SoFi Blog

SoFi’s newest series, Guide to Adulting, covers all things money, career, and relationships, and how to win at each. Excelling at all three isn’t easy, but with a little guidance, you’ll be well on your way. Whether you’re starting your first job or ascending to a new role, we’ll act as a mentor in your pocket to help you advance in your career.

We pick up from last month (where we discussed how to transform your networking approach), with tips on how to navigate your first 90 days at a new job, establish rock-solid relationships with co-workers, and catapult yourself to success as the newest team member.

The average American household carrying a credit card balance has over $16,000 in debt, but you sure wouldn’t know it. People talk all day long about their workouts, favorite apps, and their love lives, but bring up the subject of money, especially credit card debt, and suddenly everyone clams up.

Borrowing to pay for college, a down payment on a home, or even a car is a financial given for Americans striving to reach their long-term goals. These loans are as common as Sunday brunches and binge watching Netflix. And with the rising popularity of personal loans, it’s clear that they, too, are becoming a part of the financial journey for many people.

Did you check your work email while still in bed this morning? If so, you’re living proof of just how much the line between your job and personal life has blurred over the years.

But as an HR professional, you already know that. Employees are working more—they’re logging in from home, spending more hours in the office (those near the top of the ladder clock-in the most), and even skimping on hard-earned vacation days.

Name: Deanna Krinn

Age: 29

Locale: Bloomington, IN

Alma Mater: Indiana University

By Day: Project Manager at Indiana University Communications

SoFi Member Since: 2015

Approximate SoFi Loan: $54,000, Combined Personal and Student Loan Refi

SoFi Savings: ~$500/month

Deanna Krinn is the first in her family to put herself through college, which she knew would be challenging when relying solely on scholarships and loans.

As a result of having to move to attend college, Deanna maxed out her first credit card, charging $2,000 on it in just a few months after arriving at Indiana University. Despite working three jobs to cover her expenses while in school, her total credit card debt grew to over $16,000, and she was forced to take out a personal loan to keep up with payments.