Opening a Business Bank Account

Opening a Business Bank Account: How Business Bank Accounts Work

Business bank accounts can help owners keep professional transactions separate from personal banking and aid in their business cash management. These accounts often come with special conditions and requirements, and they may have various fees.

Here, we’ll take a closer look at these accounts, their pros and cons, and what it takes to open one. Read on to dive into the details about business bank accounts.

🛈 While SoFi does not offer business bank accounts at this time, we do offer high interest personal checking and savings accounts.

What Is a Business Bank Account?

There are three main types of business banking accounts: checking accounts for everyday use, savings accounts for intermediate and long-term savings, and merchant accounts for accepting debit and credit card payments. In this article, you’ll learn about business checking and savings accounts, available from both online and brick-and-mortar banks.

What Is a Business Checking Account?

A business checking account works much the same way a personal checking account does. You use it to deposit payments and make withdrawals, usually an unlimited amount. Like personal checking accounts, business checking accounts typically pay low to no interest on your balance.

What Is a Business Savings Account?

A business savings account will pay more interest than a checking account, so it can be a good place to park cash on an interim basis. You will likely be limited on how many transactions you can make per month without a penalty (typically six), and there may be a monthly minimum balance to maintain. Many business owners find using both a business checking and savings account can meet their banking needs.

How Long Does Opening a Business Bank Account Take?

If you open up a bank account — whether it’s checking, savings, or both — the time commitment needed is usually similar to that of opening a personal checking and savings account. It will likely take just a matter of minutes if you have the necessary information on hand.

•   You will need to provide some details about yourself, your business, and any additional business owners involved in your enterprise.

•   You’ll deposit funds.

•  Keep in mind it can take up to seven business days for final approval before you can actually access funds.

What Is Needed to Open a Business Bank Account?

Whether you open your bank account online or in person, you’ll need documentation of several personal and business details. Different banks may have their own verification requirements, depending on the type of business you own and the type of account you’re looking to open.

Here is a general list of what you might need to open a bank account for your business:

•   Your name, birthdate, and Social Security number

•   Mailing address and all contact information

•   What percentage you own of the business (anyone who owns 25% of the business or more will likely have to disclose personal details and identification)

•   A government-issued photo ID, such as driver’s license or passport

•   Business name and DBA (“doing business as” name) or trade name, if applicable

•   Business address and employer identification number (EIN) (Note: sometimes Social Security numbers suffice)

•   Industry/type of business

Depending on the type of business you own, you may be asked for the following documents:

•   Sole proprietorships may need the business name registration certificate and the business license.

•   Partnerships may need the partnership agreement, business name registration certificate, business license, and the state certificate of partnership.

•   Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) may need the articles of organization, LLC operating agreement, and business license.

•   Corporations may need articles of incorporation, corporate bylaws, and business licenses.

Recommended: Business Cash Management: Tips for Managing Cash

What to Look for in a Business Banking Account

Traditional banks, online banks, and credit unions all offer business bank accounts. All have different fee structures and provide different services. There are many fees and restrictions to consider when choosing a business banking account. But consider this overarching factor: online accounts are usually best for businesses that don’t need to make bank deposits.

Here’s what to compare when you’re looking for an account:

•   Monthly fees, such as account maintenance

•   Any minimum balance requirements

•   No-fee transactions

•   ATM access (for deposits and withdrawals)

•   Transfer, wiring, and payment capabilities

•   Incidental fees (such as, stop payment, overdraft, and nonsufficient funds)

•   Online and mobile banking tools

•   Additional features, such as invoicing, bill pay, or integrations with other business tools (especially tax reporting software)

Benefits of Opening a Business Banking Account

A business account can be a smart tool for a variety of reasons. Business owners may need to keep their personal and business accounts separate for tax and liability reasons. A business bank account also helps you establish a banking relationship that you can draw on in the future for lending or other services that may help your business grow. You will also establish a financial record that can come in handy when it comes time to file taxes and help your concern establish a good credit rating.

Recommended: How to Open a Business Checking Account

Cons of Opening a Business Banking Account

There are very few cases when a business banking account is a bad idea. Some very small sole proprietors may find they don’t need the extra fees and bookkeeping involved. But for most business owners, a separate account can be an efficient tool.

That said, one of the potential drawbacks of a business account is the cost of bank fees. High fees that you may not have anticipated can eat into your business profits. Some fees to look out for include:

•   Monthly fees

•   Transaction fees

•   Monthly balance transfer fees

•   Cash deposit fees

•   ATM fees

•   Wire transfer fees.

These fees add up fast. Be sure to check thoroughly what fees are involved and compare from one financial institution to another.

Pros of a Business Bank Account

Cons of a Business Bank Account

Keeps professional finances separate from personal May involve additional fees
Establishes a business relationship with a financial institution May involve more bookkeeping
Creates a financial record that can be useful for tax or credit-rating purposes

Choosing a Business Bank Account

Now that you’ve looked at fees, here are some other considerations as you choose your business bank account:

•   Banking online: Business bank accounts with online-only banks can be great for virtual businesses or any business that is not handling daily cash transactions. Many online banks do not require a monthly minimum balance.

•   Network: If you’re banking in person, be sure there is a conveniently located branch near your business. Also, find out how many no-fee ATMs are available in your area.

•   Electronic services: Check if online bill pay, electronic fund transfers, and other electronic services that can support your business are available for low or no fees.

•   Electronic payments: Does your bank accept Zelle and Venmo? If so, are there additional fees involved? How long will it take for transactions to post? Electronic payments are increasingly becoming the lifeblood of many businesses.

•   Software compatibility: Is the bank account you’re considering compatible with the bookkeeping software you use? That can make life easier when you need to track or get access to cash flow, outstanding receivables, and other items each month.

Other support: Does the bank offer small business loans, lines of credit, business credit cards, and other financial support for entrepreneurs that you may need in the future?


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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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Reasons High Earners Keep Living Paycheck to Paycheck

The number of people living paycheck to paycheck is rising, and not just among low-income workers. One-third of Americans with an annual income of $150,000 or more are struggling to pay their bills and have no money left over for savings. Reasons for this include high housing costs, a lack of financial literacy, and lifestyle creep.

So how do high earners end up living paycheck to paycheck, and what can you do to break the cycle?

What Does Living Paycheck to Paycheck Mean?

Most people expect to earn a “living wage.” The term refers to an income sufficient to afford life’s necessities, including housing, food, healthcare, and child care. That level of income should also allow you to save for an emergency, retirement and other goals to some degree.

When a person lives paycheck to paycheck, they can barely pay basic bills and have nothing left over to save for a rainy day. In the event of a pricey emergency — like a big medical bill or major car repairs — low-income families are financially wiped out.

High earners have more wiggle room. They have the ability to downsize their home or car and find other ways to cut back on expenses.

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Understanding the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Situation

According to a 2023 survey conducted by Payroll.org, 72% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, with Baby Boomers the hardest hit. When you are living paycheck to paycheck, as noted above, you have no ability to save. If you go into debt, you may not be able to afford to pay down the debt in a meaningful way.

According to research from MIT, the average living wage for a family of four (two working adults with two children) in the U.S. in 2022 was $25.02 per hour before taxes, or $104,077.70 per year. Compare that to the federal minimum wage of $7.25. Even in Washington, D.C., which has the highest minimum wage at $17, families make well below what is considered an adequate income.

But even households bringing in $200,000 or more say they feel the crunch. According to a Forbes study, 39% of those earning at least $200K described themselves as running out of money and not having anything left over after covering expenses. While they have the freedom to downsize their lifestyle, many people may not realize the precariousness of their financial situation until they’re locked into a mortgage and car payments they cannot afford.

Why Do Some Americans Live Paycheck to Paycheck?

The reasons why Americans live paycheck to paycheck vary. For lower-income workers, you can point to a higher cost of living and wages that have not kept up with inflation. For those with higher incomes, the issue is more about a lack of financial literacy and living beyond one’s means.

Rising Cost of Living

According to the Federal Reserve, 40% of adults spent more in 2022 than they did in 2021. They spent more because monthly expenses, such as rent, mortgage payments, food, and utilities had all increased.

Low Income

Low incomes are another reason some people live paycheck to paycheck. This is particularly the case for people who earn minimum wage or live in areas with a high cost of living.

Poor Budgeting

Another reason some people are living paycheck to paycheck is that they lack basic financial knowledge and budgeting skills. It’s easy to overspend and accumulate credit card debt, but difficult to pay down the principal and interest.


💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a free budget app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.

Lifestyle Creep

Also known as lifestyle inflation, lifestyle creep happens when discretionary expenses increase as disposable income increases. In plain English: You get a raise and treat yourself to a new ’fit. And a fancy haircut. And a weekend at a charming B&B in the countryside.

Whether you can afford it is debatable. On one hand, you may be paying your credit card bill in full each month. On the other, you’re not saving or investing that money.

Factors Driving Financial Insecurity for Six-Figure Earners

Because of inflation, it is increasingly hard to buy a home, car, and other nice-to-haves. However, people may still expect and try to afford these things once they earn a certain amount. And if they have a taste for luxury items, they may struggle to maintain that standard of living and pay their bills.

It’s common for people to buy things on credit and then find that they cannot make the payments. Soon, they find themselves mired in high-interest debt.

How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck

You can stop living paycheck to paycheck by living below your means rather than beyond your means. That requires earning more than you spend and saving the difference. The obvious steps to take are to increase your income and to live more frugally.

Once you have downsized your lifestyle, you can find relief quicker than you might think. And some changes may only be temporary. For example, you might have to work a part-time job for a short time until your debt is paid off.

Tips for Those Living Paycheck to Paycheck

Here are some changes you can make to get on the path to living below your means.

1. Create a Budget

You have to know where your money is going before you can cut back. By tracking your expenses, you can see what you are spending where. There are lots of ways to automate your finances and make it much easier to stay on top of things.

Then, create a budget where you subtract your non-negotiable expenses, or needs, from your net income. Non-negotiables are your housing costs, utilities, food, and transportation. Hopefully, you have some money left over to allocate to savings. If not, it’s time to look at how you can make your life more affordable.

Here are a few budget strategies to try:

•   Line-item budget

•   50/30/20 method

•   Envelope method

2. Cut Back on Nonessentials

Budgeting will help you find expenses that you can eliminate or reduce. For example, look closely at things that might seem insignificant. You are not necessarily bad with money just because you lose track of subscription services that you have forgotten about.

Be aware that a large cold brew on your way to work every morning can add up, and eating out or spending $30 on takeout each week adds up to over $1,500 annually. More consequential changes are downsizing your home, accepting a roommate temporarily, or finding a part-time gig to supplement your income.

3. Pay Off Your Debt

Debt is expensive. High-interest credit card debt and buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) schemes can eat up your income as you struggle to pay the minimum while the interest mounts up. Consider using a personal loan to consolidate debt and reduce the interest you’re paying.

4. Save for Emergencies

If you are living paycheck to paycheck, just one unexpected expense can cause you to spiral into debt. It’s important to have enough cash on hand. Once you have paid off your debt, start an emergency fund so that you don’t have to rely on credit if you experience an unexpected financial emergency. A rule of thumb is to have three to six months’ worth of expenses saved up.


💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

5. Hold Off on Big Purchases

While you are trying to reduce expenses and pay off debt, hold off on buying big ticket items. For example, forgo an expensive vacation for a year and start saving toward next year instead. As much as you might like new furniture or a new car, try to economize for a while until you are in a better place financially.

6. Ask for a Raise

Asking for a raise is not an easy thing to do when money is tight. However, it could be well worth it. According to Payscale.com, 70% of survey respondents who asked for a raise got one. You are in a particularly strong position if your skills are in demand and your employer values you.

The Takeaway

Many Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, even high earners. The reasons why are linked to inflation, lifestyle expectations, and the ease with which people fall into debt. The remedy is to live below your means, and that often means making sacrifices.

If debt is a concern, temporary steps such as downsizing while you pay off your debt or finding additional sources of income are options. Identify where your money goes and stick to a budget to reduce unnecessary spending. Also, getting rid of high-interest debt and cutting back on eating out and other nonessentials can free up a significant amount of cash each month.

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

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

FAQ

Does living paycheck to paycheck mean you’re poor?

Living paycheck to paycheck does not necessarily mean that you are poor, but it does mean that you are living beyond your means. Even high earners can find themselves in a position where they are living paycheck to paycheck, often due to mounting debt and lifestyle creep.

Lifestyle creep is when people spend more whenever their income increases. According to a Forbes study, 39% of those earning $200,000 or more described themselves as running out of money and not having enough leftover to save after covering expenses.

Is living paycheck to paycheck stressful?

Yes. When you live paycheck to paycheck, you may constantly worry how you will afford to pay for an emergency. It’s important to have an emergency fund, so that you do not have to use a loan or high-interest credit card to pay for something unexpected.

How many americans are living paycheck to paycheck?

Close to 80% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck and are struggling to meet their monthly bills, according to a 2023 survey by Payroll.org. That’s an increase of 6% from the previous year.


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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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Guide to Currency Options

Forex Options Trading: How it Works, Types, Examples


Editor's Note: Options are not suitable for all investors. Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Please see the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options.

Forex options, also called currency options, are contracts that give the purchaser the option to buy foreign currency from the exchange at a specific price on or before a specific date.

Like stock options, there are two different types of forex options: A call option gives the holder the right to buy currency at a specified price (the strike price), while the holder of a put option has the right to sell a currency at a predetermined price.

Those investing in foreign countries may use forex options as a way to hedge against unfavorable fluctuations of foreign currencies or to speculate on volatility.

What Is Forex Options Trading?

Like options in the stock market, currency options are a derivative instrument. In this case, the underlying asset is a foreign currency pair. Currencies (also known as FX or forex) are generally traded in pairs. One major currency pair, for example, is EUR/USD, which indicates the value of the euro against the U.S. dollar.

Foreign currency options are a way to invest in foreign currency markets without trading in the actual currencies themselves.

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

How Forex Options Trading Works

If you understand how to trade options in the stock market, currency options work in a similar manner. Buying a currency call option gives you the right (but not the obligation) to purchase a particular foreign currency at a specified price (the strike price) at any time before its expiration date.

A currency put option works in a similar way, except that the buyer has the right (but not the obligation) to sell a currency at a given price before the expiration of the option.

You can also purchase combinations of both put and call options at different strike prices and/or different expiration dates, depending on how you think the market will move. You can always close out your position before the options expire. Owning options gives you exposure to movements in the exchange rate without having to actually purchase the currency.

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Types of Forex Options Available

The most basic currency options come in two types: so-called ‘vanilla’ calls and puts.

Vanilla Call and Put Options

A forex call option gives the holder the right (but not the obligation) to purchase a given currency at a specific price, any time on or before the option’s expiration date. You would generally buy a forex call option if you have a bullish outlook on a particular currency.

A forex put option works in the opposite manner. If you hold a put option, you have the right (but not the obligation) to sell a specific currency at a particular price before the options expire.

Purchasing a put option is something that you would do if you have a bearish outlook on the underlying currency.

SPOT Options

Another type of currency option is single payment options trading (SPOT). With a SPOT option, an investor and broker can set more detailed conditions for the option to pay out. These conditions are either met, or not. Because there are only two possible outcomes upon the option expiring, these options are sometimes called binary currency options.

Example of Trading Forex Options

If an investor expects the value of a currency will fall, they may choose to buy a put option to earn the right (but not the obligation) to sell the currency in question at a predetermined price during a set timeframe.

For example, if a U.S. investor expects the euro will fall in value against the U.S. dollar, they may buy a EUR/USD put option. Essentially, the option can help the option holder protect themselves against depreciation of a given currency.

💡 Quick Tip: Options can be a cost-efficient way to place certain trades, because you typically purchase options contracts, not the underlying security. That said, options trading can be risky, and best done by those who are not entirely new to investing.

Benefits and Risks of Forex Options Trading

Here are some of the pros and cons of trading forex options:

Benefits

Using forex options can be a cost effective way to potentially help hedge an investors’ portfolio against currency risk. For example, an investor who owns foreign stocks may consider investing in local currencies via options to reduce currency risk. Investors may want to weigh the option’s premium, as well as risk against possible outcomes.

Risks

Like any investment, trading currency options comes with a set of risks. Options are complex, high-risk instruments that require investors to understand how they work.

Currency values may fluctuate based on macroeconomic events, economic data, or political events. This means that FX options investors must bear in mind the risk profile of particular countries, as well as that of their own portfolio. Because currencies react to interest rates, trading currency options also bears interest rate risk. Traders who use leverage to potentially earn higher profits with less money, also risk losing more than their initial investment.

Benefits

Risks

Using forex options is a low-cost way to potentially hedge against adverse currency moves. The price of currencies can be extremely volatile.
Using leverage, there is the potential for higher profits with less money invested. Political risk as currency markets react to local governments’ policies.
You have many different ways to trade depending on your market outlook. Options may be less liquid than the currencies themselves.

The Takeaway

Trading forex options can be a way for you to invest in the foreign currency market without actually owning the currency itself. You can use call options, put options, or a combination based on how you think the market will perform.

Investors who are ready to try their hand at options trading despite the risks involved, might consider checking out SoFi’s options trading platform offered through SoFi Securities, LLC. The platform’s user-friendly design allows investors to buy put and call options through the mobile app or web platform, and get important metrics like breakeven percentage, maximum profit/loss, and more with the click of a button.

Plus, SoFi offers educational resources — including a step-by-step in-app guide — to help you learn more about options trading. Trading options involves high-risk strategies, and should be undertaken by experienced investors. Currently, investors can not sell options on SoFi Active Invest®.


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 are some types of forex options?

The two kinds of forex options are call options and put options. A call option allows the holder to buy the specified currency at a given strike price, while a put option allows the holder to sell a given currency at a particular price. There are also SPOT, or binary currency options.

What is a forex call option?

A forex call option allows the holder to buy a specific currency at a specific price, on or before the expiration date.

How are forex options settled?

If you hold a currency option that is in the money at expiration, there are two possibilities for settlement. You can settle the option with cash or by a physical delivery of currency. If you are short an in-the-money option at expiration, you may need to deposit cash into your account to settle your account.


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Top Spending Categories to Cut When You’re Trying to Save Money

If you’re trying to save some money, trimming some discretionary spending categories from your budget can be a good way to start.

But it isn’t necessarily the only or best way to save — especially if reducing or removing things like streaming services, concerts, or monthly massages from your budget makes it harder to stick to your plan.

Instead, it may make sense to track where your money is going for a few weeks and then take a look at all your spending categories to determine which cuts could have the biggest impact.

What Are Spending Categories?

Spending categories can help you group similar expenses together to better organize your budget. They can come in handy when you’re laying out your spending priorities, deciding how much money to allot toward various wants and needs, and determining whether an expense is essential or nonessential.

Many of the budgets you’ll see online use pretty much the same spending categories, such as housing, transportation, utilities, food, childcare, and entertainment. But you may find it’s more useful to track your spending for a while with a money tracker, and then create some of your own categories. You may choose to drill down to specific bills or go broader, breaking down your budget into just the basics.

By personalizing your spending categories, you may be able to put together a budget that’s more manageable — and, therefore, one you’re more likely to stay with.

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How Do Spending Categories Work?

To customize your spending categories, it can help to gather as much information as possible about where your money is actually going.

You can start by looking at old bank and credit card statements to get a good picture of past spending. Your bigger spending categories should be easier to figure out. Those bills are often due on the same day every month and are usually about the same amount. But you’ll also want to keep an eye out for expenses that come just once or a few times a year (such as taxes, vet bills, etc.). And, if you use cash frequently, you’ll want to determine where that money went, too.

A tracking app can help you grasp the hard truth about your spending as you move forward. That cute plant you bought for your windowsill? Pitching in for a co-worker’s going-away gift? Those little splurges can add up before you know it.

Once your spending picture comes into focus, you can divide your expenses into useful personal budget categories, and start thinking about what you might be able to trim or cut out altogether.


💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.

Examples of Spending Categories

Although it can be effective to organize your spending categories in a way that’s unique to you, there are a few basic classifications that can work for most households when making a budget: They include:

Essential Spending

•   Housing: This category could include your rent or mortgage payment, property taxes, homeowners or renters insurance, HOA fees, etc.

•   Utilities: You could limit this to basic services like gas, electricity, and water, or you might decide to include your cell phone service, cable, and WiFi costs.

•   Food: This amount could be limited to what you spend on groceries every month, or it could include your at-home and away-from-home food costs.

•   Transportation: Your car payment could go in this category, along with fuel costs, parking fees, car maintenance, car insurance, public transportation, and DMV fees. You could also include the cost of Uber rides.

•   Childcare: If you need childcare while you work, this cost would be considered necessary spending. If it’s for a night out, you may want to move it to the entertainment or personal care category.

•   Medical Costs and Health Care: This could include your health insurance premiums, insurance co-pays and prescription costs, vision and dental care, etc.

•   Clothing: Clothing is a must-have, of course, but with limits. You may want to put impulse items in a separate category as a nonessential or discretionary expense.

Non-essential Spending

•   Travel: This category would be for any travel that isn’t work-related, whether it’s a road trip or a vacation in Paris.

•   Entertainment: You could get pretty broad in this category, but anything from streaming services and videogames to concerts and plays could go here.

•   Personal: This might be your category for things like salon visits, your gym membership, and clothes and accessories that are more of a want than a need.

•   Gifts: If you’re a generous gift-giver, you may find you need a separate category for these expenses.

Other Spending

•   Savings and investments: Though it isn’t “essential” for day-to-day life, putting money aside for long- and short-term goals is a must for most budgets.

•   Emergency fund: This will be your go-to for unexpected car repairs, home repairs, or medical bills.

•   Debt repayment: Student loan payments, credit card debt, and other balances you’re trying to pay off could fit in this category.

Pros and Cons of Spending Categories

The idea of making a budget can be daunting, particularly if you’re trying to fit your needs and wants into spending categories that aren’t suited to how you live. Here are some pros and cons to using categories for spending that might keep you motivated and help you avoid potential budgeting pitfalls.

Pros

•   More control: Creating a budget with spending categories that match your lifestyle can help you put your money toward things that really matter to you.

•   Less stress: If you’re living paycheck to paycheck even though you know your income is sufficient to cover your needs, a budget with realistic spending categories can help you see where your money is going.

•   Better planning: Whether you’re trying to save for a vacation, wedding, house, retirement, or all of the above, including those goals in your spending categories will help ensure they get your attention.

Cons

•   May feel limiting: Working with a budget can feel restrictive, especially if you’ve been winging it for a while or aren’t including enough discretionary spending.

•   Time consuming: It might take some trial and error to find a budget system that works for you. And if you’re budgeting as a couple, you’ll likely have to work out some compromises when determining your spending categories.

•   Requires maintenance: Budgeting isn’t a one and done. You’ll be more likely to succeed if you consistently track your spending to make sure you’re hitting your goals.

Common Spending Categories to Cut First

Often when you see or hear budgeting advice, it tends to focus on cutting back on small extras — $6 daily lattes at your favorite café, for example, or those weekly Happy Meals for the kids. Some other top spending categories that traditionally are among the first to hit the chopping block include:

•   Gym memberships

•   Dining out

•   Subscription services you don’t use anymore

•   Cable

•   Personal care services you can do at home for less, such as manicures and pedicures

•   Alcoholic beverages

•   Cigarettes and vaping products

•   Vacations

But it can also be useful to review, and potentially cut back on, how much you’re budgeting for basic living expenses, such as:

•   Clothing and shoes

•   Utility bills

•   Groceries

•   Insurance

•   Cars

•   Cellphones and computers

•   Rent

Tips for Customizing Your Spending Categories

As you create your spending plan, keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be like anyone else’s. If you track your expenses and use that information to create your personalized budget, you may have a better chance of building a plan you can stick with.

Here are some more steps to consider as you get started:

•   Be realistic. It may take a while to get to your goal, but doing even a little bit consistently can make a difference. Know yourself and do what you can.

•   Don’t forget irregular expenses. Bills that you pay every month can be easy to remember. (You might even put them on autopay to make things more convenient.) But infrequent expenses such as tax bills can get away from you if you don’t include them in your spending categories.

•   Avoid spending more than you have. Knowing how much you’ll have left after taxes each month is an important part of successful planning. An emergency fund can help you stay on track when unexpected expenses pop up.

•   Leave room for fun. Eliminating date nights and small splurges completely could make it much harder to stay with your plan.

•   Pay yourself. Make saving and investing goals a separate spending category.

•   Find a budgeting method that works for you. Whether it’s the popular 50/30/20 budget — which divides your after-tax income into needs, wants, and savings — or a detailed spending breakdown with multiple categories, try various budgeting methods until you find one that motivates you.



💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

The Takeaway

Want to save some money but know you need to make some changes? Monitoring where your money is going every month can help you create a spending plan with categories that are customized to your needs, wants, and goals. A plan that’s realistic, but not too restrictive, can give you the kind of control and motivation you need to get and stay on track financially.

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

With SoFi, you can keep tabs on how your money comes and goes.

FAQ

What are the four main categories in a budget?

The four main spending categories for most budgets are housing, food, utilities, and transportation. Once you’ve established how much you’ll need to cover these costs, you can move on to planning for other expenses.

What is the 50/30/20 rule of budgeting?

The 50/30/20 rule is a budgeting method that allocates your take-home income to three main spending categories: needs or essentials (50%), wants or nonessentials (30%), and saving or financial goals (20%).

What are the four characteristics of a successful budget?

A successful budget usually includes accurate income and spending projections, realistic and personalized spending categories, consistent and frequent check-ins, and solid savings goals.


Photo credit: iStock/mapodile

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Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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

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How to Buy Quality Clothes Without Spending a Fortune

Clothing is an often overlooked expense when planning a budget, but pretty much everyone has to spend some money on clothes for work, off hours, and social occasions. Whether you are a trial attorney who needs a wardrobe full of quality suits or a landscaper who gets good and muddy, there are ways to buy clothing without spending a fortune.

Here, learn what factors go into retail pricing, where to buy quality clothes, and how to snag some bargains.

Understand What Goes Into Retail Pricing

Fashion brands establish pricing on a cost-per-unit basis. The final retail price is set by factoring in various expenses and business strategies, such as manufacturing and material costs and marketing and branding expenses.

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Manufacturing Costs

The cost of raw materials, labor, packaging, and shipping are obvious factors that determine the price of clothing. But pricing is more nuanced than that. Popular brands or high-end brand names will set higher prices for their products on the assumption that they offer higher quality and better designs. There are also marketing costs to consider.

Brand Reputation

Whether a brand is perceived as a luxury brand, like Versace, or a value brand, like those sold at big box stores, will play a large part in pricing. For example, LuluLemon is a popular, in-demand brand that can price its clothing at the higher end of the scale. Sometimes a popular in-demand brand will have to slash its prices because it no longer holds the prestige it once did.

Supply and Demand

Supply and demand is a huge factor affecting the final price of a product. If a style, product, or brand is in demand, retailers can mark up the prices substantially. The fact that there is not enough to go around means people will likely pay more. (Inflation can be part of this equation, too.)

However, if the supply exceeds demand, retailers will have to drop the price to try to encourage sales so they are not left with inventory they cannot sell.

The Distribution Chain

Another factor in the price of clothing is the distribution chain. Some brands manufacture their own clothing and sell exclusively through their own retail outlets, which can help them keep the price lower. Warby Parker is an example of a retail brand that sells exclusively through their own retail outlets and website.

This business model means fewer add-on costs for the consumer. However, most brands sell through selected independent retailers who add on their own margin. Retailers set the final price by implementing their own desired markups, as well as any subsequent promotions and discounts to ensure they aren’t left with inventory.


💡 Quick Tip: Online tools make tracking your spending a breeze: You can easily set up budgets, then get instant updates on your progress, spot upcoming bills, analyze your spending habits, and more.

Seasonality

Some fashions are in demand for a season only and can be priced high until they lose their popularity. At that point, the price will drop or clothes are sold in a clearance sale as retailers try to get rid of old inventory.

You can save money by buying clothes in the off-season or when they are sold on clearance. There are also other ways to make sure you’re not blowing all of your budget on clothes.

Make Use of Coupons

Coupons are a sales strategy for retailers, but they also benefit the consumer. Consumers can shop online for less using coupons and other sales discounts. The buyer inputs a coupon code when they check out, and that code initiates a discount on the price.

Coupons can be found on many websites such as Saving Says, RetailMeNot, and SlickDeals. Also, many brands offer a discount if you sign up for their email list.

Buy Clothing from Consignment Stores and Thrift Shops

Buying second-hand clothes is one way to find quality clothes while sticking to a budget. Thrift shops and websites that sell pre-owned clothing are growing in popularity, particularly because of consumer interest in sustainable practices and brands that support the environment.

ThredUp is a popular online consignment and thrift store where consumers can buy and sell high-quality secondhand clothes. Other ideas for where to buy good quality clothes for less include ASOS Marketplace, Buffalo Exchange, Depop, Etsy, Poshmark, and Vinted.

Recommended: Guide to Selling Used Items

Buy During the Off-Season

Avoid buying on impulse by purchasing clothing in the off-season when you can find quality items on sale. Retailers want to get rid of stock when products are not in season. For example, few people are looking to buy ski gear in the height of spring or summer. Because there may be more supply than demand for ski gear at that time, retailers will reduce the price and sell the clothing at a discount.


💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Look for Clearance Sales

Fashion trends typically last one season, and then new styles and products appear on the market. Retailers may find themselves with too much inventory going into a new season. To sell the inventory and not lose too much money, they will sell items in clearance sales, often with slashed prices.

Also, certain retailers are known for having regular sales cycles, such as the Gap and Old Navy. These can be good resources for where to buy good quality clothes on sale.

Consider Alternative Fabrics and Materials

Why does one t-shirt cost $50 and another $15? It could be because the $50 t-shirt has better quality fabric. Similarly, a pair of boots made of leather will be more expensive than a pair made of synthetic leather. In some cases, you might pay more for an item of clothing made of more durable or breathable materials. Investment pieces may be made of finer materials and crafted with more care to last longer.

However, if an item is serving a short-term fashion need, the quality of materials may be less important.

Also, less pricey synthetic materials may get a bad rap. For example, faux leather may be considered an unsuitable material for a shoe because it is unbreathable and less durable. Polyester is often compared to silk and is lambasted for not being “natural.” However, faux leather footwear may appeal to vegans, and polyester blouses last a lot longer than their silk counterparts. So, don’t discount alternatives.

Recommended: High-Paying Vocational Trade Jobs

See Before You Buy

If you do opt for the less expensive option, you might want to see the item before you buy it. If the item is too cheap and flimsy, it won’t last long. Check the seams and the hems to see if the stitching is acceptable, and check that the zip works. Buying a reasonably priced item of clothing is one thing, but there is such a thing as too cheap.”

Buy Less, Buy Better

Buying fewer clothes will save you money, so you might think about items to save up for, perhaps one or two quality pieces that will last the test of time. You can pair those quality and timeless pieces with other less expensive items. For example, a couple of quality suits for work can be paired with a number of blouses or shirts that come from a mid-range retailer. You can also build a wardrobe based on a basic color, like black or blue, so that all of your clothes can be mixed and matched.

Note: Also remember to note care labels when purchasing clothes. Those that say “Dry clean only” mean they will cost you more over their life in cleaning than those that can go in the washer or be hand-laundered at home.

Recommended Brands

Some mid-price quality fashion brands recommended by experts are COS, Everlane, H&M, Land’s End, LL Bean, and Uniqlo.

The Takeaway

Dressing well does not have to be a wallet-busting affair if you know where to buy quality clothes and which strategies to follow. In some cases, it is better to pay more for an item that will be durable and serve its purpose rather than to buy something cheap and experience frustration when it doesn’t wear well. However, even then, you can find discounts by using coupons, searching for clearance sales, buying second hand, or buying off season.

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

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

FAQ

Where to buy cheap good quality clothes?

Consignment stores and thrift stores are good places to buy good quality clothes for cheap. If you want to buy new, popular mid-range fashion brands are COS, Everlane, H&M, Land’s End, LL Bean, and Uniqlo.

How do I not spend all my money on clothes?

Avoid spending too much money on clothes by setting a budget and sticking to it. Also, don’t buy on impulse and focus on buying a few classic, high-quality pieces to match with less expensive tops and accessories. Build your wardrobe around a color so that you can mix and match and get more wear out of your clothes.

How can I be fashionable on a low budget?

The trick to being fashionable on a low budget is to choose a few quality items that you can pair with inexpensive, trendier items.


Photo credit: iStock/pixelfit

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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.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.


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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