MONEY & LIFE

‘Soft Saving’ Your Way to Retirement?

By: Anneken Tappe · October 26, 2023 · Reading Time: 3 minutes

What is Soft Saving?

As humans, we’re not great at delayed gratification. And that’s not changing anytime soon. Today’s younger adults, for example, would much rather spend their hard-earned money in the here and now than save every penny for the future.

The Great Softening

The “soft” in soft saving refers to Gen Z’s focus on low-stress lifestyles over the hard work and hustle culture that defined the workplace for past generations.

Instead of burning the midnight oil, most Gen Zers would rather have a higher quality of life than a bigger bank balance, including better work-life balance, freedom to pursue hobbies and take care of their mental health.

These shifting priorities are shown in savings accounts. The pandemic also had an effect on savings. After lockdowns and limitations throughout the height of Covid forced people to spend less and save more, Americans have been working away at their nest eggs. The savings rate fell to 3.9% in August of this year, notably lower than even before the pandemic, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Retirement Planning

Some two-thirds of Gen Zers aren’t sure they’ll ever have enough money to retire. That’s a pretty shocking number.

Maximizing your savings options through accounts like IRAs, can help you reach your goals.

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).

Check it out


SoFi Invest® The information provided is not meant to provide investment or financial advice. Also, past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investment decisions should be based on an individual’s specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile. SoFi can’t guarantee future financial performance. Advisory services offered through SoFi Wealth, LLC. SoFi Securities, LLC, member FINRA . SoFi Invest refers to the three investment and trading platforms operated by Social Finance, LLC and its affiliates (described below). Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of the platforms below.
1) Automated Investing—The Automated Investing platform is owned by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor (“Sofi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC, an affiliated SEC registered broker dealer and member FINRA/SIPC, (“Sofi Securities).
2) Active Investing—The Active Investing platform is owned by SoFi Securities LLC. Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
3) Cryptocurrency is offered by SoFi Digital Assets, LLC, a FinCEN registered Money Service Business.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above, including state licensure of Sofi Digital Assets, LLC, please visit www.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. Information related to lending products contained herein should not be construed as an offer or pre-qualification for any loan product offered by SoFi Bank, N.A.

Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.
No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this content.
Communication of SoFi Wealth LLC an SEC Registered Investment Advisor
SoFi isn’t recommending and is not affiliated with the brands or companies displayed. Brands displayed neither endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks and service marks referenced are property of their respective owners.
SOSS23102601

TLS 1.2 Encrypted
Equal Housing Lender