Sep
13
2023

Pros & Cons of the F.I.R.E Movement

By | Budgeting & Goals, invest, Preparing for Retirement | Comments Off on Pros & Cons of the F.I.R.E Movement

Most people dream of the day that they clock into work for the very last time. In most cases, we imagine that’ll be when we’re in our 60s. But what if you could take the freedom and independence of retirement and experience it 20 or 30 years earlier?

That’s the basic principle of the Financial Independence Retire Early (F.I.R.E) movement, a community of young people who aim to live a lifestyle that allows them to retire in their 30s or 40s rather than their 60s and 70s.

While it may sound like the perfect life hack, attempting to live out this dream comes with some serious challenges. Read on to learn more about the F.I.R.E. movement and the techniques followers use achieve their goal of early retirement. That can help you determine whether any of their savings strategies might be right for you.

What Is the FIRE Movement?

F.I.R.E stands for “financial independence, retire early,” and it’s a movement where followers attempt to gain enough wealth to retire far earlier than the traditional timeline would allow.

The movement traces its roots to a 1992 book called “Your Money or Your Life” by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez. F.I.R.E. started to gain a lot of traction, particularly among millennials, in the 2010s.

In order to achieve retirement at such a young age, F.I.R.E proponents devote 50% to 75% of their income to savings. They also use dividend-paying investments in order to create passive income sources they can use to support themselves throughout their retired lives.

Of course, accumulating the amount of wealth needed to live for six decades or more without working is a considerable feat, and not everyone who attempts F.I.R.E. succeeds.

💡 Quick Tip: Did you know that opening a brokerage account typically doesn’t come with any setup costs? Often, the only requirement to open a brokerage account — aside from providing personal details — is making an initial deposit.

F.I.R.E. vs. Traditional Retirement

F.I.R.E. and traditional retirement both aim to help people figure out when they can retire, but there are major differences between the two.

Retiring Early

Given the challenge many people have of saving enough for retirement even by age 60 or 70, what kinds of lengths do the advocates of the F.I.R.E. movement go to?

Some early retirees blog about their experiences and offer tips to help others follow in their footsteps. For instance, Mr. Money Mustache is a prominent figure in the F.I.R.E. community, and advocates achieving financial freedom through, in his words, “badassity.”

His specific advice includes reshaping simple but expensive habits—like eliminating smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol, and limiting dining out.

Of course, the basic premise of making financial freedom a reality is simple in theory: spend (much) less money than you make in order to accumulate a substantial balance of savings.

Investing those savings can potentially make the process more attainable by providing, in the best-case scenario, an ongoing passive income stream. However, many people who achieve F.I.R.E. are able to do so in part because of generational wealth or special circumstances that aren’t guaranteed.

For instance, Mr. Money Mustache and his wife both studied engineering and computer science and had “standard tech-industry cubicle jobs,” which tend to pay pretty well—and require educational and professional opportunities not all people can access.

In almost all cases, pursuing retirement with the F.I.R.E. movement requires a lifestyle that could best be described as basic, foregoing common social and leisure enjoyments like restaurant dining and travel.

Target Age for Early Retirement

Early retirement means different things to different people. While some individuals may consider age 55 to be an early retirement, FIRE proponents aspire to retire in their 40s or even in their 30s, if possible.

According to the 2024 SoFi Retirement Survey, 12% of respondents say their target retirement age is 49 or younger. Men were more likely than women to choose this response.

Of those whose target retirement age is 49 or younger:

•   66% have a household income of less than $100,000

•   60% are men,

•   47% are single

•   27% are age 24 or younger

Source: SoFi Retirement Survey, April 2024

Saving Strategies for Retiring Early

Retiring early can involve making some serious adjustments to an individual’s current lifestyle. People who follow the FIRE movement generally try to put 50% to 75% of their income in savings. That can be challenging because once they pay their bills, there may not be much leftover for things like going to the movies or having dinner out.

Of the SoFi survey respondents who say they want to retire at age 49 or younger, 18% are not using any strategies that might help them retire early. Most of the rest are working on it, however — and these are the strategies they’re using to try to retire early:

•   40%: Non-retirement investment accounts (such as brokerage accounts, real estate,and so on)

•   36%: FIRE strategies

•   29%: Maxing out tax advantaged accounts (401(k)s, IRAs, HSAs, etc.)

•   24%: Debt payment strategies such as the snowball and avalanche

•   23%: Roth conversion ladder

•   21%: Working a second job/passive income

Traditional Retirement

Most working people expect to retire sometime around the age of 65 or so. For those born after 1960, Social Security benefits can begin at age 62, but those benefits will be significantly less than they would be if an individual waited until 67, their full retirement age, to collect them.

People saving for traditional retirement typically save much of their retirement funds in tax-incentivized retirement accounts, like 401(k)s and traditional IRAs, which carry age-related restrictions. For example, 401(k)s generally can’t be accessed before age 59½ without incurring a penalty.

Even a traditional retirement timeline can be difficult for many savers. Recent data from the Federal Reserve shows that approximately 25% of Americans have no retirement savings whatsoever. Still, Americans between the ages of 25 to 40 plan to retire at age 59, according to a 2022 survey.

Online calculators and budgeting tools can help you determine when you can retire—and are customizable to your exact retirement goals and specifications.

💡 Haven’t started an IRA yet? Check out: How to Open an IRA

Financial Independence Retire Early: Pros and Cons

Although financial independence and early retirement are undoubtedly appealing, getting there isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. There are both strong benefits and drawbacks to this financial approach that individuals should weigh before undertaking the F.I.R.E. strategy.

Pros of the F.I.R.E. Approach

Benefits of the F.I.R.E. lifestyle include:

•  Having more flexibility with your time. Those who retire at 35 or 40, as opposed to 65 or 70, have more of their lifetime to spend pursuing and enjoying the activities they choose.

•  Building a meaningful, passion-filled life. Retiring early can be immensely freeing, allowing someone to shirk the so-called golden handcuffs of a job or career. When earning money isn’t the primary energy expenditure, more opportunities to follow one’s true calling can be taken.

•  Learning to live below one’s means. “Lifestyle inflation” can be a problem among many working-age people who find themselves spending more money as they earn more income. The savings strategies necessary to achieve early retirement and financial independence require its advocates to learn to live frugally, or follow a minimalist lifestyle, which can help them save more money in the long run—even if they don’t end up actually retiring early.

•   Less stress. Money is one of the leading stressors for many Americans. Gaining enough wealth to live comfortably without working could wipe out a major cause of stress, which could lead to a more enjoyable, and healthier, life.

Cons of the F.I.R.E. Approach

Drawbacks of the F.I.R.E. lifestyle include:

•  Unpredictability of the future. Although many people seeking early retirement thoroughly map out their financial plans, the future is unpredictable. Social programs and tax structures, which may figure into future budgeting, can change unexpectedly, and life can also throw wrenches into the plan. For instance, a major illness or an unexpected child could wreak havoc on even the best-laid plans for financial independence.

•  Some find retirement boring. While never having to go to work again might sound heavenly to those on the job, some people who do achieve financial security and independence and early retirement struggle with filling their free time. Without a career or specific non-career goals, the years without work can feel unsatisfying.

•  Fewer professional opportunities. If someone achieves F.I.R.E. and then discovers it’s not right for them—or must re-enter the workforce due to an extenuating circumstance—they may find reintegration challenging. Without a history of continuous job experience, one’s skill set may not match the needs of the economy, and job searching, even in the best of circumstances, may be difficult.

•  F.I.R.E. is hard! Even the most dedicated advocates of the financial independence and early retirement approach acknowledge that the lifestyle can be difficult—both in the extreme savings strategies necessary to achieve it and in the ways it changes day-to-day life. For instance, extroverts might find it difficult to forgo social activities like eating out or traveling with friends. Others may find it challenging to create a sense of personal identity that doesn’t revolve around a career.

Investing for F.I.R.E.

Investing allows F.I.R.E. advocates—and others—to earn income in two important ways: dividends and market appreciation.

Dividends

Shareholders earn dividend income when companies have excess profits. Dividends are generally offered on a quarterly basis, and if you hold shares of a stock you could earn them.

However, because dividend payments depend on company performance, they’re not guaranteed, those relying on them to live should have other income sources (including substantial savings accounts) as a back up income stream.

Market Appreciation

Investors can also earn profits through market appreciation when they sell stocks and other assets for a higher price than what they initially paid for them.

Even for those who seek retirement at a traditional pace, stock investing is a common strategy to create the kind of compound growth over time that can build a substantial nest egg. There are many accounts built specifically for retirement investing, such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and 403(b) plans.

However, these accounts carry age-related restrictions and contribution limits which means that those interested in pursuing retirement on a F.I.R.E. timeline will need to explore additional types of accounts and saving and investing options.

For example, brokerage accounts allow investors to access their funds at any point—and to customize the way they allocate their assets to maximize growth.

The Takeaway

Whether you’re hoping to retire in a traditional fashion, shorten your retirement timeline, or are just looking to increase your wealth to achieve shorter-term financial goals, like buying a new car—investing can be one of the most effective ways to reach your objectives.

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

Invest with as little as $5 with a SoFi Active Investing account.


SoFi Invest®

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

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

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.

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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Aug
31
2023
Inherited IRA: Distribution Rules for Beneficiaries

Inherited IRA Distribution Rules Explained

By | invest, Investing, Preparing for Retirement | Comments Off on Inherited IRA Distribution Rules Explained

When an IRA account holder passes away, they might choose to leave their account to a loved one. But whether the recipient is surprised or knew about the inheritance ahead of time, they may have questions about what to do with this inherited IRA.

How does an inherited IRA work? The key to properly handling an inherited IRA is to understand what it means for you as a beneficiary. Your relationship with the deceased, for example, could impact the tax consequences on the inheritance. Plus there are inherited IRA distribution rules you’ll need to know.

An inherited IRA can also be a tremendous financial opportunity, as long as you understand the inheritance IRA rules. Here’s what you should know about the beneficiary IRA distribution rules.

What Is an Inherited IRA?

An inherited IRA, also called a beneficiary IRA, is a type of account you open to hold the funds passed down to you from a deceased person’s IRA. The original retirement account could have been any IRA, such as a Roth, traditional IRA, SEP IRA, or SIMPLE IRA. The deceased’s 401(k) plan can also be used to fund an inherited IRA.

Spouses won’t necessarily need to open an inherited IRA, because spouses are allowed to transfer any inherited assets directly into their own retirement accounts. However, any other beneficiary of the deceased’s account — such as someone who inherited an IRA from a parent — will need to open an inherited IRA, whether or not they already have a retirement account.

Some people prefer to open their inherited IRA account with the same firm that initially held the money for the deceased. It can make it simpler for the beneficiary while planning after the loved one’s passing. However, you can set up your IRA account online with almost any bank or brokerage.

💡 Quick Tip: Did you know that opening a brokerage account online typically doesn’t come with any setup costs? Often, the only requirement to open a brokerage account — aside from providing personal details — is making an initial deposit.

How Does an Inherited IRA Work?

When it comes to IRAs, there are two types of beneficiaries: designated and non-designated. Designated includes people, such as a spouse, child, or friend. Non-designated beneficiaries are entities like estates, charities, and trusts.

This article focuses on designated beneficiaries. While your relationship with the deceased may impact your options and any inherited IRA distribution rules, as can the age of the deceased at the time of death, certain inheritance IRA rules apply to everyone:

1.    You cannot make additional contributions to the inherited IRA. You can only make changes to the investments or buy and sell assets held by the IRA.

2.    You must withdraw from the inherited IRA. The required minimum distribution (RMD) rules depend on your age and relationship to the deceased, but according to inherited Roth IRA distribution rules, withdrawals are required even if the original IRA was a Roth IRA (which typically does not have RMD requirements).

What Are the RMD Rules for Inherited IRAs?

When it comes to required minimum distributions, there are different rules for inherited IRA RMDs for spouses and non-spouses.

One recent difference between the rules for spouse and non-spouse beneficiaries is a result of the SECURE Act, established in early 2020. It states that non-spouse beneficiaries have to withdraw all the funds from their inherited IRA within a maximum of 10 years. After that time, the IRS will impose a 50% penalty tax on any funds remaining.

Spouses, on the other hand, can take yearly distributions from the account based on their own life expectancy.

RMD Rules for Spouses

Once a spouse takes ownership of the deceased’s IRA account, they can either roll over the assets into their own pre-existing IRA within 60 days, or transfer funds to their newly opened inherited IRA they can withdraw based on their age.

Note that taking a distribution from the account if you are under age 59 ½ results in a 10% early withdrawal penalty.

RMD Rules for Non-Spouses

For non-spouses (relatives, friends, and grown children who inherited an IRA from a parent), once you’ve opened an inherited IRA and transferred the inherited funds into it, RMDs generally must start before December 31st following a year from the person’s death. All assets must be withdrawn within 10 years, though there are some exceptions: if the heir is disabled, more than a decade younger than the original account owner, or a minor.

Multiple Beneficiaries

If there is more than one beneficiary of an inherited IRA, the IRA can be split into different accounts so that there is one for each person. However, in general, you must each start taking RMDs by December 31st of the year following the year of the original account holder’s death, and all assets must be withdrawn from each account within 10 years (aside from the exceptions noted above).

Inherited IRA Examples

These are some of the different instances of inherited IRAs and how they can be handled.

Spouse inherits and becomes the owner of the IRA: When the surviving spouse is the sole beneficiary of the IRA, they can opt to become the owner of it by rolling over the funds into their own IRA. The rollover must be done within 60 days.This could be a good option for someone who is younger than the original owner of the IRA because it delays the RMDs until the surviving spouse turns 73.

Non-spouse designated beneficiaries: An adult child or friend of the original IRA owner can open an inherited IRA account and transfer the inherited funds into it. They generally must start taking RMDs by December 31 of the year after the year in which the original account holder passed away. And they must withdraw all funds from the account 10 years after the original owner’s death.

Both a spouse and a non-spouse inherit the IRA: In this instance of multiple beneficiaries, the original account can be split into two new accounts. That way, each person can proceed by following the RMD rules for their specific situation.

How Do I Avoid Taxes on an Inherited IRA?

Money from IRAs is generally taxed upon withdrawals, so your ordinary tax rate would apply to any tax-deferred IRA that was inherited — traditional, SEP IRA, or SIMPLE IRA.

However, if you have inherited the deceased’s Roth IRA, which allows for tax-free distributions, you should be able to make withdrawals tax-free, as long as the original account was set up at least five years ago.

Spouses who inherit Roth accounts have an extra opportunity to mitigate the bite of taxes. Since spousal heirs have the power to take ownership of the original account, they can convert their own IRA into a Roth IRA after the funds roll over. Though the spouse would be expected to pay taxes on the amount converted, it may ultimately be financially beneficial if they expect higher taxes during their retirement.

Recommended: Is a Backdoor Roth IRA Right For You?

The Takeaway

Once you inherit an IRA, it’s up to you to familiarize yourself with the inherited IRA rules and requirements that apply to your specific situation. No matter what your circumstance, inheriting an IRA account has the potential to put you in a better financial position in your own retirement.

Ready to invest for your retirement? It’s easy to get started when you open a traditional or Roth IRA with SoFi. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

Help grow your nest egg with a SoFi IRA.

FAQ

Are RMDs required for inherited IRAs in 2023?

The IRS recently delayed the final RMD rule changes regarding inherited IRAs to calendar year 2024. That’s because rules regarding RMDs have changed in the last few years, leaving many people confused. What this means is that the IRS will, in some cases, waive penalties for missed RMDs on inherited IRAs in 2023 — but only if the original owner died after 2019 and had already started taking RMDs.

What are the disadvantages of an inherited IRA?

The disadvantages of an inherited IRA is knowing how to navigate and follow the many complex rules regarding distributions and RMDs, and understanding the tax implications for your specific situation. However, it’s important to realize that an inherited IRA is a financial opportunity and it could help provide you with money for your own retirement.

How do you calculate your required minimum distribution?

To help calculate your required minimum distribution, you can consult IRS Publication 590-B. There you can find information and tables to help you determine what your specific RMD would be.

Photo credit: iStock/shapecharge

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.

SoFi Invest®

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

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

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Aug
13
2023
What Is a Money Purchase Pension Plan (MPPP)? How Is It Different From a 401k?

What Is a Money Purchase Pension Plan (MPPP)? How Is It Different From a 401(k)?

By | invest, Investing, Preparing for Retirement | Comments Off on What Is a Money Purchase Pension Plan (MPPP)? How Is It Different From a 401(k)?

A money purchase pension plan or MPPP is an employer-sponsored retirement plan that requires employers to contribute money on behalf of employees each year. The plan itself defines the amount the employer must contribute. Employees may also have the option to make contributions from their pay.

Money purchase pension plans have some similarities to more commonly used retirement plans such as 401(k)s, pension plans, and corporate profit sharing plans. If you have access to a MPPP plan at work, it’s important to understand how it works and where it might fit into your overall retirement strategy.

What Is a Money Purchase Pension Plan?

Money purchase pension plans are a type of defined contribution plan. That means they don’t guarantee a set benefit amount at retirement. Instead, these retirement plans allow employers and/or employees to contribute money up to annual contribution limits.

Like other retirement accounts, participants can make withdrawals when they reach their retirement age. In the meantime, the account value can increase or decrease based on investment gains or losses.

Money purchase pension plans require the employer to make predetermined fixed contributions to the plan on behalf of all eligible employees. The company must make these contributions on an annual basis as long as the plan is maintained.

Contributions to a money purchase plan grow on a tax-deferred basis. Employees do not have to make contributions to the plan, but they may be allowed to do so, depending on the plan. The IRS does allow for loans from money purchase plans but it does not permit in-service withdrawals.


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

What Are the Money Purchase Pension Plan Contribution Limits?

Each money purchase plan determines what its own contribution limits are, though the amount can’t exceed maximum limits set by the IRS. For example, an employer’s plan may specify that they must contribute 5% or 10% of each employee’s pay into that employee’s MPPP plan account.

Annual money purchase plan contribution limits are similar to SEP IRA contribution limits. For 2023, the maximum contribution allowed is the lesser of:

•   25% of the employee’s compensation, OR

•   $66,000

The IRS routinely adjusts the contribution limits for money purchase pension plans and other qualified retirement accounts based on inflation. The amount of money an employee will have in their money purchase plan upon retirement depends on the amount that their employer contributed on their behalf, the amount the employee contributed, and how their investments performed during their working years. Your account balance may be one factor in determining when you can retire.

Rules for money purchase plan distributions are the same as other qualified plans, in that you can begin withdrawing money penalty-free starting at age 59 ½. If you take out money before that, you may owe an early withdrawal penalty.

Like a pension plan, money purchase pension plans must offer the option to receive distributions as a lifetime annuity. Money purchase plans can also offer other distribution options, including a lump sum. Participants do not pay taxes on their accounts until they begin making withdrawals.

The Pros and Cons of Money Purchase Pension Plans

Money purchase pension plans have some benefits, but there are also some drawbacks that participants should keep in mind.

Pros of Money Purchase Plans

Here are some of the advantages for employees and employers who have a money purchase plan.

•   Tax benefits. For employers, contributions made on behalf of their workers are tax deductible. Contributions grow tax-free for employees, allowing them to put off taxes on investment growth until they begin withdrawing the money.

•   Loan access. Employees may be able to take loans against their account balances if the plan permits it.

•   Potential for large balances. Given the relatively high contribution limits, employees may be able to accumulate account balances higher than they would with a 401(k) retirement plan, depending on their pay and the percentage their employer contributes on their behalf.

•   Reliable income in retirement. When employees retire and begin drawing down their account, the regular monthly payments through a lifetime annuity can help with budgeting and planning.

Disadvantages of Money Purchase Pension Plan

Most of the disadvantages associated with money purchase pension plans impact employers rather than employees.

•   Expensive to maintain. The administrative and overhead costs of maintaining a money purchase plan can be higher than those associated with other types of defined contribution plans.

•   Heavy financial burden. Since contributions in a money purchase plan are required (unlike the optional employer contributions to a 401(k)), a company could run into issues in years when cash flow is lower.

•   Employees may not be able to contribute. Depending on the terms of a plan, employees may not be able to make contributions to the plan. However, if the employer offers both a money purchase plan and a 401(k), employees could still defer part of their salary for retirement.



💡 Quick Tip: Want to lower your taxable income? Start saving for retirement with a traditional IRA. The money you save each year is tax deductible (and you don’t owe any taxes until you withdraw the funds, usually in retirement).

Money Purchase Pension Plan vs 401(k)

The main differences between a pension vs 401(k) have to do with their funding and the way the distributions work. In a money purchase plan, the employer provides the funding with optional employee contribution.

With a 401(k), employees fund accounts with elective salary deferrals and option employer contributions. For both types of plans, the employer may implement a vesting schedule that determines when the employee can keep all of the employer’s contributions if they leave the company. Employee contributions always vest immediately.

The total annual contribution limits (including both employer and employee contributions) for these defined contribution plans are the same, at $66,000 for 2023. But 401(k) plans allow for catch-up contributions made by employees aged 50 or older. For 2023, the total employee contribution limit is $22,500 with an extra catch-up contribution of $7,500.

Both plans may or may not allow for loans, and it’s possible to roll amounts held in a money purchase pension plan or a 401(k) over into a new qualified plan or an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) if you change jobs or retire.

Recommended: IRA vs 401(k)–What’s the Difference?

Employees may also be able to take hardship withdrawals from a 401(k) if they meet certain conditions, but the IRS does not allow hardship withdrawals from a money purchase pension plan.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of a MPPP and a 401(k):

MPPP Plan

 401(k) Plan
Funded by Employer contributions, with employee contributions optional Employee salary deferrals, with employer matching contributions optional
Tax status Contributions are tax-deductible for employers, growth is tax-deferred for employees Contributions are tax-deductible for employers and employees, growth is tax-deferred for employees
Contribution limits (2023) Lesser of 25% of employee’s pay or $66,000 $22,500, with catch-up contributions of $7,500 for employees 50 or older
Catch-up contributions allowed No Yes, for employers 50 and older
Loans permitted Yes, if the plan allows Yes, if the plan allows
Hardship withdrawals No Yes, if the plan allows
Vesting Determined by the employer Determined by the employer

The Takeaway

Money purchase pension plans are a valuable tool for employees to reach their retirement goals. They’re similar to 401(k)s, but there are some important differences.

Whether you save for retirement in a money purchase pension plan, a 401(k), or another type of account the most important thing is to get started. The sooner you begin saving for retirement, the more time your money will have to grow through the power of compounding returns.

Ready to invest for your retirement? It’s easy to get started when you open a traditional or Roth IRA with SoFi. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).


Easily manage your retirement savings with a SoFi IRA.

FAQ

Here are answers to some additional questions you may have about money pension purchase plans.

What is a pension money purchase scheme?

A money purchase pension plan or money purchase plan is a defined contribution plan that allows employers to save money on behalf of their employees. These plans are similar to profit-sharing plans ,and companies may offer them alongside a 401(k) plan as part of an employee’s retirement benefits package.

Can I cash in my money purchase pension?

You can cash in a money purchase pension at retirement in place of receiving lifetime annuity payments. Otherwise, early withdrawals from a money purchase pension plan are typically not permitted, and if you do take money early, taxes and penalties may apply.

Is final salary pension for life?

A final salary pension is a defined benefit plan. Unlike a defined contribution plan, defined benefit plans pay out a set amount of money at retirement, typically based on your earnings and number of years of service. Final salary pensions can be paid as a lump sum or as a lifetime annuity, meaning you get paid for the remainder of your life.

Photo credit: iStock/ferrantraite

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.

SoFi Invest®

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

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

SOIN0723113

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Aug
09
2023
What Is PassFail Grading System_780x440

What Is a Pass/Fail Grading System?

By | Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off on What Is a Pass/Fail Grading System?

A pass/fail grading system allows a student to receive either a grade of “P” (pass) or “F” (fail) for a particular class instead of the usual letter grading system. Many colleges offer this option in order to encourage students to explore new academic areas without having to worry about it affecting their transcripts.

However, the pass/fail grading system comes with some limitations, including restrictions on which and how many classes you can take pass/fail each year. And, in some cases, taking a class pass/fail can still have an impact on your academic record.

Read on to learn exactly what pass/fail means, what a passing (and failing) grade is, and when to consider a pass/fail option.

How Pass/Fail Grading Works

The traditional grading system was initially established centuries ago by English universities like Oxford and Cambridge as a way of encouraging students to work harder. While letter grades may still be the dominant system in American universities, some schools have deviated from this structure, establishing their own ways of evaluating students largely based on the pass/fail system.

Reed College in Portland, Oregon has a unique style of grading that encourages students to “focus on learning, not on grades.” While students are still assigned grades for each course, these grades are not distributed to students. Instead, students are given lengthy comments and reports on their academic performance. Reed does not have a dean’s list or honor roll either.

At Brown University students can take an unlimited number of classes “satisfactory/no credit (S/NC),” and GPAs are not calculated. They also do not name student’s to a Dean’s list.

Some schools, including Swarthmore College and MIT, have students take all classes pass/fail in the first semester of their freshman years. Swarthmore’s policy is meant to encourage students to stretch themselves and take risks, and is aligned with their policy of collaboration as opposed to competition with classmates, while MIT’s policy is designed to help students adjust to increased workloads and variations in academic preparation and teaching methods.

In both cases, taking the emphasis off grades is meant to improve students’ experiences of higher education, helping them to take full advantage of their time on campus.

Of course, most schools emphasize letter grades more than Brown and Reed, as it allows them to distinguish high achievers and highlight specific areas where students excel or may need to improve.

It’s common, however, for colleges to allow students to take one class pass/fail per semester. Typically, this is only offered for elective (not core) classes. Often, a grade of “P” is equal to a grade of D- or higher, but has no impact on the student’s overall grade point average. A grade of “F,” however, will usually have the same effect on the grade point average as a traditional failure.


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What Are The Benefits of Pass/Fail?

While college can be a rewarding and stimulating time for students, it also has its challenges, including constant pressure to keep up your grades. The beauty of taking a class pass/fail is the sense of freedom it gives you — once the stress of getting a perfect grade is removed, you are at liberty to fully embrace the kind of intellectual curiosity that should be at the heart of a college experience.

Maybe you’re a pre-med student and want to take a painting class, or perhaps you’re majoring in sociology and want to dabble in art history. These options can lead you down unexpected paths, opening creative doors you might have avoided if you were solely focusing on your GPA.

Recommended: How Grades Affect Your Student Loans

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The Limits to Pass/Fail

The pass/fail system also has some potential downsides. One is that should you end up doing really well in the class, you generally can’t change your mind and ask to take the class for a grade rather than pass/fail. By the same token, if you do poorly in a class, you can’t make a belated request for a pass/fail.

In addition, pass/fail grades generally don’t count toward a major or minor, which limits your options when deciding whether or not to go this route.

While it’s hard to know for sure, some students feel that taking a higher number of pass/fail classes could reflect poorly on their college academic record and be a strike against them when applying for a job or to graduate school. However, it’s also possible that a potential employer or an admissions officer might be impressed by a student’s breadth of study and sense of initiative in studying “outside the box.”


💡 Quick Tip: Master’s degree or graduate certificate? Private or federal student loans can smooth the path to either goal.

The Takeaway

Taking a few of your classes pass/fail can be a great way to explore new academic areas of interest during college, and is unlikely to adversely impact your post-grad opportunities, including summer internships, employment, and graduate school.

While employers and graduate school admissions officers generally prefer to see quality grades over pass/fail grades, they will typically review applications holistically, and grades are just one of many ways you can show your skills, knowledge, and leadership potential. Indeed, taking a few pass/fail classes that are outside your major can show intellectual curiosity.

Whether you take a class pass/fail or for a letter grade won’t have any impact on how many credits you get from the course — or the cost of tuition. If you’re concerned about how you’ll cover the cost of your education, keep in mind that you have a range of options — including savings, scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and federal or private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.


Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

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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.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

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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04
2023
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How to Get Into College With a GED

By | Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off on How to Get Into College With a GED

Millions of students have earned a GED diploma and gone on to get a college degree. In fact, 97% percent of colleges accept the GED credential just as they would a high school diploma.

Some competitive schools and programs, however, require a certain minimum GED test score for admission, and possibly other tests and requirements. Here’s what you need to know to get into college with a GED.

What Is a GED Diploma?

A GED diploma is an alternative to a high school diploma for students who didn’t complete the requirements to graduate from high school. To earn a GED, you need to take a series of tests that will indicate whether or not you have a high school level of education. This is known as the GED (or General Educational Development) test.

The test covers four subject areas: Social Studies, Science, Mathematical Reasoning, and Reasoning Through Language Arts. Each test is administered separately (so you can space them out), timed, and covers several topics in the subject area.

•   Social Studies (70 minutes):

◦  Reading for Meaning in Social Studies

◦  Analyzing Historical Events and Arguments in Social Studies

◦  Using Numbers and Graphs in Social Studies

•   Science (90 minutes):

◦  Reading for Meaning in Science

◦  Designing and Interpreting Science

◦  Experiments

◦  Using Numbers and Graphics in Science

•   Mathematical Reasoning (115 minutes):

◦  Basic Math

◦  Geometry

◦  Basic Algebra

◦  Graphs and Functions

•   Reasoning Through Language Arts (150 minutes):

◦  Reading for Meaning

◦  Identifying and Creating Arguments

◦  Grammar and Language


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Preparing for and Taking the GED Test

The first step to getting your GED is to create an account on GED.com. Once you have an account, you’ll be able to access free study guides and practice tests, register for low-cost online and in-person prep classes, and purchase a voucher for the official GED Ready practice test.

You can register to take the GED test online or at a local test center through your GED account. Some states require that you take the GED practice test to register for the official GED test in-person or online. You can look up your state’s requirements here.

Each of the four tests is taken and scored separately, and there are three scoring levels.

•   GED Passing Score: Scoring a 145 on each test subject is a passing score, the minimum needed to obtain a GED diploma.
•   GED College Ready Score Level: Scoring between 165 and 174 on each test subject indicates a readiness for college-level coursework.
•   GED College Ready + Credit Score Level: Scoring between 175 and 200 indicates not only a readiness for college-level coursework, but possible eligibility for college credit, depending on the college program.

Test scores are typically available in your GED.com account within 24 hours of taking the test, though it can sometimes take up to three business days. The scoring section of your account will also include a detailed report of each subject test’s score and skills you can work on to improve their score.

Can You Go to College With a GED?

Absolutely! Nearly all colleges accept a GED diploma in lieu of a high school diploma. These include community colleges, vocational schools, private universities, and public universities. In some cases, however, you may need to meet a few specific requirements, or take a few extra steps, in order to be admitted with a GED.

Certain colleges, for example, may require a GED grad to show they’re ready for college-level courses either by submitting a high enough ACT or SAT score to the college or by taking the college’s placement test. The placement test score will be a factor in the admissions process.

Recommended: College Application Checklist

How to Get Into College With a GED: Step-by-Step

While most colleges and universities accept the GED diploma, this diploma can sometimes be perceived as less challenging than a high school diploma. As a GED student, you may also lack other things colleges might be looking for, such as transcripts that show academic performance or class rank.

Fortunately, there are a number of steps GED grads can take to increase their chances of getting accepted to college.

Check the School’s Admission Requirements

Some schools and competitive programs require students to have a minimum GED test score or some prior college credit to be considered for admission. Other institutions require applicants who hold a GED diploma to take additional placement tests. There is also a small percentage of schools that do not accept the GED diploma at all.

You can learn about requirements on a school’s website. If you can’t find enough information online, you can always call the school’s admissions office. The admissions staff can be a great source of accurate and up-to-date information on general admission policies, as well as standards pertaining to GEDs, such as getting credit for a College Ready+ score.

Consider Taking the SAT or ACT

Many colleges are test-optional now, which means students don’t have to submit SAT or ACT scores along with their applications. However, If you take one of these entrance exams — and get a higher-than-average-score — you could potentially increase your chances of getting in. Some schools (even those that don’t require the ACT or SAT) also use these test scores for class placement or scholarships.

The SAT scores range from 400 to 1600, and the national average is 1050. The ACT scores range between 1 and 36, and the average is around 21.

Write a Compelling Essay

The college admissions essay gives GED grads an opportunity to shine. Telling a personal story, perhaps about challenges that you have overcome or ways in which you have persevered, or describing how a volunteer activity has made an impact on your life, might be the thing that makes your application stand out against a stack of others.

Include Activities on Your Application

If you participated in extracurricular activities while you were in high school or volunteered with a community organization, putting that information on your college application can give the admissions team a fuller view of who you are as a person (instead of just looking at your test scores). You may also want to include any jobs you’ve had that are to the field you want to study.

Get Letters of Recommendation

Some colleges require two or three letters of recommendation. Even if a letter of recommendation is optional, including one can help your application stand out. A highly positive letter gives the admissions team insights into your character, while also showing that someone is willing to vouch for you. Good sources include former coaches, teachers, school counselors, supervisors, local leaders, and mentors.

Apply to Multiple Schools

A common — and recommended — strategy for all students is to apply to more than one school. Even if your goal is to attend a four-year college, you may want to include a local community college on your list. Community colleges often have “open enrollment,” which means that they don’t require the ACT or SAT tests. And, if you don’t get into colleges of your choice this go around, you might opt to get an associate degree at a community college, then transfer to a four-year college to complete your bachelor’s degree.

Recommended: How to Qualify for a College Application Fee Waiver

Explore Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships and other financial aid packages can reduce the cost of getting a college education. So be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This allows you to find out if you’re eligible for federal aid, such as grants, work-study opportunities, and even federal student loans. You can also qualify for state-level and school-based aid through the FAFSA form.

In addition, you may want to explore private scholarships opportunities using a database like Fastweb or SoFi’s Scholarship Search Tool. Your school’s financial aid office might know about more resources available, too.

If you need to borrow to pay for college, it’s generally a good idea to take out federal student loans before private ones. Federal loans have benefits that private loans don’t, including access to income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs.


💡 Quick Tip: Federal student loans carry an origination or processing fee (1.057% for Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans first disbursed from Oct. 1, 2020, through Oct. 1, 2024). The fee is subtracted from your loan amount, which is why the amount disbursed is less than the amount you borrowed. That said, some private student loan lenders don’t charge an origination fee.

The Takeaway

Just because you didn’t finish high school, doesn’t mean you can’t go to college. By getting your GED diploma, you can apply to virtually any type of secondary school, including community colleges and four-year universities.

To improve your odds of getting into college, you’ll want to make sure you meet all of the school’s admissions requirements, take any necessary entrance or placement tests, and put together a strong application that includes a great essay and personal recommendations.

To make going to college affordable, it can also be a good idea to start researching ways to cover the cost of your education. Options include: savings, scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and federal or private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.


Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.


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.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

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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