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Jun

2023

What Does It Take to Be in the Top 1%?

By Kate Ashford | Budgeting & Goals, Financial Independence, money | Comments Off

You’ve likely heard about the 1%: Those people who’s net worth is among the top 1% in the nation. Just how wealthy are these individuals? Recent data shows that while the median U.S. income is $70,000 a year or so, the 1% can earn up to $955,000, or just a hair under a million dollars a year.

If you are curious about what it takes to be among the 1% or have your sights firmly set on joining their ranks, read on. Here’s a closer look at how the wealthiest people in America got their plus some of their most effective strategies for financial success.

What Does it Mean to be in the Top 1%?

While many people might think “top 1%” and immediately imagine a CEO whose salary is in the tens of millions, the top 1% in terms of net worth aren’t necessarily the people who earn the most.

Net worth refers to the value of the assets a person owns (which includes checking and savings account balances, the value of securities such as stocks or bonds, real property value, the market value of automobiles, etc), minus the liabilities (or debt, like mortgages, loans, credit card balances) they owe.

A deeper view of the top 1% indicates that this wealth accumulation is spurred by more than one source: Income, investments, tax breaks that help the wealthiest keep more of their money, property, and more. All of these help make up the resources a household or individual has socked away as net worth.

The Income and Savings of the 1%

Having a high net worth isn’t just a matter of earning more. It can also mean saving more. Consider these numbers:

• The median household in the U.S. has $11,700 in savings.

• The top 1% of American households have a median savings of $1.1 million.

• The lowest 20% of income earners have no savings, as you might expect, as they may be living paycheck to paycheck.

These numbers indicate that not only do high-wealth households make more money, but they also know the value of keeping some of it in a secure location, where it’s likely insured and earning a high-yield interest rate.

Is There a Formula for Becoming Part of the 1%?

There’s no one formula for joining the 1%, but several factors appear to play a role in the rise of many one-percenters. These include:

• Saving. Many people who save through traditional 401(k) retirement plans and other vehicles may receive a match from an employer. You might choose to save the minimum amount required to get that match, but saving more — the max allowed in a 401k and additional after-tax contributions — builds net worth faster.

• Starting early. The earlier you start saving and investing, the more you stand to gain due to compound earnings, which is when any returns you earn are reinvested to earn additional returns. This “interest on interest” can help your wealth snowball over time.

• Income consistency and growth. The more you earn and the more that grows over time, the more likely your household will be to enter the top 1% of wage earnings. There are some in-demand careers (like software engineers and data scientists) where average Big Tech salaries are in the range of $200,000 per year. But regardless of your particular job, staying consistently employed and saving is a path to building wealth versus leaving the work force or deciding to forego savings for a few years to, say, travel more.

• Frugality. You’ve heard that Warren Buffett wears outdated suits and lives in a house he paid $31,500 for in 1958. He’s worth approximately $113.3 billion. He also buys reduced-price cars, doesn’t spend big on expensive hobbies and he even clips coupons. Not all 1% are spending lavishly on yachts and third and fourth homes. If you want to be a part of the 1% and you didn’t invent the best thing since sliced bread, it may be helpful to stay motivated to save money vs. overspending.

Recommended: How to Stop Overspending

• Family history/Luck. Having a head start can certainly help. However, research indicates that 79% of 1%-ers are self-made. Finding the right solution for a big problem at the right moment can lead to a big windfall in a new company, or, starting the next Facebook or Amazon is a little bit luck, a little bit skill.

Moving Towards the 1%

Thomas Stanley, author of The Millionaire Next Door, identified the seven characteristics of people who become big accumulators of wealth—and thus have a chance to build the wealth it takes to be in the top 1%. These common traits include:

1. They live below their means.
2. They allocate their money, energy, and time in ways that contribute to building wealth.
3. They believe that financial independence itself is more important than appearing to have a high social status.
4. Their parents did not provide money for their basics in adulthood.
5. Their adult children are self-sufficient economically.
6. They understand how to target economic opportunities.
7. They choose the right occupation.

Not all of these are factors one can fully control—and not everyone has a knack for targeting economic opportunities. In addition, many people choose an occupation around a passion, not around wealth-building. That doesn’t mean you can’t get there—or get close.

The Takeaway

Being part of the 1% appears to take a combination of luck, talent, hard work, and determination. Being diligent about saving is also a key way to grow your net worth over time. The more you can sock away, the better off you will likely be in the future.

Looking to start saving? SoFi Checking and Savings is an online banking account where you can spend and save all in one account. You’ll earn a competitive annual percentage yield (APY) and pay no account fees, which can help your money grow faster

With SoFi Checking and Savings’s Vaults feature, you can set up recurring deposits to help you reach your savings goals faster.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.20% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

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 4.20% 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 4.20% 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 4.20% 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 10/31/2024. 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.

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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Jun

2023

5 Tips for Saving for a Baby

By Valerie Zell | Budgeting & Goals, money | Comments Off

If you’re expecting a baby or just beginning to think about expanding your family, it’s an exciting time, full of new experiences and lots of love to be shared. Oh, and new responsibilities and expenses too.

From diapers to childcare, from toys to medical costs, there are myriad costs associated with parenthood. There are many ways you can plan and get on track for affording these costs. Here, you’ll learn some of the best techniques to make your money go further and pay for the expenses that go along with welcoming a baby.

The Costs of Having a Baby

The exact cost of having a baby varies depending on health insurance, state and local cost of living, level of prenatal care, and a number of other factors. But according to the most recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a middle-income family in 2022 could expect to spend between $15,438 to $17,375 per year per child.

For couples who conceived naturally, without the added costs of fertility treatments or adoption, that first expense might include a trip to the pharmacy for a pregnancy test. From there, they grow to include prenatal care for mom and baby and an ever-expanding checklist of purchases, to-dos, and decisions—all within the next nine months or so.

Here’s a look at some of the common expenses that can crop up, from pregnancy through baby’s first birthday.

Before Birth

Parents-to-be may find that some of the biggest costs of having a baby happen before the baby is born. Prenatal care, for example, can begin within weeks of conception. It can bring associated diagnostic tests. Regardless of health insurance, extra services like 3D ultrasounds may not be covered.

A typical parent-to-be might also have a shopping list that includes a car seat, stroller, crib, diapers and wipes, more diapers and wipes, a changing table, clothes, toys, a baby monitor, bottles, and more diapers and wipes.

Depending on mom’s preference for breastfeeding or formula feeding, the list might also include a breast pump and related supplies or formula (or sometimes both).

During Birth

When it comes time to welcome your new bundle, the average cost is reported, on average, to be around $18,865. Natural, vaginal births are usually the most affordable, with costs increasing alongside complications or procedures like c-sections, and actual costs swing widely by state.

After Birth

Once mom and baby leave the hospital, they start to create a new normal for two. For mom, it can include postpartum doctor visits to monitor healing or remove stitches, and for baby it can include regular, frequent checkups, starting within three to five days of birth

If both parents decide at some point to return to work, the cost of daycare might be the next large, recurring expense. Combined with groceries, bills, and other aspects of pre-baby life that still go on, the thought of managing it all might feel overwhelming.

Here are some ways it’s possible to cut corners, get creative, and save money.

💡 Recommended: 15 Creative Ways to Save Money

Finding Extra Money for Baby

More and more employers are offering paid maternity (and paternity) leave, but beyond 12 weeks of unpaid leave offered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), receiving pay while caring for a newborn isn’t guaranteed.

For many Americans, that means saving up for a baby is more important than ever. Some people take out adoption loans to help cover costs for a new baby.

Facing a heap of new expenses while at the same time losing income may be a scary thought, and getting through it could require a heart-to-heart between partners and a lot of teamwork. But here are some strategies that may help budget for a baby.

1. Starting a Stockpile ASAP

One way to save early and often is to think of those nine months between the start of a pregnancy and the due date as time to stock up and save. Consider the financial difference between adding one box of diapers or wipes to a regular grocery trip vs. waiting until the baby arrives.

Adding items to your inventory a bit at a time—especially when they’re on sale—could be a lot easier on the wallet than an emergency trip when they’re needed ASAP. The same strategy could be used for cash, too. Every day, week, or month, parents could set aside as much as possible in an emergency fund. Having a specific account dedicated to baby’s needs could mean that the regular budget for paying bills and other grownup expenses isn’t as heavily affected.

2. Cutting Extra Costs

If a new, baby-friendly budget is in the works, parents might want to consider ways to cut costs — starting with areas that are the least painful. Take fees, for example. Eliminating credit-card fees, ATM withdrawal fees, or late-payment penalties are some of the easiest ways to improve cash flow. If bills tend to be incurring late fees, automatic drafts or reminders are potential ways to help make sure they’re on time.

Some other, not-so-painful ways to cut costs might include looking at where unused subscriptions can be canceled and valued ones can be lessened but still exist. For instance, there are ways to save on streaming services, and you might also look into new ways to shop. Consignment and second-hand stores are often filled with gently used baby items, from outgrown clothes to books, which can yield savings.

3. Opening a Health Savings Account

A health savings account (HSA) is usually offered alongside a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), and when used how it’s intended could bring new parents some significant perks: Money that’s placed into the account is pre-tax (and can include employer contributions), and it can be used to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses, such as office copays. If the HSA provider issues funds via debit card, it’s one easy way to keep health expenses entirely separate from the day-to-day budget.

But it’s not just doctor’s visits that are covered by HSA funds. Depending on individual plans, some can also be used to pay for health memberships, chiropractic treatments, breast pumps, and other items not covered by regular health insurance.

And, although HSAs are traditionally offered through employer health plans, freelancers and other self-employed workers may be eligible to open an account, too.

4. Getting Creative

A newborn’s essentials list may be significantly shorter than mom and dad’s: They need diapers, clothes, food, a safe place to travel and sleep, and parent cuddles — that’s about it. The rest? The fancy diaper bag, the 100-in-1 stroller, the matching outfits, even shoes before the baby leans to walk, can be more like nice-to-haves.

To save money on needs vs. wants, parents could consider putting “gift” items on a baby-shower registry — if they’re purchased, great! No unnecessary strain on the budget.

5. Putting Your Savings to Work

One way to afford a baby is to make your money work harder for. For instance, pay attention to where you keep your savings. When comparing traditional vs. online banks, you may see that online ones can offer a better deal. Since these institutions don’t have brick-and-mortar locations to staff and maintain, their operating budget may be lower. They can pass those savings on to their clients in the form of higher annual percentage yields (APYs) and lower or no fees.

The Takeaway

One way to make your savings work hard for you is to open an online bank account with SoFi Checking and Savings®️. There are no account fees and a competitive APY to help your money grow faster. Plus you’ll spend and save in one convenient place, which can make life easier for busy parents.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.20% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

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 4.20% 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 4.20% 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 4.20% 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 10/31/2024. 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.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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Jun

2023

What is UBI? (Universal Basic Income)

By David Wolinsky | Budgeting & Goals, Life & Career, money | Comments Off

Universal basic income (UBI) is a governmental public program that can be implemented at the local, regional, or national level that would guarantee all citizens sufficient income to meet their basic needs.

The goal of this type of program is to reduce financial stress faced by the citizens of a country (or region) and enable them to focus on improving their job skills, furthering their education, or managing personal issues while still receiving enough income to meet their basic living expenses.

Because these programs are either experimental or being developed, there are no criteria for exactly how UBI would work, including how much people would receive and if all or only some citizens would receive the income. However, what follows is a closer look at what we do know about UBI, including the history behind the idea of universal income and the potential pros and cons of UBI.

Has There Ever Been a Guaranteed Income in the US?

The short answer to this question is yes, no, sort of, but mainly no. The debate over universal basic income spun up when Andrew Yang proposed The Freedom Dividend, during his campaign for the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, in which he proposed a standard $1,000 monthly payment for Americans.

Yang argued his Freedom Dividend would have increased productivity and boosted economic growth. But the idea behind his proposal actually isn’t new, and there’s even precedent to it: Since 1982 in Alaska, for example, there’s the Permanent Fund, an annual payment that “allows for Alaskans to share in a portion of the state minerals revenue in the form of a dividend to benefit current and future generations.”

A similar program more related to sharing resources is Texas’ Permanent University Fund (PUF). Established in 1876, the PUF utilizes revenue generated by oil and gas companies to fund and support higher education within the state.

A broader, UBI-like program was rolled out in the U.S. during the coronavirus pandemic, when many people lost income because their employers either scaled down or shut down operations. As unemployment skyrocketed, the federal government intervened and added to unemployment benefits to help those in financial distress. The government also implemented a widespread economic stimulus package.

Another example of something akin to UBI is the welfare system, which is government support to help ensure very-low-income citizens can meet their basic needs. However, people lose their eligibility for welfare programs (like food stamps provided by SNAP or Medicaid benefits) if they begin earning more than a certain threshold.

While an argument could be made that welfare is a stepping stone to deploying universal basic income, that hasn’t quite happened yet. This is despite the fact that many have tried. In the 1960s, Martin Luther King, Jr. called for a UBI to abolish poverty and help diminish income inequality among Americans. That same decade, President Richard Nixon in 1969 toyed with a UBI plan to assist poor families by giving them $1,600 a year — equivalent to roughly $11,600 in 2020.

Before Yang revived the idea, the Green Party in 2010 advocated for a universal basic income to “every adult regardless of health, employment, or marital status, in order to minimize government bureaucracy and intrusiveness into people’s lives.” In 2017, in Hawaii, Hawaii State Rep. Chris Lee published a bill to investigate basic income for his state and explore its viability.

These recommendations are not unique to politicians alone. Facebook Co-Founder Chris Hughes’ 2018 book Fair Shot: Rethinking Inequality and How We Earn argues for a UBI plan financed by taxes on the top, wealthiest 1% of the country.

In America alone, UBI has been suggested, debated, and floated as an idea going all the way back to political theorist and revolutionary Thomas Paine in the 18th century, and the publication of the 1795 “Agrarian Justice” pamphlet (which also is recognized as the first American proposal for pensions). “Agrarian Justice” discussed the origins of property, and that divisions between the poor and the rich were arbitrary ones that should be actively eroded, if not discarded.

But as the above paragraphs suggest, these calls, experiments, and trial balloons flirting with UBI have not resulted in any kind of universal basic income program in the U.S.

What About the Rest of the World?

Since other countries in the world have a longer history than America, it might not be a surprise to learn that the notion of universal basic income is as well. It has emerged and re-emerged throughout history—dating back at least to the 1500s.

In 1516, English philosopher and lawyer Thomas More published Utopia, a satirical book that posited how a minimum income might cure theft. As time went on, these suggestions have gone from being less radical to more seriously considered.

When Thomas Paine wrote about UBI in the 18th century, historians say French military general Napoleon Bonaparte was sympathetic, making a comment along the lines of: “Man is entitled by birthright to a share of the Earth’s produce sufficient to fill the needs of his existence.”

While Napoleon ultimately never implemented UBI, a good deal of the rest of the world seems to be thinking it’s time to adopt it. Fast-forward to more recent times, and in 2018 British business magnate Sir Richard Branson spoke about the importance of UBI in an interview , saying he believes “it will come about one day.”

South Africa has made repeated calls for basic income. Political parties and economists in Japan support the idea. While there aren’t any national UBI plans currently in practice, there is a growing list of countries that have explored smaller-scale programs to test out the idea.

What are some of the Pros and Cons of UBI?

Like anything, UBI has a number of pros and cons. The arguments for and against can be complex, branching into economic and political factors and ideas. This article provides a brief overview of some of the frequently cited pros and cons.

Pros of UBI

Some of the pros of UBI are straightforward—for example, with consistent and reliable payments from the program, people could choose to spend less time working or pursue jobs they enjoy or those that offer more competitive wages.

Another pro—with this safety net, people would also be better able to take time off of work to care for a family member, should the need arise.

Proponents of UBI say that governments may spend less to administer UBI in comparison to traditional welfare plans. And UBI could help in ending the cycle of poverty that some people on welfare find themselves trapped in.

Another benefit? UBI payments have the potential to help stabilize the economy during a recession.

Cons of UBI

UBI can inspire concerns about inflation. People would be receiving payments and feasibly have more money to spend, which could cause inflation if there is an increased demand for goods and services. And, if there is increased inflation, the payments wouldn’t necessarily lead to an increased standard of living.

Additionally, there are concerns that UBI could squash people’s motivation to work.

While proponents of UBI anticipate that the program would be less expensive than the current welfare system, there aren’t many plans that detail what a potential transition from welfare to UBI could look like in the United States.

The Takeaway

Universal basic income, or UBI, is the idea that each citizen would receive an unconditional universal basic payment from the government to help meet their basic needs. This idea has been percolating for centuries. Proponents of the idea suggest that the program would offer stability for residents and could potentially cost less to administer than the current welfare system. Detractors of the idea argue that UBI could lead to inflation and disincentive people from working.

Whatever you may think of the merits for and arguments against universal basic income, it’s anyone’s guess whether it will become a reality in the U.S. In the meantime, you could consider reviewing or making your own financial plan. Being more deliberate about how you earn and spend and being sure to put some money aside each month for the future can help you create your own personal financial safety net.

Looking for a simple way to manage your spending and saving? Consider opening a SoFi Checking and Savings account. With SoFi, you can earn a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), save, and spend — all in one place. And SoFi Checking and Savings doesn’t have any account fees which could eat away at your savings.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.20% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

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Jun

2023

Savings Goals by Age: Smart Financial Targets by Age Group

By Austin Kilham | Budgeting & Goals, Growing Wealth, money | Comments Off

Mapping out your financial future can be daunting, especially if you only have a vague sense of what you want to accomplish.

It can be useful to consider financial milestones to help you chart out your journey from college graduation through retirement. Here’s a look at some common savings goals by age to help you orient yourself and build a plan.

Savings Goals for Your 20s

In your 20s, people are often just out of school, starting a career, and getting their life in order. As if that wasn’t enough, challenges like student loan debt or credit debt may face them. Now is the time to set financial goals, consider an investment strategy, and start building healthy financial habits.

Paying off High Interest Debt

If you have any high-interest debt—debts of 7% or more—you might focus on paying it off. High-interest payments can cost you a lot over the life of a loan.

Credit cards, which often allow minimum payments that are much less than the total balance due, can be particularly costly as interest on the balance accrues. The more money going toward high-interest debt, the less you can focus on your savings goals.

Building Emergency Savings

At this age, people are often just getting on their own feet and might not have a lot of extra cash to stock away. Establishing a rainy day fund can be a useful savings goal. Generally, emergency funds contain at least three to six months worth of living expenses. This fund can help cover emergencies like unexpectedly needing to replace a car transmission, a trip to urgent care, or losing your income. Since you never know when you’ll need to access your emergency fund, consider saving it in an easily accessible vehicle, such as an online bank account.

Recommended: Planning your emergency fund? Our emergency fund calculator can assist you in setting the right target.

Saving for Retirement

The earlier you start investing for retirement, the longer you can take advantage of the powers of compounding interest — the returns you earn on your investment returns.

Compounding interest helps your investments grow exponentially. Consider taking advantage of any retirement accounts your employers offer, such as a 401(k). If your employer doesn’t offer a retirement plan, there are other options, such as setting up an individual retirement account (IRA), where you can save for retirement in a tax-advantaged way on your own.

Savings Goals for Your 30s

In your 30s, people are often more settled into a career path and may be thinking about other goals such as purchasing a house or having kids.

More Saving for Retirement

As your income grows and retirement gets a little bit closer, consider increasing the amount you’re setting aside for retirement. If your employer offers a match to your 410(k) contributions, taking advantage of the match can be a wise move, since this is essentially free money.

Buying a Home

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ll want to focus on saving for a down payment. The amount you will need to save will depend on housing prices in the area where you’re looking to buy. A larger down payment can make it easier to secure a mortgage, and can also mean that you pay less interest over the life of the loan.

Also, lenders may require borrowers to have mortgage insurance if they’re making a down payment smaller than 20%, which is an added expense to the home-buying process.

Setting up College Funds

If you have children, another consideration is saving for their college education. One way you can do this is to open a 529 college savings plan that helps you save for your child’s tuition and other education-related expenses. Just be sure not to neglect other long-term goals, such as retirement, while saving for your child’s college education.

Savings Goals for Your 40s

As you enter your forties, you are likely entering your highest earning years. If you have your high-interest debts behind you, you can devote your attention to building your net worth.

Keeping an Eye on Your Emergency Fund

The amount of money you needed to cover six months worth of expenses in your 20s is likely far less than what you need now, especially if you have a mortgage to pay and children to support. You’ll want to make sure that your emergency fund grows with you.

Protecting Your Assets

Now that you have a more substantial income and own some valuable things, such as a home and a car, you’ll want to make sure you protect those assets with adequate insurance. Home and auto insurance protect you in the event that something happens to your house or your car.

You may also want to consider getting life insurance if you haven’t already. This can provide a cash cushion to help your family replace your income or cover other expenses should you die. The younger you are when you purchase life insurance, generally the less expensive it will be.

Savings Goals for Your 50s

In your 50s, you’re likely still in your top earning years. You may still be paying off your mortgage, and your kids may now be out of the house.

Taking a Closer Look at Retirement Savings

As retirement age approaches, you’ll want to continue contributing as much as you can to your retirement account. When you turn 50, you are eligible to catch-up contributions to your 401(k) and IRAs.

These contributions provide an opportunity to boost your retirement savings if you haven’t been able to save as much as you hoped up to this point. Even if you have been meeting your savings goals, the contributions allow you to throw some weight behind your savings and take full advantage of tax-advantaged accounts in the decade before you may retire.

Continuing to Pay Off a Mortgage

If you think your monthly mortgage payments may be too high to manage on a fixed income, you might consider paying off or refinancing your mortgage before you retire.

Goals for Your 60s

As you enter your 60s, you may be nearing your retirement. However, when it comes to saving, you don’t have to slow down. As long as you are earning income, you might want to keep funding your retirement accounts.

Thinking Long-Term

Now is a good time to assess how much you have saved for retirement and perhaps adjust what you are contributing (based on how much you’ve already put aside and how much you can afford). At the same time, you may want to plan out a retirement income strategy, which is when you’ll start withdrawing funds and how much you’ll take each month or year. You’ll also want to decide when to start taking Social Security.

The Takeaway

Everyone’s personal timeline is different. The milestones you hit and when you hit them may vary depending on your personal situation. For example, someone graduating from college with $50,000 in student loan debt is at a very different starting point than someone who graduates with no debt. And while someone might be able to buy a house in their early 30s, others may live in a more expensive area and need more time to save.

No matter your starting point and situation, a simple way to manage your finances at any age is to open a checking and savings account where you can spend, save, and earn all in one product. With a SoFi Checking and Savings account, you’ll earn a competitive annual percentage yield (APY) and pay no account fees, both of which can help your money grow faster.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.20% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

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Jun

2023

27 Activities to do in Your Free Time That do not Cost Anything

27 Fun Things to Do for Free

By Kylie Ora Lobell | Budgeting & Goals, Financial Independence, money | Comments Off

Having a good time doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, there are plenty of fun and interesting things to do that don’t cost any money at all.

While it may take a little more research and imagination, it’s possible to find new and entertaining activities to do on your own or with your family and friends without busting your budget.

If you’re looking for some fun ways to save money, read on. We’ve got 27 ideas.

Fun Free Things To Do

If you find that you often spend your free time binge-watching shows or scrolling through social media on your phone, it may be time to work some new activities into your repertoire. Fortunately, that doesn’t have to mean breaking out your wallet.

Consider trying one (or a few) of these fun, free activities.

1. Going on a Hike

If the weather is nice outside, then it could be time to hit the great outdoors and take a hike. You can search for nearby hikes at AllTrails.com . You’ll also be able to check out the length and difficulty of the trail, as well how long it takes to hike.

2. Volunteering with a Local Organization

Volunteering can be a great cost-free activity because it allows you to give back, potentially meet some new people, and feel good about how you spent your day. To find local volunteering opportunities, you can check out VolunteerMatch.org , which matches people with local organizations that need help.

3. Playing Board Games

When looking for fun things to do with the family, consider busting out a game of Monopoly or Life and competing against one another. You might reward the winner with a few days or a week off from their everyday chores.

💡 Quick Tip: Banish bank fees. Open a new bank account with SoFi and you’ll pay no overdraft, minimum balance, or any monthly fees.

4. Decluttering the House

While this might not be the first thing that comes to mind when looking for a fun way to spend your free time, cleaning and being productive can actually be very satisfying, and also help relieve stress. You can declutter alone or get the kids involved. Consider donating your discards to a local charity or thrift store.

5. Going to a Free Museum Day

Many museums will offer free admission once a week or once a month. You can spend an afternoon browsing through the beautiful works of art without spending a dime.

6. Having a Picnic in the Park

Dining al fresco doesn’t have to be pricey if you head for a local park. A picnic can be a great way to spend a liesurely afternoon with family and friends. All you need is a blanket, lunch, a ball or Frisbee, and a shady spot.

Recommended: 13 Cheap Ways to Live

7. Streaming an Exercise Video

Gym memberships, personal trainers, and exercise classes can be expensive. However, exercise videos on YouTube and Instagram are totally free. Consider breaking out the sweats and burning some calories for free.

8. FaceTiming With Friends and Family

Whether you prefer an old-fashioned phone call or a video call, reconnecting with an old friend or a family member you haven’t spoken with in a while can be an enjoyable, no-cost way to spend some free time.

9. Trying Meditation

Meditating can be a relaxing solo activity that helps to clear your mind and reduce stress. You can find free meditations on YouTube, or you might want to check out Headspace, which has guided meditation for beginners and offers a free trial.

💡 Quick Tip: An emergency fund or rainy day fund is an important financial safety net. Aim to have at least three to six months’ worth of basic living expenses saved in case you get a major unexpected bill or lose income.

10. Playing Free Games Online

Playing games online can be a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon with the kids. You can find free educational games for kids on sites like Funbrain .

11. Going to the Beach Off Hours

Hitting the beach in the late afternoon or early morning is often free. At these times you’re also likely to find fewer crowds, as well as beautiful light.

12. Starting a Journal

Journaling can be a great way to get things off your mind, collect your thoughts, and even come up with solutions to nagging problems. All you need is a pen and an old notebook to get started.

13. Visiting Your Local Library

You can not only find great books to read at your local library, but also pick up DVDs, CDs, and audio books, and possibly also attend a lecture, film screening, or other free community event.

14. Cooking Something New

Consider shopping your cupboard, fridge, and freezer, and then looking for something you can make with what you have on hand. You can find plenty of free recipes at sites like Allrecipes and Food Network.

15. Checking Out a Fire Station

Kids typically love fire trucks. Consider reaching out to your local fire station to see if they offer tours. This is not only a fun, free family activity, but allows kids to learn all about how the fire department works while meeting their local heroes.

💡 Quick Tip: When you feel the urge to buy something that isn’t in your budget, try the 30-day rule. Make a note of the item in your calendar for 30 days into the future. When the date rolls around, there’s a good chance the “gotta have it” feeling will have subsided.

16. Making a Movie

Whether you have a video camera or just a smartphone, you have what you need to make a short film. You can have everyone in the family pitch in to create a storyline, sets, costumes, and props. You can then edit the film and share it online.

17. Learning a New Skill

Whether you want to get better at applying makeup or have always wanted to learn how to juggle or knit a scarf, you can likely find a great tutorial on YouTube.

18. Going to Local Historical Site

There are likely a number of places around town where you and your family can soak up some local history. Many towns also offer free walking tours.

19. Attending a Free Concert

During the summer, many towns will put on free concerts for everyone to enjoy. You might even bring a blanket and dinner for a nice evening out.

20. Doing a Puzzle

Putting together a large puzzle can be a fun and challenging activity to do alone or with friends and family. If you are tired of the ones you own, consider trading puzzles with a friend or neighbor so you have something new to tackle.

Recommended: How to Stop Spending Money

21. Camping in the Backyard

In warmer weather, camping in the backyard offers an opportunity for fun, free adventure with the kids. If you don’t have a tent, consider borrowing one for the night. You can make a fire (or light up the grill) to roast marshmallows and tell ghost stories before bed.

22. Starting a Book Club

While this can take a little planning, book clubs are relatively easy to set up. You can create a private book club on Facebook or another social media platform. Or, you can recruit a group of book-loving friends to meet once a month at each other’s homes.

23. Washing the Car

You can have fun and accomplish something at the same time by getting your kids involved in washing the car. You could even host a neighborhood car wash so the kiddos can earn some pocket money.

Recommended: How to Be Better With Money

24. Heading to the Dog Park

This can obviously be a great idea if you have a dog, but can also be entertaining if you don’t. You can grab a bench and have fun watching cute dogs run around and play. Dog parks can also be fun for people watching.

Recommended: 19 Tips to Save Money on Pet Care

25. Trying a New Playground

Your kids probably know all the local playgrounds pretty well. For a change of pace, consider checking out a playground you’ve never been to in a town nearby. Pack a lunch to make it feel like a mini-vacation.

26. Writing a Letter

Writing letters may seem old-fashioned, but it can be a nice way to communicate with your loved ones. The letter can be handwritten and sent via snail mail, or you might just want to send an email updating a friend or family member about what’s going on in your life.

27. Building a Fort

Kids typically love building forts. On a cold or rainy day, you can have an indoor adventure by breaking out some chairs and blankets and letting the kids create their own little hideaway filled with their favorite books and toys. They may even wind up sleeping in the fort for the night.

The Takeaway

It can take thinking a little outside the box and a bit of planning, but it’s possible to entertain yourself and your family with fun new activities without busting your budget.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.20% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

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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 4.20% 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 4.20% 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 4.20% 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 10/31/2024. 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.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

SOBK0623002

What Does It Take to Be in the Top 1%?

What Does it Mean to be in the Top 1%?

The Income and Savings of the 1%

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

Is There a Formula for Becoming Part of the 1%?

Moving Towards the 1%

The Takeaway

5 Tips for Saving for a Baby

The Costs of Having a Baby

Before Birth

During Birth

After Birth

Finding Extra Money for Baby

1. Starting a Stockpile ASAP

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

2. Cutting Extra Costs

3. Opening a Health Savings Account

4. Getting Creative

5. Putting Your Savings to Work

The Takeaway

What is UBI? (Universal Basic Income)

Has There Ever Been a Guaranteed Income in the US?

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

What About the Rest of the World?

What are some of the Pros and Cons of UBI?

Pros of UBI

Cons of UBI

The Takeaway

Savings Goals by Age: Smart Financial Targets by Age Group

Savings Goals for Your 20s

Paying off High Interest Debt

Building Emergency Savings

Earn up to 4.20% APY with a high-yield savings account from SoFi.

Saving for Retirement

Savings Goals for Your 30s

More Saving for Retirement

Buying a Home

Setting up College Funds

Savings Goals for Your 40s

Keeping an Eye on Your Emergency Fund

Protecting Your Assets

Savings Goals for Your 50s

Taking a Closer Look at Retirement Savings

Continuing to Pay Off a Mortgage

Goals for Your 60s

Thinking Long-Term

The Takeaway

27 Fun Things to Do for Free

Fun Free Things To Do

1. Going on a Hike

2. Volunteering with a Local Organization

3. Playing Board Games

4. Decluttering the House

5. Going to a Free Museum Day

6. Having a Picnic in the Park

7. Streaming an Exercise Video

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

8. FaceTiming With Friends and Family

9. Trying Meditation

10. Playing Free Games Online

11. Going to the Beach Off Hours

12. Starting a Journal

13. Visiting Your Local Library

14. Cooking Something New

15. Checking Out a Fire Station

16. Making a Movie

17. Learning a New Skill

18. Going to Local Historical Site

19. Attending a Free Concert

20. Doing a Puzzle

21. Camping in the Backyard

22. Starting a Book Club

23. Washing the Car

24. Heading to the Dog Park

25. Trying a New Playground

26. Writing a Letter

27. Building a Fort

The Takeaway

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