SoFi Blog

At a time when it can feel like there’s a Walmart, Dollar General, Walgreens or other national chain around every corner, what does it mean to shop small?

It means checking out the new boutique store that carries hand-crafted wooden toys. Or buying a birthday cake from the corner bakery, helmed by a chef who lives on the second floor. It’s the choice to patronize the community’s independent storefronts, as well as local artisans who sell online through sites like Etsy . (Find them via a location search.)

The phrase “shop small” has become something of a rallying cry, synonymous with the weekend after Thanksgiving ever since the inaugural Small Business Saturday took place in 2010. This year’s holiday is set for Saturday, Nov. 30.

And while shoppers may be drawn in by the promise of huge deals available from mass-market retailers on the day before—Black Friday—here are a few reasons why it could be good to keep some of that holiday shopping budget for the little guys.

In our efforts to bring you the latest updates on things that might impact your financial life, we may occasionally enter the political fray, covering candidates, bills, laws and more. Please note: SoFi does not endorse or take official positions on any candidates and the bills they may be sponsoring or proposing. We may occasionally support legislation that we believe would be beneficial to our members, and will make sure to call it out when we do. Our reporting otherwise is for informational purposes only, and shouldn’t be construed as an endorsement.

Everyone knows someone with student loans. In fact, student loans have become as emblematic of the millennial generation as avocado toast and Instagram selfies.

It’s not an identity that millennials—or anyone—really wanted.

With national student debt levels over $1.6 trillion , millions of borrowers are feeling the squeeze from their student debt payments. Many even report that student loans have caused them to put their lives, financial and otherwise, on hold.

This may hurt the U.S. economy in a host of ways, with student loans stifling everything from small business
formation to home buying to reproduction .

It’s no wonder that discussions regarding the student debt crisis have made their way into mainstream political discourse—and the living rooms of everyday Americans.

Americans are a migratory bunch. We move for job opportunities, to be closer to the city (or farther), to be closer to family (or farther), or just because we love to adventure. Especially for young professionals, the lure to move to where the action is can be strong.

But the dream of owning a trendy loft in the heart of a big city doesn’t always come cheap. If relocation is in your future, here’s a look at the latest figures by the National Association of REALTORS© (NAR) on approximately how much income is needed to purchase a home in 10 big cities—the most expensive, and the least.

The honest answer to “How much salary may I need to buy a home?” is really an open question that depends partially on the cost difference of items on your “must-have” list, and that can include the type and size of home, the amount of land, the location, and a host of other factors.

So you brought the cranberry sauce and Mom’s famous stuffing—but is it wrong to also bring your financial woes to the table?

Financial topics feel loaded. Revealing how much money you make or how much you have saved can feel a bit heavy to discuss at the dinner table. And being the first person to broach the subject is like playing a hypersensitive game of Operation. One wrong move and chaos erupts.

Despite the risks, talking about money with friends may be something worth considering. You talk to your friends about everything else, right? Before you dig into your debt alongside the pumpkin pie, let’s examine the pros and cons of talking money with friends.

If you’re on the job hunt, you know how real the hustle can be. Combing through online job boards to find the right fit, revamping your resume, interview after interview. The constant pressure to sell yourself and impress each interviewer can be exhausting.

When you finally get the offer for the new job you’ve had your eye on, it’s thrilling. You’re about to breathe a well-deserved sigh of relief, until you dig into the details, realizing that taking this job means taking a pay cut.

Deciding whether or not to take a job for less can be a complicated decision. There are a lot of factors to think about as you weigh the pros and cons of accepting a lower offer. It’s a personal choice and it’s worth noting that everyone’s situation is different.

If you’re in pursuit of your next job opportunity and are thinking about taking a lower paying job, it can help to review the situation from all sides. You’ll probably want to find out if there is any room for negotiation. If there isn’t, it might help to consider the following factors.