SoFi

It’s a simple equation: The higher the interest rate is on a savings account, the more money you will earn on your savings. And who wouldn’t want to see their savings grow faster?

In your quest to find the highest rate possible, you may wonder, “Can you negotiate interest rates on savings accounts?” While it is indeed possible to talk your way to a higher interest rate, there’s no guarantee that all banks will grant this.

To stack the deck in your favor, keep reading to gain insight and learn some strategies, including:

•   What is the current national average for savings account interest rates?

•   Can you negotiate savings account interest rates?

•   How can you get a better rate on savings accounts?

What Is the Current Average National Savings Rate for 2022?

Savings rates ebb and flow over time and specifically throughout the year. They can vary greatly based on market conditions.
According to a Bankrate survey, the national average for interest rates on savings accounts was 0.13% at the end of the summer in 2022. While that is the average, you will likely find a great deal of variation in the numbers, possibly due to how banks calculate interest on savings accounts.

The type of financial institution that holds your money can also impact the rate offered. For instance, when looking at online banks vs. traditional banks, digital banks typically pay a higher rate than their bricks-and-mortar counterparts. Since they aren’t spending on building and staffing bank branches, they can pass the savings on to their customers. As of August 2022, several online banks were offering in the 1.7% to 2% range of interest on savings accounts.

Can I Negotiate a Higher Savings Rate?

The answer to “Can you negotiate savings interest rates?” is: It’s possible. There’s no guarantee a bank will agree to raise your interest rate, but they might. That being said, it can be easier to convince a bank to raise their interest rates for an individual if you have a longstanding relationship with the bank.

Typically, the key to making this request be approved is to be in good standing with the bank. For example, if you have held a business or personal loan or mortgage at a bank for many years and reliably made on-time payments to that loan, the bank may be willing to increase your personal checking and savings account interest rates to hold onto a good customer (that means you).

If you have bank accounts at a variety of different banks, you may find that a banker is willing to offer you a better interest rate if you agree to move all of your account balances to this single bank.

Tips for Negotiating a Higher Savings Rate With Your Bank

The answer to whether you can negotiate interest rates on a savings account will depend on two factors: how you approach this request and how receptive the bank is. While there’s no guarantee of success when asking for a higher interest rate with a bank, these tips can help improve your odds of getting that rate boost and helping your money grow faster.

Contact Local Banks to Compare Rates With Your Current Bank

Before you start the negotiation process, do some research. Take a look at what types of interest rates other banks (including local small banks) and credit unions are offering to see if any of those rates are higher than your current one.

This research serves two purposes. Firstly, you can take this research to your bank and ask them to match their competitors or even exceed that rate. If the bank says no, then you have already done the legwork of finding a bank that can offer you superior rates. You can then decide whether you want to switch banks so you can earn more money on your savings.

Review Account History With Your Bank

As briefly noted earlier, the better someone’s history is with a bank, the more likely the financial institution will be to negotiate a higher interest rate. Consider your account history and whether you have made on-time payments to loans and credit cards issued by the bank, not overdrafted when using your debit card, and kept your account balance at the required minimum amount.

If you have had a troubled history with your bank, you might be better off opening an account at another bank that offers a higher interest rate and starting fresh.

Ask the Bank for a Higher Savings Interest Rate

As the saying goes, it never hurts to ask. One of the best ways you can improve your odds of getting your savings interest rate increased is simply by requesting an increase and seeing what the bank says. Contact a representative in person (if you bank at a traditional bank), via chat, phone, or email with a polite request vs. a threat to pull your money out, and see what response you get. The worst they can say is no, so there’s really no harm in asking.

There’s also the possibility that you can earn a higher interest rate on your savings if you keep more money in the account. Some financial institutions will pay a higher rate on what are known as premium accounts or high-yield accounts, which may have a minimum balance requirement. If that’s the case, you might see if you and the bank can meet in the middle in terms of the amount required to be on deposit to snag that higher annual percent yield, or APY.

Recommended: What’s the Difference Between APY vs. Interest Rate?

Will My Bank Be Willing to Negotiate?

Some banks may be willing to negotiate savings interest rates, and others may not — it really just depends on their policies. That being said, if someone has a good relationship with their bank, the financial institution may be more likely to up their interest rate to keep a good customer happy.

Another angle on this: If you have multiple accounts with a bank (say, a couple of different kinds of savings accounts, plus a business checking account), they may be more likely to raise your interest rate. For instance, if you keep both your checking and savings at a financial institution and also have a mortgage with them, you may have a better shot at a rate hike.

Is it Worth Switching if You Find a Savings Account With Higher Interest Rates?

It can be worthwhile to switch banks if doing so will result in a higher savings interest rate, but this isn’t the only factor to keep in mind. The type of bank, the services they offer, and the fees they charge can also be taken into account. It’s important to look at the overall picture before making a move.

Earning a small percentage more in interest may not be worthwhile if you wind up with account fees, minimum balances, or other inconvenient and costly issues. So do your research before you make a shift.

Variables to Take Into Account When Looking To Switch Banks

Before switching banks, keep the following factors in mind to make an informed decision.

•   Type of bank. Traditional banks with bricks-and-mortar locations, online-only banks (some of which offer high-yield savings accounts which pay higher interest rates), and credit unions can help meet different consumer banking needs.

•   Features. Most banks and credit unions offer basic checking and saving accounts features, but you may want to keep the extra features in mind. For example, you may want to choose a bank that also issues a variety of loans, creates incentives to save money, has tax-free savings accounts, or offers free access to credit scores.

•   Interest rate. Of course, savings interest rates are a great thing to keep in mind as banks that offer higher savings rates make it easier to earn more money and increase savings.

•   Fees. See how much it will cost to work with each bank. While some banks charge monthly account maintenance fees, others do not. Some banks charge overdraft fees as well, which can be steep, around $35 per incident.

Can I Expect the Savings Account Rate to Change Soon?

Although interest rates are considered to be relatively low right now, some experts expect that savings rates will increase throughout 2022 and possibly beyond. However, there’s no guarantee that these predictions will be accurate.

Banking With SoFi

It is possible to negotiate interest rates on savings accounts, and there could be an upside to asking for a boost. Specifically, you might earn a higher interest rate so your money can grow faster, whether it’s earmarked for a rainy-day fund or for a future vacation.

Among the best deals you can find for savings accounts: SoFi’s Checking and Savings. It’s a high-yield bank account where you can spend, save, and earn an ultra competitive APY. Plus, you’ll pay no account fees.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall. Enjoy up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

Can you negotiate savings account interest rates?

So, can you negotiate interest rates on savings accounts? Yes, it is possible to negotiate a savings account interest rate hike, but there’s no guarantee a bank will agree to this increase. That being said, asking for an increase and being shot down doesn’t do any harm.

Can you get a higher interest rate on a savings account?

It is possible to get a higher interest rate on a savings account. Account holders can ask their bank for an increase any time. It helps to have a good history with the bank. So if you always make your loan payments on time, don’t overdraft your checking account, and meet minimum balance requirements every month, the bank may want to give you this perk to retain a good customer.

How can I negotiate with a bank for a better interest rate?

There are a few ways you can increase the odds that your negotiation with your bank will be successful. To start, do competitor research so you can point out if other banks are offering higher interest rates. You can also offer to close other bank accounts and move all of your money into this one account if you get an interest rate increase.

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Photo credit: iStock/matdesign24

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.

SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

SOBK0622011

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Figuring out how to live on one income, either by design or circumstance, can seem daunting. And it may put a lot of financial pressure on that one wage earner.

But did you know that almost half of all American households live on a single income? While 53.3% of Americans are dual-income according to the latest federal data, that leaves 46.7% as one-paycheck households. There’s strength in those numbers, proving that it can be done.

If you are learning how to live off one income, read on for 12 smart strategies that will help you make the most of your money and live well, including:

•   Making a realistic budget

•   Reducing food expenses but still eating well

•   Downsizing your home

•   Earning extra income

•   Focusing on what you have.

Is It Possible to Live on One Income (After Living on Two?)

Maybe you or your spouse is now a stay-at-home parent, you’re caring for an elderly relative, or one of you lost your job.

No matter the reason, stepping off the full-time work wheel appears to be trending. The U.S. Census Bureau’s latest report reveals that the number of full-time, year-round workers dipped by about 13.7 million in a single year. The COVID-19 pandemic likely played a role in that, but it does indicate fewer people in the workforce and potentially a rise in single-income households.

While today, dual-income households hold a slight majority, single-paycheck households can sail smoothly. Think of how many of our ancestors navigated life with one breadwinner per family. It is indeed possible to survive on one income and even thrive.

12 Tips for Living on a Single Income

How to make it on one income? Start with a newly streamlined (but livable) budget and move on to other changes one by one.

1. Making a Budget

First step, reality check. To successfully live off one income, document your household’s take-home pay. Also take stock of the kinds of income you could count among your assets, such as money you might earn from a side hustle or dividends from any stocks you might own.

Then, tally all expenses that are musts, such as:

•   Mortgage or rent

•   Groceries (even that annual Costo membership fee)

•   Health insurance costs

•   Transportation, such as car payments, gas, insurance, and repairs

•   Utilities

•   Child care

•   Work-related expenses (commuting, clothing, etc.)

Discretionary income is what is left after your “fixed” or “necessary expenses” are covered. This would be money to use on a weekend brunch with friends, taking the kids to the theme park, or other moderate splurges. But you don’t want to spend all of that money; you also want to allocate some towards paying down debt and saving towards other financial goals, such as an emergency fund or retirement.

To streamline the budget-making process, you may want to use an online tool (many banks provide them) or try an app that helps with this process. If you’re raising kids on your own with one paycheck, it can be especially important to learn how to budget as a single parent.

2. Freezing Extra Food

This can save a lot of dough and consolidate your food prep time, too. Take a few hours a week to cook foods that freeze and reheat well, such as lasagna, chili, soup, or pot pie. Bake and stash muffins and bread for weekday or game-day breakfasts. The homemade food you prepare is likely to be more wholesome (no preservatives) and less expensive than store-bought.

To make freezing a breeze, make sure you have some containers and foil wrap on hand; then use masking tape or stickers to mark and date contents and reheating instructions.

3. Transitioning to One Car

Becoming a one-car household is not only better for your budget (gas, insurance, new tires, car repairs) but it helps the planet, too. Perhaps your partner can take public transportation to work and leave the car home for grocery runs, doctor appointments, and shuttling kids.

If one of you has to drive to work and thereby leaves the other without wheels, drill down on clear communication and scheduling. For instance, you need the car back by 6 p.m. to make a meeting. Otherwise, you might take public transportation or call the occasional Uber to get places. Carpools can also work for kids’ activities and work commutes.

If you’re a newly single parent balancing car costs along with everything else, create a reasonable post divorce budget to guide you. Transportation is often vital but can be delivered at a nice price.

4. Monitoring Utilities and Electricity

Saving money on utilities is increasingly easy with tools like smart thermostats. Lower it when the family is out (say, during school hours) and at night when everyone is under blankets in winter. In summer, keep the house warmer if you’re at work; no need to cool an empty house.

Keep maintenance appointments for your home’s heating and cooling systems; just like a car, it needs tune-ups to run best. Teach the whole family to switch off lights and T.V. when they leave a room. Target “phantom” energy use, which is the energy appliances (especially electronics) use when “sleeping” but still plugged in. These dollars add up.

5. Downsizing Your Home

If you’re living on one income and housing costs are eating up a big chunk of your budget (which is common in this hot housing market), you might want to consider moving to a smaller house, apartment, or condo. You’ll be on trend with the tiny-house movement and the shift toward minimalist living.

When you shrink your footprint, you generally save money on property taxes, utilities, electricity, and lawn and snow care. In most cases (depending on location), the smaller the space, the lower the bills. All of this can feel freeing.

Another way to downsize (though not literally) can be to move to a home with fewer amenities or one that’s in a neighborhood a bit farther away from downtown. You may be able to get the same square footage for less.

Recommended: What’s Net Worth vs. Income?

6. Doing Meal Planning and Buying Groceries on Sale

Even on a budget ,you can eat well — even better than grabbing unhealthy, overpriced takeout. Plan meals around what’s in your pantry and what’s on sale each week. It can be fun to explore the budget-priced recipes online; plenty of sites have “meals under $10” and similar categories to help provide inspiration.

You might enjoy scheduling meals by day of the week (Meatless Monday, Taco Tuesday, and Sunday Roast Chicken are a few examples), and shop based on what’s in season and on sale. Summer tomatoes (maybe from your garden) yield gazpacho or homemade spaghetti sauce. Winter vegetables like carrots are perfect for roasting and or adding to soups.

7. Paying Off High-Interest Debt

High-interest debt, the kind you accumulate on credit cards, can have steep interest rates (they’re currently ranging from 15% to 19% in many cases). If you carry a balance, that means everything you buy with plastic is costing you significantly more than what the receipt says because you take on that hefty annual percentage rate (APR).

If you’re dogged by this kind of debt, work to control any impulsive or compulsive shopping. You might try to negotiate a lower interest rate with your credit card issuer, or make the switch to a balance transfer card, which offers no or low interest for a period of time. A personal loan at a lower interest rate can also help consolidate your high-interest debt.

Recommended: How Does APR on Credit Cards Work?

8. Getting a Roommate

Sharing housing expenses by renting out a spare room can immediately free up funds in your budget. And you might like it. Many people get a budget boost by sharing the costs of rent, laundry detergent, coffee, utilities, and the cable bill. And you may also like having an additional member of the household with whom you can chat and bond.

9. Using Credit Cards Responsibly

The old rule still holds: Don’t use credit, generally not even for gas or food, unless you can pay off the balance every month. If not, you will incur interest that will build and build.

Before making a big, unplanned purchase, you might try the wait-and-see method, which means walking away for anywhere from 48 hours to 30 days (it’s your choice), and then seeing if, after some time has elapsed, you still feel you have to have it. In many cases, the desire has faded.

Still having trouble with debt? Consider working with a non-profit like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC ).

10. Earning Extra Income

Another angle on being a single-income household is to see how you might bring in more money. It’s not just side hustles (moonlighting as a writer or web designer, for instance) or cleaning offices at night after your full-time job at school.

Consider new ideas for how to create your own passive income, from rental properties to advertising on your car.

Recommended: Ways to Create Residual Income

11. Finding a Travel Buddy

When budgeting for single-income life, you don’t have to give up vacations indefinitely. Instead, find ways to save money on travel. Whether you’re visiting the West Coast or the Mediterranean, sharing a hotel room or Airbnb with a friend brings big savings.

A travel buddy can also chip in for the rental car, gas, toll, park entrance fees, and taxi/Uber costs. Many tours and trips offer more economical shared rooms and charge extra for private rooms. Or you could consider camping with a friend or family member; that’s another great way to enjoy an inexpensive getaway.

12. Focusing on What You Have

As you trim expenses and get into your groove as a one-paycheck household, don’t lose sight of the gifts you have, riches that can supersede a second income. That includes more family time, good health, companionship, a roof over your head, heat, food in the freezer, a car that runs. Remember, wealth comes in many forms.

One last tip: If luxury-focused social media accounts are making you feel as if you’re missing out on the good life, unfollow them! Most are unrealistic representations that fail to reflect real life.

The Takeaway

Learning how to live on one income after having two may take practice and require some smart budgeting hacks, but it can be done without major deprivation. By experimenting with a variety of strategies, you’ll find the ones that work best for you, financially and personally. You’ll also likely feel a surge of pride when you hit on the right combination of moves that lessen any money stress and enhance your financial wellbeing.

SoFi can also help you make the most of your money. Try banking smarter with our linked Checking and Savings account, which lets you spend and save in one convenient place. And when you open an online bank account with direct deposit, you’ll earn a competitive APY and pay no fees, which can help your money grow that much faster.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall. Enjoy up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

How do you budget for a single income?

To budget for a single income, start with the take-home earnings you will live on and subtract essential expenses, such as a roof over your head, food, debt, and health insurance. Then look at wrangling your negotiable costs, such as owning one car vs. two or how much you budget for meals, to make ends meet. An online budgeting tool or consumer finance app can help.

How many families live off of one income?

An estimated 47% of family households live off one income, according to recent U.S. Census data.

What is the average income for a single person in the U.S.?

The median annual income in 2021 in the U.S. was $45,760, according to government data.

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Photo credit: iStock/insta_photos

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.

SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

SOBK0722013

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Budgeting can take some work to get just right. One of the common areas that trips people up is understanding exactly how much you spend each month. Figuring that out can take some trial and error as well as fine-tuning. And even if things are humming along well for a few months, you can suddenly get hit with a surprise bill or a colossal credit-card statement that jeopardizes your finances.

To help avoid that scenario and make budgeting easier, it can be wise to consider some of the items that are all too often omitted from the expenses list when accounting for one’s money. This can really ensure that your hard work managing your finances stays on track.

Read on to learn about commonly overlooked expenditures and how to work them into your budget. That way, you’ll know exactly where your money is going, which can help you avoid debt.

What Are Some Expenses That Are Commonly Budgeted?

When thinking about a basic living expenses budget, some items are so major, recurring, and important that it would be hard to overlook them. These likely include:

•   Rent or mortgage payments

•   Homeowners association fees

•   Utilities

•   WiFi

•   Cell phone bill

•   Car and/or student loan payments

•   Groceries

•   Daycare or tuition

•   Gym memberships

•   Medical insurance and pet insurance premiums

•   Transportation

Why Is It Important to Budget for Forgotten Expenses?

It’s understandable that some expenses may slip your mind when creating a budget. The typical person probably has dozens of things they are paying for in a given month. But these sneaky forgotten expenses can wreak havoc on your budget and prevent you from reaching your financial goals.

That’s why it’s important to pay close attention to your spending so you can adjust your budget as needed. These are some of the reasons that it’s important to budget for forgotten expenses:

•   Creating a successful budget requires knowing what you spend each month.

•   If you forget to add an expense and run out of funds to pay for it, you may end up pulling funds away from your savings goals to cover it.

•   If you really overspend due to forgotten expenses, you may have to turn to high-interest credit card debt to make ends meet.

Recommended: How Much Should I Save a Month?

20 Commonly Forgotten Budget Items

If you are convinced of the importance of accounting for all of your expenses, then it’s time to move ahead. Let’s look at some commonly forgotten budget items to make sure they don’t fall through the cracks.

1. Home Maintenance

While it’s hard to forget to make a mortgage payment, the other expenses of homeownership are easy to forget about and add up fast. From hiring a gardener to regular carpet cleanings to random handyman repairs, it makes sense to leave room in a budget for home maintenance as those charges are always popping up.

2. Vehicle Maintenance

Budgeting for a car payment is probably top of mind. No one wants to risk paying interest fees or losing their car. The same holds true for car insurance. But those aren’t the only car expenses worth planning for. Drivers also need to make room in their budget for such car-related expenses as tune-ups and repairs. Additionally, remember to include gas, insurance, parking and toll road fees; they have a way of adding up.

3. Taxes

Income taxes may be withdrawn from our paychecks, but county, local, and property taxes aren’t. Forgetting about these bills is a common budgeting mistake. Then, when the payment does come due, it’s a nasty surprise that can throw your budget out of whack.

4. Medical Expenses

It’s easy to forget about or overlook your medical expenses, including OTC and Rx drugs, dental cleanings, regular checkups, or getting new glasses or contacts. These are all vital expenses worth planning for. Budgeting for medical expenses can help improve your financial health too by helping you avoid debt.

5. Donations/Giving

Perhaps you donate when you see a worthy cause on social media or sponsor a colleague who’s doing a charity walk. This kind of spending is easy to forget about, so make sure to put it into your budget so you don’t wind up short of funds when you want to help others.

Recommended: 15 Creative Ways to Save Money

6. Office/School Supplies

Items that keep the household or a student up and running need a spot on your budget too. This means accounting for things like toner, paper, stamps, shipping supplies, and software subscription fees.

7. Renewals for Licenses (Insurance, Drivers, Etc.)

Some expenses only pop up once a year or every few years like driver’s license renewals or insurance renewals, but it can be helpful to split up that expense into smaller chunks and save for it month by month.

8. Seasonal Maintenance

Some home-maintenance needs, like gardening, are ongoing, but others come around seasonally. Similar to license renewals, it can be helpful to save up for pricey seasonal maintenance needs like gutter cleaning and snow removal all year round. That way, you won’t come up short when a bill hits.

9. Items for Pets

Pets bring a lot of love into a home, but also a lot of expenses. From vet fees and pet insurance to toys, food, and doggie daycare, the expenses keep on coming.

10. Personal Items (Hair, Nails, Etc.)

A bottle of shampoo here, a manicure there, plus regular haircuts: These personal expenses that help us look and feel our best can add up quickly. They may only cost a few bucks a pop (hello, body wash) or only happen once in a while (that fresh set of highlights), but it’s wise to be prepared for the cost.

11. Lump Sum Bills

Medical bills, car repairs, and other kinds of large expenses tend to come our way. Many of them are lump sum bills, meaning you are expected to pay them in full, right away. Which is why it can be helpful to save money each month to contribute to an emergency fund that can cover lump sum bills.

Recommended: 18 Common Misconceptions About Money

12. Ridesharing

If you rely on ridesharing apps to get around (whether it’s once a month or several times a week), you need to budget for that expense. The convenience can make it feel like a free ride…but it isn’t!

13. Delivery App Fees

Another app-based expense to look out for are the delivery fees that get added when you order dinner or groceries from the comfort of your home. Also, if you tip the driver, make sure to include that as well. These fees definitely add to the price of what’s being dropped off.

14. Business Expenses (Conferences, Trips, Etc.)

Most working professionals incur expenses to work (not necessarily fun, but necessary). These include such purchases as buying professional clothing, renewing professional licenses, or pursuing continuing education to further your career.

15. Entertainment

We all like to have a good time. From travel to movies to museum memberships to concerts, there’s no shortage of entertainment costs that need to make their way into our budgets.

Recommended: Are You Bad with Money? Here’s How to Get Better

16. Subscriptions or Membership Fees

Speaking of entertainment, you may be paying for one or more streaming platforms, like Netflix, HBOMax, and Hulu. And you may have other subscriptions, like meal kits, personal-care supplies, gym memberships, or even a wine- or beer-of-the-month club. These kinds of one-click sign-ups may not make it onto your budget, but they should.

17. Gifts for Others

From swanky birthday dinners to holiday gifts to wedding presents, most of us tend to spend a chunk of change every month to make others happy. It can help to save for the costs of gifts all year round. Try adding a “presents” line to your budget, whether or not you give gifts every single month of the year. That way, when these expenses do pop up, you’ll be prepared.

18. Coffee

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a pricey latte on the go now and then, as long as it finds a spot in your budget. These kinds of little treats can be a good self-care gesture, and budgeting for them properly can be an example of financial self-care.

19. Roadside Assistance Costs

One extra that some drivers may find very worthwhile is roadside assistance service. Keep it in the budget, and stay safe.

20. Laundromat/Dry Cleaners

All of us wind up using expensive dry cleaning services at least now and then, and some working professionals will have quite a bill from the cleaners. In addition, it’s worthwhile to remember that even laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and laundromat visits can add up fast and deserve a spot on your budget.

Why Are These Expenses Commonly Forgotten?

As you can see, that’s quite a list of easily forgotten expenses. It may seem somewhat obvious why these tend to slip our minds. It’s relatively simple to remember to add the really big, recurring expenses — like rent or a car payment — into a monthly budget. But there are plenty of “invisible” expenses that we pay for with a simple click online (whether that means paying for a subscription service or a life insurance policy) that can fail to register.

There are also those very infrequent charges — say, an annual technician visit to clean your heating system — that we can overlook until they hit. Also worth noting are the little, mundane purchases of things like laundry detergent, printer paper, and so forth that can add up over time.

Accounting for as many expenditures as possible will help you hone your budget and be as prepared as possible for the bills that come your way.

Banking With SoFi

Most of us have a lot of expenses to manage, and it’s human nature not to remember them all. But what if your bank were to help you budget, save, and spend better? A SoFi bank account can help you do that. When you sign up for our Checking and Savings, you’ll have one convenient place to stash your money, plus automatic savings features to help you stay organized and meet your money goals. And when you open your account with direct deposit, you’ll earn a competitive APY and pay no fees, which means your money may grow faster.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall. Enjoy up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

What are common monthly expenses?

Common monthly expenses include rent or mortgage payments, utilities, food, cell phone bills, and loans or credit-card payments. Most of us also purchase clothes, meals or coffee to go, personal care products, medical insurance, and have transportation expenses, which may or may not include car payments and insurance.

What are some hidden expenses you may have?

Some commonly forgotten budget items can include medical expenses, petcare costs, charitable donations, home- and car-maintenance charges, and subscription services, whether that’s a gym membership or streaming channels.

Will my budget be messed up if I do not add these forgotten expenses?

It is possible to mess up a budget if you don’t budget for commonly forgotten budget items. You may wind up with bills to pay and not enough income to cover your expenses. To resolve this, you might have to dip into your savings or start putting things on your credit card, neither of which is ideal. The good news is, each month offers a fresh start to make your budget work better.

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
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SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.

SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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After all the work that goes into applying to college — researching schools, taking entrance exams, writing essays — students probably welcome a feeling of relief once that application is officially submitted.

The relief may be instant, but also fleeting. The next phase of getting into college can be painstaking because it’s the waiting phase. Acceptance letters don’t have one standard date for being sent out. Admissions decisions can be delivered as early as December for early action or early decision applicants and through April for regular admission applicants.

Check out these different types of applications and see how their submission deadlines and acceptance date periods differ.

Types of Applications

Just as there isn’t a standard date for acceptance letters to be sent out, there isn’t one standard submission date for applications, either. There are a few early submission options available, as well as regular submission and rolling admissions. The due date of the application will depend on which type of application is being submitted, and this will also determine when you receive the school’s decision.

There are a few options for applying early: early decision, early action, and single-choice early action.

Early Decision

The early decision application is binding, meaning that students who are accepted are committed to enrolling. Because this application is binding, students can only apply to one school as an early decision. These applications are due in November and the decisions go out in December. If students decide to apply with this early decision option, this school should be their top choice, the one they’d prefer to go to over all others.

Early Action

The early action application is similar to the early decision in regard to the due date (due in November) and decision timeframe (decisions go out in December), but it differs in that it isn’t binding. It’s okay to apply to multiple schools via early action, and if you’re accepted you’re not required to enroll.

Recommended: Early Action vs Early Decision

Single Choice Early Action

This option is similar to the early decision in that students can only apply to one school this way, but it’s not binding. If students choose to apply to a school via single-choice early action, it’s a way of saying they’re especially interested in attending that school. The deadline and acceptance period is the same as the other early options.

When it comes to applying early, no matter which type of early application you choose, the applications will usually be due in November and decisions will be sent out in December.

Regular Decision

Regular decision college applications are the most common of the application options. For these applications, the deadline is usually in January or February and the decision letters go out by April. The deadline for submitting your application will differ between schools, so make sure to check the website for each school and mark the dates on a calendar.

Recommended: Ultimate College Application Checklist

Rolling Admission

Rolling admission allows students to apply until the school runs out of space. Sometimes applications are accepted until April, and sometimes even later. Students are encouraged to apply using the same deadline as the regular decision to have a better chance of being accepted before the colleges run out of spaces.

Some colleges will also have differing numbers of spots open based on specific majors, so it’s important to check that availability at each school the student is applying to. If the major the student lists on an application is impacted at some schools, it might be better to apply by the deadline for regular applications since
impacted majors are likely to have more students apply than there are spots available. The average turnaround for rolling admission is about four to six weeks , so the date that decisions are sent out will depend on when students submit their application.

Recommended: College Search – College Finder Tool

The Dreaded Waitlist

After waiting for one to two months to receive a school’s decision, it can be frustrating to open that letter or email and see that there’s more waiting to do. Being on the school’s waitlist isn’t necessarily bad, however.

There are many reasons that students end up on the waitlist. They may have met the academic criteria to get into the school, but the school might not have space yet for these students.

Most schools will require students to contact them and accept their spot on the waitlist to be considered for admission, so don’t forget that step.

Since the number of students that can be accepted from a waitlist depends on the number of students who choose to enroll, students on the waitlist won’t hear back until after decision day.

Decision day is May 1, and it’s the day that seniors are required to notify their school that they accept their admission and will enroll.

After the decision day, the schools will know how many students will enroll, and then they’ll be able to start accepting students from the waitlist if there’s space. This means students on the waitlist can expect to hear back from their school by the end of May, but sometimes it can take up until the Fall semester starts to hear back.

Paying for College

Planning for college goes beyond getting accepted. Once accepted, students have to figure out how they’ll be paying for tuition, books, and housing. Luckily, there are many good options for financing higher education, which can include financial aid from the government (grants and/or loans), scholarships, and private loans.

Recommended: Ca$h Course: A Student’s Guide to Money

Financial Aid

The FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the form students will need to complete as the first step in applying for student aid. Depending on a student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC), they may be eligible for federal student loans, grants, or work-study.

Grants don’t usually have to be repaid, but loans do. The amount of aid students can receive from the federal government will depend on their financial need, so not everyone will be eligible.

Federal Student Loans

Federal student loans come with some benefits that are not guaranteed by private student loans, like lower fixed interest rates and flexible repayment options. This is important to take into account when choosing where to take out loans.

Scholarships

Scholarships can be merit based, meaning they’re awarded based on some kind of achievement, or need based. There are many scholarships available, and it’s perfectly acceptable to apply to as many as possible to further the chances of receiving one — or more. Some scholarships are specific to a school or the local community, so check your school’s website for information.

Private Student Loans

Private loans may be another option for paying for college. Since every financial institution is different, do some research and explore options available. Loan amounts and rates will depend on an applicant’s financial situation, including their credit history and income. Those with little of either may need a cosigner to be approved for a private loan.

Even if the cost of attendance might be covered by scholarships, grants, or federal student loans, there may be other costs of living a student might need assistance for. That’s where private student loans can be helpful when considered responsibly.To learn more about private student loans, college-bound students might want to check out this guide to private student loans.

The Takeaway

It can take a few weeks to a few months to hear back for a college admissions decision, depending on the type of application you submitted. Early applicants — such as early decision or early action — will generally hear back in December while regular decision applicants will receive their admission decision in April.

Taking some time to think about college costs and how to pay for the upcoming years of education can be a wise way to spend that time waiting for all of those acceptance letters to come rolling in. Private student loans can be one option to help students pay for college, though they may lack the borrower protections afforded to federal loans. For those considering private student loans, take a look at SoFi student loans are fee-free and offer competitive interest rates for qualified borrowers.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

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SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Plumbing leak repairs can be a huge drain on your budget. Smaller issues that are caught right away can run just $200, not counting cleanup. But hidden pipe failures that take longer to discover can easily lead to thousands of dollars in water damage.

The best way to keep plumbing repair costs down is to be alert to potential problems and to fix even minor leaks quickly. We’ll discuss different levels of plumbing leaks and the typical cost of cleanup and repairs.

Common Types of Plumbing Problems

Water leaks can happen anywhere in the home — not just the bathroom or kitchen. That’s because plumbing systems can be as complex as a spider’s web. Plumbing leaks can cause damage ranging from the minor to the calamitous, with repair costs to match. Supply chain issues and inflation can drive the cost up even further.

Recommended: How to Pay for Emergency Home Repairs

Smaller Plumbing Leaks

Leaking sinks are the most obvious and least damaging kind of plumbing issue. If you’re lucky, a trickling noise will alert you before the flood waters rise. The leak itself typically can be fixed for $90 to $130.

However, hidden leaks can spread quickly and easily erode your cabinetry. Leaks that occur around the base of your faucet can also damage your countertop. Surface or cabinet repairs can cost $250 to $500 — not including the price of new materials.

Garbage disposals can spring a leak in a number of places. Depending on the scale of the issue, it might be possible to DIY the repair. But if the garbage disposal needs to be replaced, you’ll pay about $250 including parts and labor, according to Home Advisor.

Larger Plumbing Leaks

Leaks behind the walls can go undetected for some time. Contrary to what homeowners like to believe, many leaks don’t cause any change in water pressure or visible wall stains. (Plumbing issues are just one reason why the cost of a home inspection is worth it.)

Leaks stemming from water-using fixtures can also travel through walls to any room in the house. Eventual signs may include a lingering musty smell, mold, and dampness of the surrounding flooring or drywall.

The real doozy with repairing this kind of leak is that you usually have to cut into your wall to fix it, with wall incision and repair amounting to most of the cost. While the actual leak repair will often run to several hundred dollars, when you add in the diagnosis (made after carving into your wall) and wall repair, it can all add up to $1,000.

Water heater leaks can damage the foundation of a house and ruin any property kept in the lowest level of your home. Beyond the damage that the leak itself may cause, the reason for the leak can also prove costly. If your water heater is damaged, often through sediment buildup in the tank, it may need to be replaced. A new water heater can cost around $1,200 for a tank-based unit and labor.

Disaster Plumbing Leaks

Slab leaks are the 1906 Earthquake of plumbing situations. This type of leak occurs when the pipes under the foundation start to leak. Repairs for a slab leak can be costly if you have to remove flooring and jack-hammer through the foundation.

Homeowners should keep an eye out for a decrease in water pressure, warped hardwood floors, warm flooring, and moist patches. Slab leaks can be pricey to diagnose and pricier to fix, costing up to $4,000.

Washer leaks are another common-yet-costly water problem. The water leading to your washing machine is constantly running, so any leaks will continually push water into your walls and flooring and flood your home fast.

To appreciate the total cost of a major basement flood, you’ll want to consider water removal, cleanup, ventilation, and decontamination, as well as any building and structural repairs. There may also be costs associated with the replacement or cleaning of personal property and mechanical equipment. Final price tags vary greatly but can be as much as $15,000.

Fixing the Leak

While there are no guarantees, homeowners can help avert plumbing disasters by staying on top of regular maintenance, being alert to the signs of hidden leaks, and responding rapidly if they suspect a problem. Learn more about the most common home repair costs.

As mentioned above, a gradual decrease in water pressure can indicate a leak or buildup in the pipes. Another red flag is a sudden increase in your water bill.

While minor leaks in accessible areas can be fixed by a competent homeowner, it can pay to call in the pros for an assessment. Get tips for how to find a contractor.

Financing a Plumbing Leak

Homeowners dread plumbing problems due to the widespread damage they can inflict. Caught early, a simple under-the-sink leak can set you back just $200. But major leaks and floods can end up costing many thousands of dollars in professional water removal, cleanup, decontamination and mold remediation, wall and floor restoration, and property replacement. Even experienced DIYers may feel more comfortable having a plumbing pro evaluate the situation and fix it right the first time.

With a SoFi Personal Loan to cover your bills, you can stop worrying about having to cut corners or postpone an important repair. Borrow from $5,000 to $100,000 at a low fixed rate, with no fees required. Our personal loan calculator can show you how much you qualify for.

Compared with high-interest credit cards, a SoFi Personal Loan is simply better debt.

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SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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