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4% Rule for Withdrawals in Retirement

After decades of saving for retirement, many new retirees often find themselves facing a new challenge: Determining how much money they can take out of their retirement account each year without running the risk of depleting their nest egg too quickly.

One popular rule of thumb is “the 4% rule.” What is the 4% rule? Learn more about the rule and how it works.

What Is the 4% Rule for Retirement Withdrawals?

The 4% rule suggests that retirees withdraw 4% from their retirement savings the year they retire, and adjust that dollar amount each year going forward for inflation. Based on historical data, the idea is that the 4% rule should allow retirees to cover their expenses for 30 years.

The rule is intended to give retirees some planning guidance about retirement withdrawals. The 4% rule may also help provide them with a sense of how much money they need for retirement.


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How to Calculate the 4% Rule

To calculate the 4% rule, add up all of your retirement investments and savings and then withdraw 4% of the total in your first year of retirement. Each year after that, you increase or decrease the amount, based on inflation.

For example, if you have $1 million in retirement savings, you would withdraw 4% of that, or $40,000, in your first year of retirement. If inflation rises 3% the next year, you would increase the amount you withdraw by 3% to $41,200.

Drawbacks of the 4% Rule

While the 4% rule is simple to understand and calculate, it’s also a rigid plan that doesn’t fit every investor’s individual situation. Here are some of the disadvantages of the 4% rule to consider.

It doesn’t allow for flexibility

The 4% rule assumes you will spend the same amount in each year of retirement. It doesn’t make allowances for lifestyle changes or retirement expenses that may be higher or lower from year to year, such as medical bills.

The 4% rule assumes that your retirement will be 30 years

In reality an individual’s retirement may be shorter or longer than 30 years, depending on what age they retire, their health, and so on. If someone’s life expectancy goes beyond 30 years post-retirement they could find themselves running out of money.

It’s based on a specific portfolio composition

The 4% rule applies to a portfolio of 50% stocks and 50% bonds. Portfolios with different investments of varying percentages would likely have different results, depending on that portfolio’s risk level.

It assumes that your retirement savings will last for 30 years

Again, depending on the assets in your portfolio, and how aggressive or conservative your investments have been, your portfolio may not last a full 30 years. Or it could last longer than 30 years. The 4% rule doesn’t adjust for this.

4% may be too conservative

Some financial professionals believe that the 4% rule is too conservative, as long as the U.S. doesn’t experience a significant economic depression. Because of that, retirees may be too frugal with their retirement funds and not necessarily live life as fully as they could.

Others say the rule doesn’t take into account any other sources of income retirees may have, such as Social Security, company pensions, or an inheritance.

How Can I Tailor the 4% Rule to Fit My Needs?

You don’t have to strictly follow the 4% rule. Instead you might choose to use it as as a starting point and then customize your savings from there based on:

•   When you plan to retire: At what age do you expect to stop working and enter retirement? That information will give you an idea about how many years worth of savings you might need. For instance, if you plan to retire early, you may very well need more than 30 years’ worth of retirement savings.

•   The amount you have saved for retirement: How much money you have in your retirement plans will help you determine how much you can withdraw to live on each year and how long those savings might last. Also be sure to factor in your Social Security benefits and any pensions you might have.

•   The kinds of investments you have: Do you have a mix of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and cash, for instance? The assets you have, how aggressive or conservative they are, and how they are allocated plays an important role in the balance of your portfolio. An investor might want assets that have a higher potential for growth but also a higher risk factor when they are younger, and then switch to a more conservative investment strategy as they get closer to retirement.

•   How much you think you’ll spend each year in retirement: To figure out what your expenses might be each year that you’re retired, factor in such costs as your mortgage or rent, healthcare expenses, transportation (including gas and car maintenance), travel, entertainment, and food. Add everything up to see how much you may need from your retirement savings. That will give you a sense if 4% is too much or not enough, and you can adjust accordingly.

Should You Use the 4% Rule?

The 4% rule can be used as a starting point to determine how much money you might need for retirement. But consider this: You may have certain goals for retirement. You might want to travel. You may want to work part-time. Maybe you want to move into a smaller or bigger house. What matters most is that you plan for the retirement you want to experience.

Given those variations, the 4% rule may make more sense as a guideline than as a hard-and-fast rule.

Recommended: How Much Retirement Money Should I Have at 40?

The Takeaway

The 4% rule represents a percentage that retirees can withdraw from their savings annually and theoretically have their savings last a minimum of 30 years. For example, someone following this rule could withdraw $20,000 a year from a $500,000 retirement account balance.

However, the 4% rule has limitations. It’s a rigid strategy that doesn’t take factors like lifestyle changes into consideration. It assumes that your retirement will last 30 years, and it’s based on a specific portfolio allocation. A more flexible plan may be better suited to your needs.

Having flexibility in planning for withdrawals in retirement means saving as much as possible first. A starting place for many people is their workplace 401(k), but that’s not the only way you can save for retirement. For instance, those who don’t have access to a workplace retirement account might want to open an IRA or a retirement savings plan for the self-employed to invest for their future.

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).

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FAQ

How long will money last using the 4% rule?

The intention of the 4% rule is to make retirement savings last for approximately 30 years. How long your money may last will depend on your specific financial and lifestyle situation.

Does the 4% rule work for early retirement?

The 4% rule is based on a retirement age of 65. If you retire early, you may have more years to spend in retirement and your financial needs will likely be different.

Does the 4% rule preserve capital?

With the 4% rule, the idea is to withdraw 4% of your total funds and allow the remaining money in the account to keep growing. Because the withdrawals would at least partly consist of dividends and interest on savings, the amount withdrawn each year would not come totally out of the principal balance.

Is the 4% Rule Too Conservative?

Some financial professionals say the 4% rule is too conservative, and that retirees may be too frugal with their retirement funds and not live as comfortable a life as they could. Others say withdrawing 4% of retirement funds could be too much because the rule doesn’t take into account any other sources of income retirees may have.



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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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.

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How Much Does a Therapist Make a Year

The average annual pay for a mental health therapist in the U.S. is $75,895, according to employment website ZipRecruiter.

But there are many factors that can influence this number, including experience, specialty and location. If you’re interested in starting a career as a therapist, employment demand is expected to be strong so it’s likely there’s good job security.

Here’s a closer look at what a therapist does and how much money they can make in a year.

What Is a Therapist?

If you like talking with people and helping them work through issues to improve their lives, a career as a therapist might be a good fit.

Therapists generally specialize in working with specific groups of people or in certain areas. For instance, some might concentrate on working with children, older adults, or married couples, or with people who need help with issues like eating disorders or drug abuse. Therapists can work in different settings, including health practitioner offices, hospitals, schools, private practices, and home health care services.

It can be a long path to becoming a therapist. Therapists need an undergraduate degree and typically have a master’s degree in psychology or in a related field or specialty. There are also hands-on experience requirements through supervised clinical work. States have different requirements when it comes to obtaining a license, but the process usually involves filling out an application and passing an exam.

There are other skills that go beyond education that help make a good therapist. Soft skills like strong communication and organization skills, being a good listener, and having empathy and patience are also important to being successful in the profession.

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Therapist vs. Psychologist

The title “therapist” is often used broadly to include various professions. It’s sometimes used interchangeably with “psychologist,” but there are differences between the two.

The educational requirements are heftier for those interested in pursuing a career as a psychologist. Psychologists typically need a doctoral degree in psychology and to pass certain exams to be able to secure a license.

There is strong demand for psychologists. The Labor Department forecasts employment of psychologists to grow 6% from 2022-2032. Over that decade, there’s projected to be about 12,800 openings a year.

How Much Do Therapists Make Starting Out?

When you’re just starting out as an entry-level mental health therapist after all those years of education and clinical work, you can expect to earn an average of total pay of around $46,600 a year, according to data from Payscale. As you grow in your career and gain one to four years of experience, the average compensation increases to $50,677.

But keep in mind that there are a lot of considerations when it comes to determining a good entry-level salary, including location, experience, skill level, specialty, and demand.

What Is the Average Salary for a Therapist

Wondering how much a therapist makes after they’ve been working for a few years? The average annual salary for a mental health therapist in the U.S. was $75,895, according to ZipRecruiter. Here’s how that breaks down: $36.49 an hour or $6,324 a month.

For marriage and family therapists, the median annual pay was $56,570, according to data from the Labor Department. The growth rate for therapists in this field is expected to grow 15% from 2022-2032 — a lot faster than the average.

There’s a large range in how much a therapist can make, with ZipRecruiter seeing the top earners (those in the 90th percentile) making $118,000 annually.

Note that while some therapists will choose to bill by the hour, when it comes to compensation, there’s a difference between being paid salaried vs paid hourly.

Recommended: What Is Competitive Pay?

What Is the Average Therapist Salary by State?

Wondering how a therapist’s salary compares to the highest-paying jobs in your state? Here’s a breakdown of what the average annual salary of mental health therapists by state.

State

Average Salary

Alabama $55,535
Alaska $75,842
Arizona $65,716
Arkansas $59,437
California $72,117
Colorado $68,023
Connecticut $74,203
Delaware $68,126
Florida $55,479
Georgia $64,601
Hawaii $77,511
Idaho $62,082
Illinois $70,696
Indiana $65,737
Iowa $75,470
Kansas $65,997
Kentucky $60,521
Louisiana $65,619
Maine $66,004
Maryland $69,120
Massachusetts $79,870
Michigan $65,064
Minnesota $78,700
Mississippi $68,666
Missouri $64,585
Montana $63,047
Nebraska $62,663
Nevada $80,187
New Hampshire $64,267
New Jersey $82,592
New Mexico $74,183
New York $77,089
North Carolina $59,880
North Dakota $73,997
Ohio $73,378
Oklahoma $65,700
Oregon $78,617
Pennsylvania $64,507
Rhode Island $74,257
South Carolina $65,582
South Dakota $74,053
Tennessee $71,824
Texas $63,977
Utah $71,494
Vermont $68,905
Virginia $69,153
Washington $77,294
West Virginia $55,583
Wisconsin $81,874
Wyoming $66,016

Source: Zippia

Therapist Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits

Helping people better themselves and overcome problems can be a very fulfilling line of work. And there’s a need for more people to work in the mental health field.

For example, employment growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is expected to increase 18% from 2022-2032, according to the Department of Labor. Because of these strong employment growth projections, being a therapist likely comes with job security.

Becoming a therapist can also bring scheduling flexibility, especially if you run your own practice. Being able to set your own hours can result in a better work-life balance. However, some therapists might have to offer after-hour sessions to work around clients’ schedules.

Working one-on-one with people and forging relationships can also be a satisfying perk, but it can also be emotionally stressful. That’s why this profession might not be the best fit if you tend to be more introverted.

Recommended: 15 Entry-Level Jobs for Antisocial People

Pros and Cons of Therapist Salary

The educational requirements for a therapist are higher than other professions, which could mean you graduate with a hefty debt load that can put pressure on future earnings.

However, your earnings potential increases as you gain more experience and the pay is higher than other occupations. The Labor Department reported that the median weekly earnings of full-time workers were $1,118 in the third quarter of 2023 The average weekly pay for a mental health therapist in the U.S. was $1,459 in November 2023, according to ZipRecruiter.

The pay and benefits can differ depending on where a therapist works. For instance, joining a bigger practice or hospital could bring about additional benefits like retirement savings plans and health care benefits compared to smaller or a solo practice.

The licensure requirements to become a therapist can be time consuming. Each state has its own licensing requirements that you’ll have to navigate. There can also be continuing education requirements in order to maintain your license.



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The Takeaway

Becoming a therapist can be very rewarding on a personal, professional, and financial level. Be prepared for the path it takes to get to this career: an undergraduate degree, a master degree in a specialized area, clinical experience, the state license and exam process, and continuing education.

To help decide if this is the right career path, evaluate what’s important to you in your career and if it’s financially feasible. For some workers, a $100,000 salary is good, while others might need more or less depending on their cost-of-living.

Take the time to evaluate your budget. The education requirements could mean taking out student loans, which can put strain on your budget. Online tools like a money tracker app can help you create a spending plan that’s right for you.

FAQ

What is the highest-paying therapist job?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a therapist can earn upwards of $111,800 a year.

Do therapists make $100k a year?

While a typical mental health therapist makes around $75,895 a year, it is possible to earn $100,000 or more a year. Salaries often vary depending on experience, specialization, and location.

How much do therapists make starting out?

Early in their career, a therapist earns an average of $46,600 a year, according to Payscale. But with more experience, compensation can increase to $50,677.


Photo credit: iStock/LightFieldStudios

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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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Why Alternative Investments Matter?

In times of market or economic uncertainty, investors may turn to alternative investments as a way to mitigate volatility and potentially improve risk-adjusted returns.

While alts come with risks of their own, these investments are not typically correlated with traditional stock and bond markets and can thus offer investors portfolio diversification.

In addition, alternative investments — an umbrella term for assets that fall outside standard stock, bond, and cash options — used to be accessible only to high net-worth and accredited investors. Now alts are available to a range of investors thanks to the emergence of new vehicles that include different types of alternative strategies and assets.

Key Points

•   Alternative investments are not generally correlated with traditional stock and bond markets, so they can help diversify a portfolio and mitigate risk.

•   Alternative investments may deliver higher returns when compared with conventional assets, but are also considered higher risk.

•   Some alternative investments, including some funds that invest in these assets, may provide passive income through dividends.

•   Alternative investments are typically less liquid and less transparent than conventional securities, so there can be limits on redemption, lack of data, and higher risk.

•   Alternative investments may be suitable for investors who have a higher risk tolerance, are looking for diversification, and understand the potential advantages and disadvantages of these investments.

Why Consider Alternative Investments?

Not only are alternative strategies more accessible to ordinary investors today, they offer several ways to add diversification to investors’ portfolios. Alternative investments come with risks of their own (see “Important Considerations” below), and investors need to weigh the potential upside of different alts with their disadvantages.

Unique Investment Options

For investors seeking diversification — or otherwise drawn to invest in a wider range of opportunities — the world of alts offers a number of options.

Alts include tangible assets like commodities, farmland, renewable energy, and real estate. Alternatives also include art and antiques, as well as other collectibles (e.g. antiquarian books, vinyl LPs, toys, comics, and more).

In addition, alternative investments can refer to strategies like investing in private equity, private credit, hedge funds, derivatives, and venture capital. These vehicles may deliver higher returns when compared with conventional assets, but they are typically considered higher risk, owing to their use of leverage and short strategies and other factors.

Diversification

Investors wondering why to invest in alternatives often focus on diversification. Why does diversification matter? As many investors saw in 2021-22, volatility in the equity markets can take a bite out of your portfolio, as can interest rate risk.

In order to mitigate those risks, adding alternatives to your asset allocation provides a literal alternative to conventional markets, because for the most part these assets don’t move in tandem with the stock or bond markets.

In a general sense, diversification is like taking the age-old advice of not putting all your eggs in one basket. An investor can’t avoid risk entirely, but diversifying their investments can help mitigate the risk that one asset class poses.

However, the challenge with alts is that there are no guarantees of how an alternative asset might perform. And because these assets are generally less liquid and not as highly regulated as most other securities, i.e. stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), there can be limits on redemption — and a limited understanding of real-time pricing.

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The Role of Alts in Your Portfolio

Taking all that into account, what could be the role of alts in your portfolio? In other words, why invest in alts? Of course, alternatives would only be part of your asset allocation. How much to put into alts would depend on your risk tolerance and overall goals. Here are some factors to consider.

Low Correlation With Stocks

As noted above, most alternative strategies are uncorrelated with conventional stock and bond markets. During periods of volatility or uncertainty in these markets, some investors may find alternative investments more appealing.

That doesn’t mean that alternatives will always outperform bonds or equities. Low correlation means that a particular asset class moves in a different direction than conventional markets. So, if the stock market drops, uncorrelated asset classes like commodities or real estate and investment properties are less likely to experience a downturn — which can help mitigate losses overall.

The challenge with alts is that some of these assets come with their own intrinsic forms of volatility (e.g. commodities, renewables, private equity, venture capital), and investors need to keep these risk factors in mind as well.

Tax Treatment of Alts

Generally speaking, investment gains are taxed according to capital gains tax rules. This isn’t always the case with alternative investments. It may be a good idea to consult with a tax professional because alts don’t necessarily lower your investment taxes, but they are taxed in different ways.

Important Considerations When Choosing Alternative Investments

Investing in alts requires careful thought because these assets aren’t traded or regulated the same way as more conventional securities.

Liquidity

Generally speaking, most alts are illiquid compared with conventional assets. This can make them hard to evaluate in terms of price and hard to trade. In addition to which, there can be limits on redemption, depending on the asset. Some alts only allow redemptions twice a year, or quarterly.

Lack of Data

Owing to the lack of regulation in some sectors, it can be difficult to obtain accurate price history and trading data for some alts. This also adds to the challenge of trading some of these assets.

Who Should Invest in Alts?

Although some alternatives can be highly risky and expensive, retail investors may want to consider alts because of the advantages these assets offer in terms of diversification and risk mitigation.

The investors who decide to invest in alts today may be drawn to the number of options available via mutual funds and ETFs, many of them offered by well-established asset managers. And in some cases, including alts in a portfolio may capture some of the desired advantages.

That said, investors need to do their due diligence to understand the potential pros and cons of these instruments.

The Takeaway

Alternative investments are on the radar of many investors today because these assets may offer some portfolio diversification, help to tamp down certain risks, and possibly improve risk-adjusted returns. In addition, the sheer scope and variety of these investments means investors can look for one (or more) that suits their investing style and financial goals.

That said, unlike more conventional investments, alts tend to be higher risk, more expensive, and subject to complex tax treatment. Thus it’s important to do your due diligence on any investment option in order to make the best purchasing decisions and reduce risk.

Ready to expand your portfolio's growth potential? Alternative investments, traditionally available to high-net-worth individuals, are accessible to everyday investors on SoFi's easy-to-use platform. Investments in commodities, real estate, venture capital, and more are now within reach. Alternative investments can be high risk, so it's important to consider your portfolio goals and risk tolerance to determine if they're right for you.


Invest in alts to take your portfolio beyond stocks and bonds.


Photo credit: iStock/Ridofranz


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.


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.


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.


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

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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Rolling Closing Costs Into Home Loans: Here's What You Should Know

Rolling Closing Costs Into Home Loans: Here’s What You Should Know

Heard of a no-closing-cost mortgage or refinance? Sounds divine, but mortgage closing costs are as certain as death and taxes. They must be accounted for, one way or the other.

You may be spared the pain of paying closing costs upfront, depending on the type of loan and the lender’s criteria, but they won’t just magically disappear. Instead, you’ll either be given a higher interest rate on the mortgage to cover those costs or see the costs added to your principal balance.

If you’re thinking about what’s needed to buy a house, keep closing costs in mind and understand the pros and cons of rolling these costs into your loan.

What Are Closing Costs?

A flock of fees known as closing costs on a new home are part and parcel of a sale. They typically range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. Closing costs include origination fees, recording fees, title insurance, the appraisal fee, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and possibly mortgage points. Some of the costs are unavoidable; lender fees are negotiable.

Closing costs come into play when acquiring a mortgage and when refinancing an existing home loan.

You may cover closing costs with a cash payment at closing, with your down payment, or by tacking them on to your monthly loan payments. You may also be able to negotiate with the sellers to have them cover some or all of the closing costs.


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Can Closing Costs Be Rolled Into a Loan?

If you’re buying a home and taking out a new mortgage, your lender may allow you to roll your closing costs into the loan, depending on:

•   the type of home loan

•   the loan-to-value ratio

•   your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio

Rolling closing costs into your new mortgage can raise the DTI and loan-to-value ratios above a lender’s acceptable level. If this is the case, you may not be able to roll your closing costs into your loan. It’s also possible that if you roll in your closing costs, your loan-to-value ratio will become high enough that you will be forced to pay for private mortgage insurance. In that case, it may be worth it to pay your closing costs upfront if you can.

If you hear of someone who’s taken out a mortgage and says they rolled their closing costs into their loan, they may have actually acquired a lender credit — the lender agreed to pay the closing costs in exchange for a higher interest rate in a “no-closing-cost mortgage.” A no-closing-cost refinance works similarly.

Not all closing costs can be financed. For example, you can’t roll in the cost of homeowners insurance or prepaid property tax. Some of the costs that may be included are the origination fees, title fees and title insurance, appraisal fees, discount points, and the credit report fee.

What about government-backed mortgages? Most FHA loan closing costs can be financed. And VA loans usually require a one-time VA “funding fee,” which can be rolled into the mortgage.

USDA loans will allow borrowers to roll closing costs into their loan if the home they are buying appraises for more than the sales price. Buyers can then use the extra loan amount to pay the closing costs.

Finally, for FHA and USDA loans, the seller may contribute up to 6% of the home value as a seller concession for closing costs.

How to Roll Closing Costs Into an Existing Home Loan

When you’re refinancing an existing mortgage and you roll in closing costs, you add the cost to the balance of your new mortgage. This is also known as financing your closing costs. Instead of paying for them up front, you’ll be paying a small portion of the costs each month, plus interest.

Pros of Rolling Closing Costs Into Home Loans

If you don’t have the cash on hand to pay your closing costs, rolling them into your mortgage could be advantageous, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer or short-term homeowner.

Even if you do have the cash, rolling closing costs into your loan allows you to keep that cash on hand to use for other purposes that may be more important to you at the time.

Cons of Rolling Closing Costs Into Home Loans

Rolling closing costs into a home loan can be expensive. By tacking on money to your loan principal, you’ll be increasing how much you spend each month on interest payments.

You’ll also increase your DTI ratio, which may make it more difficult for you to secure other loans if you need them.

By adding closing costs to your loan, you are also increasing your loan to value ratio, which means less equity and, often, private mortgage insurance.

Here are pros and cons of rolling closing costs into your loan at a glance:

Pros of Rolling In Costs

Cons of Rolling In Costs

Allows you to afford a home loan if you don’t have the cash on hand Increases interest paid over the life of the loan
Allows you to keep cash for other purposes Increases DTI, which can lower your ability to secure future credit
May allow you to buy a house sooner than you would otherwise be able to Increases loan to value ratio, which may trigger private mortgage insurance
Reduces the amount of equity you have in your home

Is It Smart to Roll Closing Costs Into Home Loans?

Whether or not rolling closing costs into a home loan is the right choice for you will depend largely on your personal circumstances. If you don’t have the money to cover closing costs now, rolling them in may be a worthwhile option.

However, if you have the cash on hand, it may be better to pay the closing costs upfront. In most cases, paying closing costs upfront will result in paying less for the loan overall.

No matter which option you choose, you may want to do what you can to reduce closing costs, such as negotiating fees with lenders and trying to negotiate a concession with the sellers in which they pay some or all of your costs. That said, a seller concession will be difficult to obtain if your local housing market is competitive.


💡 Quick Tip: If you refinance your mortgage and shorten your loan term, you could save a substantial amount in interest over the lifetime of the loan.

The Takeaway

Closing costs are an inevitable part of taking out a home loan or refinancing one. Rolling closing costs into the loan may be an option, but it pays to carefully consider the long-term costs of avoiding paying closing costs up front before you commit to your mortgage.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.

SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.

FAQ

What is a no-closing-cost mortgage?

The name of this kind of mortgage is a bit misleading. Closing costs are in play, but the lender agrees to cover them in exchange for a higher interest rate or adds them to the loan balance.

How much are home closing costs?

Closing costs are usually 2% to 5% of the purchase price of a home.

Can you waive closing costs on a home?

Some closing costs must be paid, no matter what. But you can try to negotiate origination and application fees with your lender. You may even be able to get your lender to waive certain fees entirely.


Photo credit: iStock/kate_sept2004

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


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Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.



*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

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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Personal Loan vs Personal Line of Credit

When it comes to a personal loan vs. a personal line of credit, the two main differences are how the loan funds are disbursed to the borrower and how the credit is repaid.

There are also similarities between these two financial products. Funds from each can be used for a variety of expenses, with few exceptions. Also, to approve a personal loan or line of credit, lenders will run a hard credit check during the application process.

Deciding whether a personal loan or a personal line of credit might be right for you can require looking at a few different factors. Here, you’ll learn more about this important topic so you can make the best choice for your specific situation.

What Is a Personal Line of Credit and How Does It Work?

A personal line of credit (LOC) is a type of revolving credit similar to a credit card. But funds are typically accessed by writing checks provided by the lender or requesting a funds transfer to your checking account instead of by using a card.

An LOC typically allows the borrower to withdraw funds repeatedly, up to the credit limit. Any funds that are withdrawn are subject to repayment with interest. When they are repaid, they can be accessed again up to your particular credit limit. There may be a limit on the number of years the line of credit is available.

Additional points to know:

•   Some lenders may assess fees associated with an LOC. There may be a maintenance charge for inactive accounts. There may also be ongoing fees, monthly or annual, even if the LOC is being used. Some other expenses may include application fees, check processing fees, and late fees, among others. It’s important to be aware of any potential fees before you sign an LOC agreement.

•   Personal lines of credit are usually unsecured, although you may be able to put up collateral to get a lower interest rate. A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is an example of a secured line of credit.

•   Typically, a personal LOC will be offered by a bank or credit union, and you might have to have another account with the lending institution to be considered for an LOC.

•   If your LOC is unsecured, the interest rate will probably be variable, which means it could go up or down during the loan’s term, and your payments could vary. But you’ll only be charged interest on the amount you withdraw. If you’re not using any LOC funds, you won’t be charged interest.

If you expect to have ongoing expenses or if you have a big expense (like a wedding or home renovation) but don’t know what your final budget will be, this type of borrowing might be a useful financial tool.

A personal LOC also may be the right fit if you need some flexibility with your borrowing. For example, self-employed workers who know they’ll be paid by a client but aren’t sure exactly when, can tap into their line of credit to pay expenses while they wait. They can pay that money back when they receive payment from the client, and they won’t have to use high-interest credit cards or borrow from other savings to make ends meet.

Of course, there are downsides to that easy-to-access money. Here’s a closer look:

•   Since unsecured lines of credit are considered by lenders to be riskier than their secured counterparts, it can be more difficult to qualify at a favorable interest rate.

•   Once you have access, it may be tempting to use the funds for purposes other than originally planned. Keeping in mind the intended purpose for the funds may help you stick to it and not use the funds for other purchases.



💡 Quick Tip: A low-interest personal loan from SoFi can help you consolidate your debts, lower your monthly payments, and get you out of debt sooner.

Pros and Cons of Personal Lines of Credit

Having funds that can be accessed as needed can be helpful. But there are also some drawbacks to consider. Take a look at how the pros and cons stack up for personal lines of credit.

Pros of Personal Lines of Credit

•   Easy access to funds.

•   Open-ended vs. set distribution of money.

•   Minimal limits on use of funds.

•   Can be useful for ongoing expenses.

Cons of Personal Lines of Credit

•   May have a higher interest rate than other forms of credit.

•   Typically are unsecured, so may be more difficult to qualify for than other forms of credit.

•   Interest rate may be variable, presenting a budgeting challenge.

•   Ease of access can be tempting to use for impulse shopping.

What Is a Personal Loan and How Does It Work?

A personal loan, on the other hand, is a fixed amount of money disbursed to the borrower in a lump sum. If the loan has a fixed interest rate, as is typical for personal loans, the payments are in fixed installments for the term of the loan. If the loan has a variable interest rate, the monthly payments may fluctuate as the interest rate changes in accordance with market rates.

Because personal loans typically have lower interest rates than credit cards, they’re often used to pay off other debts such as home and car repairs or medical bills, or to consolidate other higher-interest debts such as credit card balances into one manageable — and potentially lower — monthly payment.

Here are some more ways these loans are often used:

•   A personal loan can be a helpful tool for debt consolidation. If you can qualify for a personal loan that has a lower interest rate than your other outstanding debts, you may be able to save money in the long run by consolidating those debts. In order for this financial strategy to work, it’s important to stop using the old sources of credit to avoid going deeper into debt.

•   A personal loan also could be a suitable choice for paying for a wedding or home renovation. But it’s important that you feel confident about being able to repay the loan on time and in full. If you don’t responsibly manage a personal loan — or any kind of debt, for that matter — your credit can be adversely affected.

•   You can apply for a secured or unsecured personal loan. A secured loan, which is backed by collateral, is typically considered less of a risk by lenders than an unsecured loan is. Collateral is an asset the borrower owns — a vehicle, real estate, savings account, or other item of value. If the borrower fails to repay a secured loan, the lender has the right to take possession of the asset that was put up as collateral.

Here are a few more points about how the process of getting a personal loan can work:

•   An applicant’s overall creditworthiness will be considered during the approval process. Generally, an applicant with a higher credit score will qualify for a lower interest rate, and vice versa.

•   Some lenders charge personal loan fees such as origination fees or prepayment penalty fees. Before signing a loan agreement, it’s important to be aware of any fees you may be charged.



💡 Quick Tip: In a climate where interest rates are rising, you’re likely better off with a fixed interest rate than a variable rate, even though the variable rate is initially lower. On the flip side, if rates are falling, you may be better off with a variable interest rate.

Pros and Cons of Personal Loans

When you need a set amount of money for an expense, a personal loan can be a good choice. Along with the benefits of using this financial tool also come a few drawbacks to consider.

Pros of Personal Loans

•   May be a good choice for large, upfront expenses.

•   Typically have fixed interest rates.

•   Steady payments may be easier to budget for.

•   May have a lower interest rate than credit cards.

Cons of Personal Loans

•   Unsecured personal loans may have higher interest rates than other forms of secured credit.

•   May need a higher credit score to qualify for lower interest rates.

•   If not used responsibly, it can add to a person’s debt load instead of alleviating it.

•   May have fees.

Major Differences Between Personal Lines of Credit and Personal Loans

When you’re looking for the right source of funding for your financial needs, it can help to compare different types. Here are some specifics to consider when looking at personal LOCs and personal loans.

Personal Line of Credit

Personal Loan

Typically has a fixed interest rate More likely to have a variable interest rate
Fixed interest rate may make it easier to budget payments Variable interest rate may present a budgeting challenge
Fixed, lump sum Open-ended credit, up to approved limit
Interest is charged during entire loan term Interest is only charged on withdrawn amounts
Revolving debt Installment debt

Considering the Type of Debt

When you’re thinking about applying for a personal LOC or a personal loan, it’s important to consider the effect borrowing money can have on your credit score. If you borrow money without a repayment plan in place, you could run into trouble no matter which borrowing option you go for. But each is looked at differently by the credit bureaus.

A personal LOC is revolving debt, which means it will factor into your credit utilization ratio — how much you owe compared to the amount of credit that’s available to you. This can count as the second most weighty factor (at 30%) toward your score.

For a FICO® Score, keeping your total credit utilization rate below 30% is recommended. That means if your credit limit on is $15,000, you would use no more than $4,500.

•   Using a large percentage of your available credit can have a negative effect on your credit score. And lenders may see you as a high-risk applicant because they may assume you’re close to maxing out your credit cards.

•   Using a small percentage of your available credit can work in your favor. If your credit utilization ratio is low (under 10%), it signifies to potential lenders that other lenders have determined you to be a good risk, but you don’t need to use the credit that’s been extended to you.

•   Having a low credit utilization rate by using just a little of your available credit could actually have a more positive effect on your credit score than not using any of it at all. Lenders generally look for signifiers of a healthy relationship with credit.

A personal loan is installment debt and isn’t considered in your credit utilization ratio. In fact, if you pay off your revolving debt with a personal loan, it potentially can lower your credit utilization ratio and have a positive effect on your credit score. A personal loan also can add some positive variety to your credit mix — something else that’s calculated into your credit score.

Personal LOC or Personal Loan: Which Is Right for You?

Before you decide to take out a line of credit or a personal loan, it’s wise to compare lenders. Look at the annual percentage rate and whether it’s fixed or variable. You can also take into account any fees you might have to pay, including origination fees, annual fees, access fees, prepayment penalties, and late payment fees.

Estimating the total cost of the loan until it’s paid in full, including the principal loan amount, interest owed, and any fees or penalties you could potentially be charged, will help you figure out how much the loan will actually cost you.

You might use an online personal loan calculator to help you assess these total costs.

The Takeaway

Deciding when and how to borrow money can be a tough decision. Personal loans and personal lines of credit each have their pros and cons. Personal lines of credit allow you to borrow up to a credit limit, while personal loans disburse a lump sum. Interest rates, fees, and other features may vary. It’s wise to consider your needs and options carefully, reading the fine print on possible offers.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.


SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.


SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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

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


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

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