What Is the Average Credit Score for a 23-Year-Old?

It can take time to build credit and achieve a high credit score, especially for a 23-year-old, who may have recently entered the workforce or still be in school. But as of August 2024, Generation Z, which includes people aged 18-26, has an average FICO® credit score of 681. This is considered a “good” score that gives you access to more financial products and better interest rates than people with a lower score.

Learn more about the average credit score of a 23-year-old, what factors play a role in calculating credit scores, why credit scores matter, and some steps you can take to boost your score.

Key Points

•   The average credit score for a 23-year-old is 681, which is categorized as “good.”

•   Payment history and credit utilization significantly influence credit scores.

•   Keeping older credit accounts open and active helps maintain a longer credit history.

•   Regularly checking and monitoring credit reports can help identify and correct errors.

•   A credit score of 760 is “very good” and can offer better financial opportunities.

The Average Credit Score for a 23-Year-Old

As mentioned above, the average credit score for a 23-year-old is 681, according to Experian, one of the three credit bureaus. (The other two are TransUnion and Equifax.)

Since the lowest credit score you can have is 300 and the highest 850, this number puts you in a favorable place. You also have an opportunity to work on increasing your score.

Check your credit score for free. Sign up and get $10.*

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Recommended: FICO Score vs. Credit Score

What Is a Credit Score?

A credit score is a three-digit number creditors use to determine how likely you are to repay a loan and make payments on time.There are two main credit scoring companies that generate your credit score: FICO and VantageScore. However, 90% of lenders rely on FICO when making borrowing decisions.

Though FICO and VantageScore use different models for credit scoring, they both have a score range of 300 to 850 to signify creditworthiness. The higher your score, the less of a financial risk you may pose to lenders — and the more likely you are to get approved for a credit card, mortgage, or loan. A more robust credit score also means you’ll typically qualify for more favorable terms, such as lower interest rates, and possible credit card perks such as earning cash back on purchases, airline miles, or higher credit limits.

Here’s a look how the scoring range of VantageScore vs. FICO differs so you can see where you stand with both:

Generation

Average FICO Credit Score

Generation Z (18 to 26) 681
Millenials (27 to 42) 691
Generation X (43 to 58) 709
Baby Boomers (59 to 77) 746
Silent Generation (78+) 759

What’s a Good Credit Score for Your Age?

A “good” FICO credit score falls somewhere between 670 to 739 or higher, regardless of your age. If, like many 23-year-olds, you lack a substantial credit history, your starting credit score probably won’t be within that range. The good news is, your score won’t be zero (no one’s credit score is), nor does it mean you’ll start out with 300, the lowest possible credit score.

Once you start showing you can manage your credit responsibly over time, your score should begin to rise. A spending app can help you manage bill paying and set budgets, which can make bill paying easier.

As you work on boosting your score, you’ll want to check it about four times a year to track your progress and make adjustments as needed. Credit scores update every 30 to 45 days, so it could take a little time before you start to see any changes.

How Are Credit Scores Used?

Credit scores are but one factor lenders consider when evaluating whether to approve you for any type of credit or loan. If your credit score is considered “good” or better, you may be more likely to get approved because in creditors’ eyes, you’ve shown you’re able to manage debt responsibly.

Credit scores aren’t just important for people looking to borrow money or apply for a new line of credit. If you’re renting an apartment, for instance, the landlord may run a potential tenant credit check to determine if you’re a safe bet. And, along with a background check, some employers may want to pull a prospective candidate’s credit score. Employer credit checks are more common in companies or businesses where the employee will be handling money and/or have access to customer’s financial information.

What Factors Affect My Credit Score?

There are five common criteria used to calculate credit scores. Here’s how much each one counts toward your FICO Score and why they can affect your credit score:

•  Payment history (35%). Your track record of bill paying can have a significant impact on your FICO Score. The more consistent and timely your payments, the better.

•  Credit utilization (30%). Credit utilization refers to the amount of available credit you’re using, and it’s a key factor in determining your credit score. A lower credit utilization rate is better for your credit score.

•  Length of credit history (15%). Generally, the longer an account is open and in good standing, the better it is for your credit score.

•  Credit mix (10%). Though not required, having a diverse array of credit, such as credit cards, installment loans, and even a home equity line of credit (HELOC), can show lenders you can handle different types of debt.

•  New credit (10%). When you apply for a loan or credit card, the lender will make a hard credit inquiry, which can cause a small, temporary dip in your credit score. If you apply for multiple loans or credit cards in a short period of time, your score can drop a bit. Lenders may also see it as a red flag that you’re taking on too many financial obligations.

How Does My Age Affect My Credit Score?

Your age doesn’t impact your credit score — your credit history does. But as noted earlier, credit scores do tend to increase with age and income levels. This means a 23-year-old has the opportunity to establish positive fiscal habits early on, such as setting budgets, using a money tracker app to monitor spending, and living within or below your means.

At What Age Does a Credit Score Improve the Most?

According to Experian FICO Score data, Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation tend to have the highest credit scores of all age groups. But the biggest jump in scores — 37 points in 2024 — generally occurs between Generation X and Baby Boomers.

How to Build Credit

Wondering how to build credit? A good place to start is to acquire credit accounts so you can start establishing your credit history. Remember, lenders want to see a track record of responsible debt management, so it’s a good idea to create sound financial habits now. Pay your bills on time consistently. Resist the temptation to use up all of your available credit. And keep tabs on your finances so you don’t spend more than you’re bringing in.

And keep in mind, this is a long game. How long does it take to build credit? It depends, but generally speaking, it may take three to six months to build enough credit and get your first credit score.

Credit Score Tips

Whether you’re just starting on your credit journey or are preparing your finances for a major purchase, increasing your credit score is always a worthy goal. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

•   Pay your bills on time, every time. It bears repeating: A track record of on-time payments shows lenders that you’re serious about being fiscally responsible. It also can go a long way toward building your credit score.

•   Keep older accounts open. Closing any credit card accounts ends your payment history with that lender. Eventually, this account will drop off of your credit report and potentially impact your credit length and credit utilization rate. If you have an older credit card account in good standing, consider keeping it open — and even using occasionally for smaller charges.

•   Get credit for other bills you pay. A 23-year-old can work toward increasing their credit score by looking into including rent payments, streaming services, and even some utility bills. Check out Experian Boost, which allows you to include these types of on-time payments in other accounts to your Experian credit report.

•   Check your credit report. You can check your credit reports without paying weekly via AnnualCreditReport.com. Ensure all the information is correct, and fix any errors you see.

   Note that your credit report won’t show you your credit score. Instead, you may be able to get that important three-digit number from a number of sources, including your bank, credit card company, or Experian. As with checking your credit report, monitoring your credit scores helps you identify discrepancies or fraudulent activities.

Recommended: Why Did My Credit Score Drop After a Dispute?

The Takeaway

The average credit score for a 23-year-old is 681, which is considered a “good” credit score. Having a score in this range can help make getting loans, credit cards, apartment rentals, and maybe even certain jobs a little easier. If you’re able to boost your credit score into a “very good” or even “exceptional” range, you may be able to qualify for loans with better terms or credit cards with attractive perks.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

What’s a good credit score for a 23-year-old?

No matter what your age is, a credit score that falls between 670 and 739 is considered good. The average credit score for a 23-year-old is 681, which falls in the “good” range.

Is a 760 credit score at 23 good?

Yes, a 760 FICO credit score puts you in the “very good” range, and it shows lenders that you’re creditworthy and able to capably manage credit.

What is a good credit limit for a 23-year-old?

Credit limits differ from person to person, but the average limit for Generation Z consumers is around $13,000.

Is 720 a good credit score for a 23-year-old?

Yes, it is. A 720 credit score is classified as a “good” score, according to FICO, and a “prime” score per VantageScore.

How rare is an 800 credit score?

It’s not that common to have a credit score of 800 or higher, which is categorized as “exceptional.” Case in point: Only about 22% of Americans have a score in the 800s.

How rare is an 825 credit score?

As mentioned above, less than a quarter of Americans boast a credit score of 800 or higher. Having an 825 credit score is rarer because it reflects, among other things, a near-perfect history of on-time payments. Late payments, defined as 30 days past due, appear on only 1% of credit reports for people with a credit score of 825, according to Experian.


Photo credit: iStock/BongkarnThanyakij

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*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

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.

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

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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Benefits, Drawbacks, and Options of a Self-Directed 401(k) Plan

Benefits, Drawbacks, and Options of a Self-Directed 401(k) Plan

Self-directed 401(k) accounts aren’t as common as managed or target-date 401(k) plans, but they can be of real value for DIY-minded investors.

What is a self-directed 401(k)? These 401(k) plans — which may be employer-sponsored or available as a solo 401(k) for self-employed individuals — expand account holders’ investment choices, giving them more control over their own retirement plans. Instead of being limited to a packaged fund, an investor can choose specific stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and sometimes even alternative investments, in which to invest their retirement money.

What Is a Self-Directed 401(k) Account?

The key promise of self-directed 401(k) plans is control. They allow retirement plan savers to basically act as a trustee for their own retirement funds.

A self-directed 401(k) plan offers expanded investment choices, from stocks, bonds, funds, and cash, to alternative investments like Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and commodities.

For a plan holder who believes they have the investment know-how to leverage better returns than a managed fund or target-date fund, a self-directed 401(k) can be an appealing choice.

💡 Quick Tip: Look for an online brokerage with low trading commissions as well as no account minimum. Higher fees can cut into investment returns over time.

Get a 1% IRA match on rollovers and contributions.

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1Terms and conditions apply. Roll over a minimum of $20K to receive the 1% match offer. Matches on contributions are made up to the annual limits.

Who Is Eligible for a Self-Directed 401(k)?

As long as your employer offers a self-directed 401(k), and you have earned taxable income for the current calendar year, you can enroll.

Alternatively, if you are self-employed and own and run a small business alone, with no employees (aside from a spouse), and your business earns an income, you are also eligible. You can search for a financial institution that offers self-directed plans, which might include a solo 401(k).

This is one of the self-employed retirement options you may want to consider.

How to Set Up a Self-Directed 401(k)

Setting up a self-managed 401(k) plan can be fairly straightforward. Once a 401(k) account is established, employees can fund it in the following ways:

•   Plan transfer. An employee can shift funds from previous or existing 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). However, Roth IRAs can’t be transferred.

•   Profit sharing. An employee receiving funds from a company through profit sharing can use that money to open a self-directed 401(k) plan — up to 25% of the profit share amount.

•   Direct plan contributions. Any income related to employment can be contributed to a self-directed 401(k) plan.

Recommended: How to Manage Your 401(k)

Pros and Cons of Self-Directed 401(k)s

Like most investment vehicles, self-managed 401(k) plans have their upsides and downsides.

Pros of Self-Directed 401(k) Plans

These attributes are at the top of the self-directed 401(k) plan “advantages” list:

•   More options. Self-directed 401(k) plans allow retirement savers to gain more control, flexibility, and expanded investment choices compared to traditional 40k plans, putting their money exactly where they want — without relying on established funds.

•   Tax deferral. Like regular 401(k) plans, all self-directed 401(k) plan contributions and asset gains are tax-deferred.

•   Employee matching. Self-directed 401(k) plans make room for employer matching plan contributions, thus potentially paving the way for more robust retirement plan growth.

•   Plan diversity. Account holders can invest in assets not typically offered to 401(k) plan investors. Alternative investments like real estate, gold, silver and other commodities, and private companies are allowed, thus lending additional potential for diversity to self-directed 401(k) plans.

Cons of Self-Directed 401(k) Plans

These caveats and concerns are most often associated with self-directed 401(k) plans:

•   Higher-risk investments. Historically, alternative investments like precious metals and real estate come with more volatility — and hence more risk — than stocks and bonds.

•   Diversification is on you. You’ll need to choose among stocks, bonds and funds to augment your self-directed 401(k) plan asset allocation.

•   Higher fees. Typically, self-directed employer retirement plans cost employees more to manage, especially if an investor makes frequent trades.

•   Larger time investment. Since self-directed 401(k) plans offer access to more investment platforms, savers will likely need to spend more time doing their due diligence to research, select, and manage (especially in the area of risk assessment) their plan options.

How Much Money Can be Put in a Self-Directed IRA?

The amount an investor can contribute to a self-directed IRA is the same as the amount that can be contributed to a traditional IRA savings account. The annual contribution limit is $7,000 for tax years 2024 and 2025. Those 50 and older can contribute an additional $1,000, for a total of $8,000 per year.

For a self-directed 401(k), the amount that can be contributed is the same as the contribution limits for a traditional 401(k). For 2024, the limit is $23,000. For those age 50 and older, there is the option of making an additional catch-up contribution of up to $7,500. That means an individual 50 or older could contribute as much as $30,500 to a self-directed 401(k) in 2024.

For 2025, the limit is $23,500. Those 50 and older can make an additional catch-up contribution of up to $7,500, for a total of up to $31,000. In 2025, those aged 60 to 63 may contribute an additional $11,250 (instead of $7,500), for a total of $34,750.

Recommended: IRA vs 401(k)

Common Self-Directed 401(k) Investments

The ability to choose from an expanded list of investment categories is an intriguing benefit for a 401(k) plan holder who believes they have the investment know-how to leverage better returns from investments like self-directed 401(k) real estate, precious metals, or shares of private companies, among other eligible alternative investments.

For any retirement saver looking to leverage those options, the key is understanding what potential opportunities and what risks those extra self-directed investment vehicles bring to the table. Here’s a closer look at two of the more common alternative investments linked to self-directed 401(k) plans.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

Investing in real estate simply means investing in residential or commercial properties, or real estate funds, with the goal of income generation. A self-directed 401(k) plan allows for real estate investing outside of the plan holder’s personal residence.

Examples of residential properties include:

•   Single-family homes

•   Condos

•   Townhouses

Examples of commercial real estate include:

•   Multi family homes

•   Office or retail buildings

•   Storage facilities and warehouses

To invest in real estate with a self-directed 401(k) plan, an investor would use their 401(k) funds to purchase the property, as well as to pay for maintenance, taxes, and other property-related expenses.

Real estate can be cyclical in nature, and can require large amounts of cash when investing in direct real estate properties. Thus, risk of investment loss is real and must be treated prudently by self-directed 401(k) real estate investors.

Precious metals

Investing in “hard commodities” like gold, silver, titanium, copper, zinc, and bronze, among other metals, are allowable with self-directed 401(k) plans. Self-directed 401(k) plan participants can either invest in precious metals directly, like buying gold bullion or coins, or invest in precious metals via stocks or precious metal funds.

Precious metal investing can be high risk, as gold, silver, and other metals can be highly volatile in value. As with real estate, investors have to be able to ride out chaotic market periods for commodities — but for some, the potential payoff may be worth it.

Investments That Aren’t Allowed Under Self-Directed 401(k) Plan Rules

While the list of investment vehicles that are included in a self-directed 401(k) plan are substantial, regulatory rules do prohibit specific investment activities tied to several of those asset classes. The following investment strategies and associated transactions, for example, would not pass muster in self-directed 401(k) plans.

Real Estate with Family Ties

While investing in real estate is allowed in a self-directed 401(k) plan, using that real estate for extended personal gain is not allowed. For example, that could include buying an apartment and allowing a family member to live there, or purchasing a slice of a family business and holding it as a 401(k) plan asset. Neither of these scenarios is allowed under 401(k) plan regulatory rules.

Loans

Self-directed 401(k) plan consumers may not loan any plan money to family members or sign any loan guarantees on funds used in a self-directed 401(k) plan.

No Investment Benefit Beyond Asset Returns

Self-directed 401(k) plan holders cannot earn “extra” funds through transactions linked to plan assets. For example, a plan holder can buy a real estate property under 401(k) plan rules but he or she cannot charge any management fees nor receive any commissions from the sale of that property.

Basically, a self-directed 401(k) plan participant cannot invest in any asset category that leads to that plan participant garnering a financial benefit that goes beyond the investment appreciation of that asset. That means not using 401(k) funds to purchase a personal residence or investing in assets like investments of collectibles (i.e. vehicles, paintings or jewelry or real estate properties that the plan participant personally uses.

Manage Your Retirement Savings With SoFi

While self-directed 401(k) plans can add value to a retirement fund, self-directed retirement planning is not for everyone.

This type of account requires more hands-on involvement from the plan holder than a typical target-date or managed fund might. Additionally, investing in alternative investments like precious metals, real estate, and other risk-laden investment vehicles, require a realistic outlook on downside risk and a healthy knowledge of how investments work beyond stocks, bonds, and funds.

In the meantime, you might want to consider rolling over any old 401(k) accounts to an IRA rollover to better manage your retirement savings overall.

Ready to invest for your retirement? It’s easy to get started when you open a traditional or Roth IRA with SoFi. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

Easily manage your retirement savings with a SoFi IRA.

FAQ

What is the difference between an individual 401(k) and a self-directed 401(k)?

A self-directed 401(k) gives account holders more investment choices, as well as more control over their own retirement plans. Instead of being limited to a packaged fund as they would be with an individual 401(k), an investor can choose specific stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and even alternative investments, in which to invest their retirement money.

Can I roll my traditional 401(k) into a self-directed 401(k)?

Yes. You can shift funds from a previous or existing 401(k) plan or individual retirement account (IRA) into a self-directed 401(k). The exception is a Roth IRA, which can’t be transferred.

How is a self-directed 401(k) taxed?

Like regular 401(k) plans, all self-directed 401(k) plan contributions and asset gains are tax-deferred until withdrawn. With self-directed 401(k)’s, there is a 10% tax penalty for early withdrawals (before age 59 ½), the same as with traditional 401(k)s.


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.

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How to Save for Retirement at 30

How to Save for Retirement at 30

One of the most important things you can do in your 30s is to start prioritizing retirement savings if you haven’t done so already.

Building retirement savings at 30 is not always an easy task, even if you’re earning a higher salary. Financial responsibilities often increase at this time, but it’s important to keep retirement in mind even as you hit other milestones such as buying a house or starting a family.

To save for retirement in your 30s, you’ll need to balance your daily spending with your long-term goals. The sooner you can begin saving for retirement the better.

Get a 1% IRA match on rollovers and contributions.

Double down on your retirement goals with a 1% match on every dollar you roll over and contribute to a SoFi IRA.1


1Terms and conditions apply. Roll over a minimum of $20K to receive the 1% match offer. Matches on contributions are made up to the annual limits.

How to Start Saving for Retirement at 30

You can set yourself on a path to healthy retirement savings by using the following strategies. First up, putting money into a designated retirement plan.

1. Contribute to a 401(k)

Saving in tax-advantaged retirement accounts available through work, such as a 401(k), is one of the best things you can do to start saving for retirement. Your 401(k) allows you to contribute up to $23,500 a year in 2025, up from $23,000 a year in 2024. Contributions come directly from your paycheck with pre-tax dollars, which lowers your taxable income in the year you make them.

Regular, automatic contributions, coupled with the benefits of compounding returns, can help your savings grow even faster. Starting a 401(k) at 30 gives you several decades for your funds to grow over time.

Also, 401(k)s allow employers to contribute to your retirement, and many will offer matching funds as part of your compensation package. Aim to save at least as much as is required to receive your employer’s match. Work toward maxing out your 401(k) contributions, especially as your salary grows over time.

You can access the funds penalty-free once you reach age 59 ½, but you will owe taxes on the money at that time.


💡 Quick Tip: Before opening an investment account, know your investment objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance. These fundamentals will help keep your strategy on track and with the aim of meeting your goals.

2. Open an IRA

An IRA is a retirement account, which anyone with earned income can open. If you don’t have a 401(k) at work, opening an IRA can give you access to a tax-advantaged account to save for retirement. Even if you already have a 401(k), opening an IRA can be a good way to save even more, though you won’t get to write off your contributions.

The contribution limit for an IRA in both 2024 and 2025 is $7,000 per year.

IRAs come in two different types: traditional and Roth IRAs. If you don’t have a 401(k), you can make contributions to traditional IRAs with pre-tax dollars. Like a 401(k), money in these accounts grows tax-deferred, and you’ll pay the taxes on it when you make withdrawals in retirement.

If you meet certain income restrictions, you may be able to contribute to a Roth IRA instead. In that case, you’ll make the contributions with after-tax dollars, but your money will grow tax-free inside the account and you do not have to pay taxes when you make withdrawals.

Recommended: Traditional vs. Roth IRA: How to Choose the Right Plan

3. Plan Your Asset Allocation

Diversification is the act of spreading your money across different asset classes. To minimize risk from a decline from one type of asset, it typically makes sense to create a diversified portfolio, including a mix of asset classes, such as stocks, bonds and other assets.

Your asset allocation refers to the proportion of each asset class that you hold. Your asset allocations will reflect your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Given the relatively long period until your retirement, you might consider a relatively aggressive portfolio consisting mostly of stocks in your retirement account.

Stocks typically provide the most potential for growth, but they also fluctuate more than some other asset classes. Since you have three decades or more before you retire, you have time to ride out the natural ups and downs of the market.

Bonds, which tend to be less volatile than stocks but also offer lower returns, may balance out the riskier equity allocation. As you approach retirement, you may consider rebalancing your asset allocation to include more conservative investments to help protect the income you will need to draw upon soon.

Target-date funds are a type of mutual fund that automatically readjusts your portfolio as you near your target date, often the year in which you wish to retire.

4. Diversify within Asset Classes

Just as a portfolio with different types of assets offers some downside protection, so too, does diversification within those asset classes. If you invest the entire stock portion of your portfolio shares in just one company and share prices in that company drop, the value of your entire portfolio drops as well.

Now imagine that you own shares in 500 different companies. When one stock fares poorly, it will have a relatively small effect on the rest of your portfolio. Diversification helps limit the negative effects that any asset class, sector, or company could have on your portfolio.

You can further diversify your portfolio by including companies from different sectors and of all sizes from different parts of the globe. This same idea is true for other asset classes. For example, you could hold a mix of government and corporate bonds, and the corporate bonds could represent companies from various sectors and locations.

One way to add diversification to your portfolio is by investing in mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and index funds that invest in a diversified basket of stocks. For example, if you buy shares in an ETF that tracks the S&P 500 index, you’ll be investing in the 500 stocks included in that index.

5. Don’t Cash Out your 401(k) if You Get a New Job

If you’re only in your 30s, it’s likely that you’ll change jobs a couple of times or more, over the course of your career. When you change jobs, you’ll have a number of options for what to do with the 401(k) you hold with your previous employer.

One of these options is to cash out your 401(k). But this is typically not a great idea from a personal finance perspective. If you take a lump sum payment and you’re younger than 59 ½, you may not only owe income taxes on the withdrawal, but also a 10% early withdrawal penalty. What’s more, your money will no longer be working for you in a tax-advantaged account, potentially setting you back in your retirement savings goals.

A better option is to roll over your 401(k) into another tax-advantaged retirement account, such as your new employer’s plan, if they offer one, without paying income taxes. Or you can roll your 401(k) into an IRA without paying taxes. IRA accounts offer the added benefit of additional investment options, and they may have lower fees than your 401(k).

Recommended: How to Transfer Your 401(k) When Changing to a New Job

6. Protect Your Earnings with Disability Insurance

An injury or an illness that keeps you from going to work can hamper your retirement savings plan. However, disability insurance can help cover a portion of your lost income — usually between 50% and 70% — for a period of time.

Most employers offer some sort of short-term disability insurance, with a benefit period of three to six months. Some employers may offer long-term policies that cover periods of five, 10, or 20 years, or even through retirement age.

Check with your employer to see if you are covered by a disability policy and whether it provides enough coverage for your needs. If your employer’s plan falls short, or you don’t have access to one, you might consider purchasing a policy on your own.

The Takeaway

The earlier you can start saving for retirement the better. A long time horizon gives you the opportunity to take advantage of compounding growth for a longer period of time, which can help you increase the amount you’re able to save. Pay attention to the fees you’re paying on investments, which can eat away at returns over time.

Ready to invest for your retirement? It’s easy to get started when you open a traditional or Roth IRA with SoFi. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

Easily manage your retirement savings with a SoFi IRA.


Photo credit: iStock/AJ_Watt

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.

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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.
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What Is the Funding Fee for a VA Home Loan?

A home loan backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can be a great way for eligible service members and their beneficiaries to take out an affordable mortgage — but even though they don’t require a down payment, they’re not free. The VA loan funding fee is a one-time charge associated with taking out a VA home loan. The amount you’ll pay depends on what type of loan you’re taking out, how much you are borrowing, whether or not it’s your first time taking out such a loan, and the size of your down payment.

However, there are some circumstances in which you may not have to pay the VA funding fee — or in which you might be eligible for a funding fee refund. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how the VA home loan funding fee works, and how much you might expect to pay if you’re planning to get one.

What Is a VA Funding Fee?


As discussed above, the VA funding fee is a one-time fee an eligible service member, veteran, or survivor must usually pay in order to take out a VA home loan. This is separate from any down payment the borrower might make, homeowners insurance, or any other cost associated with home-buying: the funding fee’s purpose, per the VA itself, is to help “lower the cost of the loan for U.S. taxpayers.”

Whether you’re buying, building, renovating, or repairing a home, or even refinancing an existing mortgage, if you take out a VA loan, you’ll need to pay the funding fee unless you meet an exemption requirement, which we’ll talk about in more detail below. Of course you’ll also need to meet any other VA loan requirements, much the way you would if you were qualifying for a conventional home loan.


💡 Quick Tip: Apply for a VA loan and borrow up to $1.5 million with a fixed- or adjustable-rate mortgage. The flexibility extends to the down payment, too — qualified VA homebuyers don’t even need one!†

First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,
with as little as 3% down.

Questions? Call (888)-541-0398.


How Does the VA Funding Fee Differ From Mortgage Insurance?


Mortgage insurance, also known as private mortgage insurance or PMI, is usually required on conventional mortgages when the borrower makes a down payment less than 20%. In most cases, when you take out a VA loan, you’re not required to make a down payment at all, nor to pay mortgage insurance. The VA funding fee is a totally separate cost.

Even though it might sound like a downer at first, paying the VA funding fee rather than PMI is really good news for borrowers: Although the VA funding fee is calculated as a percentage of your overall home loan, just like mortgage insurance, it’s far less expensive than having to pay mortgage insurance over time. That’s because the funding fee is assessed just once, while mortgage insurance is paid every month as part of your mortgage payment until you’ve paid off more than 20% of the home loan. That means PMI has the ability to stack up to very high amounts over time.

Recommended: The Different Types of Home Mortgage Loans

Why Is the VA Loan Funding Fee Assessed?


As discussed above, the VA loan funding fee is meant to help lower the cost of VA loans to American taxpayers, since these loans don’t require the borrower to make a down payment or pay mortgage insurance. It’s a relatively small, one-time cost that makes the whole program more affordable for everybody in the long run — what some might call a win-win situation.

How Much Is the VA Funding Fee?


The amount of the VA funding fee varies depending on whether or not this is your first time using a VA loan and how large of a down payment you’re planning to make. (Which type of loan to get is one of many things you’ll have to consider if you’re a first-time homebuyer.) The higher a down payment you make, the lower your VA funding fee will be — and the fees are always lowest the first time you take out a VA loan.These fees can be adjusted over time, and they actually went down in 2023. Today, they range from 1.25% to 3.3%.


💡 Quick Tip: Active duty service members who have served for at least 90 consecutive days are eligible for a VA loan. But so are many veterans, surviving spouses, and National Guard and Reserves members. It’s worth exploring with an online VA loan application because the low interest rates and other advantages of this loan can’t be beat.†

2023 VA Funding Fees for Purchase and New Construction Loans


Here are the rates active-duty military members, veterans, and their survivors can expect when taking out a VA loan. If you used a VA loan in the past to pay for a manufactured home, you’re considered a first-timer for the purposes of this fee. And if your loan from the VA is a Native American Direct Loan, you pay a flat 1.25% regardless of whether this is your first VA loan or how much your down payment is.

Down Payment Amount

VA Funding Fee

First VA Loan

Less than 5% 2.15%
5% to 9.99% 1.5%
10% or higher 1.25%
Subsequent VA Loans

Less than 5% 3.3%
5% to 9.99% 1.5%
5% to 9.99% 1.5%

How Is the Fee Paid?


The VA funding fee is due when your loan closes. You can either pay it all at once as a lump sum then, or incorporate it into your financing and pay it off over time. Of course, if you choose to finance your funding fee, you will likely accrue interest on it, making it more expensive in the long run.

Are There Any VA Funding Fee Exemptions?


Yes! If you fall into one of the following circumstances, you won’t have to pay a VA funding fee:

•   You’re receiving VA compensation for a disability connected to your service.

•   You’re eligible to receive VA compensation for a disability connected to your service, but you’re being paid for active duty or receiving retirement compensation instead.

•   You’re the surviving spouse of a veteran and you receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).

•   You’ve received, before the date your loan closes, a proposed or memorandum rating that says you’re eligible for compensation because of a pre-discharge claim.

•   You’re an active duty service member who provides evidence before or on your closing date of having received the Purple Heart.

Is Anyone Eligible for a VA Funding Fee Refund?


In addition to the above circumstances, if you’re later deemed eligible for VA compensation due to a disability connected to your service, you may be entitled for a refund of your VA funding fee. To confirm, you’d need to call your VA regional loan center at (877) 827-3702 (TTY: 711). They’re available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.

Recommended: The Cost of Living by State

What Do You Need to Provide to Get a VA Funding Fee Refund?


While the VA regional loan center will walk you through your funding fee refund claim, be aware that you’ll need to provide some documentation to prove your eligibility for a refund. That includes:

•   A copy of your disability award letter — the office may also be able to verify your compensation in your system if you’ve lost the letter

•   A copy of the signed closing documents

•   A copy of your current mortgage statement

Some or all of your VA funding fee may be refunded depending on the eligibility of your claim.

The Takeaway


The VA funding fee is a one-time fee that borrowers must pay to take out a VA loan. It’s due at closing, and the amount varies depending on how much you borrow, the size of your down payment and other factors. First-time VA borrowers always enjoy lower fees than those who take out subsequent VA loans.

SoFi offers VA loans with competitive interest rates, no private mortgage insurance, and down payments as low as 0%. Eligible service members, veterans, and survivors may use the benefit multiple times.

Our Mortgage Loan Officers are ready to guide you through the process step by step.

FAQ

What is the typical funding fee for a VA loan?


For a first-time borrower who doesn’t make a down payment as part of their home purchase, the VA loan funding fee in 2023 is 2.15% of the loan amount. So if you borrowed $200,000 in this scenario, the fee would be $4,300.

What is the new VA funding fee for 2023?


Fees now range from 1.25% to 3.3% of the loan amount, depending on your circumstances. The VA home loan funding fee percentage was reduced as of April 7, 2023 by 0.15% in most categories — and 0.3% for those taking out a VA loan that is not their first and who put down less than 5%.

How to avoid VA funding fee


Unless you are eligible for an exemption due to a service-connected disability (or in a few other instances), it’s impossible to avoid the VA funding fee entirely if you’re taking out a VA loan. That said, your funding fee will be lower if you put down a higher down payment. It’s also lower for first-time borrowers than those taking out subsequent VA loans.


Photo credit: iStock/kupicoo

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


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


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.

Veterans, Service members, and members of the National Guard or Reserve may be eligible for a loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by VA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. VA loans typically require a one-time funding fee except as may be exempted by VA guidelines. The fee may be financed or paid at closing. The amount of the fee depends on the type of loan, the total amount of the loan, and, depending on loan type, prior use of VA eligibility and down payment amount. The VA funding fee is typically non-refundable. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.

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What Is Tenants in Common?

Tenants in common is a way for two or more parties to buy a property or parcel of land. Buying real estate is expensive, and pooling your resources with others can be a great way to bring the price within reach and potentially lower your mortgage payment. Perhaps you are buying a house with relatives that you’ll live in and that they will stay in when they are in town. Or maybe you’re eyeing the purchase of several acres of land with some colleagues as an investment.
These are examples of why it may make sense for you to join forces with someone else (or multiple people) when acquiring a property. It can, however, open up a number of other questions and issues.

If you’re buying any kind of property with another person, even family, then you’ll need to consider how you want to co-own or take title to it. Tenants in common is one way to take title to a property.

Taking title as tenants in common first became popular in the 1980s in cities where the price of real estate had increased steeply. Acquiring properties in this manner has grown in popularity, especially in expensive urban areas, where merging money from different individuals became a way to increase purchasing power.

Read on to learn more about tenancy in common, including what is tenancy in common, how it works, and what are the pros and cons of tenancy in common.

Key Points

•   Tenancy in common allows multiple people to jointly own property.

•   Each tenant owns a percentage of the property, which can be unequal, and has rights to the entire property.

•   Tenants can independently sell or transfer their share, potentially leading to co-ownership with unknown parties.

•   The arrangement offers flexibility, such as adding new tenants or naming beneficiaries, but includes risks like shared mortgage liability.

•   TIC differs from joint tenancy and it is important to understand the difference.

What Is Tenancy In Common (TIC)?

Tenancy in common, also known sometimes as “tenants in common,” is a way for multiple people (2 or more) to hold title to a property. Each person owns a percentage of the property, but they are not limited to a certain space on the property.

In other words, you might be tenants in common with one or more persons, each holding a percentage of ownership share (which does not have to be equal), but you have a right to the entire property. There’s no limit to how many people can be tenants in common.

Worth noting: Despite the use of the word “tenant,” tenants in common has nothing to do with renting.

Recommended: First-Time Homebuyer Guide

First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,
with as little as 3% down.

Questions? Call (888)-541-0398.


How Tenancy in Common (TIC) Works

Tenancy in common works by people pooling their resources and buying property together. Each tenant, or person who is part of this legal arrangement, may own a different percentage of the real estate, but that doesn’t limit you to, say, just one room of a house.

The TIC relationship can be updated, with new tenants being added. What’s more, each tenant can sell or get a mortgage against their share of the property as they see fit. Each tenant may also name a beneficiary (or beneficiaries) to inherit their share upon their death.

If a group of tenants in common decides to dissolve the TIC agreement, one or more of the tenants can buy out the other tenants. Or the property can be sold and the proceeds split per the ownership percentages.

Property Taxes With Tenancy in Common

You may be wondering how tenants pay taxes on TIC properties. In most cases, a single tax bill will turn up, regardless of how many co-owners are involved or how they have divvied up percentages of ownership. It is then up to the tenants to determine who pays how much.

Another facet of tenancy in common arrangements to consider: Tenants can deduct property taxes when filing with the IRS. A common tax strategy is for each member to pay property taxes equal to the percentage of their ownership and then to deduct what they pay.

Recommended: Understanding the Different Types of Mortgage Loans

Tenancy in Common vs Joint Tenancy

When it comes to shared ownership, tenancy in common isn’t the only option. Another way to handle a shared purchase is joint tenancy. Here are some points of comparison for a tenant in common vs. joint tenant:

•   In TIC, the tenants can divide up ownership of property how they see fit. In a joint tenancy, the tenants hold equal shares of a single deed.

•   With a TIC arrangement, when an owner dies, their portion of the property passes to their estate. With joint tenancy, however, the property’s title would go to the surviving owner(s).

Recommended: How to Choose a Mortgage Term

Marriage and Property Ownership

Tenancy in common and joint tenancy are often ways that property is held in marriage. This will vary depending on the state you live in. Some states consider TIC the default way to own property in marriage. Elsewhere, it may be joint tenancy.

There is one other option possible, known as tenants by entirety (TBE). In this case, it’s as if the property is owned by one entity (the married couple) in the eyes of the law. Each spouse is a full owner of the real estate.
As with most things in life, there are pros and cons to TIC arrangements. First, the benefits:

•  With the high cost of real estate, especially in expensive markets, taking title as tenants in common can be one way to pool money and buy property you couldn’t otherwise own as an individual. It’s a way to bring home affordability into range.

•  Because tenants in common also allows for flexibility in terms of how you work out the specifics of living arrangements, it lends itself well to situations where friends decide to go in together on a vacation home or property where they won’t all be occupying the property at the same time.

•  You can transfer your share at any time without the consent or approval of the other tenants. You also have the right to mortgage, transfer, or assign your interest and so do your partners.

Now, for the disadvantages:

•  Tenants can decide to sell or give away their ownership rights, without the consent of the others, which means you might end up co-owning a property with someone you don’t know or even like.

•  In terms of real estate law, one of the main issues with a tenancy in common is that if you all signed the mortgage loan in order to purchase the property, you could end up being liable for someone else not paying their portion of the mortgage or for creditors forcing a sale or foreclosure of the entire property.

Increasingly, though, some banks and lenders are offering fractional loans for tenants in common on real estate that is easier to divide into separate units. This then allows each tenant to sign their own loan tied just to their percentage of the property. A mortgage calculator can help you figure out what your payments might look like.

Example of Tenancy in Common

Here’s an example of how tenancy in common might look in real life: Sam wants to buy a condo in Florida for $300,000 but can’t afford to do so; his limit is $200,000. His sister Emma loves Florida and says she would like to go in on the condo if she can spend a couple of months there in the winter. She adds her $100,000, and together, they can afford the condo. They pool their resources and make a down payment of 20% on the $300,000 property. After reading up on mortgage basics, they decide Sam will take out the mortgage. The mortgage principal on the purchase is $240,000.

Sam owns two-thirds and Emma owns one-third and Emma pays Sam for one-third of the cost of the mortgage, property taxes, and homeowners association dues. They both have the right to occupy the property. If Emma decides that she wants to get her own place in Florida, she could sell her share in the condo, while Sam retains his interest.

The Takeaway

Buying a house can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Tenancy in common presents one avenue to affordable ownership by allowing you to purchase property with others. Another way to manage costs is to get the best possible mortgage to suit your needs and budget.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.

SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.

FAQ

Can tenancy in common be dissolved?

A tenancy in common can be dissolved. A single or multiple tenants may agree to end the arrangement by buying out the others in the shared ownership. If there is a situation in which the tenants can not agree on a path forward, the courts can be involved.

What are the responsibilities of tenants in common?

In a tenancy in common relationship, each tenant must pay their share of the costs involved, which can involve the mortgage principal and interest, homeowners insurance, and property taxes. A tenant’s share of these costs will reflect how much of the property they own. In addition, you may need to manage a portion of the property (say, if you’ve divided a house up or own a plot of land with others). Lastly, a TIC agreement may involve rights of first refusal if any tenants want to sell their share.

What happens when a tenant dies?

When a tenant in a tenants in common agreement dies, their share of the property is passed along to their beneficiary or beneficiaries; it does not automatically go to the other tenants.

What are the disadvantages of tenants in common?

Typically, the most important disadvantages of a tenants in common agreement are: Each member can sell their share independently, meaning you could be stuck with a tenant you don’t know or like; the TIC could be dissolved by tenants buying out one another; and if the tenants cosigned a mortgage for the property and one or more don’t pay, the other tenant could be stuck with liability for additional costs.


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


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


*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

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.

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.

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.

This article is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice.

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