SoFi Member Investor Profiles: ‘Just Get Started!’



One of the myths about investing is that you have to do everything yourself, says SoFi Member Jeff Pardine. An elementary school teacher in Jacksonville, FL, Jeff was hesitant to start investing — in fact, he passed up two different retirement plans at two different jobs.

Jeff’s Investing Story


Familiar with those head-in-the-sand moments yourself? The good news is that when you face up to what you’re avoiding, you start making progress. That’s what happened for Jeff, especially when he also realized he didn’t have to DIY it. He could get informed advice and take advantage of tools and resources for new investors. That took a lot of the pressure off. Learn how Jeff started investing and took control of his retirement, his finances, and his future — and how you can, too.

I felt like I was falling behind.


This is a fun story. I made the mistake of not signing up for the 401(k) plan at my first or my second full-time job — just because I didn’t understand it. Honestly, I wanted to start investing, but I was intimidated.

It was a relief to know I could start small.


Finally, I decided to start a retirement account myself with SoFi. What appealed to me was the ability to start investing even on a small scale.

With SoFi, it’s easy to keep learning.


I have received so much valuable information through SoFi’s learning resources. Their Ambassador program is so wonderful and purposely tailored to people who know very little.

I’m getting the hang of market ups and downs.


One thing I really enjoy is that you can watch a company’s track record, and see how an investment is likely to grow. But it’s also true that investing can be unpredictable — and the market can change at the drop of a hat. I’m learning to pay attention to different signals.

One thing I think everyone should know…


Always seek advice. A second or third opinion is so valuable, especially when you’re considering investing personal funds.

The Takeaway


Starting to invest looks different for everyone — some people may be natural DIY-ers, and some might not. As SoFi Member Jeff Pardine discovered, the important thing is to prioritize your goals and then go for it. You won’t be struggling out there on your own. It’s not a game of Survivor. You can start small — and you can get help.

Opening an account with SoFi Invest® is straightforward and, as Jeff discovered, gives you access to complimentary financial planning, as well as tools and other resources to help you keep learning as you go.

Learn More

SoFi Member responses are from the SoFi Ambassador survey conducted in July 2021. All responses are published with the permission of the SoFi Member, and have been edited for grammar and clarity by SoFi editors. SoFi Ambassadors earn rewards for participating in the Ambassador Program.


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.

Advisory services are offered through SoFi Wealth, LLC an SEC-registered Investment adviser. Information about SoFi Wealth’s advisory operations, services, and fees is set forth in SoFi Wealth’s current Form ADV Part 2 (Brochure), a copy of which is available upon request and at adviserinfo.sec.gov.
SOCO0821706


All your finances.
All in one app.

SoFi QR code, Download now, scan this with your phone’s camera

All your finances.
All in one app.

App Store rating

SoFi iOS App, Download on the App Store SoFi Android App, Get it on Google Play

ABOUT SoFi SoFi helps people achieve financial independence to realize their ambitions. Our products for borrowing, saving, spending, investing, and protecting give our more than one million members fast access to tools to get their money right. SoFi membership comes with the key essentials for getting ahead, including career advisors and connection to a thriving community of like-minded, ambitious people. For more information, visit SoFi.com. Want an easy and convenient way to manage your financial life? Get the SoFi app. For iOS and Android.


TLS 1.2 Encrypted
Equal Housing Lender