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Do you ever have trouble keeping up with when bills are due and paying them on time? Welcome to the club. It can be a challenge, but paying bills on time helps you dodge late fees and maintain your credit score.

For many people, a solution to this challenge is to set up automatic bill payments. This can be done through an automatic payment system, usually referred to as “autopay.” This means that, without needing to remember any dates, write any checks, or click on any payment links, your recurring bills are seamlessly taken care of.

This can be a game-changer that helps you enjoy stronger financial management status and less money stress. But it might not be right for everyone. As with most financial tools, there are pros and cons to using autopay.

So what is autopay? And how do you set it up? Learn the answers to these questions, along with the pros and cons of autopay, so you can determine whether to consider using this option.

What Is Autopay?

What many people call “autopay” is a scheduled, regular transfer of money, usually monthly. These payments are generally transferred from the payer’s bank account (or credit card) to a vendor, or what is known as a payee.

Autopay is typically set up in one of two ways.

•  The first is through the company receiving the payment.

•  The second is through a bank’s online bill-pay portal.

When you link an account to a particular bill or vendor, autopay usually works over an electronic payment system called the Automated Clearing House (ACH). Sometimes automatic payments are referred to as “ACH payments” instead of autopay. If you were to use your credit card, the recurring payment would simply show up as a charge on your card.

How Does Autopay Work?

Here’s a closer look at how autopay works. When autopay is set up, you are authorizing debits to occur on a regular basis. Assuming you have sufficient funds in your account, the payment will be made automatically.

When autopay is set up, either the payee is authorized to deduct funds from your bank account or your bank will send the funds for you.

Autopay can essentially enable funds to be whisked out of your account to pay different vendors at different times each month. Some people may see this, however, as not being in control of their money. If you aren’t on top of your finances, you could wind up getting assessed overdraft or non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees, plus late charges.

Autopay vs. Scheduled Payments

You may hear the terms autopay and scheduled payments used interchangeably but they can actually be different.

•  Autopay means that payments have been set up in advance to happen regularly on a certain date. You establish the date and the frequency and then don’t need to do anything else to transfer the funds on a recurring basis.

•  With a scheduled payment, however, you are manually setting when you want a payment to be made and for how much. You can do this regularly, of course, but it requires more effort on your part to transfer funds.

Autopay vs. Bill Pay

Here’s another situation in which you may hear two terms (autopay and bill pay) used interchangeably. There is a slight difference, however.

Bill pay refers to the process in which your bank initiates payments from your account to the payee. In other words, the payee is not authorized to go in and deduct the money; your bank is instead providing this service.

Setting Up Autopay

Here is some more detail on setting up autopay so you can have your bills taken care of more easily.

1. Looking at Vendor Requirements

You can think of autopay as either pushing money from your account to the vendor, or the vendor pulling money from your account.

Many vendors require you to set up autopay through their website, so your first step may be to look into their requirements. If you are currently receiving a paper bill, they often include instructions on where you can go online to set up autopay — looking there is a good place to start.

For example, if you have a $1,800 monthly mortgage payment, you may be able to provide your mortgage company with your checking account information (such as your bank account number and routing number). They can pull the money for payment automatically. This is the “pull” version of automated payments as the vendor is pulling the money out.

2. Choosing the Day Your Payment Is Made

You generally get to choose the day that the payment is made — you could consider doing this a few days before the bill is due. This should give the automated payment time to move through the ACH system, including when the due date lands on a weekend.

Also, you’ll likely want to be cognizant that you aren’t setting up any automatic payments until you’re sure that any necessary deposits are made. This is important to do whenever considering automating your personal finances.

3. Setting Up ACH Payments

Once you determine payee requirements and that the funds needed to cover bills will be in place, you can set up the recurring payments. As mentioned above, you could set up the ACH payment with the vendor, or you could set it up through your bank (the bill pay option mentioned above). Doing this typically requires logging onto your bank account’s website and navigating to the bill pay section.

If you go through your bank, you may need to provide them with the information for the vendor, such as the account number and mailing address. You can usually find this information on your bill or monthly statements.

Using the same example as above, you would enter the information for your mortgage lender into your bank’s bill pay portal. Similarly, the money would be sent via ACH on the date you’ve picked to send the money to the vendor.

You may want to consider selecting a date a few days prior to the due date to avoid a late payment. This is the “push” method of automated payments as you are pushing the money out of your account to the vendor.

Pros and Cons of Autopay

Autopay can be a wonderful tool for many people looking to simplify their finances. But it won’t be for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of using autopay.

Pros of Autopay

Consider these upsides of autopay:

Convenience: Gone are the days of sitting down to write a check for every last outstanding bill. In fact, these days you don’t even need to log into a computer every time a bill comes due. With autopay, you can pay all or most of your bills without lifting a finger.

This means no more having to log online to pay bills while you’re on vacation or busy with work or family. There is something beautiful about the convenience of the “set it and forget it” method to financial management, if you can make it work.

Improving Your Finances: We don’t need to tell you that it is a smart idea to pay your bills on time.

Not only can autopay help you to avoid frustrating late fees, but taking care of your bills right away may help you to avoid agonizing or allowing it to take up precious room on your to-do list.

Paying your bills on time may help your credit score.

Also, paying your bills on time may positively impact your credit score. Currently, debt payment history is the single biggest factor in terms of determining your score. It makes up 35% of a FICO®️ Score.

That means that paying debt-related bills, such as a mortgage, car loan, or credit card bill, on time, could potentially positively impact your FICO®️ Score.

Learning Good Behavior: If you can take the philosophy behind automatically paying your bills and apply it to your savings strategy, this may help your overall financial success. Just as you can automate the payment of your bills, you can automate your savings to retirement and other savings accounts.

If you don’t automatically set money aside, it can be far too easy to spend the money that lands in your checking account. Warren Buffett famously recommended that people “spend what is left after saving, do not save what is left after spending.”

Other ways to use automatic payments? Pay down debt aggressively or save for your future (even beyond a 401(k) if you have one). In either of these scenarios, you could simply set up an automatic transfer of funds as you would with autopay, but direct the funds toward your financial goal.

That way, the money is whisked from your checking account before you’ve even had the chance to consider spending it.

Potentially Saving Money: Vendors and service providers want to get paid on time. Therefore, some vendors or service providers offer a discount for customers that set up autopay, which could save you money.

For example, you may receive an interest rate discount if you set up autopay for a loan. Other vendors may provide a discount on their product or service if you use autopay.

Recommended: Understanding ACH Transfer Limits

Cons of AutoPay

Now, for the potential downsides:

Possible Overdraft Fees: If there isn’t enough money in your account to cover a bill, an ill-timed automatic payment could cause your account to overdraft. According to the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation), overdraft fees can average $35 a pop, depending on your bank.

You’d need to be especially careful if you leverage multiple checking or savings accounts with fluctuating balances or tend to keep your account balance close to zero. In the latter situation, you might benefit from keeping a cash cushion in your account.

Late Fees: Consider the transaction time when setting up your autopay in order to avoid annoying late fees. Late payment fees will vary by vendor but could be costly.

While giving yourself a few days of buffer could be a good start, it’s important to check with each vendor to determine their recommended timeline. Finally, after you’ve set up autopay, monitoring payments during the first few months to be sure they happen on time can help ease the transition.

Potentially Reinforcing Bad Habits: For some people and in some specific cases, it may not be a good idea to have your finances on autopilot. For example, those who are actively paying off credit card debt may want more control over how much they pay towards their debt each month.

There is almost always an option to autopay the “minimum payment” on a credit card, which may be tempting. There is no penalty when you pay the minimum payment, so it is certainly better than doing nothing.

But, it is much better to pay off the balance in full, if possible. When you do not pay the balance in full, the card will accrue interest, costing you money over time.

If you aren’t at a place where you can pay off the entire balance quite yet, you may want to try and set your autopay for an amount that’s more than the minimum payment so you can make progress on the balance. (And you may want to try to stop using your card in the meantime if this is the case.) If this won’t work for you, you may want to remain in manual control of payments.

Paying for Things You Don’t Need: Subscription services are sneaky. Amounts may seem small and you hardly notice them on a monthly basis, but they can wreak havoc on your annual budget. It is too easy to forget that you are paying for something, especially when you don’t use the service.

If you take advantage of the perks of autopay, don’t forget to reassess your subscriptions every few months to determine whether you actually need the thing you’re paying for. One example: You might not realize how much entertainment you are signed up for, and could save money on streaming services by dropping a platform or two.

Potentially Less Monitoring of Your Accounts: One issue with using autopay could be that you develop a sense of false security that your personal finances are running just fine. You might not check in with your money and review your spending as often as you might. This could have a negative impact. How often should you monitor your checking account? For many people, a couple or a few times a week is a good pace.

Should You Use Autopay?

The digital age can be confusing and overwhelming, but this is one case where it may help to simplify our lives. Managing money can be a tedious task, and paying bills is just one part of it.

By streamlining the bills portion, you may find that using autopay gives you more freedom to focus your attention on other financial goals.

That said, autopay won’t be right for everyone and in every circumstance. For example, autopay might not be a great idea for those who haven’t organized their bills and tend to overdraft their accounts. It may not make sense for someone who is between jobs or out of work.

Autopay could potentially be difficult to manage for freelancers or other workers with variable income throughout the month. Ideally, a person would have some cash buffer for bills in any of these scenarios, but that is not the way it always works out in the real world.

The Takeaway

Autopay can be a convenient way to get your bills taken care of with less time, energy, and stress. However, in some cases, it can have its downsides, so it’s wise to know the pros and cons and continue to monitor your money carefully if you do sign up for autopay.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

FAQ

What should you not put on autopay?

It can be wise not to put bills that fluctuate on autopay. You are less likely to wind up with an overdraft situation that way. For instance, if your energy bill is usually $100 a month but goes up to double that during the winter or summer, that might throw off your personal finances if you autopay your bills.

When should I set up autopay?

It can be wise to set up autopay when you are familiar with your finances and cash flow and feel confident that automating your payments won’t lead to an overdraft situation. You might also consider signing up if there is a bonus or perk for you, such as a discount or a lower interest rate.

Why do people not use autopay?

Some people do not feel comfortable with autopay; they would rather be in control of making payments individually and maintaining that control over their finances. Also, some people may have bills that fluctuate considerably and they may therefore prefer to pay manually to avoid overdrafting.

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Do you have kitchen envy, daydreaming about Shaker cabinets, farmhouse sinks, or sleek marble countertops? Join the club: Kitchen remodeling is one of the most popular kinds of home renovation projects, with the typical “small” kitchen redo costing upwards of $15,250 in mid-2025, according to the home improvement site Angi. These kinds of upgrades can be worthwhile, with up to 96% of the cost being recouped when the home is sold.

Perhaps you’re planning a kitchen refresh. If so, consider the three broad categories of styles below: traditional, contemporary, and transitional. Then learn tips for financing your renovation.

Traditional Kitchen Style

Even when other styles rise in popularity, the traditional kitchen continues to hold its own, remaining among the most popular. At the core of traditional kitchens is a time-honored approach to design that refers to the styles of the past.

Among the signature touches:

•   Raised-panel or glass-front cabinets

•   Warm wood tones

•   An earthy, rustic color palette

•   Classic sinks, faucets, and knobs, such as a farmhouse style in porcelain or marble

•   Molding, whether at ceiling, along the top of cabinetry, or elsewhere

•   Country or European touches often find a place in traditional kitchens, whether that means floral backsplash tiles or lace curtains.

Contemporary Kitchen Style

At the other end of the design spectrum is contemporary kitchen style. Just as the name suggests, these spaces tend to be clean-lined and sleek. Among the typical features are:

•   Cabinets are often slab-style (meaning without knobs) or otherwise minimalist.

•   Typically, these kitchens use sleek materials, whether wood, steel, or lacquer.

•   Color schemes tend to be neutral, from all white and futuristic to grays and beiges to moody black. However, some people like to mix in pops of color.

•   Appliances are typically disguised as cabinetry (you may hear this called paneled appliances) to keep the clean-lined look going.

•   Decorative accessories are discouraged. If you like showing off your teapot collection, this look probably isn’t for you.

Recommended: Cost to Repair a Plumbing Leak

Transitional Kitchen Style

If you find that you appreciate some elements of traditional style and some of contemporary, then a transitional style kitchen may be just right for you. This style combines elements of both styles in a unique way.

For example:

•   Transitional kitchens might include classic, simple Shaker-style cabinets but in bold shade, like teal, which makes them look more modern.

•   Countertops are often quartz or quartzite, which can have the warmth of natural tones but sleek edges.

•   Appliances are often built-in or stainless steel.

•   Pendant lighting, with its clean lines, is a signature of the transitional style.

•   Wood plank flooring, with its traditional warmth, is often incorporated in these kitchens.

•   If you think you’ll be selling your home, then going transitional can be a safe bet to make your home appealing to a broad swath of potential buyers.

Kitchen Style Quiz

Now that you have a basic grounding in these three looks, take the kitchen style quiz.

Now that you have insight onto the kitchen look you gravitate towards, learn more about what remodeling involves.

Remodeling Your Kitchen

A kitchen remodel can be a good way to boost the value of your home, with possibilities ranging from fairly inexpensive — new paint, new faucets, and new cabinet pulls, for example — to a full-scale remodel that could cost you more than $100,000. A few smart strategies:

•   When remodeling, it makes sense to prioritize your spending in a way that creates a kitchen that works well for your lifestyle.

For example, if you and your partner love to cook gourmet meals and experiment with new recipes, it makes sense to allocate your budget to be a true chef’s kitchen, perhaps with a commercial-style range. If, on the other hand, you’re envisioning a kitchen where all the neighborhood kids will gather for pizza and homework, consider that in your design and perhaps budget for a cushy, built-in banquette.

•   It can also be wise to create a budget and keep an eye on which options can wind up being very pricey maneuvers. The cost of rewiring and moving plumbing lines, for instance, can be quite steep. Have a couple of well-recommended tradespeople pitch your job (don’t skimp on checking references) before picking one.

•   Build in contingencies for your project to go over budget and past the deadline. It happens, and being prepared for that kind of wiggle room can help you avoid a lot of stress. For instance, inflation’s impact on kitchen remodeling can be significant so it’s wise to plan ahead on that front when making your budget.

•   Also stay aware of what changes require a permit (you may be surprised at how often one is needed) and prepare for how that will impact your timeline.

Financing Your Remodel

Once you’ve decided how you want to update your kitchen and have considered the average cost of a kitchen remodel, then one of the next considerations is how to pay for it. If you need to finance the project, you may have such options as:

•   You could do a cash-out refinance if you have equity in your home. This involves refinancing your current mortgage for its remaining balance plus the amount needed to do your remodel.

•   A home equity line of credit might also make sense if you have equity. This involves using your home as collateral and opening a line of credit (like a credit card) to tap as work is done on your kitchen. You then repay the debt over time.

•   Another secured option is a home equity loan, which gives you a set amount of money to use towards your renovation.

•   It can make sense to consider an unsecured home improvement loan to help you get the remodel done, too.

Because this is a kind of personal loan, this means you don’t need to have home equity nor put your home on the line as collateral. You will typically get a lump sum of cash, repayable with interest over a term of one to seven years, at an interest rate that’s usually less than that of a credit card.

Like all loan products, there are pros and cons to personal loans. What matters most when financing your kitchen remodel is finding the option that suits your financial and personal needs best.

Recommended: Can I Pay Off a Personal Loan Early?

The Takeaway

Finding which style of kitchen suits you best can be a fun and valuable process. Not only does it help you pinpoint and then bring your favorite look to life, it can be the first step in creating your dream kitchen. Then, you can move on to the design and financing of your kitchen renovation. Options for funding include using savings, tapping home equity, or taking out a home improvement loan.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

How can I finance a kitchen remodel?

You likely have options for financing a kitchen remodel, including using savings, tapping home equity, or taking out a personal loan, also sometimes called a home improvement loan.

How much does a small kitchen remodel cost?

As of mid-2025, a small kitchen remodel costs $15,250, according to the home improvement site Angi.

What are some popular kitchen styles?

Popular kitchen styles include traditional, contemporary, and transitional. You also might have a more specific look you’re aiming for, such as French country, mid-century, or Southwestern style.

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SOPL-Q225-102

A cross-country move is exciting, but if you own a car, you’ll have to make a big decision about how to take your wheels with you. Will you drive your car yourself or hire a shipping company to move it for you?

There are a lot of considerations to keep in mind when making this decision, from weather to safety to timing. And of course, there are shipping costs to think about. To make the right choice, take the following factors into account.

Driving Distance

Getting your vehicle to your new home could be one of your biggest moving expenses. When deciding whether to drive or ship your car, the first step is to get a sense of how long the drive actually is. Use a mapping app to get a sense of the various routes you could take, the total distance, and a driving time estimate.

Understanding distance can help give you a sense of how much fuel you’d need to make the journey. Consider how many miles per gallon of gas your car usually gets. Divide the total distance by that number, and that can help you create a rough estimate of how much gas you might expect to purchase.

You may also want to factor in the average gas prices in the locations you’ll be driving through. The American Automobile Association (AAA) aggregates the average price for a gallon of gas in each state, and nationally.

Mapping can also give you a sense of what kind of conditions you can expect to be driving in. For the most part, you may expect to take major highways. But will your route take you across mountains or deserts? These regions might be tough on a vehicle, especially if it’s older and prone to overheating, for example.

Recommended: How to Save Money on Gas

Seasonal Considerations

The time of year you plan to move can make a big difference when it comes to driving conditions. Driving in balmy July weather can be very different from driving through wintry conditions in February, especially if your trip takes you across the northern part of the country where there is a chance of snowy or icy conditions.

Take geographical features, like mountains, into consideration as well. For example, there may be snow in mountain passes far earlier than in places closer to sea level. So, though moving to another state cross-country in October may be mostly snow-free, you might encounter wintry conditions as you cross the Rocky Mountains.

If driving through adverse weather does not sound appealing to you, you may consider shipping your car instead.

Recommended: How to Move Across the Country

Timing

Driving from coast to coast at a fairly reasonable clip could take as little as a few days or as long as a week. If you’re driving with someone else, you can switch off drivers and the trip may take less time.

If you’re driving solo, you may take extra time as you make stops to ensure you’re well rested enough to safely continue your journey. If you can’t afford to take the time off to drive your car yourself, shipping may make more sense.

Recommended: 13 Helpful Tips for You to Afford Moving Out

Safety

When you drive across the country, you necessarily put yourself and any passengers at a certain amount of risk. Your car will experience more wear and tear on a long drive, and you face the possibility of breakdowns.

What’s more, you risk the possibility of theft while you’re on the road, whether of your vehicle itself or its contents.

There is also a chance that you could get into an accident while on the road. Shipping your car limits potential damage to your vehicle and shields you from personal safety hazards.

Recommended: 31 Ways to Save Money on Car Maintenance

Cost to Ship a Car

The cost to ship a car across the country will depend on a number of factors, including the size and weight of the vehicle, the distance the vehicle will be shipped, and what kind of insurance you want to buy.

To a certain extent, price may depend on demand, which can fluctuate throughout the year. The more cars are being shipped along a certain route, the pricier it will be. While prices vary, September through November are generally the cheapest months to ship a car.

On average, it costs around $1,530 to ship a car cross-country on an open trailer as of mid-2025. Again, price depends on the specific locations you are shipping the car to and from and the mode of transportation (open trailer or otherwise), so expect some variation in quotes. the length of trip, but also on whether you choose an open transport or an enclosed transport.

You may also want to consider the option of shipping your car by train, which may be faster and cheaper than sending it on a truck. You may have to purchase a ticket and ride the same train that your car is on.

When considering shipping as an option, it’s also important to consider other potential costs associated with it. For example, you will have to purchase plane tickets for you and your family. If you drive your own car, you can pack it full of items you want to move with you. When you arrive at your destination, you may need to rent a car until your own vehicle arrives.

Recommended: Guide to Unsecured Personal Loans

Cost to Drive a Car

In many cases, it may be cheaper to drive your car than it is to ship it. According to Move.org, it is, on average, about $180 cheaper to drive a car than to have it shipped, factoring in the costs for food, lodging, and fuel for one person.

Lodging is one of the greatest expenses you will encounter while you’re on the road. The more nights you spend on the road, the more expensive driving your car yourself will become. You can of course consider less expensive options, like staying in an Airbnb or visiting with friends along the way.

Making the Decision

As you tackle your moving checklist, the decision to to drive across the country or ship your car will depend on a lot of factors. In some respects it comes down to convenience. Do you have the time to ship your car? Will you need it right away? Do you want to risk driving in poor conditions? In other respects it comes down to cost.

For the most part, driving costs less than shipping. However, the longer the drive, the difference in cost between the two options starts to shrink.

If you decide to ship your car, do your research. Ask friends and family for recommendations and check out company reviews and reports from the Better Business Bureau. Contact multiple shipping companies to make sure you get the best rate.

No matter what you decide, moving is potentially a pricey proposition. If you need a little extra help covering the cost of the move, consider a moving loan. These loans are personal loans that can cover the cost of shipping your car and other moving related expenses.

Recommended: How to Apply for a Personal Loan

The Takeaway

The decision about whether to ship or drive your car cross-country is an important one involving several factors. For instance, while driving it yourself may be cheaper, can you afford to spend the time on the road? Will the weather cooperate? Considering the big picture can help you make the right decision for your situation.

If you are moving cross-country and need help with financing, a personal loan might be a good move.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

Should I drive or ship my car cross-country?

The decision about whether to drive or ship your car cross-country depends on your situation. Can you afford to ship it? Can you take several days off work to drive cross-country? Will the weather while driving be safe, and can your car take the wear and tear? Think about these considerations to make your decision.

What is the cheapest way to get a car cross-country?

Shipping a car cross-country on an open trailer is likely the cheapest way to get it from one coast to another.

What is the average cost to ship a car cross-country?

Shipping a car cross-country on an open trailer currently costs about $1,530.

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.

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Curb appeal not only makes your home more attractive and inviting for you and your family, it could also boost your property value. Adding a few simple exterior upgrades can make your place feel more enjoyable however long you decide to live there and be an asset if you decide to move.

Looking for inspiration? Here are five curb appeal ideas to consider.

1. Revitalize the Front Door and Mailbox

A fresh coat of paint on a front door can do wonders, and certain colors can be especially appealing. For instance, buyers tend to prefer homes with a black front door and may be willing to pay an average of $6,450 more for one, according to Zillow’s 2025 data. On the other hand, other front door colors, such as cement gray, could have a negative impact on a home’s value.

This can also be the time to update the doorknob and door knocker, and any hardware on the door, including the street number. While you’re at it, what about a matching new mailbox? They even come with LED lights nowadays to do double duty.

2. Curb Appeal Landscaping

When choosing landscaping elements, keep the design of the home in mind, along with the size and slope of the lawn. A large lawn might look wonderful with shrubs that would likely overwhelm a smaller one, while eye-catching flowers might look perfect in front of a cottage-style dwelling but get lost in the shuffle in front of a big modern home. For curb appeal landscaping, also consider how its design moves guests to the front door, perhaps wending along the walkways.

Entire books can be written on curb appeal landscaping options, so enjoy exploring! While doing so, don’t forget how attractive window boxes full of blooming flowers can look. Consider integrating native flora, which have already adapted to your local climate and soil conditions and should thrive in your yard. This can be a plus in terms of being low maintenance and not needing additional watering.

3. Upgrade Windows and Shutters

For a significant change in the look of a home, consider a brand-new style of windows. Options include eye-catching casement windows that are hinged to crank open. With these windows, one side stays in place while the other side opens like a door.

Awning windows can be another interesting choice. With this style, the window swings open from the bottom while the top part stays fixed in place. Bay windows can also really make a difference in curb appeal. Also consider new shutters, perhaps ones that complement a newly painted front door.

4. Don’t Forget the Lighting

As part of curb appeal landscaping, also think about outdoor lighting that will highlight the new look. A new fixture on the porch can make a difference aesthetically.

Along the front of the home and walkways, outdoor solar LEDs can be one option because they aren’t hard to install and can be cost efficient. They don’t create bright light, though, so they can be used as a form of supplementary lighting.

Traditional glass lanterns can be attractive, especially when paired with vintage-style bulbs. Ones that mimic the gas lanterns of the Victorian era have been trending.

5. Repair the Roof

If the roof has loose or missing shingles, this can make even the most appealing home look in need of some tender loving care. So, addressing these problems can add to curb appeal. As part of the project, check gutters and downspouts and take care of them as needed.

Costs for Upgrades

After thinking about what projects to take on, the next question to consider may be what these home remodeling projects cost.

New Front Door

A new door can cost under $100 for a basic hollow core choice up to $7,000 or more for a pricey wrought iron door. Installation can add $1,452 on average, according to the home improvement site Angi as of mid-2025. If you’re on a budget, you may want to consider painting an existing door and replacing hardware and a doorknob.

Landscaping

As with just about any home improvement project, curb appeal landscaping costs can vary by project. Landscaping services run around $50-$150 per hour on average, and if you’re buying flowers, shrubs, or trees vs. just maintaining your current grounds, that will add to the cost as well.

New Windows

On average, new windows cost $300 and up, with costs varying based on size, location, materials, and other factors. Some news windows can be in the thousands each (such as a large bay window). The cost for replacing all windows in a typical three-bedroom home can run about $7,655 on average as of mid-2025 according to Angi. That said, the investment may be worth it, as new energy-efficient windows can help you save a bundle on energy bills.

Roof Repairs

A moderate roof repair currently costs $1,000 to $3,000, with a major repair costing $3,000 to $6,000 or more on average. If a full replacement is needed, that could ring up between $5,700 and $16,000. Repairing the gutters can come with an average price tag of $390.

Funding Your Curb Appeal Ideas

As much fun as it is to dream of all the ways to improve the exterior of your home, just as important is how you’ll pay for the upgrades. You may decide to pay for the improvements out of a savings account or put everything on credit cards and pay off the balances in full when they’re due.

Keep in mind that if you choose to use credit cards — but are unable to pay off the balances in full when they’re due — you’ll likely be charged compound interest on the balance. And that could add to the overall amount you owe. To see how compound interest can pile up, take a look at this credit card interest calculator.

If it doesn’t make sense to use credit cards to fund curb appeal ideas, then you may want to explore a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a personal loan.

Taking out a HELOC can make sense under certain circumstances, including these:

•   Significant equity exists in the home.

•   A large sum of money is needed.

•   Potential tax benefits are attractive.

Benefits of a personal loan include the following:

•   If the loan is unsecured, then home equity will not be tied up.

•   Fees are probably less; in some cases, there aren’t any.

•   The application process is usually easier, with the approval process typically quicker than the process for a HELOC.

You may find personal loans created just for home-related purposes marketed as home improvement loans.

What Style Is My House Exterior Quiz

The Takeaway

Improving your home’s curb appeal can help make it more attractive to prospective buyers and potentially increase its perceived value. The upgrades can also make your home more enjoyable to live in, no matter how long you’re there. High-impact upgrades include freshening up the front door and mailbox, adding or improving the landscaping, upgrading windows and shutters, adding outdoor lighting, and making necessary repairs to the roof. One way to afford these changes is to take out a home improvement loan.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

How can I make the outside of my house more appealing?

A few ways to improve your home’s curb appeal include painting your front door, adding window boxes, and landscaping your property.

How can I add curb appeal cheaply?

Some less expensive ways to add curb appeal are to plant flowers in front of your home or in window boxes, power-wash your home, and repaint your front door in a bold color or black. Some of these moves are DIY-able, which can help you save money, too.

What adds curb appeal quickly?

One of the fastest ways to add curb appeal is to repaint your front door (perhaps in a vivid color or black), upgrading your mailbox and house numbers, and adding new lighting near your front door.

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.

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An engagement ring is an important step in a shared life together, and its price — which is between $5,000 and $6,000 on average — can be a significant investment. It’s wise to come up with an amount to be spent that works for you and your budget.

Whatever figure is right for you, there are several options for financing this expense, from credit cards to personal loans to “buy now, pay later” (BAPL) plans. Learn the details so you can decide what’s best for your situation.

Why Not Pay for an Engagement Ring Upfront?

If you’ve just begun browsing engagement rings, you will likely see they come at a variety of price points. The best price for an engagement ring? One you can actually afford.

In the past, there’s been a rule of thumb that an engagement ring should cost the equivalent of three months’ salary. But that “rule of thumb” is likely rooted in industry advertising from the 1930s and doesn’t reflect the current reality.

In fact, Americans spend just a fraction of that amount on an engagement ring — between $5,000 and $6,000 as of 2025. Considering that the average monthly U.S. income is about $4,901, abiding by the three-months rule would mean spending almost $15,000 on the ring. That’s a major sum that many would rather put toward, say, repaying student loan debt or the down payment on a future home.

Can you finance an engagement ring? Yes, and there are several avenues available to you. But no matter what the average engagement ring cost is, it can be a good idea to buy a ring you can comfortably afford without financing. But even if you have cash ready to buy a ring, you may still consider financing options. People typically finance a ring because:

•   They want liquid cash available for upcoming wedding expenses.

•   They may not be able to pay cash for a ring without significantly dipping into their emergency savings, which could become problematic if an unexpected expense crops up.

•   They may want to spread the payment of an engagement ring across several pay cycles, or may be waiting for a large sum of cash to hit their account.

•   They may want to take advantage of purchase protection available on their credit card for a large purchase. However, purchase protection may not apply for a ring, as there are exclusions for certain categories of purchase, such as antiques or one-of-a-kind items.

•   They may want to take advantage of credit card points that come with a large purchase.

Recommended: How to Apply for a Personal Loan

How to Finance an Engagement Ring: 4 Popular Options

There are multiple options for financing an engagement ring, and the best option for you may be as unique as the ring you choose for your partner.

These include:

•   Personal loans, which may be called a wedding loan

•   Credit card

•   Buy now, pay later options

•   Jeweler loan

Here are some things to consider as you mull over options for financing an engagement ring.

Financing an Engagement Ring with a Personal Loan

What is a personal loan? It’s a lump-sum loan that can be used to pay off other bills or to pay for an expense, like buying an engagement ring. Amounts typically range from $1,000 to $50,000 or even $100,000, and the term for repayment is often between two and seven years.

With a fixed interest rate and a payment end date, using a personal loan for engagement ring financing can be a good option if you have a budget for paying the ring off or want to spread the payment through a longer period of time. That way, you can still have available emergency savings and not have to liquidate other assets.

But whether or not to get a personal loan is something that takes careful thought. You may be tempted to look at more expensive rings than you might have if you had been paying cash upfront. And remember that an engagement ring loan includes paying interest in addition to the actual cost of the ring. It can also be a good idea to make sure that you can comfortably afford the loan payments and that it wouldn’t be an excessive burden if you were to lose income.

Financing an Engagement Ring With a Credit Card

Using a credit card for an engagement ring purchase may make sense if you have the cash to pay your bill at the end of the month. It also may make sense if you have a credit card with 0% APR (or annual percentage rate) and are confident you can pay off the ring before the promotional period ends.

Some people also may want to use a credit card to earn points or to take advantage of purchase protection. But before you pull out your card, consider a few things:

•   Does your jeweler offer a discount for cash purchases? If so, then that discount may be worth considering cash options rather than paying with a credit card.

•   Does purchase protection cover a ring? It may be worth calling your credit card company, since your ring may fall under exclusionary categories.

Financing an Engagement Ring With a Buy Now, Pay Later Loan

A buy now, pay later loan (BNPL) means a purchase’s price is spread out over time vs. paid for upfront. Unlike different types of personal loans, a BNPL loan (also called a point-of-sale loan) may be done through a merchant or through a virtual card. These may have no interest if you pay in a set amount of time, but the repayment period may be short and there may be fees involved.

Financing an Engagement Ring With a Buy Now, Pay Later Loan: Pros and Cons

Here, in chart form, are the pluses and minuses of paying for an engagement ring with a BNPL loan.

Financing an Engagement Ring With a Jeweler Loan

Some jewelers offer their own loan programs. These may have promotional periods where you can take advantage of a 0% interest rate, and may also come with additional perks, such as discounts for future purchases or a discount on future repairs. Jeweler loans also may have a fixed rate of interest.

But this interest rate may be higher than an interest rate you could get with a personal loan or on your credit card. You also may be required to put a down payment on the purchase.

Financing an Engagement Ring With a Jeweler Loan: Pros and Cons

Here are the upsides and downsides of engagement ring financing via a jeweler loan.

Can You Finance an Engagement Ring With Bad Credit?

If you have bad credit, you may find it a challenge to qualify for engagement ring financing. That said, it’s not impossible.

Some jewelers offer financing plans for customers with less-than-stellar credit. which may come with a higher interest rate or require a co-signer. You may also want to look into whether the jeweler offers a layaway program, where you put down a percentage of the total amount due and make smaller payments over time. When the balance is paid off, you can bring the ring home.

You may find some lenders who offer personal loans to those with bad credit. You will likely find that these offers have high interest rates and less favorable terms than those with higher credit scores.

Tips for Buying an Engagement Ring

Consider the pros and cons of engagement ring finance options, and remember that after the engagement ring comes wedding expenses. It may be a good idea to talk through engagement ring options with your partner prior to a proposal, especially if you’re already sharing your finances. While it may not feel as spontaneous, talking through big purchases that mutually affect you may be good practice for combining your lives.

Other tips for buying an engagement ring:

•   Ask your partner what they want. Also, talk to your family and their family: A relative may have heirloom jewelry they’d like to pass down.

•   Browse together. In addition to looking at jewelry stores, consider estate sales, antique stores, and browsing online to get a sense of styles and prices.

•   Negotiate. Some jewelers may offer a discount if you pay in cash.

•   Remember ring insurance. An engagement ring may not be covered under your homeowner’s policy without an added rider to the policy or may be covered only in specific circumstances. Research insurance policies before you buy the ring.

Looking for a Personal Loan? What to Consider

While there are many uses for a personal loan, it can also be an avenue that makes sense for engagement ring finance. Having a fixed interest rate and a finite loan term allows you to know exactly what you’re paying each month, and spreading the cost over time may mean the purchase fits within your monthly budget.

Here are some things to consider if you are planning to apply for a personal loan to buy an engagement ring:

•   What are the fees? Some loans may have fees, such as an origination fee (when you open the loan) or an early termination fee (if you pay off the loan early). Make sure you know any potential fees prior to applying for the loan.

•   Know your budget. Just because you can get approved for a certain size loan doesn’t mean that’s the best choice for you. Make sure you choose a loan size you’re comfortable with.

•   Know the loan terms. Some loans have hardship clauses that may help if you are at risk of falling behind on payments due to an unforeseen financial strain.

•   Shop around. Compare loan terms and personal loan interest rates. Comparing rates won’t affect your credit score. A hard credit check will only be done when you apply for the loan.

Recommended: Personal Loan Calculator

The Takeaway

With a big purchase like an engagement ring, there are several avenues for paying for the purchase. Considering the pros and cons of each option can help you decide on the best one for you. And remember: An engagement ring is only one expense in the future you are creating for you and your partner, so consider it the first of many financial steps in your future as a married couple.

If you decide on a personal loan to finance an engagement ring, consider what SoFi offers.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

Can you finance an engagement ring?

Yes, you can finance an engagement ring. Some of the options include personal loans, credit cards, BNPL loans, and jeweler financing.

What is the best way to finance an engagement ring?

The best way to finance an engagement ring will depend on your personal goals and financial situation. For one couple, using a credit card and earning rewards could make sense. For another, a personal loan with a favorable interest rate could be the right choice.

What credit score is needed for engagement ring financing?

Credit score requirements vary for engagement ring financing. For many personal loan lenders, a score of at least 580 or 600 is required. Some will want to see still higher scores, and there are also lenders who will offer financing to those with poor credit, though typically at higher interest rates and less favorable terms.

Is it smart to finance a wedding ring?

It can be smart to finance a wedding ring if it helps you meet your financial goals, If you know you can pay off the loan (principal plus interest) in the time frame offered, it can be a wise move. For others, using their credit card and earning rewards may be a better option, and some people may prefer to save up in advance and not take on any debt at all.

Are there engagement ring loans with no credit check?

It is possible to find an engagement ring loan without a credit check. In many cases, these may be offered by jewelers or online lenders, and they can involve fees and higher interest rates than you might find elsewhere.

Photo credit: iStock/Delmaine Donson

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.

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