How Exceeding Your Minimum Loan Payments Can Pay Off in the End

There are plenty of times when, in life, you may want to take out a personal loan. Say, you are getting married (and can’t get the guest list below 150 people), are finally renovating your dated bathroom, or got hit with some unexpected bills that took your credit card debt uncomfortably high.

Taking out a personal loan can be a smart financial move, but you may want to get out of debt faster than the usual five-year term. One strategy is to accelerate the repayment of your loan. You may be able to do that in a variety of ways. Read on to learn the details of how this works so you can decide if it’s the right path for you.

Paying More than Your Minimum Loan Payment

If you’re looking for ways to manage your debt, exceeding your minimum loan payments on a regular basis may improve your financial outlook. It could also potentially build your credit score. Ultimately, getting out of debt sooner may give you greater financial freedom to do the things you want to do with your money.

But before you start prepaying your loan, be sure to check with your loan holder to confirm their policies regarding loan repayment. Some lenders charge additional fees for paying extra each month or paying your loan off earlier than planned.

There are a couple of ways you might look at paying off a personal loan sooner:

•   You can pay more than your minimum payment each month (again, checking if this will trigger fees) to get out of debt sooner.

•   If you receive a financial windfall, such as a bonus at work, a gift, or a tax refund, you could see about putting that money towards your loan.

•   If you make biweekly payments instead of monthly payments, you will wind up making an extra payment per year, which can help you get out of debt faster.

One option, if you currently have a loan that comes with prepayment fees or penalties, is to consider looking for an alternative lender. While you’re at it, maybe you can find a loan with a lower rate and better terms. In other words, you would refinance your loan.

If your current personal loan has prepayment penalties, check out our personal loan payment calculator to see if you might benefit from making a switch.



💡 Quick Tip: Some lenders can release funds as quickly as the same day your loan is approved. SoFi personal loans offer same-day funding for qualified borrowers.

Rethinking Your Debts

One of the biggest challenges that comes with exceeding your minimum loan payment is budgeting that extra money to pay toward your loan. Once you’ve decided that this is your goal, take the time to review your finances and look at your overall debt. If you are carrying a few loans with different rates and terms, it could be time to reevaluate them.

Think of this as an opportunity to simplify and align all of your debt and optimize your monthly payments. If you’re trying to consolidate credit card debt, a personal loan might be the right solution. Ideally, you would be looking for a personal loan with a low-interest rate and reasonable repayment terms. Before you commit to a new loan, it’s a good idea to consider the agreement in its entirety, including fees, penalties, and terms.

In addition, you may want to review a few of the different budgeting methods available. You may want to look for ways to unlock more funds to put towards debt repayment and speed up your repayment schedule.

Awarded Best Online Personal Loan by NerdWallet.
Apply Online, Same Day Funding


Your Long-Term Financial Strategy

While debt consolidation is one piece of the puzzle, your long-term financial strategy could also include bigger goals like saving for retirement or perhaps buying a home.

It’s also a good idea to put extra money aside in an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.

As your earning power increases, it can be wise to avoid lifestyle creep. Instead, you can pay more than the minimum on your debt and start to move closer to debt freedom. In turn, this may allow you to then reallocate funds to other areas of your financial life, such as financing your child’s education or saving for retirement. And just like that, you could be on your way to building the financial life you truly want.

Recommended: Can You Refinance a Personal Loan?

The Takeaway

Paying off a personal loan more quickly can have a positive impact on your financial situation. You can potentially do this by putting a lump sum toward your loan, paying biweekly instead of monthly, or paying more than your minimum due. Just check to find out if your loan has prepayment fees. Another option could be to refinance your loan.

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.


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Creative Transformations: Tiny House Remodel Ideas

The median home size in the US is currently about 2,014 square feet, but there’s lots of interest in tiny houses these days. How big is that? A typical definition of a tiny house is that it’s smaller than 500 or 600 square feet. Some people pride themselves on living in a mere 225 square feet or even under 100 square feet.

Living in a tiny house can be affordable, eco-smart, and part of a minimalist ethos, whether your tastes run towards cottage charm or contemporary. But how much does it cost? And what if you’re in a small home and want to remodel it; is that even possible?

Read on to learn more about tiny houses and the related costs to decide if this style of living is right for you.

Creative Tiny House Designs

Sixty-three percent of Millennials said they’d consider living in a tiny home, according to a survey by Technovio. That’s a lot of people, with a lot of different tastes and preferences when it comes to home styles.

There are small houses that look like classic woodsy cabins, A-frames, treehouses, charming Victorian structures, ultra-modern boxes, and more.

Some are built on site; others are fabricated wholly or partially elsewhere and brought to your site. You may see terms like prebuilt or prefabricated used.

House Beautiful, Country Living, and other design publications often highlight inspiring tiny house designs, and you can also find ideas on Pinterest, Instagram, and other social media platforms.

Typically, tiny houses are all about flexibility and functionality. Just as you budget your money, the square footage in a small home must be allocated. Some are one open room with different zones for living. Others may be divided into separate spaces with privacy, but there is usually an element of multifunctionality to allow the house to serve whatever the resident’s needs are, from working to relaxing, from sleeping to entertaining.


💡 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.

Downsizing into a Tiny House

If you’ve recently purchased a home that’s tiny and are seriously considering doing so, you will probably need to downsize more first. If you’re the kind of person who has drawers’ full of workout wear, hundreds of books, and/or a growing art collection, you may need to do some pruning. Here are some tips:

•   In a tiny house, virtually everything needs a purpose—and ideally, can have multiple purposes. Dishes that are purely decorative, for example, are less likely to have a place in your home than beautiful ones that are also functional. Have an adorable cup that you love? Great, but will it double as a pencil holder?

•   Most people who downsize their home quickly realize that a good percentage of their belongings have been kept for sentimental reasons. Some people moving into tiny houses have found that, if they carefully photograph these items and then find an excellent new home for them, then a scrapbook containing these photos provides pleasure without taking up much space.

•   It can help gamify the process of downsizing to challenge yourself to toss, regift, or give away an item a day.

•   Do consult the works of Marie Kondo, of the “KonMari” method fame, for guidance on deciding how to keep what truly sparks joy and jettison the rest.

•   Hold a “take it or pack it” party. Set up a table full of stuff you don’t want for friends to take as they help you box up what you do want to take with you when you move.

•   Sell your stuff that you no longer want or need to raise funds for your new home.

•   Keep furniture that has multiple purposes. A sofa, for example, may be what the family uses during the day and a guest sleeps on at night.

Recommended: How to Lower Credit Card Debt Without Ruining Your Credit

Tiny House Design Tips

As you move towards tiny house living, consider these design pointers to help ensure that your little kingdom works as well as possible for you. This advice can also help if you are remodeling a tiny house.

•   Prioritize your needs so the space can accommodate what is truly important. Do you need to be able to work from home and be on Zoom calls regularly? Or is this a place where you want to carve out room to cook with your best friend? Be ultra-clear about your top priorities because there is no room for error in these compact homes.

•   If you are renovating a tiny home, don’t forget to consider how your remodel can impact your house’s value. You likely want to add value to your home vs. invest money that can’t be recouped. Using a home project value estimator can help you understand your project’s potential return.

•   Think storage, storage, storage. For instance, consider adding a sleeping loft and then using the space beneath the stairs leading to the loft for more storage. Drawers can be built into loft stairs and there can be a space reserved for hanging your clothes. You can store plenty beneath your bed, or even try drawers under your couch.

In your kitchen, you can hang appliances beneath cabinets (which can extend right up to the ceiling) to keep counter space free, add drawers to the kick plates of your cabinets—and even choose plug-in kitchen appliances (including a stovetop) that can be put away, as needed, for extra space.



💡 Quick Tip: Home improvement loans typically offer lower interest rates than credit cards. Consider a loan to fund your next renovation.

Costs to Expect with a Tiny House

The cost of a tiny home can vary tremendously, as you might imagine. Here are some guidelines to get you started:

•   Overall, tiny houses tend to be less expensive to build and own than a larger home, due to economies of scale. However, the per-square-foot costs are typically higher. To build a tiny house may run $300 per square foot vs. $150 per square foot for a standard-size home.

•   Prebuilt tiny homes can cost around $75,000 (this doesn’t include the land they are on), and purchasing a pre-owned one can be as little as $30,000. Building your own can easily cost $100,000 or more, depending on the complexity and detailing. However, when you compare this to the average home value of $410,200 mid-2023, you see that the savings can be significant.

•   Tiny homes can use a fraction of the energy (even less than 10%) vs. a typical-size home. This is due to the smaller size, certainly, as well as there may be other efficiencies in terms of their design.

Using a Personal Loan for Your Tiny House Expenses

If you already own a tiny home but want to renovate it or are buying one and want to remodel your home right away, it may be tempting to put the costs on your credit card. After all, a small home means small expenses, right?

Not necessarily. Even if the costs are low, by putting them on a credit card, which probably charges a high interest rate, you can wind up with debt that is hard to pay off. That interest can have a way of accumulating quickly.

A better solution might be a personal loan vs. a credit card, which can offer a significantly lower interest rate. You’ll have a fixed, predictable monthly payment instead of potentially multiple fluctuating credit card bills.

If you think a personal loan could be the right move for you and your tiny home plans, shop around to see what offers are available.

Picking a Personal Loan

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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2023 VA Home Loan Limits vs 2022 VA Home Loan Limits

Thanks to rapidly rising home prices, VA loan limits got a substantial boost in 2023.

For most U.S. counties, the baseline limit for VA loans is now $726,200, compared to $647,200 in 2022. And loan limits for single-family homes in counties with higher home costs also increased — from a maximum (or “ceiling”) of $970,800 in 2022 to $1,089,300 in 2023.

What could higher loan limits mean for you? If you’re a veteran considering a VA-backed home loan, read on for a breakdown of what you can expect if you purchase a home this year.

What Is the VA Loan Limit?

To be clear: The VA doesn’t limit how much an eligible veteran, service member, or survivor using a VA loan benefit can borrow to finance a home. There are only limits on how much of the loan amount the VA will guarantee if the borrower is unable to repay the mortgage. And that limit can vary based on the status of the borrower’s VA entitlement.

Most borrowers who apply for a VA loan have something called “full entitlement.” This means that if the borrower defaults, the VA will guarantee — or repay the lender — up to 25% of whatever loan amount the lender approved based on its own criteria. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, or if you’ve paid off a past VA loan, you can expect to have a full entitlement.

But if a borrower has what the VA refers to as a “remaining entitlement” (they have a VA loan they’re still paying back), the VA will limit its guarantee based on the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) loan limit in the county where the home is being purchased.

Instead of paying the lender up to 25% of the full loan amount if the borrower defaults, the VA will limit its guarantee to up to 25% of the applicable FHFA loan limit minus the amount of the entitlement the borrower already used. Borrowers can still get a VA loan using their remaining entitlement, but they may have to make a down payment to get that loan if the loan amount is more than $144,000.

To check your VA entitlement status, you can request a certificate of eligibility (COE) through your lender, online, or by mail.


💡 Quick Tip: Buying a home shouldn’t be aggravating. SoFi’s online mortgage application is quick and simple, with dedicated Mortgage Loan Officers to guide you from start to finish.

First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,
with as little as 3% down.


When Do VA Loan Limits Apply?

You may wonder when VA loan limits apply and, more specifically, how annual changes to loan limits are calculated. The VA bases its loan guarantee limits on the same conforming loan limits (CLL) the FHFA sets for conventional home mortgage loans that are eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

By law, the FHFA must adjust these limits annually to reflect changes to home prices in the U.S. Between the third quarters of 2021 and 2022, home prices increased, on average, by 12.21%, based on the FHFA House Price Index. So the 2023 baseline CLL increased by that percentage.

But your county’s loan limit could be considerably higher, depending on average home prices in your area.

These differences are, in part, due to the variability of cost of living by state.

2023 VA Loan Limit Calculator Table

Higher home prices across the U.S. brought the FHFA’s baseline limit (and, therefore, the VA’s baseline limit for 2023) to $726,200 for a single-family home in most counties.

But in counties where 115% of the median home value is higher than the baseline CLL, the limit has been increased by a percentage that reflects those higher prices. There is a ceiling, or cap, however, of 150%.

Here’s what that looks like for a single-family home in 2023 vs. 2022.

VA Loan Limits in 2023 and 2022

Year National Baseline 115% to 149% National Ceiling (150%)
VA Loan Limits 2023 $726,200 $835,130 to $1,082,038 $1,089,300
VA Loan Limits 2022 $647,200 $744,280 to $964,328 $970,800

If you’re buying in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, special statutory provisions dictate the loan limit, which in 2023 is $1,089,300 for a single-family home.

VA Loan Limit Example

Here’s a hypothetical example of how a borrower could be affected by the county loan limit on a VA loan.

Let’s say Joe, a Navy veteran, wants to buy a home in San Diego County, even though he knows the cost of living in California is higher than average. Joe manages to find a $600,000 single-family home and he wants to buy with a VA loan, but he still owes $100,000 on another VA loan.

The 2023 limit in San Diego County is $977,500. Since the VA will guarantee up to a quarter of that amount, Joe has a maximum entitlement of $244,375.

$977,500 x .25 = $244,375

But Joe has to subtract the amount of his entitlement he’s already used, which leaves him with $144,375.

$244.375 – $100,000 = $144,375

So, the VA would guarantee up to $144,375 of Joe’s loan.

Since most lenders want at least 25% of a borrower’s loan amount to be covered by the VA entitlement and/or a down payment, Joe might have to make a $5,625 down payment to get a VA loan for this home.

$600,000 x .25 = $150,000

$150,000 – $144,375 = $5,625


💡 Quick Tip: Apply for a VA loan and borrow up to $1.5 million with a fixed- or adjustable-rate mortgage. The flexibility extends to the down payment, too — qualified VA homebuyers don’t even need one!†^

How Does My County Loan Limit Affect Me?

Just like Joe in the example above, if you’re using a remaining entitlement and your loan amount is over $144,000, your county loan limit could determine whether you’ll have to make a down payment to buy the home you want.

It doesn’t mean you can’t get the loan. If you have enough to make the down payment required by your lender, you may even qualify for a VA-backed loan that’s more than your county loan limit.

It’s important to note that though the example provided here is for a home purchase, the same entitlement limits apply if you’re considering refinancing your VA loan. In that case, your county limit could affect how much you’ll be asked to pay in closing costs.

How to Apply for a VA Home Loan

Most VA loans are “VA-backed” loans, which means they’re issued by approved private lenders. The VA’s guarantee that it will help repay the lender if a borrower defaults is an incentive for lenders to offer these loans with attractive terms.

Still, it can be a good idea to shop around for the loan that best meets your family needs, and compare interest rates, fees, customer service, and any additional benefits various lenders might be offering.

You also may want to compare the terms of your top VA loan offer to what you can get with different types of mortgage loans, including a conventional loan.

Of course, no matter which type of loan you ultimately choose, you’ll still have to qualify for a mortgage with a lender.

There isn’t a requisite minimum credit score for VA loans. Instead, the VA asks lenders to review the borrower’s “entire loan profile,” which could include your credit history, DTI ratio, employment history, and assets. Individual lenders also may have their own approval criteria you should be aware of when you’re ready to apply for a VA loan.

Pros and Cons of VA Loan Limits

The VA loan limit is just one of several factors you may want to consider if you’re thinking about using a VA loan for a home purchase or a mortgage refinance. Like any other mortgage option, VA loans have their pros and cons. Here are a few to keep in mind:

VA Loan Pros

The upsides of VA loans can include:

•   Interest rates may be lower with a VA loan than with a conventional loan.

•   You may not need to make a down payment or pay mortgage insurance.

•   Though non-VA jumbo loans may require a higher down payment, this isn’t necessarily true with a VA jumbo loan.

•   If you decide to sell your home, you can allow the buyer to assume (or take over) your existing mortgage.

VA Loan Cons

Now, for the downsides:

•   VA purchase loans are only for primary homes; you can’t use the loan to buy a vacation home or to invest in a home that isn’t your main residence.

•   The VA charges a one-time “funding fee” that’s designed to cover foreclosure costs when homebuyers default on a loan. Currently, the fee ranges from 1.25% to 3.3% of the loan.

•   The home you hope to buy must be evaluated by a VA-approved appraiser to ensure it meets the VA’s minimum property standards. If the home you want is too rundown, it may not pass this appraisal.

Recommended: 2023 Home Loan Help Center

The Takeaway

VA loan limits are based on home prices in the U.S., and they’re adjusted annually to reflect price increases.

If you’re a first-homebuyer or you’ve paid off a past VA loan, you shouldn’t have to worry about VA loan limits. But if you want to buy a home and you already have a VA loan, the loan limit for your county could determine whether you’ll have to make a down payment to qualify for the amount you hope to borrow.

SoFi offers VA loans with competitive interest rates, no private mortgage insurance, and down payments as low as 0%. Eligible service members, veterans, and survivors may use the benefit multiple times.

Our Mortgage Loan Officers are ready to guide you through the process step by step.

FAQ

Will VA home loan limits increase in 2023?

Yes, VA home loan limits increased significantly in 2023. The baseline limit for VA loans is now $726,200, compared to $647,200 in 2022.

What is the conforming limit for 2023?

The national baseline conforming loan limit for 2023 is $726,200 in 2023. But the VA loan limit may be higher in U.S. counties where home prices are especially high.

What is the DTI limit for a VA loan in 2023?

The Department of Veterans Affairs hasn’t set a hard-and-fast limit on the debt-to-income ratio it requires for its loans. But generally, lenders allow a 41% maximum for a VA loan.


Photo credit: iStock/Thai Liang Lim
Veterans, Service members, and members of the National Guard or Reserve may be eligible for a loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by VA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. VA loans typically require a one-time funding fee except as may be exempted by VA guidelines. The fee may be financed or paid at closing. The amount of the fee depends on the type of loan, the total amount of the loan, and, depending on loan type, prior use of VA eligibility and down payment amount. The VA funding fee is typically non-refundable. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
^SoFi VA ARM: At the end of 60 months (5y/1y ARM), the interest rate and monthly payment adjust. At adjustment, the new mortgage rate will be based on the one-year Constant Maturity Treasury (CMT) rate, plus a margin of 2.00% subject to annual and lifetime adjustment caps.

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


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.


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


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

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A How to-Guide on Avoiding the Most Common Credit Card Fees

Most Americans swipe and tap their way through the day, using credit cards for a variety of purchases. Plastic is quick and convenient, and it can help a person make purchases they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford in a single transaction.

But with credit cards come high interest rates…and fees. Often, many different kinds of fees are levied on a single transaction.These charges may be part of the reason why there’s so much credit card debt right now. The average American carries an approximate credit card balance of $7,951.

If you’re trying to control your costs, read on to learn more about these fees, plus smart tips on how to dodge them. It can be a good path to taking control of your credit and your cash.

Breaking Down the 6 Main Credit Card Fees

The best way to sidestep credit card fees is to know what they are. Sounds obvious, but it can be your primary defense in the battle against fees. Here’s a summary of some of the most common credit card fees and advice on how to avoid them.

1. Annual Fees

An annual fee is the yearly price you pay to use a credit card. Not all credit cards have annual fees, but many reward-heavy and premium cards do. It’s not inherently bad to pay an annual fee on a credit card, but it does require busting out a calculator and doing some math. To justify paying an annual credit card fee, you should earn enough in rewards to cover the fee and then some.

How to avoid this fee: Lots of cards have no annual fee or will waive an annual fee in the first year. When choosing a credit card, you’ll want to do some comparison shopping and annual fees should be something you pay close attention to. Ultimately, if you’re going to pay a fee for using a rewards card, you should make sure you’ll be cashing in on rewards you’ll actually use.


💡 Quick Tip: Before choosing a personal loan, ask about the lender’s fees: origination, prepayment, late fees, etc. SoFi personal loans come with no-fee options, and no surprises.

2. Late Payment Fees

Late payment fees are pretty self-explanatory. Basically, some banks will ding you if you miss a payment. Currently, late payment fees can run up to $41, but there’s a movement afoot to cap these. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, for instance, has proposed a limit of $8. But for the time being, these fees are still quite steep.

There are other consequences of late payments worth noting. Your interest rate could go up, for instance.

How to avoid this fee: Consider automating your finances. Specifically, you could set up an automatic payment for at least the minimum monthly payment. That way, you are in a good position to avoid late fees.

If you do miss a payment, call your credit card company and ask them to waive the fee. (If you’re a first-time offender, they might be amenable to it.)

3. Cash Advance Fees

When you use a credit card to withdraw cash from a bank or ATM, you will almost always be charged a cash advance fee. Credit card cash advance fees generally cost 5% of the amount you withdraw or $10, whichever is higher. Also be aware the interest rate on a cash advance is likely to be higher than on “normal” credit card purchases, and interest accrues immediately.

How to avoid this fee: Don’t use your credit card like a debit card. If you’re going to take out cash, it should be with a debit card. If you do have to take out a cash advance on your credit card, try to pay it back as soon as possible. And to avoid needing to take out a cash advance in the future, establish a cash emergency fund that’s easily accessible.

Recommended: Credit Card Interest Rate Calculator

4. Balance Transfer Fees

When you transfer a credit card balance to a new card with a lower interest rate (often 0% interest for a promotional period of, say, 18 months), the new credit card issuer may charge you a fee. The fee is usually 3% to 5% of the balance being transferred. Balance transfer cards usually offer 0% interest rates to new customers who want to transfer their credit card debt — so charging a fee allows them to make some money on the initial transaction.

How to avoid this fee: If a balance transfer card would stress you out with its tight timeline before its interest rates change, you could instead consider taking out a personal loan to pay off your credit card debt. A personal loan will usually charge a lower interest rate than your credit card, but it can allow you to pay off your debt on a timeline that’s right for you.


💡 Quick Tip: Swap high-interest debt for a lower-interest loan, and save money on your monthly payments. Find out why credit card consolidation loans are so popular.

5. Foreign Transaction Fees

If you use a credit card while traveling outside of the country, you may be charged a foreign transaction fee of around 1% to 3%. Once very common, these fees are declining in popularity thanks to the rise of cards with no foreign transaction fees.

Also know that banks may charge currency conversion fees in addition to foreign transaction fees.

How to avoid this fee: Choose a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. There are lots of options out there, it’s just a matter of shopping around. Airline cards often don’t have foreign transaction fees, but plenty of other cards have dropped these fees as well.

You may also be able to use a debit card in a foreign country.

6. Interest

Interest is how credit card issuers stay in business, to a large extent. They are extending you credit to make a purchase, and interest is what you pay for that privilege. Credit card issuers assess interest on any balance that remains on your card after the due date. You will also see this interest rate called the purchase APR.

How to avoid this fee: Pay off your credit card balance in full each month. If you’re unable to do that, pay as much as you can — every dollar counts.

Recommended: Taking Out a Personal Loan to Pay Off Credit Card Debt

The Takeaway

Credit cards can be a convenient way to purchase, and most Americans use them. However, these cards can also charge fees that can add to any debt you carry. It’s worthwhile to acquaint yourself with these fees and work to avoid them so your balance doesn’t grow.

If you’re currently chipping away at a balance, you may want to consider taking out a personal loan to pay off your credit card. This can lower your rate of interest and make your debt less of a burden.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.


With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.


SoFi Student Loan Refinance
Terms and conditions apply. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are private loans. When you refinance federal loans with a SoFi loan, YOU FOREFEIT YOUR EILIGIBILITY FOR ALL FEDERAL LOAN BENEFITS, including all flexible federal repayment and forgiveness options that are or may become available to federal student loan borrowers including, but not limited to: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, extended repayment plans, PAYE or SAVE. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers.
Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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.


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.

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5 Budget-Friendly Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home

If you own a home, you probably always have a list of improvements you’re considering. Maybe you desperately want to replace those dated kitchen appliances that scream year 2000, or you want to focus on ways to lower your energy bills, whether that means some strategic air sealing or adding solar panels.

Chances are, you also want any upgrades you pay for to increase the value of your home. You want to know that if and when it comes time to sell your place, you’ll recoup a good percentage of what you invested.

So, whether you have the cash saved up for home investment or you are looking to borrow for your next home project, consider these wise investments.

1. Improve Your Attic Insulation

We get it: You’re not going to invite friends over to see your new attic insulation.But it’s one of the best ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency.

You’ll not only profit when it’s time to sell, but you’ll also see immediate savings from the ongoing energy efficiency this upgrade provides. A properly insulated attic, combined with sealing air leaks throughout your home, cuts an average of 15% off your heating and cooling costs, allowing you to pocket the savings month after month. And who doesn’t want a lower energy bill?

Cost: $600 to $1,200 for blown-in insulation for a 1,000-square-foot attic. You may also need to rent the machine that blows in the fiberglass if you’re a DIY type. If you hire a pro, labor will run about $40 to $70 an hour.


💡 Quick Tip: Before choosing a personal loan, ask about the lender’s fees: origination, prepayment, late fees, etc. SoFi personal loans come with no-fee options, and no surprises.

2. Treat Yourself to New Windows

New windows can do double duty. Not only do they update a room’s tired appearance, they can also have energy-efficiency benefits. Depending on how many windows you replace, this can be a very big-ticket item. The average cost for a vinyl window replacement is $850, and a whole-home job can ring in at $20,091, according to Remodeling magazine. (Wood windows are pricier still.)

But here’s some good news: Replacing those windows adds value to your home. Typically, to the tune of 69% of the cost of the window-replacement project.

Cost: Anywhere from $850 per vinyl window to $20,000+ for the whole house. Again, if you go for wood vs. vinyl windows or need custom size ones (or several French doors), the price can ratchet up significantly. In that case, you might want to look at home improvement loan options.

3. Build a Deck

You and likely anyone who might buy your home in the future will love what a deck can do, lifestyle-wise. Weather permitting, you can have your AM coffee there, type away on your laptop during the day, and host friends, read, or just listen to the birdsong during off-hours. Here’s another nice thing about adding a deck: Your ROI is typically around 68% of the money you pay.

Cost: A new wood deck will cost on average $16,766. A composite one can cost more; on average, these are $22,426.

Read Next: How to Create a Renovation Plan to Match Your Budget

4. Refresh Your Bathroom

Who doesn’t love a beautiful new bathroom, whether your style is sleek and all white or if you prefer a warmer country cottage vibe? A bath remodel will cost, on average, between $6,627 and $17,494, according to Angi, the home renovation site. While an updated bath can definitely add to your home’s value, keep in mind that the sky’s the limit with the price tag. If you move the fixtures around and add one of those egg-shaped soaking tubs or a spa shower that has half-a-dozen mist settings, you may go well beyond the average range of costs.

Also, keep in mind that if you do something really singular (say, you pick tile in a super-bright shade), it may be harder to get your money out if and when you sell your property.

Cost: The average cost is $11,944, with cabinets and shelving accounting for 25% of the total, the shower and tub eating up 22% of costs, and your contractor’s fees usually being about 13% of your total expense. Of course, you can do a small bathroom remodel, perhaps repainting, adding some new artwork and a fresh shower curtain.


💡 Quick Tip: Home improvement loans typically offer lower interest rates than credit cards. Consider a loan to fund your next renovation.

5. Cook up a Cooler Kitchen

If you’re stuck with outdated appliances or hideous cabinets, a kitchen remodel is likely high on your list of improvements. It’s a great way to refresh your kitchen’s style and function.

But increasing home value with a new kitchen can fry your bank account: A remodel typically runs $14,612 and $41,392 according to Angi, but can cost much more if you move appliances’ position, opt for marble countertops, or fall in love with custom cabinetry. On average, you’ll recoup about 60% in ROI.

To update for less and wow your kitchen in a weekend, make some wallet-friendly upgrades: fresh paint, a new faucet, updated lighting (pendant lights are a good choice), and new cabinet pulls.

Cost: While you could just swap out cabinet pulls, which start at about $2 each, and repaint (plan on around $200), a larger kitchen remodel averages $26,849. Again, however, it’s worth noting you could spend multiples of that, depending on how large a project, how luxe the details, and where you live (cost of living can impact the price of goods and services in your area).

Recommended: Secured vs. Unsecured Personal Loans

The Easy Way to Finance HGTV-Worthy Upgrades

Even budget-friendly home improvements can set you back quite a bit. If you haven’t set aside the budget to bring more value to your home, you don’t necessarily have to dip into your retirement account or pay less on your student loans each month. You might want to consider a personal loan.

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.


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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