May
20
2024

Pros and Cons of Raising the Minimum Wage

By | Family Finances, Life & Career, money | Comments Off on Pros and Cons of Raising the Minimum Wage

Raising the minimum wage, which is a hot-button political issue, could have immediate effects on the lives of low-wage hourly workers. It could help them to move out of poverty and keep up with inflation. Some economists argue that other pros of raising the minimum wage could include increased consumer spending, reduced government assistance (and increased tax revenue), and stronger employee retention and morale.

Alternatively, other financial experts point to the cons of raising the minimum wage, including potentially increasing the cost of living, reducing opportunities for inexperienced workers, and triggering more unemployment.

Learn more here, including the purpose of the federal minimum wage, where the minimum wage currently stands, and the pros and cons of raising it.

Key Points

•   Raising the minimum wage could help low-wage workers escape poverty and keep up with inflation.

•   Increased wages may lead to higher consumer spending and reduced reliance on government assistance.

•   Higher labor costs from wage increases could lead to unemployment and higher product prices.

•   A raised minimum wage might improve employee retention and performance in businesses.

•   The federal minimum wage has remained at $7.25 per hour since 2009, despite inflation.

What Is the Federal Minimum Wage in 2024?

The federal minimum wage in 2024 is $7.25 per hour. The last time that minimum wage increased was on July 24, 2009, when it grew $0.70 from $6.55 an hour. This was part of a three-phased increase enacted by Congress in 2007.

It’s worth noting that tipped employees (say, waiters) have a different rate. The current federal tipped minimum wage is $2.13, as long as the worker’s tips make up the difference between that and the standard minimum wage.

Some states have their own minimum wage laws with a higher (or lower) starting wage than the federal minimum. In such states, employers must pay out the higher of the two minimum wages.

Here are some minimum wage fast facts:

•   The highest current minimum wage is in Washington, D.C., where it is $17.00.

•   There are 58 cities and counties with minimum wages higher than their state’s figures. Of these, the city of Tukwila, Washington, currently has the highest wage at $20.29 per hour.

•   As of 2023, about 20.6 million US workers make less than $15 per hour, and many are making the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour or less.

•   While the minimum wage has been stagnant since 2009, inflation has not. The spending power of $7.25 in 2009 is equivalent to $10.55 today. This means that $7.25 can buy today about 68% (or just over two-thirds) of what it could buy in 2009.


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What Is the Purpose of the Minimum Wage?

So why was the minimum wage originally created? The minimum wage was an idea that gained traction during the Great Depression era. During that time, President Franklin D. Roosevelt worked with Congress to pass the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which officially established the minimum wage. Even then, politicians bickered over the hourly rate and potential impacts on the economy, and the final legislation (25 cents an hour) was not what FDR originally had in mind.

Regardless of the final number that Congress landed on, FDR’s vision for this minimum wage law was to “end starvation wages and intolerable hours,” according to the Department of Labor. The Legal Information Institute of Cornell Law School paints an even clearer picture: The minimum wage was designed to create a minimum standard of living to protect the health and well-being of employees.

In short, early proponents of the minimum wage legislation intended for it to be a living wage. And as the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise points out, in today’s economy, “there is a stark difference between the federal minimum wage and a living wage.”

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Benefits of Raising the Minimum Wage

Many economists point to several pros of raising the minimum wage, including the following:

Helping Families Get Out of Poverty

Even without minimum wage increases in today’s market, inflation is skyrocketing. In July 2022, it was up 9.1% year-over-year, a four-decade high. In 2023, it was 4.98%. The average American family is likely trying to cut grocery costs, gas prices, and utility bills.

The Raise the Wage Act of 2023 focuses on raising the minimum wage to $17 an hour by 2028, giving almost 30 million American workers a long overdue raise and more buying power to make ends meet.

While raising the minimum wage will not stop inflation’s effects, it could help families more easily afford basic necessities. It can also fulfill the legislation’s original intention of eliminating starvation wages and establishing a minimum standard of living.

Increasing Consumer Spending

Multiple studies over the last decade have demonstrated that low wage earners are more likely to put their income directly back into the economy. That’s because low wage workers spend a larger portion of their budget on immediate needs, like food, clothing, transportation, and shelter.

Increased consumer spending is a boon to the economy, as it is a positive economic indicator reflecting consumer confidence in the market — and brings more revenue to small businesses and corporations alike.

Increasing Federal Revenues

Reports have found that federal spending would both increase and decrease if the minimum wage were raised. While those with newly raised wages might rely on government assistance less (for example, there could be reduced spending on nutrition programs like SNAP), workers who lose their jobs as a result of minimum wage increases will put an excess burden on unemployment.

However, increased tax revenue from higher wages should boost federal revenues overall.

Increasing Employee Retention and Performance

The theory of efficiency wages suggests that higher-paid employees are more motivated to work harder and thus produce more goods and services faster. If that theory is true, increasing the minimum wage could help businesses become more profitable.

Further, employees are more likely to stay with a company longer if they earn good wages. The longer an employee is with a company, the more skilled that employee can become — and thus more valuable to the business.

On top of that, employee turnover is expensive. Replacing an employee with a new candidate can cost up to 150% of the worker’s salary or possibly more. In many cases, it might be cheaper for a business to pay an employee a better salary to keep them from leaving. It could be cheaper than recruiting and training a new worker to replace them after they’ve left.

Cons of Raising the Minimum Wage

There are multiple downsides to raising the minimum wage to consider when debating this policy as well:

Increasing Labor Costs and Unemployment

The largest concern with raising the minimum wage is increased labor costs. If the minimum wage increased to $15 an hour, businesses would suddenly need to give raises to everyone making less than that.

But if some employees were making $10 to $15 an hour, they might not be thrilled to hear that other workers with less tenure and experience are suddenly being paid the same. And employees who were making $15 an hour or slightly above it may also expect a raise once entry-level workers are bumped to $15.

The problem? Not all businesses can afford that. Restaurants, for example, operate at a 3% to 5% profit margin. Increasing labor costs could shrink (or eliminate) their margins, meaning they might have to let go of some staff or go out of business.

Another aspect of this is that if employers have to raise their wages, they might well raise their prices, passing along the increase to their customers.

Increasing Cost of Living

As businesses adjust prices to accommodate higher labor costs, consumers should expect that their dollars won’t go as far as they used to. That is, many economists argue that minimum wage is correlated with inflation. Some say that if business owners have to raise the minimum wage they pay workers, they will pay along those costs to their customers, ratcheting up their prices and contributing to inflation.

That said, other economists paint inflation as the boogeyman of the minimum wage debate. For example, Daniel Kuehn, a research associate at The Urban Institute, has said that, though increasing wages will increase the cost of goods and services, it’s not really a 1:1 ratio. In other words, it won’t be “enough for consumers to really feel a burn in their wallet.”

Recommended: Compare Texas Cost of Living to California Cost of Living

Decreasing Opportunity for Inexperienced Workers

Typically, employees without specialized skills — first-time workers in high school and college, people with disabilities, and the elderly — fill some minimum wage jobs to earn what might be considered entry-level salaries. But as employers are forced to pay workers more, some argue that companies will look for employees with more experience (or will invest in automated technology). This could make it more challenging for unskilled laborers to find work.

Handling the Effects of Raising the Minimum Wage

Businesses may need to adjust practices to pay employees a higher hourly rate if the federal or state minimum wage increases. Here are a few ways company leaders might be able to handle the effects of increased wages:

•   Raising prices: If a company’s labor costs go up, the company may need to offset those expenses with higher prices for its goods and services. Paying attention to what competitors are doing and how consumers are reacting to price hikes can be helpful in determining how much you raise prices.

•   Working with independent contractors: Independent contractors might be more affordable than full-time employees for specific job duties. For instance, the employer would save on paying benefits (though that could mean staff workers get laid off and go on unemployment).

Before establishing an independent contractor model at your business, it’s a good idea to research the guardrails around independent contractors, as defined by the IRS.

•   Automating some positions: Technology continues to offer new ways to automate certain business functions, which may allow employers to reduce headcount, avoid future hires, or reassign existing employees to more revenue-generating work.

•   Reducing hours or cutting costs: Business owners who do not want to lose any employees might be able to reduce overall hours or find other ways to cut costs instead (perhaps a less expensive benefits package, for instance).

•   Getting creative: Offsetting increased labor costs can be as easy as generating more business. But then generating more business isn’t always so easy. Some creative ideas to get customers in the door could include loyalty programs or offering low-cost alternatives for budget-conscious customers.

The Takeaway

The original intention for establishing a minimum wage was to enable workers to have a standard of living that allowed for their health and well-being. While opponents may still argue over “living wage vs. starting wage,” many signs point to today’s federal minimum wage not being enough to have a basic standard of living. Raising the minimum wage has several pros, but it’s important to remember that there are many negative effects to minimum wage increases as well. The economic solution may not be simple, but it will likely be a debate that’s in the spotlight today and in the near future.

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FAQ

How does increasing the minimum wage affect the economy?

Some economists argue that increasing the minimum wage encourages consumer spending, helps families out of poverty, and boosts tax revenue while reducing tax-funded government assistance. Other economists point out the cons of raising the minimum wage, like increased inflation and unemployment.

How does decreasing the minimum wage affect the economy?

In general, the discussion around minimum wage is about increasing it. Economists and politicians are not considering decreasing the minimum wage; doing so would send more families into poverty and decrease consumer spending.

Why are state minimum wages different?

States are able to enact their own laws that supplement or deviate from federal laws. Many states with a higher cost of living, like California and Washington, have increased their minimum wage to roughly double the federal minimum. If a state’s minimum wage differs from the federal minimum wage, employers must pay the higher of the two rates.

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May
18
2024
What Is Market Value? How to Calculate and Use It

Market Value: Definition and Methods to Calculate It

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing, Terminology | Comments Off on Market Value: Definition and Methods to Calculate It

Market value is a common term used in value investing to describe how much a company or asset is worth on exchanges and financial markets. Essentially it is the value of a security in the eyes of market investors. Understanding the current standing of a business in its particular industry and the broader market is important when making investing decisions.

Key Points

•   Market value is the price at which an asset would trade in a competitive auction setting.

•   It is determined by multiplying the current share price by the number of outstanding shares.

•   Factors influencing market value include company performance, industry trends, and overall market conditions.

•   Market value can fluctuate greatly over time due to changes in investor sentiment and market dynamics.

•   Various methods to calculate market value include income approaches, asset-based approaches, and market comparison approaches.

What Is Market Value?

Market value, also referred to as OMV, market capitalization, or “open market valuation,” is the price of an asset in an investment marketplace or the value the asset has within a community of investors. It is calculated by multiplying current share price in a marketplace by the number of outstanding shares. Read on to learn what market value is and how to calculate market value.

The market value represents the price that investors will pay for an asset, and therefore changes significantly over time. The more investors will pay for the asset, the higher the market value.

What investors are willing to pay depends on various factors, including the fundamentals of the asset itself, as well as the business cycle and current levels of demand for that asset. Market value could be anything from under $1 million for small businesses to more than $1 trillion for large corporations.

It’s easy to determine the market value of frequently traded assets (by looking at their current prices), but harder to determine the market value of illiquid assets, such as real estate or a company, that don’t trade very often. Market value per share is a company’s market value divided by its number of shares.

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Factors that Impact Market Value

Many factors determine market value, including a company’s profitability and its debt levels. Market value fluctuates significantly over time. Market values often move in tandem with the overall market sentiment.

During bull markets or economic expansions, market values often increase, and during bear markets they go down. Other factors influencing market value include:

•   The company’s performance

•   Long-term growth potential

•   Supply and demand of the asset

•   Company profitability

•   Company debt

•   Overall market trends

•   Industry trends

•   Valuation ratios such as earnings per share, book value per share, and price-to-earnings ratio (P/E ratio)

Earnings per Share

The higher a company’s earnings per share, the more profitable it is. A more profitable business has a higher market value, and vice versa.

Book Value per Share

Investors calculate a company’s book value per share by dividing its equity by its total outstanding shares. A company with a higher book value than market value may have an undervalued stock.

Price-to-Earnings Ratio (P/E Ratio)

Investors calculate P/E ratio by dividing a company’s current stock price by its earnings per share amount. A higher P/E ratio means a stock’s price market value might be high relative to its earnings.

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How Is Market Value Calculated?

There are multiple ways to calculate market value. Here’s a look at a few of them:

Income method

There are two methods of calculating market value using income:

•   Discounted Cash Flow (DCF): To find discounted cash flow, investors project a company’s future cash flow and then discount it to find its present value. The amount it gets discounted reflects current market interest rates along with the amount of risk the business has.

•   Capitalized Earnings Method: With capitalized earnings, investors find the value of a stable, income-producing property by taking its net operating income over time and dividing it by the capitalization rate. The capitalization rate is an estimate of how much potential return on investment the asset has.

Assets Method

Using the assets approach, investors find an asset’s fair market value (FMV) by determining how many liabilities and adjusted assets a company has, including intangible assets, unrecorded liabilities, and off-balance sheet assets.

Market method

Using a market-based approach, there are a few more ways market value can be determined:

•   Public Company Comparable: This company compares similar businesses that are in the same industry or region and about the same size. Ratios like P/E, EV/Revenue, and EV/EBITDA can help compare all the similar companies.

•   Precedent Transactions: Using the precedent transactions method, market value reflects how much investors paid for other similar company’s stock in previous transactions. Investors can get a sense of how much a company’s value is by looking at similar companies.

Example of Market Value

Using the capitalized earnings valuation method, here’s an example of the market value calculation. The formula used when calculating via capitalized earnings is as such:

Market value = Earnings/capitalization rate

Earnings are rather self-explanatory, and the capitalization rate is the required rate of return for investors, a number reached by subtracting a company’s expected growth rate from the investor’s expected rate of return. For this example, we’ll make things simple and say that the capitalization rate is 10%, and the company’s earnings are $1 million

Using the formula: Market value = $1 million/10%

That calculates to $10,000,000.

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Limitations of Market Value

Market value is a very useful tool for understanding how much a company is worth and whether it is a good time to invest or sell its stock. However, it has a few limitations:

•   Fluctuation: Company stocks go up and down every day, and, therefore market value also always changes. Various factors affect market value, and it is very dynamic, which is important for investors to keep in mind when making trading decisions.

•   Precedent data: It’s easier to find market value for established businesses because it requires historical pricing data to find it. New businesses don’t have such data, making it harder for investors to determine their market value.

The Takeaway

Market value is very useful for analyzing a stock. It is easiest to calculate market value of assets such as stocks and futures that are traded on exchanges because it is easy to access their market prices. Market value for less frequently traded assets can be difficult and requires some assumptions and calculations.

Calculating market value can be useful for investors of all stripes, but it can be easy to get lost in the math. Be sure to double-check your math and consider the limitations of market value before making investing decisions.

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FAQ

Is market value the same as market capitalization?

Market value is the price at which a buyer purchases an asset, and can refer to a company or a security such as a stock, future, or asset. Market cap is the value of the total number of outstanding shares of a company, based on their current market value.

Is market value the same as book value?

Market value and book value per share, or explicit value, are different and can be very different amounts, but they are often used in conjunction by investors looking to gain an understanding of an asset’s value. Book value is the net value of a company’s balance sheet assets, while market value is the price at which a buyer purchases an asset.

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May
18
2024

How to Invest in Silver

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off on How to Invest in Silver

For millennia, humans have used precious metals such as silver as a way to barter and exchange value. And even in today’s modern economy, many people believe that there is room for investing in silver and other precious metals as a way to diversify their overall portfolio.

Investing in silver can come in many different ways, from buying stocks or mutual funds focused on precious metals to holding the actual silver metal yourself. Depending on how you are investing in silver, it can be considered a valuable hedge against inflation and one way to diversify your overall investment portfolio.

Key Points

•   Investing in silver can help diversify an investment portfolio and act as a hedge against inflation.

•   Silver is considered valuable due to its historical use in coins, jewelry, and industrial applications.

•   Silver and gold are both precious metals that have been used as currency and for portfolio diversification.

•   Investing in silver can offer advantages such as portfolio diversification and lower cost compared to gold.

•   However, investing in silver carries risks, including price volatility and the need for secure storage for physical silver holdings.

Why Is Silver Considered Valuable?

Silver is a type of alternative investment, in that it’s different from a conventional stock or other type of security. And similar to how those types of securities or investments hold value, silver does as well.

At its most basic, silver is valuable for the same reason that anything is considered “valuable” — because we as a society have decided that it is valuable. Silver has been used for making coins and jewelry since the early days of history, which is one reason that silver is considered valuable. Silver is also quite conductive, which means that it has uses in industry as well.

Silver has many of the same qualities as gold, which is why many investors have similarly looked for different ways to invest in precious metals.

Silver vs Gold

Silver and gold have both been used as currency and jewelry since nearly the beginning of human civilization. They are both considered valuable precious metals and useful for portfolio diversification and as an inflation hedge. Deciding whether to invest in gold or invest in silver is in some ways a personal choice, and many investors decide to invest in both.

💡 Quick Tip: While investing directly in alternative assets often requires high minimum amounts, investing in alts through a mutual fund or ETF generally involves a low minimum requirement, making them accessible to retail investors.

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What Are the Advantages of Investing in Silver?

One of the biggest advantages of investing in silver is that it can help diversify your portfolio. The rate of return for silver and other precious metals is not always correlated with that of other investments, which means that it can be a useful form of portfolio diversification. Silver is also cheaper than gold on a per-ounce basis.

Many investors also consider investing in precious metals to be an inflation hedge – it’s commonly believed that precious metals like silver or gold hold their value more efficiently or for a longer-term than cash or other assets.

If you invest in actual physical silver, another advantage is that it is a hard asset — it cannot be hacked or erased. Silver and other precious metals are one of the few investments that you can actually hold in your hand. Unlike other investments, your holdings in silver can also be as private as you want them to be.

What Are the Potential Drawbacks?

One drawback of investing in silver is that its price is considered fairly volatile. That doesn’t make it a great investment if you are only holding for the short-term. Prices for precious metals can fluctuate wildly over the short-term, and even over the long-term, may not provide investors with the type of appreciation they may have seen if they had invested in other assets.

Further, if you hold physical silver, you do run the risk of having it stolen. Unlike digital assets, physical silver may not be recoverable if it is lost or stolen. As such, if you are buying physical silver coins or bars, you will need to find a safe and secure way to store them.

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

Is Silver an Inflation Hedge?

As noted, investing in precious metals is often considered an inflation hedge.

Inflation is a natural phenomenon that gradually increases the cost of many goods and services. Silver has many uses – it can be used to mint coins, for instance, and be used as an actual currency, or be incorporated into other products. For that reason, it may hold its value more effectively than cash or other assets.

But there’s no guarantee that silver will always be an effective inflation hedge, and it’s important to remember that it’s a volatile asset.

How Can I Invest in Silver?

There are a number of different ways to invest in silver, depending on what you’re looking for in your portfolio. One popular way to invest in silver is by buying physical bars or coins of silver. Another possible way to invest in silver is by investing in the stocks of silver mining companies.

Silver Funds

It may also be possible to invest in silver using various types of funds, such as exchange traded funds (ETFs) that own silver or silver mining companies. There may also be options for investors to invest in mutual funds with concentrations in the silver industry or market, too – doing a bit of research to see what your options are in relation to silver investments is likely to yield results.

The Takeaway

Investing in silver offers investors a way to add an alternative asset to their portfolio, which can help them diversify, and hedge against inflation. There are many ways to invest in silver — including investing in silver mining companies, silver ETFs or owning physical silver like coins or silver bullion.

But investing in silver has its risks, and investing in precious metals typically means investors are okay with adding a relatively volatile asset to their portfolios. As always, if you have questions, it may be a good idea to speak with a financial professional.

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FAQ

Does owning silver diversify your portfolio?

Depending on the composition of your investment portfolio, owning silver can diversify your portfolio. Silver and other precious metals are often considered an inflation hedge, meaning that their price generally holds its value, regardless of the inflation rate. The rate of return on investing in silver and other precious metals is also not often correlated with returns of other types of investments, like the stock market or real estate.

Will the price of silver always go up?

Like all investments, there is no guarantee that the price of silver will always go up. The price of silver can fluctuate wildly, which means that depending on when you buy and/or sell, you may lose money. Before investing in silver, make sure you understand the risks and drawbacks of silver investing.

What are some alternative metals to silver?

Probably the most popular alternative precious metal to silver is gold. Like silver, gold has been used in currency and jewelry for most of the length of human civilization. Other options for investing in precious metals if you’d rather not own gold or silver are platinum or titanium.

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

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An investor should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. This and other important information are contained in the Fund’s prospectus. For a current prospectus, please click the Prospectus link on the Fund’s respective page. The prospectus should be read carefully prior to investing.
Alternative investments, including funds that invest in alternative investments, are risky and may not be suitable for all investors. Alternative investments often employ leveraging and other speculative practices that increase an investor's risk of loss to include complete loss of investment, often charge high fees, and can be highly illiquid and volatile. Alternative investments may lack diversification, involve complex tax structures and have delays in reporting important tax information. Registered and unregistered alternative investments are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as mutual funds.
Please note that Interval Funds are illiquid instruments, hence the ability to trade on your timeline may be restricted. Investors should review the fee schedule for Interval Funds via the prospectus.

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2024

A Guide to U.S. Treasury Ladders

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off on A Guide to U.S. Treasury Ladders

Purchasing U.S. Treasury securities are often considered to be a dependable and less-risky way to increase income and grow wealth over time. Building a Treasury ladder can be a smart move for investors looking for a way to maximize profits while controlling interest rate risk. Investing in a Treasury ladder allows investors to spread out the risk and return associated with holding fixed-income securities by buying a sequence of securities with varying maturities.

In this article we delve into the complexities of U.S. Treasury ladders, going over their advantages, construction techniques, and things to think about for investors trying to assemble a reliable and well-rounded portfolio.

Key Points

•   Treasury ladders involve purchasing U.S. Treasury securities with staggered maturities to manage income and interest rate risks.

•   This strategy allows for spreading out investment risks and returns across different maturity dates.

•   Treasury ladders can be constructed using Treasury Bills, Notes, and Bonds, depending on investment goals and time horizons.

•   The approach helps maintain liquidity and provides a steady income stream by ensuring parts of the investment mature regularly.

•   Treasury ladders are considered a conservative investment strategy, suitable for investors seeking stability and lower risk.

What Is a Treasury Bill Ladder?

An investing strategy known as a “Treasury Bill ladder” involves buying a sequence of Treasury Bills with varying maturities. The United States government issues Treasury Bills, sometimes known as T-bills, which are short-term debt securities with maturities varying from a few days to a year. Investors can spread out the maturity dates of their investments by building a Treasury Bill ladder, which preserves liquidity and generates a consistent income stream.

With this approach, investors can benefit from fluctuating interest rates and make sure that a part of their portfolio is always maturing, giving them flexibility in terms of withdrawal or reinvestment. Treasury Bills are also regarded as some of the least-risky investment options.

What Is a Treasury Bond Ladder?

A Treasury Bond ladder is similar to a Treasury Bill ladder in that it emphasizes longer-term investing and both involve staggering maturities. The United States government issues Treasury Bonds, which are long-term debt instruments with maturities ranging from 10 to 30 years.

A Treasury Bond ladder works similarly to a Treasury Bill ladder in that it distributes the risk and returns of investing in fixed-income securities by buying bonds with different maturities. Still, there are some significant distinctions between the two approaches. Because they are investments with a longer maturity period than Treasury Bills, Treasury Bonds usually provide greater yields.

Treasury Bond ladders are often favored by investors seeking higher income potential and are willing to accept the associated interest rate risk. Changes in interest rates may have an effect on the market value of Treasury Bonds. Notwithstanding these differences, Treasury Bill and Treasury Bond ladders are equally useful instruments for addressing the varied inclinations and goals of investors while controlling interest rate risk, producing income, and preserving portfolio diversification.

How Can You Build a Treasury Ladder?

Several important factors must be taken into account while building a Treasury ladder in order to minimize risk and maximize returns.

The first stage is to decide on the ladder’s ideal configuration, which includes the number of rungs and the assets’ staggered maturities. The term “rungs” refers to the individual assets that make up the ladder; based on the investor’s investment horizon and preferences, these securities may include Treasury Bonds, Treasury Notes, or Treasury Bills. By ensuring that a part of the portfolio matures on a regular basis, staggered maturities offer liquidity and flexibility for withdrawal or reinvestment.

To maximize the performance of a Treasury ladder, investors should also take the yield curve and current interest rates into account. Longer-dated securities often provide greater yields in order to offset the duration and interest rate risk. Nonetheless, investors may decide to add assets with shorter maturities to increase liquidity or to capitalize on future changes in interest rates.

When choosing the Treasury securities to include in the ladder, investors should consider their time horizon, investing goals, and risk tolerance. While Treasury Notes and Bonds offer higher returns and are appropriate for longer-term investment objectives, Treasury Bills are best suited for investors with short-term liquidity needs or a conservative risk profile.

After the ladder is put in place, investors should keep a close eye on it, rebalance the portfolio as needed to preserve the intended asset allocation, and modify the ladder’s maturity structure in response to shifting market conditions.

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What’s an Example of a T-Bill Ladder?

Buying T-Bills with varying maturities over a predetermined time frame, like a year, is an example of a T-Bill ladder.

An investor could, for example, build a three-rung T-Bill ladder, where each rung represents a T-Bill with a different maturity date. T-Bills that mature in three months, six months, and nine months, respectively, might be found on the first rung, second rung, and third rung.

By reinvesting the proceeds from each maturing T-Bill into new ones with longer maturities, the investor can preserve the ladder’s structure and create a steady flow of income. By delaying the maturity dates of their investments, this technique helps investors spread out their exposure to reinvestment risk while capturing changing interest rates over time.

An investor would receive interest income of $50 from the first T-Bill after three months, $100 from the second T-Bill after six months, and $150 from the third T-Bill after nine months, for instance, if they initially purchase $10,000 worth of T-Bills with staggered maturities of three, six, and nine months, and each T-Bill offers an annualized yield of 2%.

In order to preserve the ladder’s structure and gradually produce a consistent income stream, the investor may reinvest the principal and interest into further T-Bills upon maturity.

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How Do You Buy Treasury Bonds and Bills?

Purchasing Treasury Bills and Bonds is a simple process that may be carried out via a number of methods.

One popular way is via a brokerage account, where investors can buy Treasury securities through a broker-dealer. Or investors can buy directly from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Treasury securities are easily accessible through a number of online brokerage platforms, enabling investors to buy and sell them with a few clicks.

Banks and other financial organizations that take part in Treasury auctions are another source for investors to purchase Treasury securities. Investors can place bids for the required quantity and yield at regular auctions held by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for Treasury securities, such as Treasury Bills, notes, and bonds.

Additionally, investors may purchase Treasury securities indirectly by investing in a diverse portfolio of Treasury securities through exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or mutual funds with a Treasury concentration. Investors can easily obtain exposure to Treasury securities through these products without having to buy individual bonds or bills.

Is it Worth it to Build a Treasury Ladder?

Creating a Treasury ladder may have certain advantages for investors:

•   Possible protection against inflation: Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) within the ladder may help safeguard against the erosive effects of inflation by adjusting the principal value in line with changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

•   Revenue and cash flow: Treasury securities offer a steady income stream in the form of interest payments, which can be especially attractive to retirees or those looking for consistent cash flow. In order to provide liquidity for reinvestment or other financial needs, staggered maturities create a steady stream of maturing securities.

•   Diversification: Treasury ladders distribute assets across several Treasury security types and maturities, providing diversification and lowering total portfolio risk.

•   Security and less risk: Because they pay principal and interest on time by the U.S. government, U.S. Treasury securities are among the least risky investments available.

Are There Risks Associated with Treasury Bill and Bond Ladders?

Bond and Treasury bill ladders are typically regarded as low-risk investment techniques, but investors should be aware of certain potential risks.

Interest rate risk is one of the main risks connected to Treasury securities. Treasury securities’ market value can change inversely with changes in interest rates. This implies that the market value of current Treasury securities may decrease if interest rates rise, possibly resulting in a loss if the investor sells before maturity. On the other hand, investors who retain Treasury securities until maturity may benefit if interest rates decline and the market value of the securities rises.

Reinvestment risk is another thing to think about. Investors must reinvest the revenues from maturing assets into new securities because Treasury ladders feature staggered maturities. Investors may end up investing at lower rates if interest rates have dropped since the first investment, which might affect the ladder’s overall yield. On the other hand, investors might be able to reinvest at higher rates if interest rates have increased, which would raise the ladder’s total yield.

Even though Treasury securities are among the least risky investments available since they are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government, there is always a small but constant risk of default. The purchase power of the principal and interest payments of Treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS) can be impacted by changes in inflation, so investors should be aware that TIPS involve an inflation risk.

Can You Set Up a Ladder Using ETFs?

ETFs that specialize in Treasury securities allow investors to indirectly build up a Treasury ladder. Treasury-focused ETFs offer investors exposure to a variety of Treasury Bills, notes, and bonds by holding a diversified portfolio of Treasury securities with different maturities.

Without having to buy individual assets, investors can obtain a comparable result to a Treasury ladder by investing in these ETFs.

When building a Treasury ladder, investors can benefit from a number of ETF features. They offer diversification over a wide array of Treasury securities, helping reduce credit risk as well as interest rate risk. Also, a wider range of investors can invest in ETFs since they usually have lower investment minimums than buying individual Treasury securities. ETFs also trade on stock exchanges, giving investors flexibility and liquidity to purchase and sell shares at any time during the trading day.

That’s not to say that ETFs don’t, generally, have some downsides, though. ETFs may experience tracking errors, for instance, and have associated trading costs. There may be other types of risk, too – just some things to keep in mind.

Treasury-focused ETFs frequently provide extra characteristics, such as improved yield strategies or inflation protection, to meet the unique requirements and preferences of investors. To make sure that ETFs match their investment goals and risk tolerance, investors should carefully consider the expense ratios and liquidity of the funds before making an investment.

💡 Quick Tip: How to manage potential risk factors in a self-directed investment account? Doing your research and employing strategies like dollar-cost averaging and diversification may help mitigate financial risk when trading stocks.

The Takeaway

Building a Treasury ladder may be a tool for investors looking for a way to maximize profits while controlling interest rate risk. And, as noted, investing in a Treasury ladder allows investors to spread out the risk and return associated with holding fixed-income securities.

Overall, the combination of potential inflation protection, minimized interest-rate risk, reliable income, diversification benefits, and lower relative risk make building a Treasury ladder a compelling investment strategy for many investors, particularly those with a conservative risk tolerance or seeking stable returns over time.

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FAQ

Is laddering Treasury bills a good idea?

A T-Bill ladder distributes investments over a range of maturity dates, which helps investors diversify their holdings. It can aid in reducing interest rate risk.

Are Treasury ladders taxable?

Yes, you pay federal taxes on Treasury Bills at your marginal income tax rate, but state and local income taxes do not apply to them.

Is it better to buy a CD or a Treasury bill?

Depending on the length of term you desire, you can choose between Treasuries and a CD. Treasuries are a preferable option because rates are close enough for both one- to six-month and ten-year maturities. Right now, CDs are paying more for durations of one to five years, and the difference is significant enough to give them the advantage.

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SoFi Invest®

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

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

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

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Investment Risk: Diversification can help reduce some investment risk. It cannot guarantee profit, or fully protect in a down market.

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2024

What Is a Treasury Security? Treasury Bonds, Bills, and Notes

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off on What Is a Treasury Security? Treasury Bonds, Bills, and Notes

Treasury securities are like the rock-solid foundation of the financial world. In essence, they are IOUs that the U.S. government offers to investors in order to borrow money. There are various types, each with unique characteristics, including Treasury bonds, bills, and notes.

Since they are seen as extremely safe investments, those seeking financial stability frequently choose them. Let’s examine Treasury securities in more detail and see why they are important.

Key Points

•   Treasury securities are government-issued debt obligations that include bonds, bills, and notes, offering a safe investment option.

•   Treasury bonds are long-term investments with maturities over ten years, providing semi-annual interest payments.

•   Treasury notes are medium-term securities that offer maturities between two and ten years, also paying interest semi-annually.

•   Treasury bills are short-term securities sold at a discount and mature within one year without periodic interest payments.

•   The 10-year Treasury yield serves as a benchmark for various economic rates, reflecting broader economic conditions and investor sentiment.

What Are Treasury Securities?

In essence, Treasury securities are loans made by investors to the United States government. Treasury bonds, Treasury bills, and Treasury notes are the three primary varieties. Purchasing one of these securities is equivalent to making a fixed-term loan to the government that may last anywhere from a few days to thirty years.

The government agrees to reimburse you for your initial investment (the principal) plus interest in exchange. The Treasury yield, which is this interest rate, is used as a standard by which other interest rates in the economy are measured. Because they are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government, Treasury securities are typically considered to be among the safest investments available.

What Are Treasury Bonds?

The United States government issues Treasury bonds, which are long-term debt instruments with maturities of ten years or longer. Purchasing a Treasury bond is akin to making a fixed-term loan to the government, typically for a duration of 20 or 30 years. In exchange, you get interest payments from the government every six months until the bond matures, at which time you are paid the bond’s whole face value.

Since the U.S. government backs Treasury bonds with its full faith and credit, they are among the safest investments available. Additionally, they are quite liquid, making it simple to buy and sell them on the open market. Investors looking for a dependable means of capital preservation and a consistent income source frequently utilize Treasury bonds.

Difference from US Savings Bonds

The U.S. government issues both Treasury bonds and U.S. Savings Bonds, but there are a few significant distinctions between the two.

U.S. Savings Bonds normally have shorter periods, typically between 20 and 30 years, while Treasury bonds typically have longer maturities, ranging from 10 to 30 years. Interest on Treasury bonds is paid semi-annually, whereas interest on U.S. Savings Bonds is paid monthly and compounded semi-annually.

Another difference is that U.S. Savings Bonds are offered at a discount to face value and earn a fixed rate of interest over time, whereas Treasury bonds are sold at face value and pay a fixed interest rate.

While U.S. Savings Bonds are frequently bought by individuals as a means of saving for short- or medium-term financial goals, such as retirement or schooling expenses, Treasury bonds are typically purchased by institutional investors and individuals seeking long-term investment possibilities. Both kinds of bonds are offered by the U.S. government and are low-risk investment options, but they have different uses and meet various demands from investors.

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What Are Treasury Notes?

The United States government issues medium-term debt securities called Treasury notes, which have maturities of two to ten years. Essentially, investors who buy Treasury notes are making a fixed-term loan to the government. Until the note matures and the investor obtains the full face value of the note, the government pays them interest every six months in exchange.

Since they are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government, Treasury notes are thought to be less risky than many other investment options. Investors seeking a compromise between the short-term flexibility of Treasury bills and the long-term stability of Treasury bonds frequently choose them.

In addition to the ease of buying and selling on the open market, Treasury notes are extremely liquid, which makes them a preferred option for investors looking to combine flexibility and security in their investment portfolios.

The Significance of the 10-year Treasury Yield

In the financial world, the 10-year Treasury yield is very important since it is a key benchmark for other interest rates throughout the economy. The yield on a 10-year Treasury bond is the annual return that an investor can expect. As such, it reflects investor sentiment regarding future economic conditions, inflation expectations, and monetary policy outlook.

Variations in the yield on the 10-year Treasury note have the potential to impact not only corporate borrowing rates but also mortgage rates, vehicle loan rates, and consumer borrowing costs.

Additionally, it has an impact on the value of other financial assets since investors weigh their future returns against the comparatively safe yields of Treasury securities when valuing stocks and bonds. As a crucial indicator of general market mood and economic conditions, central banks and policymakers regularly monitor movements in the 10-year Treasury yield to assess the state of the economy and modify monetary policies accordingly.

What Are Treasury Bills?

The U.S. government issues Treasury bills, sometimes known as T-bills, which are short-term debt securities with maturities of one year or less.

In essence, investors who buy Treasury bills are making a short-term loan to the government. Treasury bills don’t pay interest on a regular basis like Treasury bonds and notes do. Rather, they are offered to investors at a price below face value, with the entire face amount due upon the bill’s maturity.

Since they are guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the United States government, Treasury bills tend to be considered some of the least-risky investments on the market. Because of their high liquidity and minimal risk, investors frequently utilize them as a short-term cash management tool or as a means of preserving capital.

Treasury notes are an essential part of the economy since they act as a base for a variety of financial transactions and as a benchmark for short-term interest rates.

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Who Should Invest in Treasury Securities?

Investors can benefit from investing in Treasury securities because of their consistent yields and low relative risk. Treasury securities are attractive to people who value capital preservation over large returns, particularly those who are approaching retirement or want to protect their resources. Treasury securities are a popular choice among conservative investors and those with low risk tolerance.

To comply with regulations and reduce risk, institutional investors like banks, insurance firms, and pension funds also set aside a percentage of their portfolio allocation for Treasury securities. Treasury securities are crucial components of diverse investment portfolios and a key part of any investor’s financial plan who is looking for a dependable and safe choice.

Pros and Cons of Treasury Investments

There are both benefits and downsides to Treasury Investments:

Benefits of Treasury Investments

•   Low Relative Risk: Because they are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government, Treasury securities tend to be less risky than other investment types.

•   Guaranteed Yield: They give investors a steady source of income with a guaranteed rate of return – or, as close to a guarantee as an investor is likely going to find.

•   Treasury securities are highly liquid, which allows investors flexibility as they can be quickly bought and sold on the secondary market.

Drawbacks of Treasury Investments

•   Low Yield: Treasury securities usually have lower yields when compared to alternative investment options like equities or corporate bonds.

•   Interest Rate Risk: Interest rate fluctuations can have an impact on Treasury securities. The value of current Treasury securities may decline if interest rates rise.

•   Inflation Risk: Although Treasury securities are generally low risk, they might not yield enough returns in the long run to beat inflation, which might reduce one’s purchasing power.

•   Market Risk: While unlikely, there’s a chance that shifts in investor sentiment or market disruptions could have an impact on the price of Treasury securities.

How Can You Invest in Treasuries?

Individuals can invest in Treasuries with relative ease and accessibility. Investors can buy Treasury securities straight from the U.S. Department of Treasury via website, TreasuryDirect.gov.

Investors can also purchase them via a financial institution, bank, or broker. Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that contain Treasury securities in their portfolios are another way for people to indirectly invest in Treasury securities.

Through TreasuryDirect.gov

Bonds, bills, and notes issued by the U.S. government can be directly purchased by individuals by using TreasuryDirect.gov. Without going via a broker or other financial middleman, investors can purchase, manage, and redeem Treasury securities using this online platform.

Treasury auctions, in which the public is offered newly issued securities, can be attended by investors via TreasuryDirect.gov. Investors can enter these auctions with competitive or non-competitive bids to buy Treasury securities at fixed yields or interest rates.

Non-competitive bids accept the yield that is decided by the auction, whereas competitive bids indicate the desired yield. Investors can interact directly with the U.S. Treasury Department to purchase Treasury assets through an open and easily accessible process, giving them more power over their financial choices.

Through a Broker or Bank

An additional way for investors to obtain these assets is by buying Treasury securities through a bank or broker. Treasury securities can be purchased and held alongside other financial products by investors through the investment services provided by numerous banks and brokerage firms. Financial experts can assist in customizing investing plans to meet the specific needs and objectives of each investor.

Purchasing through a bank or broker may provide access to a greater selection of investment options, including Treasury bills, notes, and bonds with different maturities and yields. Although there can be commissions or transaction costs associated with this approach, investors benefit from the ease of having all of their investment accounts combined into one location.

Purchasing Treasury securities via a bank or broker provides investors with ease, flexibility, and individualized assistance in creating a diverse investment portfolio.

ETFs and Mutual Funds

Investors can buy Treasury Securities in a convenient way through ETFs and mutual funds that hold bonds, bills, and notes. Investors can benefit from professional management and experience choosing and overseeing Treasury securities within the fund’s portfolio by making an investment in these funds.

Mutual funds and ETFs provide liquidity, enabling investors to buy and sell shares on the open market at any time. Investors can easily modify their exposure to Treasury securities in response to shifting market conditions or investing goals.

Mutual funds and ETFs often have lower expense ratios than actively managed funds, so investing in Treasury securities using this method can be an affordable way to access a diverse portfolio of Treasury securities.

💡 Quick Tip: How to manage potential risk factors in a self-directed investment account? Doing your research and employing strategies like dollar-cost averaging and diversification may help mitigate financial risk when trading stocks.

How Are Treasury Bonds, Bill, and Notes Taxed?

Since they are subject to unique tax laws, investors looking for tax-efficient investment options may find Treasury bonds, bills, and notes appealing. State and local income taxes are not applicable to interest income collected on Treasury securities, but it is subject to federal income tax.

Taxation applies to any capital gains upon the selling of Treasury securities. An investor will have a capital gain that is liable to capital gains tax if they sell a Treasury asset for more money than they paid for it.

On the other hand, the investor can experience a capital loss if they sell the investment for less than what they paid for it. This loss can be applied to offset capital gains and lower their taxable income.

What Are Other Types of Treasury Securities?

The U.S. Treasury offers a variety of securities in addition to Treasury bonds, bills, and notes. By basing the principal value of Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) on fluctuations in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), TIPS offer protection against inflation.

By guaranteeing a rate of return, this helps investors maintain their purchasing power over time. Investors are protected against interest rate risk by Floating Rate Notes (FRNs), which have variable interest rates that fluctuate based on changes in market interest rates.

The U.S. Treasury issues savings bonds such as Series I and Series EE that provide people with a convenient and secure long-term means of saving money. Series EE Savings Bonds pay a set rate of interest for a maximum of 30 years, while Series I Savings Bonds protect against inflation.

The Takeaway

Treasury securities give investors a range of choices to achieve their financial objectives, including long-term savings, inflation protection, and income generation. In the ever-changing world of financial markets, investors can protect capital, reduce risk, and reach their goals through Treasury bonds, bills, notes, and other securities like TIPS and savings bonds.

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

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

FAQ

What is the meaning of Treasury Security?

The U.S. Department of the Treasury issues debt obligations known as Treasury securities, which include Treasury bills, notes, and bonds. Because they are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government, Treasury securities are among the safest investments.

What is an example of Treasury securities?

Treasury Bills, Treasury Notes, Treasury Bonds, Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), and Floating Rate Notes (FRNs) are the five categories of marketable securities offered by the U.S. Treasury.

Are Treasury securities risky?

Because the U.S. government completely backs Treasury bonds, there is very little chance that they would default, making them a popular choice for investors looking to avoid risk. Investors need to be aware that interest rate risk exists even with U.S. government bonds.

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SoFi Invest®

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

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

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.

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs): Investors should carefully consider the information contained in the prospectus, which contains the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other relevant information. You may obtain a prospectus from the Fund company’s website or by email customer service at https://sofi.app.link/investchat. Please read the prospectus carefully prior to investing.
Shares of ETFs must be bought and sold at market price, which can vary significantly from the Fund’s net asset value (NAV). Investment returns are subject to market volatility and shares may be worth more or less their original value when redeemed. The diversification of an ETF will not protect against loss. An ETF may not achieve its stated investment objective. Rebalancing and other activities within the fund may be subject to tax consequences.

Investment Risk: Diversification can help reduce some investment risk. It cannot guarantee profit, or fully protect in a down market.


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.

Fund Fees
If you invest in Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) through SoFi Invest (either by buying them yourself or via investing in SoFi Invest’s automated investments, formerly SoFi Wealth), these funds will have their own management fees. These fees are not paid directly by you, but rather by the fund itself. these fees do reduce the fund’s returns. Check out each fund’s prospectus for details. SoFi Invest does not receive sales commissions, 12b-1 fees, or other fees from ETFs for investing such funds on behalf of advisory clients, though if SoFi Invest creates its own funds, it could earn management fees there.
SoFi Invest may waive all, or part of any of these fees, permanently or for a period of time, at its sole discretion for any reason. Fees are subject to change at any time. The current fee schedule will always be available in your Account Documents section of SoFi Invest.

Claw Promotion: Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $50 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.

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