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Q: Can ex-prisoners have a bank account?

Ex-prisoners can open bank accounts. However, their banking options may be limited if they have a negative ChexSystems report. Former inmates may consider second chance checking accounts if they’re unable to meet the requirements for a regular checking account.

Mar

2024

Can You Open a Savings Account for an Inmate?

Opening a Savings Account for an Inmate: All You Need to Know

By Rebecca Lake | Family Finances, Growing Wealth, Life & Career, money | Comments Off

You may wonder if it’s possible to open a bank account for someone who is in prison. The answer is, yes, it may be possible to start a bank account for a prisoner, provided it’s allowed by the Department of Corrections in the state where the individual is incarcerated. (Worth noting: It may also be a challenge to find a bank that offers this kind of account.)

Opening an account can be a positive step. Being imprisoned can limit someone’s ability to pay bills, grow savings, and generally manage their finances. Opening accounts for inmates at external banks can help them to earn interest on savings while saving money on fees. And it can potentially make their reentry into society easier upon release.

While inmates may have access to prison accounts, those can come with high fees, and they typically don’t pay interest. A prison account is a special type of account that allows an inmate to store funds which can be used to pay for hygiene items and other necessities while they’re incarcerated. It doesn’t impact their lives when released.

So, let’s take a closer look at this topic:

• Whether it’s legal to open a bank account while in prison

• How to apply for a bank account while in prison

• What documentation is required to start an account

• What kinds of accounts are available, including whether joint accounts are a possibility

Let’s start learning about accounts for inmates.

Is It Legal to Open a Bank Account While in Prison?

It’s legal to open a bank account while in prison, unless state law or correctional facility policy specifically prohibits it. The best way to find out whether opening accounts for inmates is allowed is to check with the Department of Corrections in the state where the person is incarcerated.

In Texas, for example, the Department of Criminal Justice encourages inmates to open accounts at an external bank of their choice. They can then link this bank account to their prison account. This can be used to replenish their account for items bought while in prison. Excess funds in their prison account can also be transferred to their external bank account.

The state of New York, on the other hand, prohibits inmates from opening outside bank accounts. Specifically, prisoners are not allowed to open:

• Checking accounts

• Savings accounts

• Stock accounts

• Mutual fund accounts

• Money market accounts

• Certificate of deposit (CD) accounts

• “In trust for” accounts

Inmates in New York are also barred from receiving distributions from any U.S. savings bonds they might own. Prisoners who enter the system with existing checking accounts or other bank accounts are required to close them.

So, if you are thinking of opening a savings account for an inmate, whether or not you can will depend on where they’re imprisoned. If you’re able to open some kind of savings account for an inmate, the next challenge may be finding a bank that will allow you to do so. Let’s look at that issue in a bit more detail next.

Why Banks Might Refuse to Help Prisoners

Not all banks are willing to open accounts for prisoners. Financial institutions can establish their own policies for when opening accounts for inmates is or isn’t allowed. If you’re trying to figure out how to open a bank account for an inmate and you’re hitting a brick wall with banks, it could be due to one of the following:

• The bank requires a valid ID for the inmate, which you don’t have.

• You have not been granted power of attorney (POA) for the inmate.

• The inmate has a negative ChexSystems report (which is a reporting system for the banking industry) or previous issues with managing a bank account.

• The bank is concerned that funds deposited to the account might be seized by a government entity.

• The bank is concerned that the account may be used to conduct illegal activity.

It’s also possible that banks may be worried about running afoul of any rules or regulations established by their state’s Department of Corrections or Criminal Justice. In that scenario, it may be easier for the bank to simply not offer accounts for inmates to avoid any issues.

Applying for a Basic Bank Account for an Inmate

Let’s say that it is legal in the inmate’s state for them to hold a bank account, and you have found a financial institution that is willing to open an account. The next step would be to begin the account.

Keep in mind that opening accounts for inmates isn’t exactly the same as opening a checking account or savings account for yourself. In terms of how to open a savings account for an inmate, there may be one of three possibilities you can pursue. Again, the options you’re able to choose from could depend on what’s allowed by the inmate’s correctional facility and/or state.

Option 1: Specific Prison/Bank Arrangement

Correctional facilities may allow inmates to have outside bank accounts if they open them at an approved financial institution. For example, in Wisconsin inmates are allowed to open interest-bearing accounts at a bank that’s approved by the Department of Corrections.

If you’re trying to open a bank account for an inmate, you could check with the Department of Corrections or Criminal Justice to find out which banks are approved. The Department of Corrections should also be able to tell you what restrictions or requirements apply when opening accounts for inmates.

Option 2: Applying to Bank of Choice

While some correctional facilities require inmates to open external accounts at approved banks, others give you some leeway in deciding where to bank. As noted, Texas encourages prisoners to open accounts at the bank of their choice if they like.

If you’re trying to open a savings account for an inmate, the hard part may be finding a bank that will allow you to do so. You can start by checking at your current bank to see if it’s an option. If not, you can then try contacting other banks in the area to see which ones offer inmate accounts.

Recommended: How Many Bank Accounts Should You Have?

Option 3: Wait Until Release

Though not ideal, an inmate could simply wait until they’re released to open a savings account. This may be easier said than done, however, if the inmate isn’t able to meet the bank’s requirements for account opening.

What kind of requirements exactly? That could mean providing a valid ID and proof of address. And again, something like a negative ChexSystems report could lead the inmate to be denied a bank account. Unpaid balances or suspected fraud are other red flags that may result in an application for a new bank account being rejected.

Can Prisoners Be a Part of a Joint Bank Account?

You might be wondering how to open a joint bank account with an inmate or if it’s even possible. Whether a prisoner can open a joint bank account with someone else can depend on the bank’s policies. If you’re opening a joint bank account and the bank requires you to do so in person, for example, you may need to provide documentation showing why the joint account owner cannot be present.

Required documentation can include having power of attorney granting you legal authority to act on behalf of the inmate. The rules for establishing power of attorney and the scope of powers granted can vary from state to state.

If the bank allows you to open joint accounts online, then you may not be asked for this document. You will, however, likely need to provide the following for a joint account:

• The inmate’s name

• Their date of birth and Social Security number

• A current address, phone number, and email address

If you’re missing any of those pieces of information, you may not be able to proceed with opening a joint account online. You could call the bank to ask how you can finish the account setup if you run into issues.

Keep in mind that managing a joint bank account — one shared with an inmate before they’re incarcerated — may be handled differently. As mentioned, New York requires inmates to close existing accounts before entering prison. But other correctional systems may allow those accounts to remain open.

If you have a joint account with an inmate, it’s important to note whether any court orders exist or are likely to be filed that would allow for seizure of account assets for repayment of a nondischargeable debt, such as back child support, past due tax bills, and federal student loans. Keep in mind that co-borrowers for joint loans are equally responsible for shared debts, even if one person is incarcerated.

Required Documents to Open a Bank Account

Banks typically have a standard list of documents they require to open a bank account. The list can include:

• Valid government-issued ID

• Proof of address

• Social Security number

• Birth certificate when other forms of ID are unavailable

Opening bank accounts for inmates can require additional documentation if the bank needs a power of attorney form. An attorney can help you complete a power of attorney for an inmate, which may require a visit to the correctional facility if state law prohibits digital signatures. State law can also dictate whether a power of attorney for an inmate needs to be notarized in order to be legally valid.

Types of Bank Accounts for a Prisoner

The types of bank accounts you can open for a prisoner will generally be governed by Department of Corrections policy. But if you’re able to open a bank account for an inmate, you might be able to choose from these options:

• Checking accounts

• Savings accounts

• Money market accounts

• Certificate of deposit accounts

These options may also be available once an inmate is released. If a former inmate is having trouble getting a regular checking account after release, they might consider second chance checking or a prepaid debit card instead. These can be easier to access and provide support for day-to-day banking in a way that can be very helpful.

• Second chance checking is designed for people who have been denied a checking account in the past. Usually offered at online or smaller, local banks, these accounts can help people to develop good banking habits so they can upgrade to regular checking later. They may not offer the full array of bells and whistles, and they may involve higher fees.

• Prepaid debit cards, meanwhile, allow you to load funds onto the card, which you can then use to pay bills, make purchases, or withdraw cash at ATMs. A prepaid debit card is not a bank account but it can provide a formerly incarcerated person with a way to manage their money until they can get an account at a bank.

The Takeaway

Having a bank account can be a positive experience for inmates, but opening a bank account for a prisoner can be quite challenging. Not all states allow inmates to start accounts, and not all banks are willing to have prisoners as customers.

Whether you’re opening accounts for inmates while they’re incarcerated or after they’re released, choosing the right place to bank matters. Specifically, it’s important to find a bank that offers the best combination of features and benefits for inmates and former inmates and makes it possible for you to open that account before the prisoner is released.

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 4.20% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

Can an incarcerated person open a bank account?

Whether an incarcerated person can open a bank account will depend on the policies set by the Department of Corrections in their state. Some correctional facilities allow inmates to have external bank accounts, while others limit inmates to having prison accounts only.

Can ex-prisoners have a bank account?

Yes, ex-prisoners can open bank accounts. However, their banking options may be limited if they have a negative ChexSystems report. Former inmates may consider second chance checking accounts if they’re unable to meet the requirements for a regular checking account.

How much money can a federal inmate have in their account?

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) does not specify an upper limit on how much money a federal inmate can have in their prison account. Inmates can receive funds at a BOP-managed facility, which are deposited into their commissary accounts, by MoneyGram, Western Union, or U.S. Postal Service.

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.

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Mar

2024

Business Cash Management: Tips for Managing Cash

By Walecia Konrad | Building Your Career, Life & Career, money, SMB | Comments Off

If you’re running a business, you probably know that managing cash is critical to your success — so let’s share some tips on doing that even better. Solid cash flow is vital to keep a business thriving, whether you’re a sole proprietor or the head of a larger enterprise. Even businesses with strong earnings can struggle with cash flow. That’s why cash flow can be a sure sign of how healthy a business is — or is not.

So let us help you optimize that cash flow. We’ll share some smart insights and helpful tips on:

• What cash management for business is

• Why it’s so important

• Ways you can improve your business cash management

Let’s get started.

What Is Business Cash Management?

Simply put, business cash management is basically the way you track and manage the money coming into and going out of your business – usually on a cash flow statement. Positive cash flow means more money is coming in through revenues or borrowing than is being used to pay expenses, such as payroll and rent.

That said, good cash management also means not having too much cash on hand. In that scenario, business owners, while cautious, may be missing out on future earnings growth when they neglect to invest cash back into the business.

Here’s another way to frame this principle: Take a look at your business’s balance sheet and check the ratio of current liquid assets to liabilities. A ratio that’s greater than one indicates good health (you’re not losing money), but if that ratio gets too high, you could be holding onto too much cash or other assets that could better be invested elsewhere.

💡 Quick Tip: Help your money earn more money! Opening a bank account online often gets you higher-than-average rates.

The Importance of Cash Management for Businesses

Cash flow is the essence of all businesses. Without cash, a business will struggle to meet expenses, pay suppliers, repay any investors, and, often most importantly, grow the business through marketing and/or new opportunities.

Strong cash management strategies can help business owners avoid taking on debt. It also gives them more control over everyday activities, decisions, and growth opportunities. What’s more, smart cash management is the best way for owners to fulfill their vision for their enterprise while meeting both their short, intermediate and long-term needs. There’s certainly a lot riding on cash management, so let’s dive into ways to optimize it.

6 Tips for Managing Cash Flow

Cash management can be especially challenging for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Yet it is one of the most important financial strategies business owners must master. These six tips can help.

1. Learning Your Cash Flow Cycle

A cash flow cycle is the time it takes to purchase your supplies and materials (or prepare the work that goes into providing a service), transform them into a product, sell your offering, and collect payment that can go into your business bank account. Sounds simple but a lot can go haywire during that process.

That’s why it’s important for business owners to constantly update and monitor their balance sheets and profit and loss statements. Ideally, you want to know at any given time what happened in the cash-flow cycle last month. Also important: Knowing your projections for what’s going to happen next month.

Understanding your cash flow cycle can help identify and address inconsistencies such as a late-paying customer or a build-up of inventory. If your business is seasonal or cyclical, you want to be well-prepared for both the intensely busy times…and the lulls.

2. Getting Payments on Time

Reminding customers to pay on time is one of the easiest but most necessary ways to manage cash flow. Late payments are a fact of life; common, even. Having receivables come in even a day or two past the due date can wreak havoc with your cash flow cycle and your bank account.

Consider setting up email reminders to all customers ten days, seven days, and two days before payment is due. Technology today makes it a snap to pre-schedule email blasts. If the payment is still late or only a partial payment was made, don’t hesitate to follow up with a personal note or phone call.

This simple solution can really work. Customers will pay more attention to timely payments when they know you are paying close attention.

3. Turning Over Inventory Quickly

Having an abundance of inventory on hand at a given time means that a bundle of cash is tied up in that unsold stock. That could be an issue, because those funds might otherwise be working to pay for operations and expenses. What’s more, if all of that inventory bought upfront doesn’t sell as expected, it could mean losses on top of that lack of cash. That could hurt your growth and business valuation.

Many small business owners have learned that, in terms of cash, it’s better to turn inventory more quickly. Of course, this will vary widely depending on your business – perhaps your product is handmade jewelry, perhaps its reconditioned air conditioners. As an example, you might want to boost inventory turn-over from twice a year to five times. More targeted marketing could contribute to this acceleration.

That said, finding the right inventory management to fit with your cash flow cycles takes some time and experience. Recent supply chain issues have shown how challenging inventory management can be. Again, constant monitoring of the cash flow cycle can help guide how you tweak things.

4. Understand Invoice Financing

Let’s say you hit a cash management hitch. If you do find yourself in a position where you have too much inventory on hand and you need cash to cover expenses, there is a path forward. Invoice financing companies will advance a full or partial amount of your outstanding invoices. You repay that amount plus interest after the invoice is paid.

This generally should only be considered as a stop-gap measure. Like credit cards, interest payments on invoice financing can add up fast and quickly get out of control. Consider the fact that annual percentage rates for invoice financing products can reach as high as a jaw-dropping 64%.

5. Cutting Costs

Monitoring and cutting costs on expenses is another tool for managing cash flow. After all, if less cash goes to pay overhead, more can be invested in the business. A few suggestions: Relying on online marketing efforts that can be less costly than traditional methods, outsourcing tasks that take too much time and money in-house, and reducing energy costs. You might also want to renegotiate outdated contracts and prices with suppliers. These are all areas business owners can consistently monitor to keep costs low.

💡 Quick Tip: Are you paying pointless bank fees? Open a checking account with no account fees and avoid monthly charges (and likely earn a higher rate, too).

6. Comparing Loans

Sometimes, a business could use a helping hand to smooth out its cash flow. Let’s say you have outstanding accounts receivable — in other words, you know money is due but you don’t have it yet — and you need the cash now. In this situation, taking a business loan can be an option to help bridge the gap.

Cash flow loans (like invoice financing explained above) are short-term loans or lines of credit. These are often used to cover expenses or to take advantage of opportunities that can increase revenue.

A working capital loan is another option that can be used to finance everyday business operations such as rent, payroll, or restocking inventory. These loans are not designed to finance long-term assets or investment. Companies with seasonal or cyclical sales often rely on working capital loans to provide relief during slow periods.

One caveat: Working capital loans are often tied to your personal credit, so missed payments or defaults will affect your credit score. Consider that carefully before you sign on.

In addition, there are a variety of small business loans available that are used to finance long-term expenses such as real estate, equipment purchases, or business expansion. These include SBA loans, business lines of credit, and term loans.

Whatever type of loan you choose, be sure to compare your options carefully. Look at terms, APR, and how much lending you qualify for among several lenders before taking on any short or long-term debt. Spending some time and energy on research will help ensure you get the right form of financing.

The Takeaway

Cash flow management is an essential part of running a successful business of any size. Carefully monitoring cash flow, and learning some simple strategies to maximize it can take your small business to the next level.

Whether your business is a full-time job or just a side gig, it’s important to keep your business cash flow separate from your personal cash flow. In both cases, you’ll want to find a bank account that pays a competitive rate, charges no or low fees, and makes it easy to access your money.

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.

Photo credit: iStock/AlexSecret

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Mar

2024

Where To Keep Your Travel Fund

By Janet Siroto | Budgeting & Goals, money | No Comments

Are you a little obsessed with planning your next big trip? We hear you! The excitement of seeing new places — whether that means a faraway tropical island or a neighboring state — is a powerful lure. But there’s one thing that may get in the way: Money.

Let’s be real, travel can be expensive. Even if you’re hopping in the car for a short weekend road trip, the cost of gas, food, entertainment, accommodations, and more can get a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, with a little bit of planning, you can make your travel dreams a reality. And it can all begin by creating a travel fund.

What Is a Travel Fund?

A travel fund is exactly what it sounds like — a fund exclusively used for gallivanting around the world. It’s a place to stash some cash that you don’t use for rent, bills, repaying student loans, or any other monthly financial obligations. This fund is just for your passion in life. And your passion is clearly traveling.

How to Fund Traveling

Unfortunately, a travel savings account will not grow by magic. If only! You’ll need to find ways to funnel some cash towards your travel plans. There are a variety of ways to do this. Perhaps you got a raise recently (nice!) and can put that amount directly towards travel. Or, maybe you can automatically whisk $25 or $50 per paycheck into your savings. Or, you might give up concert tickets or takeout food for a while to allow some wiggle room in your budget that goes towards paying for your next getaway. There are many options — some of which we’ll explore below.

Recommended: 15 Easy Ways to Save Money

Setting Up a Dedicated Travel Savings Account

There are a few options for where to keep your travel fund. Yes, you could keep your vacation fund in the same account as your day-to-day savings, but separating the fund could provide even more clarity.

Keeping your travel fund in a separate account can make it easy to see how close you are to reaching your travel goal. It allows you to see exactly how much money you’ve saved for the cause with ease. Having the money in a separate account also allows you to set up automatic contributions, just as you might already be doing with your other accounts.

Automating your savings towards travel means you can eliminate another task from your to-do list. You’ll be making progress toward your dream of cruising down the Nile without even having to think about it. And since it’s stashed separately, you don’t need to worry that you’ll use it on, say, entertainment or new shoes without realizing it.

Tips on Selecting an Account to Use

When it comes to setting up a dedicated travel fund, the first order of business is usually to pick an account type. There are a variety of options to choose from. Part of what will likely influence your decision is how long you plan on saving. If you want to take a trip in just a few months, a savings account may be a good vehicle. You can easily contribute to it, and you’ll earn some interest.

To help your travel fund grow faster, you may want to go with a high yield savings account. These accounts typically pay a much higher annual percentage yield (APY) than traditional savings accounts, giving you the ability to earn more on your money while still enjoying the security of a federally insured account. These days, many high-yield savings accounts offer APYs of up to 5% or more — many times more than the average national rate of 0.46%.

Some of these accounts may come with certain restrictions, like a limited number of withdrawals a month or maintaining a minimum balance, so be sure to read the fine print on each account you might be considering.

Another is a certificate of deposit (CD), which locks up your money for a particular term, typically from six months to a few years. This type of account can sometimes offer a more competitive interest rate than a traditional savings account but comes with withdrawal restrictions. If you choose to withdraw the money before the term ends, you’ll likely have to pay a penalty or fee.

Yet another option is to use a cash management account with a brokerage firm. These accounts are meant as an option for your uninvested money. They can also be great for putting away some extra money to save, but again — do read the fine print. Fees may be involved, plus commissions if a broker steps in to help you with your investments. Make sure that these won’t cut into your savings.

All of these options will allow you to keep your vacation fund separate from your checking account, emergency savings, or regular savings account. You may even be able to give it a unique name like “travel fund” or even more specific like “Tahiti fund.” It’s much more exciting to watch “dream trip to Bali fund” grow than just “account: 3283052.”

Growing Your Travel Fund

After you’ve created your unique travel fund, it’s time to put in some savings work. And that begins with your budget. If you already have a budget, that’s great. All you need to do is add in “travel fund” as a new line item and shift as much money as you feel comfortable moving to this new account each month.

But, if you’re starting from scratch, that’s OK too. Trying to save for the trip of a lifetime is just as good an excuse as any to start budgeting.

To build a budget, you’ll want to start by figuring out your average monthly take-home income (what you earn after taxes are taken out). Next, it’s good to create a list of all your monthly expenses. You’ll want to include all the basics like rent or mortgage, car payments, student loans, credit card statements, food, gas, insurance, gym memberships, streaming accounts, and any money you currently put towards saving and investing. Make sure to get as granular as possible about your spending.

Next, subtract your average monthly expenses from your average monthly income to see how much you have leftover. If it’s more than $0, that’s excellent news! You can put the excess towards your travel fund. If not, you’ll need to find some places to cut back on spending.

Recommended: How to Make a Budget in 5 Steps

Finding Extra Cash for Your Travel Account

If you’d like that leftover number in your budget to be higher, maybe it’s time to take a look at both your spending and your current income level. Perhaps you can see where changes can be made.

One of the potentially easiest ways to create more cash for your travel fund is to look deeply at your monthly spending. Are you still subscribing to that streaming service you never (or rarely) watch? Are you signed up for the premium version of that social media platform you haven’t been on in months?

What about that gym membership? How’s that going for you? Go ahead and get rid of things that aren’t bringing you joy or are dispensable. Then, refocus those funds in your travel fund.

If there’s no room for cuts, then it might be time to increase your income. Of course, you could always ask for a raise at work, but if that doesn’t come through, explore some other options — like a side hustle. A side hustle is a gig you take on outside your normal work to make some extra money. If you can, pick something you really enjoy doing so it feels less like “work.” For example, if you love dogs but aren’t ready to own one, maybe walking dogs before work would be fun for you.

If you are a handy person who likes to fix things, creating a listing on a site like Thumbtack or TaskRabbit may be a good idea. If you have other talents like photography, writing, or graphic design, you might do some networking to see if you can drum up some freelance work. That way, you can get paid for what you love to do and save for what you love too.

SoFi: Your Partner in Creating a Travel Fund

By now, you’ve committed to adjusting your budget and setting aside cash in a new fund. The only thing left to do is find the best place to stash your cash.

When choosing where to put your travel fund, you’ll want to find an account that pays a competitive yield, keeps your money safe, and allows you to easily access your funds when it’s time to set off for your next adventure.

SoFi Travel has teamed up with Expedia to bring even more to your one-stop finance app, helping you book reservations — for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more — all in one place. SoFi Members also have exclusive access to premium savings, with 10% or more off on select hotels. Plus, earn unlimited 3%** cash back rewards when you book with your SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card through SoFi Travel.

Wherever you’re going, get there with SoFi Travel.

FAQ

How much should I keep in my travel fund?

To come up with a travel savings goal, you’ll want to determine how much you’ll need for your trip and when you want to take it. From there, you can determine how much you’ll need to transfer into your travel fund each month to reach your goal. For example, if your trip will cost $2,500 and you plan to travel in six months, you’ll need to set aside around $33 a month.

How do I set up a travel fund?

Setting up a travel fund can take only a matter of minutes. It can be as easy as opening a savings account online and then directing money towards it. You can also go into a brick-and-mortar bank to set up an account.

How can I save money on a travel fund?

To save money on a travel fund, look for a savings account that doesn’t charge monthly fees and offers a competitive interest rate. These two factors will help boost your savings and get you on your dream vacation as quickly as possible.

**Terms, and conditions apply: The SoFi Travel Portal is operated by Expedia. To learn more about Expedia, click https://www.expediagroup.com/home/default.aspx.

When you use your SoFi Credit Card to make a purchase on the SoFi Travel Portal, you will earn a number of SoFi Member Rewards points equal to 3% of the total amount you spend on the SoFi Travel Portal. Members can save up to 10% or more on eligible bookings.

Eligibility: You must be a SoFi registered user.
You must agree to SoFi’s privacy consent agreement.
You must book the travel on SoFi’s Travel Portal reached directly through a link on the SoFi website or mobile application. Travel booked directly on Expedia's website or app, or any other site operated or powered by Expedia is not eligible.
You must pay using your SoFi Credit Card.

SoFi Member Rewards: All terms applicable to the use of SoFi Member Rewards apply. To learn more please see: https://www.sofi.com/rewards/ and Terms applicable to Member Rewards.

Additional Terms: Changes to your bookings will affect the Rewards balance for the purchase. Any canceled bookings or fraud will cause Rewards to be rescinded. Rewards can be delayed by up to 7 business days after a transaction posts on Members’ SoFi Credit Card ledger. SoFi reserves the right to withhold Rewards points for suspected fraud, misuse, or suspicious activities.
©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC), (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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.

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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Mar

2024

How to Save on Spring Break Travel

By Kaitlyn Farley | Budgeting & Goals, Financial Independence, money | Comments Off

Your mind and body may be ready for a sunny beachside spring break in Cancun, but if you’re living that broke college kid life, you may imagine your spring break looking more like a week at home, scrolling through Instagram and binging Netflix.

However, it is possible to plan a spring break trip on a limited budget. And yes, even a college student’s budget can be stretched for spring break fun! If you’re wondering how to plan a spring break trip without living off instant noodles for the next month, we have some tips to help you get a well-deserved vacation from those long nights spent studying in your dorm room.

Keep reading for some of our best tips on making your spring break trip dreams happen on a budget.

1. Start Planning Early

Waiting until the last minute to plan a trip could mean missing out on cheaper flights, hotels, and even popular ticketed attractions. If you’re going to a hot destination during a peak travel season, which includes spring break for many destinations, then you could blow your travel budget on the flight alone, leaving you without enough money for food and lodging.

2. Make a Budget & Stick to It

Before you even leave for your destination, it’s smart to create a travel budget. What can you reasonably afford to spend on accommodations, transportation, entertainment, meals, and shopping? Having a budget could help you avoid splurging on expensive dinners or overspending at local shops.

3. Find Off-Season Destinations

If Cancun for spring break is too pricey for your college student budget, don’t stress. There are a number of great destinations that are off-season in the spring, ranging from the more rugged Jackson County, North Carolina to the Big Apple.

4. Only Travel as Far as You Can Drive

It’s about the journey, not the destination, right? You can make that (semi) true by taking a road trip with a few friends. On a road trip, you don’t need to follow any set schedule. Since there’s no flight or train to catch, and often no hurry to reach a destination, you can make spontaneous decisions and discover hidden gems along the way.

5. Avoid Tourist Traps

Doing spring break on a budget generally means skipping touristy destinations like Miami, New Orleans, and Cabo. However, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives to these locations that can save you money and that will probably be far less crowded, too.

6. Reach out to Friends & Family

If you have friends or family in another city, reach out and ask if they’d be willing to host you. If they agree, you could get some free lodging and meals out of it. Plus, you’d be connecting with locals who could guide you through the city and give some tips on cool and free stuff to do that you might not have found otherwise.

7. Ditch the Plane Ticket

Planes and cars aren’t the only way to land at your tourist destination. You can do spring break on a budget by hopping on an Amtrak train or a Greyhound bus, both of which have destinations all over the country. The best part? You can catch up on some work, sleep, or relaxation while you enjoy the ride.

8. Don’t Forget about Cruises

You could spend a fortune going to just Miami or Los Angeles. Or, you could check out some cheaper cruise options that could potentially take you all over Alaska, the Caribbean islands, or a slew of other destinations for less. There are even cruise options designed specifically for college students.

9. Consider Pitching a Tent

Do you get motion sickness in cars or boats? With camping, your feet will be firmly planted on the ground, and your budget will also likely stay down to earth. You can camp out in many destinations across the U.S. and even abroad, be it under the stars near a national park or near a great fishing hole in the Carolinas.

10. Look For a Deal

Sites like Groupon and LivingSocial offer a number of travel and hotel deals both for individuals and for group travel. Checking out which hotels are offering promotions could help you save when booking accommodations. You can also find deals on attractions near where you’re vacationing, too.

11. Sign Up for a Spring Break Volunteer Experience

Many colleges offer a program called “alternative break,” which allows students to travel and volunteer during their spring break. If your college doesn’t offer any alternative break trips, you can still find some opportunities through organizations like Habitat for Humanity and United Way .

12. Be a Tourist in Your Own State

If airfare is out of the question for your spring break budget, a budget-friendly alternative could be touring your own state. You can take a spring break road trip around your state or even take multiple day trips, the latter of which could allow you to have most of your meals at home with no hotel needed.

13. Fly on Unpopular Days

No, it’s not just your imagination: There are some days that are cheaper to fly on than others. If you’re not tied to a set departure and/or return date, use the flexible date search on a travel or airline site. This can help you find the cheapest travel dates for your trip.

14. Sign Up for Price Alerts

One helpful way to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal on your trip is to sign up for price alerts, a free service offered by several travel companies, such as Kayak, Skyscanner, and Google Flights. These sites track prices daily and alert you in real-time when the price changes for a flight, hotel, or rental car you want.

15. Ask for Extra Snacks

If you’re flying to your destination, be sure to grab the airplane snacks. And if you like the snacks, ask for seconds! You may be able to snag a free snack to help tide you over between meals when you land. The worst thing that can happen is that they say no.

16. Consider Airbnbs or Hostels

For those looking for the best tips on how to plan a spring break trip, one not-so-obvious one may be skipping hotels altogether. Staying at an Airbnb or hostel could be a cheaper travel hack than even a budget motel, especially if you don’t plan on spending much time in your room anyway.

17. Use Public Transportation

While Uber may be one of the handiest apps to have while traveling, relying on ridesharing and taxis could end up costing you a small fortune, especially if you’re traveling in a big city. Using public transportation could cost you a fraction of the price of an Uber, plus it will allow you to explore more of your destination as you navigate around subway and bus stations.

18. Bring Your Own Food

Grocery costs may be on the rise, but the cost of dining out can really wreak havoc on your spring break budget. If you want to try the local cuisine, you can typically do so much cheaper by going to a local grocery store and buying premade meals there or, better yet, making your own meals using fresh, local ingredients. This option may only be available if you’re staying at an Airbnb or hotel with a kitchenette, though.

19. Eat Out for Lunch, not Dinner

Eating out for dinner will often cost you far more than eating out for breakfast or lunch. And if you decide to eat out for dinner still, skip the drinks and desserts. These items typically have higher markups than other items on the menu. Plus, when it comes to desserts, the quality (and quantity!) may not be worth it — many restaurants don’t even make the desserts they serve.

20. Ask About Complimentary Hotel Meals

Students looking for spring break trips on a budget won’t want to miss out on this tried-and-true travel budget saver: Before booking your hotel, ask if they have any complimentary meals, such as a continental breakfast. It may not be as fancy or Instagram-worthy as the hottest brunch spot in town, but it will likely be a lot better for your budget.

21. Use The Free Hotel Coffee

Most hotels offer free coffee either in the lobby in the mornings or through small coffee makers in your room. It may not be as fancy as your usual Venti Coconutmilk Latte with two pumps of salted caramel, but it won’t cost you anything.

22. Look out for Free Samples

Looking to score some more free snacks? Add local farmers’ markets to your itinerary. Many markets are full of free samples, so you may even be able to scrounge together a free lunch. You may also be able to score free swag, like t-shirts and reusable bags, from local vendors and businesses, your hotel, or the local visitor’s center.

23. Prioritize Free Activities

Sure, you can spend $50 for a museum ticket. Or, you could search online for some free museums nearby. Many hot spring break destinations offer free walking tours, free museum days, and a plethora of other free activities, such as parks and beaches.

24. Find a Travel Buddy (or Four!)

You’ll find that going on a budget-friendly spring break trip can be a lot easier if you team up with friends. Pooling your college budgets together may even help you to afford nicer accommodations or a more far-flung destination.

25. Cash in Credit Card Rewards…

If you have a rewards or cashback credit card, you may want to save up your points to help fund your epic spring break. Having a travel rewards card can be an easy way to save on travel, especially if you’re able to use that card on purchases before heading out on vacation, which could help you build up even more rewards points.

26. …And Earn More Rewards While Traveling!

Using your rewards credit card on vacation may not help you save for your current trip. But if you rack up more rewards during your trip, you’ll already have a new vacation fund started before you even come back from spring break.

27. Research Student Discounts

Catching a movie or eating out during spring break? Ask about a student discount! You may be able to score some sweet savings even before your vacation, as companies like Expedia often offer student-only travel deals. You can also try StudentUniverse , which helps students get discounts on hotels, airfare, and more.

28. Ask About Membership Discounts

A ton of college discounts exist, but don’t rule out membership discounts you could get from family members. For instance, Costco, Sam’s Club, AAA, and AARP all offer travel discounts to their members. It may be worth asking some relatives about their memberships to save big on your spring break trip.

29. Avoid Transaction Fees

Transaction fees can be a real budget-killer if you’re traveling abroad. And even if you’re stateside, ATM fees can also put a dent in your spring break savings. So you may want to ask your card issuer about fees and plan accordingly to make sure you have enough cash on hand to avoid them.

30. Use Hotel Toiletries

TSA-approved toiletries can be overpriced, and buying them when you arrive at your destination may also mean overpaying for toiletries that you have loads of at home. The best alternative? Decant your own shampoo and conditioner into smaller bottles you can snag at The Dollar Store. Or, better yet, just use the hotel toiletries. They may not be what you’re used to, but your budget will thank you.

The Takeaway

Wondering how to plan a spring break trip on a budget? It may not be as hard as you think. If you’re willing to try off-peak destinations and hunt for discounts, you can save a ton of cash. Spring break trips on a budget don’t have to be a drag, either. You can still go to popular destinations if you create (and stick to) a spring break travel budget. Using rewards and cashback cards can also help you save on airfare and other travel expenses.

Wherever you’re going, get there with SoFi Travel.

Photo credit: iStock/onurdongel

**Terms, and conditions apply: The SoFi Travel Portal is operated by Expedia. To learn more about Expedia, click https://www.expediagroup.com/home/default.aspx.

SoFi Member Rewards: All terms applicable to the use of SoFi Member Rewards apply. To learn more please see: https://www.sofi.com/rewards/ and Terms applicable to Member Rewards.

Mar

2024

How to Get a Credit Card for the First Time: A Step-By-Step Guide

By Jacqueline DeMarco | Credit, Financial Independence, money | Comments Off

Getting a credit card for the first time comes with a unique set of challenges. A lack of a credit history can make it harder to qualify, and you’ll have a learning curve when it comes to how to choose and use your first credit card responsibly.

However, the actual process of applying for a credit card for the first time isn’t all that complex if you are armed with a bit of information. Read on to learn how to get your first credit card.

Qualifying for a Credit Card

When someone applies for a credit card, the credit card issuer will take a number of factors into consideration, including their credit score and income, when deciding whether to approve their application. It’s also necessary to make sure you’re old enough to get a credit card — you usually must be at least 18 years old.

Someone’s credit score can indicate how likely they are to pay back their credit card on time. The higher someone’s score is, the more creditworthy they appear. Income is also a major factor that’s considered, especially when figuring out someone’s credit card limit. Applicants under the age of 21 who can’t show independent income generally must get a cosigner.

Additionally, those applying for a certain type of credit card, such as a student credit card, will have to make sure they meet that card’s particular requirements. While a student credit card may be available to those with no or limited credit, the cardholder generally must be enrolled in a qualifying educational program.

How to Apply for a Credit Card With No Credit History

It can be difficult to qualify for a credit card before you’ve built a credit history, given what a credit card is. The catch? It takes credit to build credit. Thankfully, there are a few credit card options that consumers can consider if they don’t yet have a credit history at all or only have a limited one.

Starter Credit Card

Starter credit cards are a type of credit card designed for consumers who have no credit history or a very limited credit history. Starter credit cards help cardholders build a credit history when they use the card responsibly. If they make on-time payments each month, they’ll see their credit score rise over time and will start to build a solid credit history.

Generally, starter credit cards don’t come with the best rates and terms, but when used to make purchases someone can afford to pay off each month, they can be a very helpful financial tool. Student credit cards are an example of starter cards that can help someone establish a credit history.

To apply for a starter credit card, you generally must provide the following:

• Social Security number

• Sources of income

• Monthly housing or rent costs

Those under the age of 21 who do not have your own source of income will need to get an adult cosigner who’s over the age of 21. For those who are applying for a student credit card as their choice of starter credit card, the credit card issuer may request information such as the name of your school or program, your major, and your expected year of graduation.

Secured Credit Card

Another credit card option for those who are new to credit is a secured credit card. With a secured credit card, the cardholder must deposit money to use the card.

The amount they deposit will act as their credit limit, and they’ll then borrow against that deposit. For example, if they deposit $500, they can make up to $500 worth of purchases anywhere that accepts credit card payments. Once they pay off their card balance, they can spend up to $500 again.

When at least the credit card minimum payments are made on time, the cardholder will build a credit history. Functionally, a secured credit card works more similarly to a debit card but helps to build credit.

Applying for a secured credit card requires much of the same information as applying for an unsecured credit card. This includes your name, address, Social Security number, and income information. Additionally, it’s necessary to have the cash on hand to make the security deposit. Depending on the card, there may or may not be a credit check required.

Often, after using a secured credit card responsibly, the cardholder can graduate to a standard unsecured credit card.

How to Choose Your First Credit Card

When shopping around for a credit card, it’s a good idea to compare the fees, interest rates, and cardholder benefits of multiple credit cards. Here’s why these factors matter when choosing a first credit card:

• Credit card fees. From annual fees to foreign transaction fees to late fees, all credit cards have some fees that cardholders need to be aware of. Certain transactions, such as buying a money order with a credit card, can also involve fees as well. Being aware of the fees a card may charge and finding a credit card with low fees can help save money.

• Interest rates. If a cardholder carries a balance, they’ll need to make interest payments. Credit cards interest rates are displayed as annual percentage rates (APRs) and the higher someone’s APR is, the more they’ll pay in interest. What’s considered a good APR for a credit card will vary depending on someone’s credit profile as well as the type of card they’re applying for, but it’s generally below the average rate, which is around 24%.

Also pay attention to the different rates that may be charged. For example, if you take a cash advance on a credit card, the rate is typically higher than the standard rate.

• Rewards. From cash back to travel points to discounts at major retailers, credit cards can come with some pretty cool rewards. It’s worth comparing the rewards offerings of multiple credit cards to see where it’s possible to benefit more from good credit habits. Keep in mind, however, that the top rewards cards are usually reserved for those with solid credit histories.

How to Apply for a Credit Card

The process of figuring out how to apply for a credit card online for the first time is usually pretty straightforward. When it’s time to apply for a credit card, the applicant generally needs to supply the following information as a part of the credit card issuer’s application process:

• Identification (such as a Social Security number)

• Source of income (such as pay stubs or W-2s)

• Credit score (generally a score starting in the mid 600s is required, though you may find a number of options if your score is between 580 and 669, which is considered a fair score)

Further information may also be requested, as the process can vary somewhat from issuer to issuer.

Once you’ve submitted your credit card application, you’ll wait to get an approval or a denial. It may take just minutes to get a response, or it may be a few days or even a few weeks. The creditor must send a decision within 30 days at the most.

If you’re approved, you’ll then receive your new card in the mail. You won’t have to worry about replacing it until your credit card expiration date, at which point the issuer will send you a new card.

How to Use Your First Credit Card

Here are some pointers for using your credit card:

• The key to using your first credit card is to limit charges to those that you can afford to pay off — and then making sure you do so in a timely manner. Doing so will ensure you never miss a payment, which will boost your credit score, and avoid late payment fees and interest payments.

• Paying off your balance at the end of each month (or more often) will help keep credit utilization rate low. Credit utilization measures how much credit someone is using in comparison to how much they have available. The lower someone’s credit utilization, the more their credit score will benefit.

For instance, a potentially good way a student could use their first credit card is to limit their purchases to their textbooks for a semester. This will rein in their spending as they learn to budget and stay on top of their credit card statements.

• Educate yourself on credit card safety best practices. For instance, be on the lookout for credit card skimmers, which are devices attached to credit card readers designed to steal your information.

Also be wary of sharing your credit card information, such as the CVV number on a credit card, with anyone.

What Should You Do if Your Application Is Denied?

If someone’s credit card application is denied, the best thing they can do to move forward is to work on building their credit score. This will improve their creditworthiness, and thus their odds of getting approved in the future. Here’s some advice:

• Making on-time payments and keeping a low balance on an existing credit card are both ways to improve a credit score.

But if someone can’t qualify for any credit cards, how can they improve their credit score? In this scenario, one option is to become an authorized user on a family member’s credit card, such as a parent’s.

• When someone is an authorized user, their score will improve as the main account holder makes on-time payments. However, both the account holder and authorized user’s credit scores are at risk if either party makes purchases they can’t afford, so it’s important that everyone has a plan for paying off the bill at the end of the month.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due

Things You Need to Know as a First-Time Credit Card User

When someone is a first-time credit card user, it’s important that they understand the basics of how a credit card works. Specifically, they’ll need to know what interest rates and fees they may end up paying by using their credit card (especially if they plan to carry a balance).

Using a credit card can feel like shopping with free money, but at the end of the month, the cardholder needs to be prepared to pay their balance off in full. Otherwise, they risk paying more for the purchases they already made in the form of interest and fees. Once debt starts racking up, it can become hard to get rid of.

What If You Are Not Ready to Apply for a Credit Card?

Applying for a credit card for the first time is a big responsibility. If someone isn’t ready to take on the responsibility, they do have the option of using a debit card to gain some of the convenience that comes with a credit card.

A debit card is attached to a bank account and allows the account holder to make payments without keeping cash on hand. Debit cards don’t involve borrowing money, so interest rates aren’t a concern.

However, debit card holders will still need to look out for potential fees. Additionally, debit cards don’t have quite the level of protections that credit cards offer, such as the option to request a credit card chargeback.

The Takeaway

Applying for a credit card online is a relatively straightforward process, requiring some basic information about you and proper ID. The challenging part can be getting approved for the first time since you may have a thin or non-existent credit history. If you are approved, try to use your new card wisely by only making purchases you can afford and by paying off your balance in full each month. This can help you avoid high-interest payments and late fees and also may make it easier for you to get approved for other cards in the future.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

What is a good credit limit for a starter credit card?

The credit limit for a starter credit card is usually low, perhaps $1,000. With a secured credit card, the limit is the amount of the security deposit that the cardholder makes.

What are the requirements to apply for a credit card?

To apply for a credit card, it’s usually required that the applicant provide proof of income and identifying information such as a Social Security number. They will also need to have an acceptable credit score to qualify.

Photo credit: iStock/Demkat

SOCC0224020

Opening a Savings Account for an Inmate: All You Need to Know

Is It Legal to Open a Bank Account While in Prison?

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

Why Banks Might Refuse to Help Prisoners

Applying for a Basic Bank Account for an Inmate

Option 1: Specific Prison/Bank Arrangement

Option 2: Applying to Bank of Choice

Option 3: Wait Until Release

Can Prisoners Be a Part of a Joint Bank Account?

Required Documents to Open a Bank Account

Types of Bank Accounts for a Prisoner

The Takeaway

FAQ

Can an incarcerated person open a bank account?

Can ex-prisoners have a bank account?

How much money can a federal inmate have in their account?

Business Cash Management: Tips for Managing Cash

What Is Business Cash Management?

The Importance of Cash Management for Businesses

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

6 Tips for Managing Cash Flow

1. Learning Your Cash Flow Cycle

2. Getting Payments on Time

3. Turning Over Inventory Quickly

4. Understand Invoice Financing

5. Cutting Costs

6. Comparing Loans

The Takeaway

Where To Keep Your Travel Fund

What Is a Travel Fund?

How to Fund Traveling

Setting Up a Dedicated Travel Savings Account

Tips on Selecting an Account to Use

Growing Your Travel Fund

Finding Extra Cash for Your Travel Account

SoFi: Your Partner in Creating a Travel Fund

FAQ

How much should I keep in my travel fund?

How do I set up a travel fund?

How can I save money on a travel fund?

How to Save on Spring Break Travel

1. Start Planning Early

2. Make a Budget & Stick to It

3. Find Off-Season Destinations

4. Only Travel as Far as You Can Drive

5. Avoid Tourist Traps

6. Reach out to Friends & Family

7. Ditch the Plane Ticket

8. Don’t Forget about Cruises

9. Consider Pitching a Tent

10. Look For a Deal

11. Sign Up for a Spring Break Volunteer Experience

12. Be a Tourist in Your Own State

13. Fly on Unpopular Days

14. Sign Up for Price Alerts

15. Ask for Extra Snacks

16. Consider Airbnbs or Hostels

17. Use Public Transportation

18. Bring Your Own Food

19. Eat Out for Lunch, not Dinner

20. Ask About Complimentary Hotel Meals

21. Use The Free Hotel Coffee

22. Look out for Free Samples

23. Prioritize Free Activities

24. Find a Travel Buddy (or Four!)

25. Cash in Credit Card Rewards…

26. …And Earn More Rewards While Traveling!

27. Research Student Discounts

28. Ask About Membership Discounts

29. Avoid Transaction Fees

30. Use Hotel Toiletries

The Takeaway

How to Get a Credit Card for the First Time: A Step-By-Step Guide

Qualifying for a Credit Card

How to Apply for a Credit Card With No Credit History

Starter Credit Card

Secured Credit Card

How to Choose Your First Credit Card

How to Apply for a Credit Card

How to Use Your First Credit Card

Student Loan
Refinancing

Personal
Loans

Online
Investments