SoFi Blog

To understand Bitcoin, there are a few other definitions to clarify first, including that of digital currency .

This type of currency does not have a physical form, so it can’t be seen or touched, but theoretically, it can be used in the same ways as traditional money, including buying and selling goods and services. Digital currency can be used around the globe, as long as parties accept this type of payment, being exchanged among digital wallets.

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital currency, one that’s based on cryptography, using complex mathematical principles to create and analyze algorithms. Bitcoin is the most widely recognized form of cryptocurrency, but it isn’t the only option.

Bitcoin uses blockchain technology and a decentralized ledger to operate. In hypothetical terms, blockchain technology is like a spreadsheet duplicated across networks of computers with the technology creating the ability for people to regularly update the spreadsheet with transactions.

Records are public and easily verified, creating a sense of openness. Bitcoin has no primary regulating authority—and no centralized version of its record exists. Regulators are increasingly getting involved, but the regulatory structure is currently nowhere near the same degree as those imposed on securities or banking products.

Summertime gets a lot of the travel glory. But when it comes to stellar travel times, fall is a bit of a hidden gem.

From high-spirited harvest festivals to flamboyant foliage, there’s all manner of reasons to take a trip this autumn—and if you’re looking for some inspiration, you’re in luck.

Summers are short and can feel like they’ve ended before they’ve hardly begun. If you’re sorry to see the summer go, one way to keep your chin up can be buying next year’s summer stuff on sale this year. Yep, it might feel a bit illogical to buy cool summer stuff when the weather turns cool, but the retailers are looking to unload. That’s when you swoop in and triumph. Buy now, keep your money later. Once the weather heats up again, you’ll be good to go.

Think of it this way: Retailers want to get it out the door, and you want to save your hard-earned money. It could be a win-win situation for everyone. Retailers typically like to stay one step ahead in both fashion and season, so if you can work it like the models on the runway, you might be able to buy next summer’s wardrobe in September when the end-of-season deals beckon.

Paying off debt can be exhausting. It’s already overwhelming to take out a $10,000 loan, for example. But you also have to pay interest on that $10,000. Over the years, that interest means you could end up paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than you originally borrowed.

There’s no easy way to say it—higher interest rates make paying off debt more difficult.

The good news: Due to some recent activity from the Fed, it might be possible to lock down lower interest rates than what you may currently be paying.

This year, SoFi gave one lucky member the opportunity to win $50,000 with our 50x50x50 Money referral sweepstakes.

Members who referred friends to SoFi Checking and Savings® received $50 for themselves, $50 for their friend, and the chance at a $50,000 grand prize.

What would you do with an extra $50,000? While many might fantasize about using a $50,000 windfall to buy a fancy car or make a downpayment on a home, prize winner Denny is using his money for a much-needed financial reset to pay off debt and take care of his family.