that you spend money on goods and services.

But according to the American Psychological Association, the reverse seems to be true. While it’s not fair to generalize, studies typically show that the least materialistic people report the greatest life satisfaction.

Thus, what might feel like an irresistible craving for the latest technology could actually be detrimental to one’s mental health. Consume your technology in moderation — treat yourself to nice things, but remember that spending won’t always lead to fulfillment. In fact, you may find that committing to how much money to save each month brings greater satisfaction.

3. Trading In and Selling Unwanted Electronics

If you have a junk drawer with old smartphones or a storage container with old laptops, you might be leaving money on the table (or in the junk drawer, as it were).

For example, many second-hand stores buy electronics like video game consoles — and they’ll pay you for the controllers and games too. Some smartphone vendors will allow you to trade in an older-model phone when you purchase a new one.

And there’s always the internet. Amazon, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and other online retailers allow you to easily sell old electronics, including phones, TVs, and even appliances. You can then use that money when it’s time to upgrade to a new electronic device or add it to your emergency fund.

The resale market is soaring; it’s expected to grow to $53 billion a year in 2023. Now is a great time to start selling your old tech.

4. Considering Needs Over Wants

If you are struggling to decide whether you should buy a new phone or computer, assess your needs. Beyond determining if your current phone or computer works well enough for you to do your job and live conveniently, take some time to look at your budget.

Do you have enough money to cover actual needs like housing, food, and utilities? Are you able to pay off your credit card each month and make student loan payments? Can you cover an unexpected hospital bill or emergency car repair and meet other money-saving goals?

If you’re confident that you can successfully meet your needs without too much of a struggle, it can be easier to justify splurging on a want.

5. Unplugging Devices That Are Not in Use

Have you heard of phantom or vampire energy use? That’s when you leave something plugged in when not in use and it continues to draw electrical power, which you wind up paying for.

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends unplugging certain appliances when not in use to decrease your standby power loads and thus reduce your monthly electric bill.

The daily savings are hardly noticeable, but over time, unplugging certain devices when not in use, like a toaster oven or a laptop in sleep mode, can lead to significant savings — about $100 a year for the average household.

Recommended: Learn the Difference Between Impulsive and Compulsive Shopping

6. Researching and Buying Refurbished Electronics

Refurbished electronics are a great way to get a like-new electronic without digging deep into your pocket. Such electronics don’t always have the luxury of an extended warranty, but many are available with some type of warranty (and maybe even a money-back guarantee).

And you can get a deal on more than just refurbished smartphones. According to Consumer Reports, you can find great deals on speakers, tablets, headphones, and smartwatches.

Just make sure you’re buying a refurbished electronic directly from the manufacturer or from an organization that complies with ISO (International Organization for Standardization) or R2 (Responsible Recycling).

7. Buying at the Right Time

Here’s another way to save on electronics: Sync up with sales. You might find better deals if you are strategic about when you purchase TVs, laptops, and video game consoles. Typically, you can find Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, and the week after Christmas can also be an excellent time of the year to buy electronics.

You can also watch for deals around Tax Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. And if you’re buying an older-generation model, try timing it with the release of the newer version for greater discounts.

Recommended: Why You Should Save Money

8. Utilizing Price Matching

It might be challenging to get cell phone providers to match prices of competitors, but when shopping for other electronics, like computers, video game consoles, TVs, and appliances, you might have luck getting big-box retailers to price match.

In fact, some popular stores have official price-matching programs — and may even price-match the deals you find on Amazon. Try price matching when shopping for electronics at stores like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy.

9. Shopping Around and Being Patient

Shopping is usually not a good time to be lazy. While it can be tempting to buy your coveted electronic at the first place you see it, it can be important to do some research. Comparison-shop online, research upcoming sales, and utilize coupons and store discounts to get the best deal at the right time.

10. Taking Advantage of Savings Codes

You won’t always be successful, but it’s worth browsing online for savings codes before any major purchase. Sites like GroupOn, RetailMeNot, and Savings.com all offer discount codes that you may be able to apply to your purchase.

You can also look for promotional codes in circulars that arrive in the mail, during podcasts, or from influencers on social media.

Recommended: How Bill Pay Works

11. Utilizing Student Discounts

If you are a student, it can be a good idea before any purchase to ask if the company offers a student discount. The worst they can say is no. Just keep your student ID in your wallet for verification.

You can also ask about other common discounts you might qualify for, like a military discount or senior discount.

12. Not Always Going for Brand-Name or High-End Products

A brand-new iPhone and Samsung TV may sound like the height of luxury, but if you’re trying to be smart about how you spend your money on electronics, consider skipping the most popular brand name or top-of-the-line product options.

A lesser-known brand may perform well and save you money. Before purchasing an unfamiliar brand, however, it is a good idea to read product reviews on third-party websites.

Recommended: How to Force Yourself to Save Money

Saving Money With SoFi

A savings account with a high APY is a good way to save toward all of life’s goals, including electronics. And having a no-fee checking account makes it easier to spend when you’re ready. SoFi’s online bank account delivers the best of both worlds. Sign up for our Checking and Savings with direct deposit to earn a competitive APY, get cash back on local purchases, and pay no fees.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.00% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

Can you live without electronics?

Technically speaking, it is possible to live without electronics, just as our ancestors did before us. However, technology is now often essential to how we work, how we communicate, how we find information, how we shop, how we find entertainment, and even how we bank and access healthcare. Staying connected and spending money on electronics is fine — everything in moderation.

Can you live while being an electronics minimalist?

Living as an electronics minimalist is possible. You may still need access to a computer for work or online bill pay and a phone to communicate with your family, but you can take specific, impactful steps to otherwise reduce your electronics. For instance, you can sell your TV, downgrade to a basic phone, delete your social media, etc. Then, seek out other experiences, like hiking, attending live theater, and reading.

How much technology should I use per day?

Experts recommend limiting screen time to two hours a day max (outside of work). This includes time spent on your phone or tablet, watching TV, and playing video games. That said, estimates of how much total screen time most Americans invest has been estimated at almost eight hours a day.

Photo credit: iStock/LightFieldStudios

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.

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
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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.

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