SoFi Blog

It’s been another big year for student loans. As the $1.2 trillion in outstanding education debt continues to grow, the Class of 2014 became the most indebted ever, with recent college grads owing $33,000 on average and the number for graduate/professional degree borrowers often closer to the six-figure range.

The holiday season can be a frenetic one as you juggle your normally busy work schedule with the added stress of shopping, social engagements and travel. But it’s also an important time of year to think about your finances. Not only is this a chance to get your financial house in order for 2015, but it also allows you to take advantage of certain money-saving measures that must be implemented before Jan. 1.

Here are 5 financial moves to consider between now and ringing in the New Year:

Do you ever wonder if potential employers are Googling you before they even invite you in for a job interview? Well, wonder no more – because in most cases, the answer is yes.

Employers will often do online due diligence before making contact with a candidate. With the amount of info that’s publicly available online today, they can use the web to do everything from vetting credentials to identifying potential risks related to faulty hires.

It’s a common story: your friend or family member has “a million dollar idea,” but doesn’t have the money or wherewithal to back it. Then another person comes along and invents it, getting all the money and notoriety that comes along with it. While it was nothing more than an idea in your Aunt Debbie’s head, she still takes it personally whenever she hears about it on the news. Who knew that a social network for dogs would take off?