Aug
01
2024

Guide to Bank Account Balances

By | money, Terminology | Comments Off on Guide to Bank Account Balances

When you open your banking app or log into your account online, one of the first things you’ll see is your account balance. This reflects the amount of money in your savings or checking account that is available to spend. However, the balance shown may not factor in transactions you’ve authorized but have not yet been processed for payment, such as any outstanding checks or upcoming recurring payments.

Knowing how to read and interpret your bank account balance can help you avoid overdrafts, manage your spending, and make informed financial decisions. Here’s what you need to know about the balance in your bank account.

What Is a Bank Account Balance?

By definition, a bank account balance is the amount of funds you have available in a given financial account, such as a checking account. It represents the amount available after credits have been added and debits have been subtracted.

Your account balance can fluctuate from day to day as transactions are processed, such as deposits, withdrawals, cashed checks, and electronic payments. Checks you’ve written but have not yet been cashed and upcoming automatic payments and direct deposits aren’t generally reflected in your available balance, so you’ll need to keep that in mind when budgeting.

Bank statements will typically provide two account balances: your “starting balance,” which is how much was in the account at the beginning of the statement period; and your “ending balance,” which is how much was in your account as of the end of the statement period, after all credits and debits were calculated.

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Understanding Your Bank Account Balance

Understanding how bank account balances work, and which transactions are factored into your balance, can help prevent you from running into issues like overdrafting your account or dipping below your bank’s required minimum balance to avoid monthly maintenance fees.

Pending Charges

Pending charges are transactions that have been authorized but not yet fully processed by the bank. A bank will temporarily hold funds in your account for these charges and reduce your available balance to prevent those funds from being otherwise spent. Common pending charges include debit card purchases, ATM withdrawals, and online bill payments. While these transactions have not yet been deducted from your account, they are still considered when calculating your available balance.

For example, let’s say you have $1,000 in your account and you make a $100 purchase with your debit card. Depending on the business that charged your account, there may be a delay in their banking system connecting with yours. In this case, your bank will factor that charge into your overall account balance, and will mark the payment as “pending” or “processing,” and give you an available balance of $900.

What Happens if Your Bank Account Balance Is Negative?

If you spend more money than you have in your bank account, you can end up with a negative account balance. This can happen if an automated payment goes through and you don’t have sufficient funds to cover it or you get hit with an unexpected bank fee. A negative balance can lead to several consequences:

•   Overdraft fees: If you’ve opted into overdraft coverage, your bank may cover a transaction that overdrafts your account then charge you an overdraft fee. They may charge this fee for each transaction that causes a negative balance or only one overdraft fee per day.

•   Nonsufficient (NSF) fees: If you don’t have overdraft coverage and a check or electronic payment is returned due to insufficient funds, your bank may charge you a nonsufficient funds (NSF) fee.

•   Account closure: Repeatedly overdrawing your account can lead to your bank closing your account.

•   Difficulty opening a bank account in the future: Information about your banking activity does not typically appear in credit reports from consumer credit bureaus or impact your credit scores. However, if ChexSystems, a reporting bureau for the banking industry, has a record on file reflecting negative account balances and an involuntary closure, it could make it more difficult to open a new bank account in the future.

Balancing a Checking Account

Balancing a checking account, also known as reconciling your account, involves comparing the transactions in your own records (such as a check register, accounting software, or personal finance app) to the ones on your bank statement to make sure the balances line up, and if they don’t, finding out why. Here’s how to do it.

•   Gather records: Collect your bank statement, check register, and any receipts or transaction records.

•   Compare transactions: Match each transaction in your check register (or other records) with those on your bank statement. Check off each item as you go.

•   Identify discrepancies: Note any transactions that don’t match or are missing and investigate them further. Be sure to account for any checks or payments that may not have cleared yet.

•   Contact your bank: If you find any unauthorized or incorrect transactions, contact your bank immediately to report the issue.

•   Update your records: Adjust your check register or other records for any interest earned, fees, or other transactions not previously recorded.

Account Balance vs Available Credit on a Credit Card

With your credit card, your account balance means something different. It represents the total amount of money you owe to the credit card issuer at a given time. This includes all purchases, interest charges, fees, and any other transactions that have been posted to your account.

Your available credit refers to the amount of unused credit you have left on your credit card. It is calculated by subtracting your current account balance from your total credit limit. For example, if your credit limit is $5,000 and your account balance is $1,000, your available credit would be $4,000. Available credit indicates how much more you can spend on your card before reaching your credit limit.

Recommended: Guide to Paying Credit Cards With a Debit Card

Where to Check Your Bank Account Balance

Checking your bank account balance regularly helps you stay informed about your financial status, make key budgeting decisions, and avoid overdrafts. Here are some easy ways to do it.

•   Online banking: Once you set up online banking, you can log in anytime to view your account balance, recent transactions, and other account details.

•   Mobile app: If you download your bank’s mobile app, you’ll be able to get an up-to-date view of your account balance and recent transactions on the go.

•   ATM: You can check your account balance at an ATM by inserting your ATM or debit card, entering your personal identification number (PIN), and selecting “balance inquiry” or something similar. You’ll see your account balance, along with any recent transactions.

•   Text alert: Some banks also offer low-balance alerts via text or email to keep you informed if your account dips below a certain threshold.

•   Over the phone: You can call the phone number listed on your debit/ATM card, then follow the prompts to check your account balance.

•   Bank statement: Whether you get paper statements or e-statements, you can use them to see your account balance as of the end of the statement period.

•   At a branch: You can also check your account balance in person with a teller. You’ll likely need to provide your debit/ATM card or account number and a photo ID to get your balance information.

Recommended: What Is an Online Savings Account and How Does It Work?

The Takeaway

A bank account balance is the total amount of money available in your financial account after debits and credits have been calculated. Keeping tabs on your account balance and regularly reconciling your account can help you monitor your spending, avoid overdrafting fees, and maintain good financial health.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.


Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.30% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

How do I check the balance on my bank account?

You can check your bank account balance by logging in to your bank’s online banking platform or mobile app, using an ATM with your ATM or debit card, calling your bank’s customer service number, or visiting a branch.

Does the “balance” mean I owe money?

With bank accounts, the “balance” typically refers to the amount of money you have available in the account, not what you owe. A positive balance means you have funds in your account, while a negative balance indicates you’ve overdrawn your account.

With credit accounts, such as credit cards, the “balance” refers to the amount you owe your lender.

What happens if my bank account balance is zero?

If your bank account balance is zero, you won’t have funds available for transactions. Any attempted withdrawals or payments may be declined or if you have overdraft coverage, they may go through but result in overdraft fees.

It’s important to monitor your account regularly to avoid a zero balance and ensure you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses. Some banks may also close accounts that remain at zero balance for an extended period.

Photo credit: iStock/simonkr

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

*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.30% 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 4.30% 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 10/8/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

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

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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Aug
01
2024

Saving Money for Your Grandchildren

By | Budgeting & Goals, Family Finances, money, Money & Life | Comments Off on Saving Money for Your Grandchildren

In addition to spoiling them with toys and ice cream, many grandparents also want to help secure a solid financial future for their grandkids. That can mean setting up a custodial account, considering tax-advantaged savings options, and exploring other ways to start building a child’s wealth.

Below, you’ll learn about the different ways to save money for your grandkids, plus the pros and cons of each.

Why Open an Account for Grandchildren?

Sure, your grandkids might prefer a new video game or Lego set, but you’ll do them a favor, today and tomorrow, by opening a savings account for them. Here are a couple of good reasons to open a savings account for your grandchildren.

Teaching Financial Literacy Early

Money management skills are crucial, but personal finance education can be virtually nonexistent during school. It’s not typical for schools to teach kids how to balance a checkbook, how to invest in stocks, how to save for a down payment on a house, and how to file taxes.

Thus, it’s up to parents — and grandparents — to equip the next generation with financial literacy. Opening an account for your grandchildren can help teach them concepts such as interest, budgeting, and investing.

Getting a Head Start for College and Life

While teaching children how to manage money can give them a head start on the path to financial wellness, so too can providing them with a nest egg that can grow over time through various savings and investing accounts. Consider these options:

•   When you open a savings account for grandchildren early on, they could wind up having a sizable chunk of cash in young adulthood to put toward their first car or even a house down payment.

•   A 529 college savings plan could help them avoid taking on too much debt from student loans.

•   Retirement accounts, such as a Roth IRA, can help them achieve their retirement goals, even if those are more than half a century away. Remember, the earlier someone starts investing, the more they stand to earn in the long run.

Earn up to 4.30% APY with a high-yield savings account from SoFi.

No account or monthly fees. No minimum balance.

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Types of Accounts to Consider

Grandparents have many options when it comes to opening an account for their grandchildren, including:

Savings, CDs, and Bonds

Many banks and credit unions offer savings accounts designed for kids. Do a quick search for “best savings accounts for grandchildren” or you could start by seeing if your own bank offers such an account.

Having money in savings at an early age will let your grandkids benefit from compounding interest, especially if you find a high-yield savings account for kids.

You can also consider opening a certificate of deposit (CD) or purchasing savings bonds for your grandchildren. CDs are savings accounts that typically provide a higher interest rate than a standard savings account in exchange for keeping your money in the account for a fixed period of time. Savings bonds, issued by the U.S. Department of Treasury, are a very low risk, longer-term investment that provides interest in return for lending the government money.

With both of these options, the money is less liquid, but if the CD or bond matures when your grandchild is older, they stand to have a reliable source of funds they can use in future years.

Custodial Accounts (UGMA/UTMA)

Beyond savings accounts for grandchildren, you can consider helping your grandkids actually start investing with a custodial account, through the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA). Once your grandchild is between 18 and 25 (the exact age varies by state), they’ll take control of the account.

These accounts are taxable (meaning you will owe taxes on interest earned) and have no contribution limits. They’re an easy way to purchase stocks, mutual funds, and other securities for your grandchild — and you can even transfer your own securities into the custodial account.

529 College Savings Plans

The cost of college tuition continues to skyrocket, meaning it’s never too early to start saving. There are several benefits of a 529 college savings plan: While the contributions to this qualified tuition plan aren’t tax-deductible, your grandchild’s distributions from the account tax-free at the federal level, as long as the money is used for qualifying expenses.

A 529 college savings may have “college” in the name, but your grandchild can also use it for other higher education programs, such as a trade or vocational school. You can also roll over 529 funds into a Roth IRA if your grandkids don’t use all (or any) of the funds.

Contributions to a grandchild’s 529 account are not deductible on your federal income tax return. However, close to 30 states offer either a deduction or credit for this kind of contribution.
Another consideration: There’s an annual limit to how much you can give as a gift without triggering taxes. For 2024, for instance, the figure is $18,000 per giftee. If you were to put more than that into a 529 for a grandchild, you would have to pay a gift tax bill.

IRAs for Minors

Similar to custodial investment accounts, you can open custodial retirement accounts for your grandchildren, including a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA. While your grandkid won’t benefit from this account for decades, starting them early on the path to retirement savings means they could have considerably more money to work with when they reach retirement age.

However, it’s important to note that opening an IRA requires the child to have earned income in a given year. For teens, this can make sense. For a newborn, it is unlikely to be a viable option.

When making contributions to an IRA for a grandchild, note that the amount you deposit is subject to a gift tax exclusion before it becomes taxable. For 2024, this allows up to $18,000 per giftee. Funds given beyond that amount might mean you, the donor, are liable for taxes, though other factors will need to be considered to determine any tax burden.

Choosing the Right Account

Not sure how to choose the right savings account for your grandchildren? Here are some things to consider:

Comparing Interest Rates and Fees

If you’re opening a savings account, compare interest rates — you want an account with a high yield so that the money compounds more quickly over time. For example, currently the average interest rate for standard savings accounts is 0.45%, while the figure for high-yield savings accounts (often from online-only banks) can be several times that number.

For custodial accounts, you’ll want options with low or no fees. It can be wise to shop around and see what options you have from different banks and brokerage firms.

Recommended: How Old Do You Have to Be to Open a Bank Account?

Accessibility and Withdrawal Rules

Certain accounts allow your grandchildren to access funds sooner, while others (like IRAs) have strict rules about when they can withdraw funds and what the funds can be used for (as is the case with 529 plans). Think about the specific timeline and use case you envision for your grandchildren. Sometimes, opening more than one type of account makes sense, depending on how many goals you want to enable for your children’s kids.

Tax Implications and Benefits

Some accounts have tax-deductible contributions; others have tax-free withdrawals. For example, withdrawals from a 529 account are not usually taxable, provided they are used for qualified educational expenses. With a Roth IRA, withdrawals made after your child is older than 59 ½ (as hard as that may be to imagine) are not taxable. With a traditional IRA, taxes are paid when the money is withdrawn, usually in retirement, and are taxable.

Speaking with a financial advisor can help you understand the tax implications of each type of account you’re considering to better understand what you might pay — and what your grandchild might pay.

Setting up and Contributing to the Account

Ready to open a savings account for your grandchildren? Here’s how it works:

Opening and Funding the Account

Follow the bank’s or investment firm’s guidelines for opening the account. You will likely need some specific information from the grandchild’s parents to open the account. You’ll also need to deposit money into the account to start the nest egg. Custodial accounts may even let you transfer your own assets into the account.

Automatic Transfers and Recurring Contributions

If you’d like, you may be able to set up recurring transfers into the account. Perhaps you want a recurring transfer every holiday season or on your grandchild’s birthday. Work with the financial institution to set up these contributions — and perhaps find out how other loved ones might be able to contribute as well.

Monitoring and Managing the Account

After opening an account, it’s important to monitor it and see how the funds grow over time. Just as importantly, once your grandchild is a little older, it’s a good idea to sit down and review the account with them:

•   If it’s a savings account, walk them through how compound interest works.

•   If it’s a 529 plan, talk to them about college costs and how student loans work.

•   If it’s a custodial account, talk to them about the basics of investing and the importance of saving for retirement.

The Takeaway

It’s never too early to start thinking about your grandchild’s future. Savings accounts, 529 plans, and custodial accounts offer several ways for you to give them money that will help them with college, general expenses, and even retirement.

While saving for grandkids is important, it’s also crucial that you take care of your own finances.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.


Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.30% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

What are the contribution limits for custodial accounts?

There are no contribution limits for UGMA/UTMA custodial accounts, but you can only contribute up to a certain amount to avoid gift-tax implications (this changes each year). Contribution limits apply for custodial IRAs just as they would for regular IRAs.

Can grandparents open a 529 plan for grandchildren?

Yes, grandparents can open a 529 plan for grandchildren. If the grandchild’s parents have already set up a 529 plan, grandparents can also contribute to that plan directly. This will simplify account management and withdrawals for the recipient of the funds.

What happens to the account if the grandchild doesn’t need the funds?

If a grandchild doesn’t need funds from a 529 plan for college, they can still use them for trade or vocational schools or roll them into an IRA. Grandparents can also reassign the 529 plan to another grandchild.

Photo credit: iStock/gorodenkoff

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

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.30% 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 4.30% 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 10/8/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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.

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

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Aug
01
2024

Do You Pay Capital Gains on Roth IRAs and IRAs?

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing, Preparing for Retirement | Comments Off on Do You Pay Capital Gains on Roth IRAs and IRAs?

You don’t have to pay capital gains tax on investment profits while they are held in a traditional or a Roth IRA account. In most cases, the question of taxes comes into play when you withdraw money from a traditional or Roth IRA.

Each type of IRA is subject to a different set of tax rules, and it’s essential to know how these accounts work, as the tax implications are significant now as well as in the future.

IRAs, Explained

An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a tax-advantaged account typically used for retirement savings. There are two main types of IRAs — traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs — and the tax advantages of each are quite distinct.

Generally speaking, all IRAs are subject to contribution limits and withdrawal rules, but Roth IRAs have strict income caps as well as other restrictions.

Contribution Limits

For tax year 2024, the annual contribution limits for both Roth and traditional IRAs is $7,000, and $8,000 for those 50 or older.

It’s important to know that you can only contribute earned income to an IRA; earned income refers to taxable income like wages, tips, commissions. If you earn less than the contribution limit, you can only deposit up to the amount of money you made that year.

One exception is in the case of a spousal IRA, where the working spouse can contribute to an IRA on behalf of a spouse who doesn’t have earned income. Like ordinary IRAs, spousal IRAs can be traditional or Roth in style.

Traditional IRAs

All IRAs are tax advantaged in some way. When you invest in a traditional IRA, you may be able to take a tax deduction for the amount you contribute in the tax year that you make the contribution.

The contributions you make may be fully or partially tax-deductible, depending on whether you or your spouse are covered by a workplace retirement plan. If you’re not sure, you may want to check IRS.gov for details.

The money inside the account grows tax-deferred, meaning any capital appreciation of those funds is not subject to investment taxes, i.e. capital gains tax, while held in the account over time. But starting at age 59 ½ , qualified withdrawals are taxed at regular income tax rates.

If you think about it, this makes sense because you make contributions to a traditional IRA on a pre-tax basis. When you take withdrawals, you then owe income tax on the contributions and any earnings.

With some exceptions, early withdrawals from a traditional IRA prior to age 59 ½ are subject to income tax and a 10% penalty.

Recommended: IRA Tax Deduction Rules

Roth IRAs

Roth IRAs follow a different set of rules. You contribute to a Roth IRA with after-tax money. That means you won’t get a tax deduction for contributions you make in the year that you contribute.

Your contributions grow inside your Roth IRA tax-free, along with any earnings. When you reach retirement age and start to make withdrawals, you won’t owe income tax on money you withdraw because you already paid tax on the principal (i.e. your original contribution amounts) — and the earnings are not taxed on qualified withdrawals.

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.

What Are Capital Gains Taxes?

Capital gains refer to investment profits. In a taxable investment account you would owe capital gains tax on the profits you made from selling investments: e.g., stocks, bonds, real estate, and so on.

You don’t owe capital gains tax just for owning these assets — it only applies if you profit from selling them. Depending on how long you held an investment before you sold it, you would owe short- or long-term capital gains.

Retirement accounts, however, are subject to their own set of tax rules, and traditional and Roth IRAs each handle capital gains taxes differently.

Are Gains Taxed in Traditional IRAs?

Traditional IRA plans, as noted above, are tax-deferred, which essentially means that investment profits are not subject to capital gains tax while they remain in the account. Given this, the sale of individual investments like stocks inside an IRA is not considered a taxable event.

However, with tax-deferred accounts like traditional IRAs, you do have to pay ordinary income tax on withdrawals (meaning, you’re taxed at your marginal income rate).

So when you take withdrawals from a traditional IRA, you will owe income tax on the amount you withdraw, including any investment gains (i.e., earnings) in the account.

Are Gains Taxed in Roth IRAs?

The same principle applies to Roth IRAs, even though these are after-tax accounts: You don’t have to pay taxes on investment income or any assets that you buy or sell inside your Roth IRA.

Because you contribute to a Roth IRA with after-tax money, your money grows tax-free inside your IRA. Also, the earnings in the account grow tax-free over time and those gains are not taxed within the account.

In addition, qualified withdrawals of contributions and earnings from a Roth IRA are tax free. But remember: early or non-qualified withdrawal of earnings from a Roth IRA would be subject to taxes and a penalty (with some exceptions; for details see IRS.gov).

Roth IRA Penalties

Because you contribute to a Roth IRA with after-tax money, you can always withdraw your contributions (meaning your principal) without paying any tax or penalties.

If you wait to withdraw money from your Roth IRA until you reach age 59 ½, you can also withdraw your earnings without tax or penalties — as long as you’ve had the account for at least five years.

If you withdraw Roth IRA earnings before age 59 ½ or before you’ve held the account for five years, you may be charged a 10% early withdrawal penalty, though there are IRA withdrawal rules that may help you avoid the penalty in certain situations.

Are Gains Taxed in 401(k)s?

An IRA and a 401(k) work in a similar way when it comes to capital gains tax. Just as there are traditional and Roth IRAs, there are also traditional and “designated” Roth 401(k) plans, and they work similarly to their corresponding IRA equivalents.

So, generally speaking, you do not owe any capital gains tax on the sale of any investments held inside either type of 401(k) account.

Opening an IRA With SoFi

Most people are familiar with the basic tax advantages of using an IRA to save for retirement. Traditional IRAs are tax-deferred accounts and may provide a tax deduction in the years you make contributions. Roth IRAs are after-tax accounts that can provide tax-free income in retirement.

But the fact that you don’t have to pay capital gains tax is also worth noting. With both a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA, buying and selling stocks or other investments is not considered a taxable event. That means that you will not owe capital gains tax when you sell investments inside your IRA.

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).

Help grow your nest egg with a SoFi IRA.

FAQ

Are Roth IRAs subject to capital gains tax?

No, buying and selling stocks or other investments inside a Roth IRA is not considered a taxable event. This means that you will not owe capital gains tax for buying or selling investments inside your Roth IRA. And because contributions to Roth IRAs are made with after-tax money, you also won’t owe income tax on qualified withdrawals.

Do you have to pay taxes if you sell stocks in a Roth IRA?

Selling stocks inside a Roth IRA is not considered a taxable event. So whether you regularly buy and sell stocks inside your Roth IRA, or just have unrealized gains and losses, you won’t need to worry about capital gains tax.

What happens when you sell a stock in your Roth IRA?

Buying and selling stocks inside an IRA is not considered a taxable event. So you won’t owe capital gains tax on stock you sell, but you also won’t be able to offset gains with a loss you capture from a stock sale inside your IRA.

Photo credit: iStock/designer491

SoFi Invest®

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

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

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

Disclaimer: The projections or other information regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results.
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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What Is a Checking Line of Credit?

By | Credit, money | Comments Off on What Is a Checking Line of Credit?

A checking line of credit, also known as an overdraft line of credit, is a type of loan that is attached to your checking account. It essentially acts as a safety net, providing you with access to funds when your checking account balance is insufficient to cover a transaction.

A checking line of credit can help you out during a cash crunch and allow you to avoid hefty overdraft fees, missed payments, and the embarrassment and inconvenience of having your debit card denied. However, these accounts come with costs and risks of their own. Find out if opening a checking line of credit is worth it.

How a Checking Line of Credit Works

A checking line of credit is a type of revolving credit linked to your checking account. If your account balance falls below zero, the credit line automatically covers the shortfall up to your credit limit. This allows transactions to go through despite insufficient funds and avoids bouncing checks, missing automatic payments, or having your debit card denied.

A per-transfer fee may apply, but it may be much less than what you would otherwise be charged for overdrawing your account. You’ll also pay interest on the borrowed balance, which will begin accruing on the date of transfer and continue until you pay off the borrowed funds in full. Missing or late payments can negatively impact your credit, so (like any other forms of borrowing) it’s important to manage a checking line of credit responsibly.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

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FDIC insurance.


Key Features

Here’s a look at some of the features offered by a checking line of credit.

•   Automatic overdraft protection: A checking line of credit can automatically cover overdrafts, preventing declined transactions and bounced checks.

•   Credit limit: The amount you can borrow is predetermined by the lender and may range from $250 to $5,000, though it can be higher for those with excellent credit.

•   Variable interest rates: Interest is charged only on the amount you borrow, and rates are usually variable, meaning they can change over time based on market conditions.

•   Revolving credit: Similar to a credit card, you can borrow, repay, and borrow again up to your credit limit without reapplying.

•   Fees: Some banks charge you a fee for each transfer from your checking line of credit or for each day that a transfer is made from your line of credit to your checking account. Some institutions may also charge a yearly maintenance fee.

Recommended: How Many Lines of Credit Should I have?

Requirements and Eligibility

Not everyone who has a checking account can open a line of credit. Depending on your bank, you may have to meet certain eligibility requirements. These may include:

Good Credit History

Lenders generally look for applicants with a strong credit history, indicating responsible credit management. A good credit score (typically 670 or higher) increases your chances of approval and may result in a higher credit limit and lower interest rates.

Income and Debt Levels

Lenders typically want to make sure that you have a stable income and manageable debt levels, demonstrating your ability to repay the borrowed amount. Banks can check your current debt levels by accessing your credit reports. You may need to provide proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax returns.

Existing Banking Relationship

You typically need to have a checking account in good standing with the bank that offers the protection line of credit. Some banks may also require that you’ve had the account open for a certain amount of time, or that you’ve made deposits within a specific time frame.

Pros of a Checking Line of Credit

Here’s a look at some of the benefits of having a checking account with an overdraft line of credit.

May Save Money

Overdraft lines of credit are often less expensive than standard overdraft protection programs, which can range from $25 to $35 for each overdraft that hits your account. This can be especially true if you wind up making multiple overdrafts in one day.

Offers Emergency Protection

An overdraft line of credit provides you with a safeguard in the event of a financial emergency. If necessary, you can cover essential expenses that would otherwise get declined from your checking account. Some banks also allow you to withdraw funds directly from your credit line to cover emergency expenses.

Only Pay Interest on What Your Borrow

Unlike a traditional loan, where you receive a lump sum amount up front and pay interest on the full amount starting when it’s disbursed, a credit line allows you to borrow funds as needed and only pay interest on the amount you end up borrowing.

Recommended: Dividend Checking Accounts Explained

Cons of a Checking Line of Credit

Checking lines of credit also come with a few pitfalls. Here are some to be aware of.

High Interest Rates

Interest rates on checking lines of credit can be higher than other forms of credit, such as personal loans or home equity lines of credit. Variable rates can also lead to unpredictable borrowing costs. On top of interest, you may pay transfer fees and account maintenance fees.

Borrowing Limits

An overdraft protection line of credit can help you out in a pinch, but it won’t cover a major unexpected expense. You can often only qualify for credit limits up to $1,000. If your approved line of credit is insufficient to cover a transaction, it likely will not go through.

Debt Cycle Risk

Having a line of credit attached to your checking account is similar to having a credit card — it allows you to spend money you don’t actually have. The ease of access to funds can lead to a cycle of borrowing and repayment that is difficult to break, potentially leading to long-term debt.

When to Consider a Checking Line of Credit

A checking line of credit can provide some peace of mind and be useful for getting through occasional gaps in cash flow. If you do opt for this type of coverage, however, it’s generally wise to use it as little as possible. Once you open the credit line, it’s a good idea to balance your checking account regularly and sign up for low-balance alerts so that you know when you’re running low on funds. This can help keep your overdraft loan at a manageable amount and your interest charges and transfer fees low.

Alternatives to Consider

If a checking line of credit doesn’t seem like the right fit, here are some other options to consider.

•   Emergency savings account: Building a savings account for emergencies can provide a financial cushion without the cost of interest or fees.

•   Linking to another account: Your bank might allow you to link your checking account to a savings account or another checking account for automatic transfers in case of an overdraft. This way, you’re just using your own money to cover transactions instead of the bank’s.

•   Personal loan: For larger, planned expenses, a personal loan may offer lower interest rates and fixed repayment terms.

•   Switching banks: If you feel that the overdraft fees (and possibly other fees) at your bank are exorbitant, it can be worth shopping around for checking accounts that charge lower fees.

The Takeaway

A checking line of credit can be a valuable tool for managing your finances, offering convenient access to funds, protection against overdrafts, and the flexibility of revolving credit. That said, it’s important to understand the costs and potential risks associated with this type of credit. Alternatives to checking credit lines include using a linked savings account to cover overdrafts, building an emergency fund, getting a lower-interest loan, and switching to a bank that charges less in fees for standard overdraft protection.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.


Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.30% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

How much can I borrow with a checking line of credit?

The amount you can borrow with a checking line of credit is usually up to $500 to $1,000. Some banks may offer higher limits to customers with strong credit, higher incomes, and a long-standing relationship with the bank.

Does a checking line of credit require collateral?

No, a checking line of credit usually does not require collateral. It is an unsecured form of credit, meaning that it is not backed by any assets like a house or car. Instead, approval and credit limits are based primarily on your credit score and history of repaying past debts.

How do I apply for a checking line of credit?

Here are the steps typically involved in applying for a checking line of credit:

•   Make sure you meet the bank’s requirements, such as having a checking account in good standing.

•   Gather the necessary documents, which might include a photo ID and proof of income.

•   Fill out and submit an application (you may be able to do this online, by phone, or by visiting a branch).

If approved, the checking line of credit will be linked to your checking account, ready for use as needed.

Photo credit: iStock/AleksandarNakic

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.30% 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 4.30% 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 10/8/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

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

*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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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Should I Pull My Money Out of the Stock Market?

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off on Should I Pull My Money Out of the Stock Market?

When markets are volatile, and you start to see your portfolio shrink, there may be an impulse to pull your money out and put it somewhere safe — but acting on that desire may actually expose you to a higher level of risk.

In fact, there’s a whole field of research devoted to investor behavior, and the financial consequences of following your emotions (hint: the results are less than ideal).

A better strategy might be to anticipate your own natural reactions when markets drop — or when there’s a stock market crash — and wait to make investment choices based on more rational thinking (or even a set of rules you’ve set up for yourself in advance).

After all, for many investors — especially younger investors — time in the market often beats timing the stock market. Here’s an overview of factors investors might weigh when deciding whether to keep money in the stock market.

Investing Can Be an Emotional Ride

An emotion-guided approach to the stock market, whether it’s the sudden offloading or purchasing of stocks, can stem from an attempt to predict the short-term movements in the market. This approach is called timing the market.

And while the notion of trying to predict the perfect time to buy or sell is a familiar one, investors are also prone to specific behaviors or biases that can expose them to further risk of losses.

Giving into Fear

When markets experience a sharp decline, some investors might feel tempted to give in to FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt). Investors might assume that by selling now they’re shielding themselves from further losses.

This logic, however, presumes that investing in a down market means the market will continue to go down, which — given the volatility of prices and the impossibility of knowing the future — may or may not be the case.

Focusing on temporary declines might compel some investors to make hasty decisions that they may later regret. After all, over time, markets tend to correct.

Following the Crowd

Likewise, when the market is moving upwards, investors can sometimes fall victim to what’s known as FOMO (fear of missing out) — buying under the assumption that today’s growth is a sign of tomorrow’s continued boom. That strategy is not guaranteed to yield success either.

Why Time in the Market Matters

Answering the question, “Should I pull my money out of the stock market?” will depend on an investor’s time horizon — or, the length of time they aim to hold an investment before selling.

Many industry studies have shown that time in the market is typically a wiser approach versus trying to time the stock market or give in to panic selling.

One such groundbreaking study by Brad Barber and Terence Odean was called, “Trading Is Hazardous to Your Wealth: The Common Stock Investment Performance of Individual Investors.”

It was published in April 2000 in the Journal of Finance, and it was one of the first studies to quantify the gap between market returns and investor returns.

•   Market returns are simply the average return of the market itself over a specific period of time.

•   Investor returns, however, are what the average investor tends to reap — and investor returns are significantly lower, the study found, particularly among those who trade more often.

In other words, when investors try to time the market by selling on the dip and buying on the rise, they actually lose out.

By contrast, keeping money in the market for a long period of time can help cut the risk of short-term dips or declines in stock pricing. Staying put despite periods of volatility, for some investors, could be a sound strategy.

An investor’s time horizon may play a significant role in determining whether or not they might want to get out of the stock market. Generally, the longer a period of time an investor has to ride out the market, the less they may want to fret about their portfolio during upheaval.

Compare, for instance, the scenario of a 25-year-old who has decades to make back short-term losses versus someone who is about to retire and needs to begin taking withdrawals from their investment accounts.

Get up to $1,000 in stock when you fund a new Active Invest account.*

Access stock trading, options, auto investing, IRAs, and more. Get started in just a few minutes.

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

Is It Okay to Pull Out of the Market During a Downturn?

There is nothing wrong with deciding to pull out of the markets if they go south. But if you sell stock or other assets during a downturn, you run the risk of locking in your losses, as they say. Depending on how far values have declined, you might lose some of your gains, or you might lose some or all of your principal.

In a perfect world if you timed it right, you could pull your money out at the right moment and avoid the worst — and then buy back in, just in time to catch the rebound. While this sounds smart, it’s very difficult to pull off.

Benefits of Pulling Out of the Market

The benefit of pulling out of the market and keeping your money in cash is that cash isn’t volatile. Generally speaking, your cash won’t lose value over night, and that can provide some financial as well as psychological comfort.

As noted above if you make your move at the right time, you might prevent steeper losses — but without a crystal ball, there are no guarantees. That said, by using stop-limit orders, you can create your own guardrails by automatically triggering a sale of certain securities if the price hits specific lows.

Disadvantages of Pulling Out of the Market

There are a few disadvantages to pulling cash out of the market during a downturn. First, as discussed earlier, there’s the risk of locking in losses if you sell your holdings too quickly.

Potentially worse is the risk of missing the rebound as well. Locking in losses and then losing out on gains basically acts as a double loss.

When you realize certain losses, as when you realize gains, you will likely have to deal with certain tax consequences.

And while moving to cash may feel safe, because you’re unlikely to see sudden declines in your cash holdings, the reality is that keeping money in cash increases the risk of inflation.

💡 Recommended: How to Protect Your Money From Inflation

Using Limit Orders to Manage Risk

A market order is simply a basic trade, when you buy or sell a stock at the market price. But when markets start to drop, a limit order does just that — it puts a limit on the price at which you’re willing to sell (or buy) securities.

Limit orders are triggered automatically when the security hits a certain price. For sell limit orders, for example, the order will be executed at the price you set or higher. (A buy limit order means the trade will only be executed at that price or lower.)

By using certain types of orders, traders can potentially reduce their risk of losses and avoid unpredictable swings in the market.

Alternatives to Getting Out of the Stock Market

Here’s an overview of some alternatives to getting out of the stock market:

Rotating into Safe Haven Assets

Investors could choose to rotate some of their investments into safe haven assets (i.e. those that aren’t correlated with market volatility). Gold, silver, and bonds are often thought of as some of the safe havens that investors first flock to during times of uncertainty.

By rebalancing a portfolio so fewer holdings are impacted by market volatility, investors might reduce the risk of loss.

Reassessing where to allocate one’s assets is no simple task and, if done too rashly, could lead to losses in the long run. So, it may be helpful for investors to speak with a financial professional before making a big investment change that’s driven by the news of the day.

Having a Diversified Portfolio

Instead of shifting investments into safe haven assets, like precious metals, some investors prefer to cultivate a well-diversified portfolio from the start.

In this case, there’d be less need to rotate funds towards “safer” investments during a decline, as the portfolio would already offer enough diversification to help mitigate the risks of market volatility.

Reinvesting Dividends

Reinvesting dividends may also lead the long-term investor’s portfolio to continue growing at a steady pace, even when share prices decline temporarily. Knowing where and when to reinvest earnings is another factor investors may want to chew on when deciding which strategy to adopt.

(Any dividend-yielding stocks an investor holds must be owned on or before the ex-dividend date. Otherwise, the dividend won’t be credited to the investor’s account. So, if an investor decides to get out of the stock market, they may miss out on dividend payments.)

Rebalancing a Portfolio

Sometimes, astute investors also choose to rebalance their portfolio in a downturn — by buying new stocks. It’s difficult, though not impossible, to profit from new trends that can come forth during a crisis.

It’s worth noting that this investment strategy doesn’t involve pulling money out of the stock market — it just means selling some stocks to buy others.

For example, during the initial shock of the 2020 crisis, many stocks suffered steep declines. But, there were some that outperformed the market due to certain market shifts. Stocks for companies that specialize in work-from-home software, like those in the video conferencing space, saw increases in value.

Bear in mind, though, that these gains are often temporary. For example, home workout equipment, like exercise bikes, became in high demand, leading related stocks higher. Some remote-based healthcare companies saw share prices rise. But in some cases, these gains were short-lived.

Also, for newer investors or those with low risk tolerance, attempting this strategy might not be a desirable option.

Reassessing Asset Allocation

During downturns, it could be worthwhile for investors to examine their asset allocations — or, the amount of money an investor holds in each asset.

If an investor holds stocks in industries that have been struggling and may continue to struggle due to floundering demand (think restaurants, retail, or oil in 2020), they may opt to sell some of the stocks that are declining in value.

Even if such holdings get sold at a loss, the investor could then put money earned from the sale of these stocks towards safe haven assets — potentially gaining back their recent losses.

Holding Cash Has Its Benefits

Cash can be an added asset, too. Naturally, the value of cash is shaped by things like inflation, so its purchase power can swing up and down. Still, there are advantages to stockpiling some cash. Money invested in other assets, after all, is — by definition — tied up in that asset. That money is not immediately liquid.

Cash, on the other hand, could be set aside in a savings account or in an emergency fund — unencumbered by a specific investment. Here are some potential benefits to cash holdings:

First, on a psychological level, an investor who knows they have cash on hand may be less prone to feel they’re at risk of losing it all (when stocks fluctuate or flail).

A secondary benefit of cash involves having some “dry powder” — or, money on hand that could be used to buy additional stocks if the market keeps dipping. In investing, it can pay to a “contrarian,” running against the crowd. In other words, when others are selling (aka being fearful), a savvy investor might want to buy.

The Takeaway

Pulling money out of the market during a downturn is a natural impulse for many investors. After all, everyone wants to avoid losses. But attempting to time the market (when there’s no crystal ball) can be risky and stressful.

For many investors, especially younger investors with a longer time horizon, keeping money in the stock market may carry advantages over time. One approach to investing is to establish long-term investment goals and then strive to stay the course — even when facing market headwinds.

Always, when it comes to investing in the stock market, there’s no guarantee of increasing returns. So, individual investors will want to examine their personal economic needs and short-term and future financial goals before deciding when and how to invest.

While managing money during a market downturn might seem tricky, getting started with investing doesn’t need to be. It’s easy, convenient, and secure to set up an investment account with SoFi Invest.

SoFi Invest® is a secure app where users can take care of all their investment needs — including trading stocks, investing in IPO shares, and more. It also gives SoFi members access to complimentary financial advice and actionable market insights. Ready to start investing?

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

FAQ

Should you pull out of the stock market?

Ideally, you don’t want to impulsively pull your money out of the market when there is a crisis or sudden volatility. While a down market can be unnerving, and the desire to put your money into safe investments is understandable, this can actually expose you to more risk.

When is it smart to pull out of stocks?

In some cases it might be smart to pull your money out of certain stocks when they reach a predetermined price (you can use a limit order to set those guardrails); when you want to buy into new opportunities; or add diversification to your portfolio.

What are your options for getting out of the stock market?

There are always options besides the stock market. The ones that are most appealing depend on your goals. You can invest in safe haven investments (e.g. bonds or precious metals), you can put your money into cash; you can consider other assets such as real estate.

SoFi Invest®

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

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

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

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