SoFi

If you plan to take out a $300,000 mortgage, the costs of the loan can vary considerably based on your rate, term, property tax and insurance costs, and whether you need mortgage insurance.

Read on to learn how much a $300,000 mortgage could cost over the life of the loan.

What Are the Monthly Payments on a $300k Mortgage?

In April 2022, Redfin found that the monthly mortgage payment on the median asking price home had risen 39% from a year earlier, thanks to rising mortgage rates.

Ouch. But calculating the average monthly payment on $300,000 mortgages is not straightforward.

The lower the interest rate, the lower the monthly mortgage payment, holding other loan terms constant. The interest rate can be calculated differently for different types of mortgages. For instance, fixed-rate mortgages maintain a steady interest rate, whereas an adjustable-rate mortgage fluctuates over time based on market conditions.

The mortgage term also affects mortgage costs. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is by far the most popular choice, but a 15-year loan translates to a higher monthly cost for a $300,000 mortgage yet much less total interest paid.

Owning a home comes with annual property taxes based on the local tax rate and the home’s assessed value, which can change over time. Generally, this expense is divided across your monthly mortgage payments.

Your down payment also matters. Borrowers putting less than 20% down on a conventional mortgage usually need to pay for private mortgage insurance, often 0.5% to 1.5% of the original loan amount per year, until the mortgage balance reaches 80% (homeowner requests cancellation) or 78% of the home’s value, or the mortgage hits the halfway point of the loan term.

FHA loans require mortgage insurance premiums, which will last for the whole loan term if your down payment is less than 10%. MIP ranges from 0.45% to 1.05% of the loan balance, divided by 12 and added to your monthly payments.

Homeowners insurance is typically required by mortgage lenders regardless of the down payment amount.

How Much Income Is Needed to Qualify?

When taking out a home loan, lenders often ask for proof of consistent income, such as W-2s. But income is just one aspect of your personal finances a lender will evaluate to determine if you qualify for a mortgage on a $300,000 house.

Lenders use borrowers’ debt-to-income ratio to get a more holistic assessment of their ability to make monthly payments. DTI is calculated by dividing your monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income, then coming up with a percentage.

For example, if you gross $5,000 a month and have a $400 car payment and a $600 student loan bill, your DTI ratio is 20%.

A DTI ratio of 43% is usually the highest a borrower can have to obtain a qualified mortgage, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. However, lenders may prefer a lower DTI ratio — usually below 36% — for greater certainty that borrowers can afford their mortgage payments.

Programs like the FHA loan and Fannie Mae HomeReady® loan allow a DTI of up to 50% when compensating factors like a higher credit score exist.

Your credit history is another important factor to qualify for a mortgage on a $300k house, and will determine the rate you’ll pay.

How Much of a Down Payment Is Needed?

So how much do you have to put down for a $300k mortgage? The traditional ideal of a 20% down payment is not always necessary or doable. In fact, the latest median down payment is 13%.

How much you need for a down payment depends on the mortgage type, the lender, and if you’re planning to occupy or rent the property.

This is how much you’ll need to put down for different loan types.

•   Conventional loan: As little as 3% down for a primary residence. Buying a second home or investment property typically calls for at least 10% down and 25% down, respectively.

•   FHA loan: As little as 3.5% down if your credit score is 580 or higher. Borrowers with lower credit scores will need to put down at least 10%.

•   VA loan: Usually available with no down payment. This option is only available for active and veteran service members and some surviving spouses.

•   USDA loan: No down payment required. Eligibility is based on income and buying a home in a designated rural area.

But do down payment requirements change for different types of houses?

If you’re planning on buying a duplex or up to four units, you’d still qualify for residential financing, with the same parameters, if you plan to live in one of the units.

Recommended: A Guide to Buying a Single-Family Home

What Are the Parts of a Mortgage Payment?

What you pay to your lender each month includes more than just what you owe on the loan. The mortgage payment consists of the principal, interest, and potentially, escrow costs.

Principal

The principal portion of the mortgage payment goes toward gradually paying the amount initially loaned to you.

When you start making mortgage payments, the amount paid toward the principal is somewhat low. Over time, greater proportions of each monthly payment will chip away at the principal balance.

Interest

The interest rate — how much you’re being charged to borrow the money — is determined by the type of loan, your personal finances, and market factors outside your control.

Borrowers with high credit scores are usually able to snag the best rates. Just a 1% increase in mortgage rate can add tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a 30-year loan.

The bulk of the mortgage payment goes toward interest at the beginning of an amortized loan.

You may be able to recoup some of the interest cost through the mortgage interest deduction.

Escrow

Most lenders require an escrow account to roll tax and insurance bills into monthly mortgage payments. This includes property taxes, homeowners insurance, and, if applicable, mortgage insurance.

How Much Interest Will Be Paid on a $300k Mortgage?

If you have a fixed-rate loan, the total interest can be easily calculated for the life of the loan. Borrowers with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 5.6% APR would pay about $320,000 in interest on a $300,000 home loan.

Shortening the loan term to 15 years and getting a rate of 4.8% APR would reduce the total interest paid to $121,302.

With an adjustable-rate mortgage, the interest rate can change over time with market conditions.

Try out this mortgage payment calculator to see how much you might pay in interest with different rates and down payments. You can also toggle the amortization chart on a desktop.

How Much Is the Mortgage on a $300k House?

Using the previous example of a 30-year fixed-rate loan with a 5.6% annual percentage rate, the principal and interest would be $1,720 per month, and would total about $620,000 over the 30 years. To capture the full mortgage cost, you also need to estimate the tax and insurance costs.

•   PMI (if applicable): often 0.5% to 1.5% of the original loan amount but up to 2.25%. Assuming a 1% rate, monthly PMI would be $250, with $21,303 the total amount of PMI you’d pay until you reach 20% equity.

•   Homeowners insurance: $2,305 on average annually, or $192 per month.

•   Property taxes: 0.28% to 2.49% of assessed value on average, depending on U.S. state. Most states have a homestead exemption that gives homeowners a tax break.

Recommended: A Guide to Mortgage Relief Programs

How to Get a $300k Mortgage

Prospective homebuyers can take steps to help qualify for a $300k mortgage and obtain more favorable terms.

•   Budget: First, it’s important to estimate how much you can afford.

•   Check your credit: Assess your credit history and take care of any late payments to improve your FICO® scores.

•   Get pre-approved: Starting the mortgage pre-approval process with one or more lenders gives you tentative approval for a loan amount and type, making you a more competitive buyer.

   Consider the interest rate, fees, and closing costs among lenders when shopping for a mortgage.

•   Make an offer: When you find a home that meets your needs and budget, consult with a real estate agent to submit an offer with your pre-approval letter.

•   Apply for the mortgage and get loan estimates: Now that you have a property address, you might want to request loan estimates from a number of lenders. A loan estimate is a three-page standard form that details the loan after you apply for a mortgage. Applying with more than one lender within 14 to 45 days counts as a single credit inquiry.

•   Choose a lender, and wait for the lender to verify your finances and appraise the property to underwrite the loan.

•   Close the deal: Get your cash to close and homeowners insurance ready and finalize the paperwork to close on your $300,000 mortgage.

Recommended: SoFi’s 2022 Home Loan Help Center

Where to Get a $300k Mortgage

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and others recommend getting quotes from multiple lenders. Buyers can choose from banks, credit unions, online lenders, and mortgage brokers to finance a home purchase.

While we’ve identified the interest rate and loan term as key information to compare, keep an eye out for fees paid directly to the lender, like origination fees and mortgage points.

The Takeaway

How much will a $300,000 mortgage cost you? The interest rate, loan term, insurance costs, and taxes will determine the amount you pay each month and over the life of the loan.

As you begin comparing lenders, give SoFi a look. SoFi fixed rate mortgage loans require as little as 3% down for qualifying first-time homebuyers.

Check your rate in just minutes

FAQ

How much is a $300,000 mortgage per month?

The monthly payment on a $300,000 mortgage depends on the loan length, interest rate, whether mortgage insurance is required, and more.

How much do I need to earn to get a mortgage of $300,000?

The required annual income to get a $300,000 mortgage is affected by your other debts and the down payment amount.

Can I get a $300,000 mortgage with a bad credit history?

You might be able to obtain a $300,000 mortgage with subpar credit, but the terms may be less competitive. For instance, borrowers with credit scores from 500 to 579 could be eligible for FHA loans, but they’ll have to make a down payment of at least 10% instead of 3.5%.

---

Photo credit: iStock/Vertigo3d

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.

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.

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.

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 .

SOHL0322009

Read more

The best credit cards for food delivery and ride sharing offer a host of benefits, including generous cash-back rewards, free annual memberships, and annual credits on these services. While food delivery and ride sharing credit cards can have some downsides — like high annual fees, in some cases — the positives might outweigh the negatives for those that often order delivery or use ridesharing.

Depending on which type of service you use, the process of claiming your earned rewards can be quick and easy. Often, it’s as simple as linking the eligible credit card to your account.

Recommended: Can You Buy Crypto With a Credit Card

What Are Rewards Credit Cards?

Rewards credit cards offer benefits in exchange for every dollar you spend on the card, typically as cash back, points, or airline miles. You can then redeem the credit card rewards you’ve earned in a variety of ways, such as in the form of a check, a statement credit, travel perks, or gift cards.

While not all rewards credit cards have annual fees, those with higher annual fees tend to offer more generous benefits. Further, rewards credit cards generally have higher annual percentage rates (APR) than more basic credit cards. This makes it all the more important to adhere to the credit card rule of avoiding carrying a balance when possible.

In general, you’ll need a good or excellent credit score (meaning 670+) to qualify for the top rewards credit cards.

Recommended: How to Avoid Interest On a Credit Card

How Do Food Delivery Benefits Work?

The way food delivery benefits typically work is that a credit card provider partners with a popular food delivery service. Then, cardholders receive certain credit card benefits, such as free memberships, higher points accrual when using the service, or statement credits on food deliveries.

Which services are paired with your card and the benefits you receive will depend on the credit card provider. In some cases, rewards include a higher rate of cash-back rewards in more general categories, such as takeout or dining. Check your credit card’s website to see what — if any — food delivery benefits are available to you.

Recommended: Does Applying For a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score

How Do Ride Sharing Benefits Work?

Ride sharing benefits are fairly similar to food delivery benefits. Credit card providers partner with ride sharing services to provide benefits for certain credit cards they offer. For instance, there are Lyft credit cards and Uber credit cards that offer perks with those ride sharing services.

Those benefits may come in the form of higher point accruals, statement credits, and free subscriptions. Some cards also offer these benefits in the form of more generic travel credits or cash-back rewards, which may apply to ride sharing services.

Pros and Cons of Using Credit Cards for Food Delivery

Using a credit card for food delivery can have its pros and cons, depending on the credit card you’re using and your own spending habits. Here are some of the advantages and drawbacks of food delivery credit cards to consider:

Pros	Cons
Higher rewards rates for food-related spending	Could carry high annual fees, which might not be worthwhile for occasional users
Can cover membership fees for a period of time	May have a higher purchase APR
May offer general dining credits	Can tempt cardholders to spend more on takeout due to card’s benefits

Pros and Cons of Using Credit Cards for Rideshare Expenses

Are you thinking about a ride sharing credit card? Here are some pros and cons to consider for these cards:

Pros	Cons
Higher rewards rates on rideshare spending	Can place limits or deadlines on offers or rewards redemptions
May offer travel credits that can apply to rideshare costs	May have high annual fees
Often provide nice benefits across-the-board, such as travel insurance	Could be limited to earning rewards or credits with a particular service

Activating Your Credit Card Offers

Each credit card is different, but activating your offers shouldn’t be too difficult. In some cases, it’s as simple as signing up for the relevant service and linking your credit card to it.

In other cases, you might have to manually activate offers on the service’s app or website. Usually, if your card includes a free membership, it must be manually activated.

Keep in mind that food delivery and ride sharing credit cards often run promotions, and these do expire. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve previously included a Lyft Pink membership, but that offer expired in early 2022. However, this card also includes one free year of DoorDash’s DashPass, which is good until the end of 2024.

Using a Credit Card for Food Delivery

Using a credit card for food delivery is a simple process. The first thing you’ll want to do is to create an account on the app, which should only take a couple of minutes. Likewise, add your credit card if you have not already done so.

If you already have an account, you may want to make your rewards credit card the default payment method to take advantage of discounts and rewards. Also make sure to activate any free memberships that might be available to you.

Then, you can search restaurants on the food delivery app, either using your address or your smartphone’s location. These apps often have food categories to make your search a little bit easier.

Once you find something that sounds good, you can add items to your cart and check out. Since you have already added your rewards credit card, use it as your payment method to take advantage of those rewards. And if you use your credit card frequently, it can help you earn your credit card welcome bonus.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due

Using a Credit Card for Ride Sharing

Using a credit card for ride sharing will follow all of the same principles as using one for food delivery. Make sure you add your rewards credit card and activate your membership if one is available.

The biggest difference when using a credit card for ride sharing is the process of booking the ride itself. Generally, you book a ride by specifying the pick-up and drop-off locations; ride sharing apps can usually use your smartphone’s location as the pickup.

The app will then find a driver for you and give you the chance to select or change your payment method. If you have a rewards credit card, make sure it appears as the payment method. If it doesn’t, select it before confirming your ride. Once you do that, you’re all set.

The Takeaway

Food delivery credit cards and ride sharing credit cards can offer a slew of perks, including cash-back rewards, statement credits, and free memberships for a few months or even a year. Credit card owners can take advantage of these rewards when hailing a ride or ordering food through a delivery app.

If you want these perks and more, the cash-back rewards credit card from SoFi is a strong contender. It offers perks for both ride sharing and food delivery through World Elite Mastercard® Benefits. This includes Lyft $5 monthly credits and a three-month free trial of DashPass.

Learn more and apply today for a credit card with SoFi!

FAQ

What is credit card dining?

Credit cards can offer a variety of perks when you spend on dining. That could include high cash-back rates when eating at restaurants or ordering delivery. Other credit cards come with free memberships for delivery apps for a set time period or a statement credit for orders.

Are the best cards for rideshare expenses also the best cards for food delivery?

Some credit cards that are the best for rideshare can also be the best for food delivery. However, some credit cards work well for ridesharing because they are travel credit cards, and this may not carry over to food delivery.

Do rideshares count as travel for credit cards?

It depends on the credit card. Some credit cards consider rideshares as travel and will let you earn a higher cash-back rate when booking a ride, for example. However, you should check the details of your card to be sure, as each card is different.

---

Photo credit: iStock/RgStudio

¹See Rewards Details at SoFi.com/card/rewards.

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.

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 .

SoFi Credit Cards are issued by SoFi Bank, N.A. pursuant to license by Mastercard® International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.


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.

SOCC0822007

Read more

Credit cards are a convenient method of payment that let you make cashless purchases in-person or online. However, millions of Americans fall victim to credit card fraud, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Identifying fraudulent activity and knowing how to report credit card fraud can help protect identity and your finances. Here’s a closer look at the process of reporting credit card fraud.

What Is Credit Card Fraud?

Credit card fraud is a type of identity theft. When a perpetrator commits credit card fraud, they’re making unauthorized purchases or cash advances using a credit card account that isn’t theirs.

Types of Credit Card Fraud

Fraudsters have developed many types of credit card scams to infiltrate unsuspecting consumers’ credit card accounts.

Account Takeover

An account takeover involves the perpetrator contacting the credit card issuer to make fraudulent changes or requests to gain access to your account. For example, they might claim to be you and request a new credit card issued to their address.

Card-Not-Present (CNP)

Card-not-present, or CNP, credit card fraud occurs when an unauthorized charge is put onto a card account without the physical card being present during the transaction. This might occur during online purchases or other instances when a transaction is performed without the physical card in hand.

Credit Card Skimming

Credit card skimming occurs when a skimmer device is placed onto a legitimate credit card sales terminal. It’s designed to look seamless and authentic. Upon swiping your credit card through the skimmer, the device captures your account data, including your credit card number, PIN, CVV number on a credit card, and more. Perpetrators can then create a copy-cat credit card with your account information encoded into it.

Fraudulent Card Applications

This type of credit card fraud occurs when someone opens a new card account under your name without your consent and/or knowledge. Fraudulent applications might lead to newly opened credit card accounts through pre-approval mailers that are intercepted by fraudsters.

Lost or Stolen Cards

A lost or stolen credit card is another common method of credit card fraud. Unlike CNP, the perpetrator obtains possession of your physical credit card and makes unauthorized charges. If your card is lost or stolen and then used before you realize it’s missing, an unauthorized user can make fraudulent changes in person or online.

Recommended: What is a Charge Card

How to Detect Credit Card Fraud

A key way to uproot credit card fraud is by staying keenly aware of the activity on your existing credit card accounts. For example, with the convenience of automatic payments, it might be easy to ignore reviewing your monthly statement since autopay lets you pay your bills without much effort.

However, if you didn’t notice an unauthorized charge come through because you aren’t keeping track of your transaction activity, it can become that much harder to thwart further fraud. Additionally, routinely reviewing your credit reports can help you flag any new credit card accounts that you didn’t activate.

You might also consider setting up credit card alerts, which can notify you when purchases or cash advances are made using your card. You can set these up through your card issuer’s mobile app and opt to receive a text message, email, or push notification. These frequent updates can help you respond quickly if anything goes awry.

Recommended: Tips for Using a Credit Card Responsibly

How to Report Credit Card Fraud

If you’ve found fraudulent activity on your card account, there are steps you can take to minimize your liability for the unauthorized charges.

Contacting Your Credit Card Issuer

As soon as you notice a fraudulent charge, contact your card issuer’s fraud department immediately. Report the unauthorized charge and explain that it was made without your knowledge or consent.

Typically, the issuer will immediately deactivate the old credit card and reissue you a new card to avoid further unauthorized transactions. If you haven’t done so already, change your online password for the compromised credit card account. Also, change the PIN for your card.

Reaching Out to the Credit Bureaus

Contact one of the three credit bureaus to submit a fraud alert. Doing so requires businesses to verify your identity before opening a new credit account under your name. This fraud alert is free to request and remains active for one year.

The credit bureau you contacted is required to inform the other two bureaus of the fraud alert on your credit. Request a copy of your credit report from each bureau and review them for any other suspicious activity.

Notifying the Authorities

Report credit card fraud to the Federal Trade Commission through its website, IdentityTheft.gov , or by calling 1 (877) 438-4338. By reporting the fraud to FTC authorities, your rights in relation to the fraud are reserved. The FTC will file the report and come up with a recovery plan.

You can also choose to file a fraud report with your local police department. Request a copy of the police report for your records.

How to Protect Yourself From Credit Card Fraud

Following a few practical credit card rules can help you reduce your exposure to potential credit card fraud:

•   Review your credit card statements regularly.

•   Observe your credit card and bank transactions for anything that’s incorrect or potentially fraudulent.

•   Track changes on your credit report.

•   Keep your credit card information private.

•   Set up mobile alerts on transactions through your card issuer.

How Credit Card Fraud Can Impact Your Credit

Credit card fraud can do incredible harm to your creditworthiness if it goes undetected. It can result in a sudden uptick in outstanding balances, which impacts your credit utilization ratio and can adversely affect your score.

It can also be problematic to your credit if new credit card accounts were activated under your name without your knowledge. In this scenario, the unauthorized account and charges incurred go unpaid, which can negatively affect your payment history.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due

The Takeaway

Reporting credit card fraud is essential to avoid being liable for unauthorized charges or changes to your account. Stay apprised of your credit card activity by reviewing your credit card transactions at regular intervals and routinely checking your credit report for suspicious issues.

If you’re looking for a fuss-free credit card, SoFi has a solution.

Enjoy unlimited cash back rewards with fewer restrictions.

FAQ

What happens when you report credit card fraud?

Upon reporting credit card fraud on your account, the card issuer initiates an investigation into the unauthorized charge or fraudulent claim. It might reissue you a new card to use while it conducts its investigation. It if confirms that fraud occurred, your maximum liability for an unauthorized charge is $50, depending on when you reported the fraud and/or lost or stolen card.

What do I do if I suspect a fraud card?

If you suspect that you were a victim of credit card fraud, immediately contact your card issuer to notify them of the unauthorized activity. Request a copy of your credit report to confirm that no other suspicious activity is associated with your credit. Finally, file an identity theft report through IdentityTheft.gov or with local authorities.

Can the bank find out who used my credit card?

The bank can trace the details of the unauthorized activity. These details include the merchant where the card was fraudulently used as payment; the transaction date, time, and amount; and the buyer’s IP address.

How do I claim credit fraud?

To claim credit card fraud, contact your credit card issuer. You can call the phone number listed on the back of your card or call the issuer’s fraud department directly to report the unauthorized activity and request an investigation.

---

Photo credit: iStock/Moon Safari

¹See Rewards Details at SoFi.com/card/rewards.

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.

SoFi Credit Cards are issued by SoFi Bank, N.A. pursuant to license by Mastercard® International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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.

SOCC0822012

Read more

Cash management is a term often used by businesses to determine how much revenue coming in is available for day-to-day operations, and how much is available for investing in the future of the business.

But cash management is important for individuals, too. Your own personal balance sheet is not unlike that of a business. You want to determine how much of your income is available for covering expenses, discretionary spending, and investing for your future.

When you take control of your spending and saving in proportion to your income, you’re engaging in cash management. Here, we’ll explain the process in more depth, highlight the benefits you’ll reap, and guide you through this process, step by step.

What Is Cash Management?

You may wonder about the meaning of cash management; it can sound like a complicated term. But here’s the simple truth: Cash management is all about managing the money that’s coming in and the money that goes out in the best way possible for your day-to-day living. You can also think of it as cash planning, as it helps you stay in good financial shape today and tomorrow. Let’s look at this through a somewhat different lens: Solid money management strategies like the ones we’ll explore help you maintain healthy cash balances, stay on budget, earn a return on your savings, and reduce expensive debt.

💡 Recommended: Business Cash Management, Explained

Why Is Cash Management Important?

Good cash management is essential for a business’s financial stability. By the same token, borrowing cash management techniques that businesses use can help individuals enhance their overall financial wellness.

Cash Management Strategies

The concept of cash management is straightforward, but implementing it can become a bit more complex as individuals deal with financial ups and downs. These five strategies can help you adopt an efficient cash management process worthy of any corporate Chief Financial Officer.

1. Create a Realistic Budget

Think of your budget like a personal cash flow statement, which is a financial statement businesses often use to monitor income and expenses each month. Your personal budget can work the same way, becoming your personal cash flow statement.

If you’re often wondering at the end of the month where all your money went, that’s likely a sign it’s time to create a realistic budget. This can give you a clear picture of your monthly cash flow (money you earn) and your monthly cash outflow (money you spend).

From there, you can take the necessary steps to manage your cash flow to help you avoid too much debt, set financial goals, and save for the future. Once you accomplish that, you’ll be enjoying a good example of cash management. And it’s easier than you might think! Creating a budget isn’t difficult. You’ll simply need to gather some of your financial information and do some calculating. Let’s explore what financial info you’ll need below.

Income

Income includes your salary, bonuses, self-employed income, rental income, and all investment income including interest, dividends, and returns.

For the purposes of cash flow budgeting, you want to work with after-tax income, or the money that’s actually available to you instead of pretax gross numbers. So, this means take-home pay, not your gross salary.

Any extra money — such as bonuses, tax returns, or money from side gigs — should be factored in, as they are earned and with taxes owed in mind.

Expenses

Essential expenses should include things like the following:

•   Housing and utilities

•   Food

•   Childcare

•   Medical expenses

•   Insurance premiums

•   Car payments and maintenance

•   Public transportation costs

•   Clothing

Expenses can also include discretionary spending. This includes the things you want but don’t necessarily need, such as entertainment, travel, and other non-essential items.

Then there’s debt. Do you have student loans, credit card debt, or any other debt? If so, this is the liability side of your cash flow statement. You’ll need to take a close look at that.

2. Accurately Estimate Costs

Just like a business, the more accurate your budget is, the more efficient your finances will be.This is where tracking expenses comes in. You may find it makes sense to track your expenses for one to three months so you can determine exactly where your money is going. You can do this using your own spreadsheet or budgeting apps such as SoFi Relay.

Here are a few common living expenses that can help you create your own list. Once you have a finalized list, you can then use it to determine how much you’re spending on living expenses.

•  Housing

◦  Rent

◦  Mortgage

◦  Utilities

◦  Maintenance

◦  Insurance

•  Transportation

◦  Car payments

◦  Maintenance

◦  Gas and tolls

◦  Parking

◦  Public transportation costs

◦  Taxis and ride shares

◦  Auto insurance

•  Childcare

◦  Day care

◦  After-school programs

◦  Summer camp

◦  Tuition

◦  Babysitting

◦  College tuition

•  Insurance

◦  Health insurance premiums (if not deducted from your paycheck)

◦  Auto and home insurance premiums

◦  Life insurance premiums

◦  Disability income insurance premiums

•  Food

◦  Groceries

◦  Takeout and restaurants

•  Health

◦  Deductibles, copays, and coinsurance

◦  Prescription drug costs

◦  Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs

◦  Eyeglasses and contacts

•  Entertainment

◦  Concert, theater, and movie tickets

◦  Paid streaming and podcast services

◦  Books

◦  Travel

•  Pets

◦  Food

◦  Flea and tick prevention/other medications

◦  Vet bills

◦  Pet insurance

•  Personal

◦  Clothing/shoes/accessories

◦  Haircare and other grooming

◦  Toiletries/cosmetics

◦  Gym membership

3. Be Mindful of Cash Flow

You can use your income and spending data to better manage your cash flow. One approach to consider: Separating your income into different “buckets” using a percentage system.

With the 70-20-10 rule, you aim to put 70% of your income into essential and discretionary spending, 20% toward savings or paying off debt, and 10% toward investing and charitable giving.

These “buckets” can help you prioritize and achieve your financial goals. If your spending exceeds 70% of your income, you can find ways to reduce discretionary spending. How, exactly? Cutting back on takeout and restaurant meals, streaming services, and clothing purchases can all add up to more savings.

You may also find you need to make more drastic cost-cutting moves, such as finding less expensive housing or transportation. This can be especially important if you are paying off debt. If you are carrying heavy student loans and/or credit card debt, you may find you need to devote even more than 20% of your income to paying that down so you can avoid the high-interest payments and make way for other savings. This could include an emergency fund or health savings account (HSA).

The 10% investing allocation is where you focus on long-term financial goals, such as saving for retirement or future education expenses. It also offers a place to give back with charitable contributions.

4. Invest Extra Cash

Successful companies invest extra cash back into the business so it can grow. The same notion works for personal finances. Where you invest your extra cash that’s destined for short- and long-term savings is an important aspect of cash management.

For short-term savings, high-yield savings accounts, money market funds, certificates of deposit (CDs), and cash management accounts may all pay more interest than a traditional savings account.

Funds earmarked for long-term savings are usually best made as contributions to the following kinds of accounts:

•   IRAs

•   401(k)s

•   403(b)s

•   Self-employed retirement savings plans

•   Other long-term tax-advantaged accounts

This isn’t money you need soon, so it can be invested more aggressively than your short-term savings.

5. Avoid Bookkeeping Inaccuracies

With any cash management or budgeting process, being fluid and staying on top of your finances is key. There are times when you may need to allocate more toward debt payment and other expenditures, as well as times when you can focus on saving.

Regularly tracking expenses and adjusting your buckets accordingly will help ensure no inaccuracies creep in and keep you on track for your financial goals. Also, regularly checking your account balances and reviewing statements (online, in an app, or on a hard copy) is vital too. Accurate bookkeeping enables you to stay on top of cash management while balancing short-term needs with long-term financial planning.

The Takeaway

As you’ve seen from these examples of cash management, it’s a process that need not be complicated. By adopting these cash management concepts, you’ll be able to manage your cash flow, create a budget, and stay on top of your finances. What’s more, they’ll also guide you towards meeting your long-term goals as well by helping you manage debt and save for tomorrow.

Bank Better With SoFi

Cash management strategies work as well for individuals as they do for businesses. But it can help a person along to have a partner in growing your money. A SoFi Checking and Savings bank account can be just that. We offer eligible accounts a super-competitive APY, plus we don’t charge you minimum balance or monthly fees. What’s more, you’ll have access to a network of 55,000 fee-free ATMs. All of this means you’ll have more money to manage!

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy 3.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings with eligible direct deposit.

---

Photo credit: iStock/ptasha

SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The SoFi® Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

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.

SOMN1121074

Read more

Life insurance can provide families peace of mind and financial support in the event that the policy holder dies. If you’re the primary breadwinner for your household, then a life insurance policy can help pay funeral expenses, survivors’ day-to-day living costs, and children’s college costs.

Finding affordable life insurance starts with understanding your needs and budget. There are plenty of options you can choose from when shopping for coverage.

Why Should Families Have Life Insurance?

Life insurance is designed to pay out a death benefit to beneficiaries after the insured person dies. Life insurance can provide reassurance that should something happen to you, your dependents will be taken care of.

A life insurance policy can be a key part of personal insurance planning, which also encompasses homeowners or renters, auto, health, and disability insurance. If you have a family, life insurance can help your loved ones meet the following needs:

•   Replace lost income. If the sole or main income-earner dies, life insurance can help to replace their lost income and cover day-to-day expenses.

•   Pay final expenses. Funeral and burial costs can be expensive, and cremation is not necessarily any cheaper. Proceeds from life insurance can pay all of the associated costs, relieving financial stress during an already trying time.

•   Clear outstanding debts. If you leave behind a mortgage, student loans, credit cards, or other debts, a life insurance policy can be used to pay them off so your loved ones aren’t stuck with overwhelming debt.

•   Pay college expenses. If you have children, your life insurance policy can help pay for their higher education costs or secondary education expenses if they attend private school.

•   Cover basic living expenses. Even if you leave no major debts behind, your loved ones may need money to pay for utilities, groceries, and other everyday bills.

•   Fund retirement for a surviving spouse. Life insurance can help to fill a retirement planning gap for couples when a surviving spouse is not left with a nest egg.

In short, life insurance can help with a variety of expenses. Having a death benefit can help your loved ones avoid having to tap into other financial resources, or it can create a cushion if they lack other resources.

Recommended: How to Buy Life Insurance

How Much Life Insurance Do Families Need?

How much life insurance you need usually depends on your income. A general rule of thumb is to purchase a policy that’s equivalent to seven to 10 times your annual income. So if you make $100,000 a year, you’d need a policy with a death benefit of $700,000 to $1 million.

Even if one person brings in most of the income, both partners can benefit from having life insurance, especially if you have kids. If one person is the primary caregiver and they pass away, that can create new costs for the one who’s left behind.

For example, if you worked while your partner stayed home, you might need to spend money on daycare or in-home care, cleaning services, lawn care services, and other expenses to cover household tasks that they might have handled so that you can continue to work. Or if you choose to take an extended bereavement leave to care for your children, then life insurance can ensure that you’re able to meet your expenses during that time.

Recommended: How Much is Life Insurance

Types of Life Insurance for Families

There are two main types of life insurance: Term life and permanent coverage. Term life insurance is designed to cover you for a set term. For example, you might purchase a 20-year term policy. If you pass away within that term, the policy can pay out a death benefit to your family. Otherwise, the policy expires at the end of the term.

Permanent life insurance covers you for life, as long as the premiums are paid. One of the most common options for permanent life insurance is whole life. With whole life insurance, part of each premium payment is deposited into a cash value account. The account earns interest, and you can withdraw the cash you accumulate or borrow against it. When you die, the policy pays a death benefit to your loved ones, less any amounts you’ve withdrawn or borrowed against.

So which is better for families, term life vs. whole life insurance? The answer depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking specifically for affordable life insurance for families, then term life is likely the better option. You don’t get lifetime protection or cash value accumulation, but generally, premiums for term life coverage tend to be lower than whole life.

By the way, you can typically convert term insurance to permanent insurance (such as whole life) at a higher premium if you want to keep your insurance longer than the term.

Making whole life insurance affordable is more challenging, as lifetime coverage means that your insurers are virtually guaranteed to have to pay out a claim. As such, they can charge higher premiums for the same death benefit. Age and health can also play a part in determining term life or whole insurance costs. Coverage is usually cheaper when you’re younger and healthier, so waiting to buy insurance could prove more expensive.

Recommended: What is Life Insurance

How to Get Affordable Life Insurance for Families

If you’re on the hunt for an affordable life insurance policy, it’s important to do your research to know what options are available. You may have access to life insurance already without realizing it. It’s also good to consider exactly what you need a life insurance policy to do for you and whether it makes sense to purchase coverage for children or grandparents as well.

1. Review Your Workplace Insurance Benefits

It’s possible that you may already have some life insurance in place to protect your family if your employer offers group coverage as an employee benefit. That type of life insurance covers a group of employees up to a certain benefit amount. For example, you might have $50,000 in group life insurance that your employer pays for. You may have the option to purchase additional coverage and increase the death benefit, with premiums deducted from your paychecks.

Group life insurance may not provide the full amount of coverage you need. But it can be a good starting point for getting an affordable life insurance policy if your employer is picking up the tab for the premiums. Check with your HR department or benefits coordinator to see if group life is offered at your job and how to enroll in coverage.

2. Opt for Term Life, If Possible

As mentioned, term life insurance can be a cheaper option than whole life insurance. If you’re not interested in building cash value and you don’t necessarily need lifetime coverage, term life may be preferable to whole life.

When purchasing term life insurance, think carefully about how long you’d like to keep the coverage in place. If you’re 30 years old and have two kids, for example, you might want a 20-year term policy, which could help pay for their college costs if something were to happen to you before they reach adulthood.

On the other hand, if you’re in your 40s and don’t think you’ll need coverage that long, you might choose a 10-year term policy instead. The longer the term and the larger the death benefit, the more life insurance will cost you in premiums.

Recommended: Why Life Insurance is Important

3. Weigh the Benefits of Life Insurance for Children or Grandparents

Life insurance policies for children are typically permanent life policies. You pay in premiums and part of that money builds cash value. When your child reaches adulthood, they can take over the policy or withdraw the cash value and use the money to pay for college, buy a car, or fund other financial goals. (If their health has changed this could also be the only insurance they are able to get.)

Should you buy life insurance for children? It’s an important question to ask if you’re looking for life insurance for the entire family. You can purchase life insurance for kids at fairly low premiums, and your child can decide later if they’d like to keep the policy or cash it in. Another alternative: You might be able to grow that money by investing the premiums you would have paid to life insurance into a 529 college savings account or investment account for your kids instead.

Purchasing a burial insurance policy for your aging parents can make sense if you don’t want to be facing a large bill from the funeral home while you’re grieving. Burial coverage is generally the most affordable life insurance for seniors, since it has a low death benefit. You may be able to get coverage for as little as $50 a month.

4. Choose Guaranteed Renewal

If you’re purchasing term life and you think there’s a chance that you might need coverage for longer than the initial term, consider getting a policy with guaranteed automatic renewal. Having that benefit built in means that you can renew your policy once the initial term expires, without being subjected to an increase in premiums due to age or health. Just be aware that your new premiums will likely be much, much higher.

5. Be Selective About Riders

Life insurance riders can enhance your coverage. While some may be included at no charge, others can increase your premiums by a few dollars each. Some of the most commonly added riders include:

•   Accelerated death benefit

•   Accidental death

•   Guaranteed insurability

•   Waiver of premium

•   Child rider

•   Critical illness coverage

•   Disability coverage

Any of these riders can make your policy more comprehensive. But if affordable life insurance is the goal, then it’s important to consider whether they’re worth the added cost. Accelerated death benefit riders, for instance, pay out benefits while you’re still living to help with end of life care. That could be worth paying for if you’re concerned about developing a terminal illness. However, you won’t use that benefit if you die in an accident or from old age.

Recommended: How Long Do You Have to Have Life Insurance Before You Die

Tips for Saving Money on Life Insurance

Finding affordable life insurance can be a challenge, but it helps to have a strategy. Do your homework so you’re not buying more coverage than you need or choosing the wrong kind of policy. Here are a few more tips for saving money on life insurance as a family:

•   Consider an online insurance company, which may charge lower premiums than a traditional insurer.

•   Buy sooner rather than later to get the best rates available for your age and health.

•   Ask your insurance company about any discounts you may qualify for.

•   Get multiple life insurance quotes to compare rates across companies.

•   Take care of yourself as much as possible, since staying healthy can influence your insurance rates.

With most life insurance policies, you may be asked to complete a medical exam. This exam is used to determine your health status and how much you’ll pay for premiums. You can, however, opt for a no exam policy if you’d like to get covered online without having to see a doctor.

The Takeaway

Finding affordable life insurance may seem a little overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by reviewing your workplace benefits for group coverage that might be subsidized by your employer. Then, given a choice between term life and whole life insurance, term life is the more affordable option. Also, the sooner you purchase a policy the better, since premiums are tied to your age and health. Last, shop around for the best deal, and ask if you qualify for discounts.

You can start your search for life insurance online with SoFi. We’ve partnered with Ladder to make it easy to find affordable life insurance plans with coverage ranging from $100,000 to $8 million. You can get a quote and apply online in minutes.

Get a free life insurance quote with SoFi.

---

Photo credit: iStock/gradyreese

Coverage and pricing is subject to eligibility and underwriting criteria.
Ladder Insurance Services, LLC (CA license # OK22568; AR license # 3000140372) distributes term life insurance products issued by multiple insurers- for further details see ladderlife.com. All insurance products are governed by the terms set forth in the applicable insurance policy. Each insurer has financial responsibility for its own products.
Ladder, SoFi and SoFi Agency are separate, independent entities and are not responsible for the financial condition, business, or legal obligations of the other, SoFi Technologies, Inc. (SoFi) and SoFi Insurance Agency, LLC (SoFi Agency) do not issue, underwrite insurance or pay claims under LadderlifeTM policies. SoFi is compensated by Ladder for each issued term life policy.
Ladder offers coverage to people who are between the ages of 20 and 60 as of their nearest birthday. Your current age plus the term length cannot exceed 70 years.
All services from Ladder Insurance Services, LLC are their own. Once you reach Ladder, SoFi is not involved and has no control over the products or services involved. The Ladder service is limited to documents and does not provide legal advice. Individual circumstances are unique and using documents provided is not a substitute for obtaining legal advice.

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.

SOPT0822005

Read more