Choosing a Retirement Date: The Best Time to Retire

Choosing Your Retirement Date: Here’s What You Should Know

Choosing a retirement date is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. Your retirement date can determine how much money you’ll need to save to achieve your desired lifestyle — and how many years that money will need to last.

Selecting an optimal retirement date isn’t an exact science. Instead, it involves looking at a number of different factors to determine when you can realistically retire. Whether you’re interested in retiring early or delaying retirement to a later age, it’s important to understand what can influence your decision.

The Importance of Your Retirement Date

When preparing to retire, the date you select matters for several reasons. First, your retirement date can influence other financial decisions, including:

•   When you claim Social Security benefits

•   How much of your retirement savings you’ll draw down monthly or annually

•   In what order you’ll withdraw from various accounts, such as a 401(k), Individual Retirement Account (IRA), pension, or annuity

•   How you’ll pay for health care if you’re retiring early and not yet eligible for Medicare

•   Whether you’ll continue to work on a part-time basis or start a business to generate extra income

These decisions can play a part in determining when you can retire based on what you have saved and how much money you think you’ll need for retirement.

It’s also important to consider how timing your retirement date might affect things like taxes on qualified plans or the amount of benefits you can draw from a defined benefit plan, if you have one.

If your employer offers a pension, for example, waiting until the day after your first-day-of-work anniversary adds one more year of earnings into your benefits payment calculation.

Likewise, if you plan to retire in the year you turn 59 ½, you’d want to wait until six months after your birthday has passed to withdraw money from your 401(k) in order to avoid a 10% early withdrawal penalty on any distributions you take.

💡 Quick Tip: Want to lower your taxable income? Start saving for retirement with a traditional IRA. The money you save each year is tax deductible (and you don’t owe any taxes until you withdraw the funds, usually in retirement).

Choosing Your Date for Retirement

There are many questions you might have when choosing the best retirement date: What is the best day of the month to retire? Is it better to retire at the beginning or end of the year? Does it matter if I retire on a holiday?

Weighing the different options can help you find the right date of retirement for you.

End of the Month

Waiting to retire at the end of the month could be a good idea if you want to get your full pay for that period. This can also eliminate gaps in pay, depending on when you plan to begin drawing retirement benefits from a workplace plan.

If you have a pension plan at work, for example, your benefits may not start paying out until the first of the following month. So, if you were to retire on the 5th instead of the 30th, you’d have a longer wait until those pension benefits showed up in your bank account.

Consider End of Pay Period

You could also consider waiting to the end of the pay period if you don’t want to go the whole month. This way, you can draw your full pay for that period. Working the entire pay period could also help you to accumulate more sick pay, vacation pay, or holiday pay benefits toward your final paycheck.

Lump Sums Can Provide Cash

If you’ve accumulated unused vacation time, you could cash that out as you get closer to your retirement date. Taking a lump sum payment can give you a nice amount of cash to start your retirement with, and you don’t have to worry about any of the vacation time you’ve saved going unused.

Other Exceptions to Consider

In some cases, your retirement date may be decided for you based on extenuating circumstances. If you develop a debilitating illness, for example, you may be forced into retirement if you can no longer perform your duties. Workers can also be nudged into retirement ahead of schedule through downsizing if their job is eliminated.

Thinking about these kinds of what-if scenarios can help you build some contingency plans into your retirement plan. Keep in mind that there may also be different rules and requirements for retirement dates if you work for the government versus a private sector employer.

Starting a Retirement Plan

The best time to start planning for retirement is yesterday, as the common phrase says, and the next best time is right now. If you haven’t started saving yet, it’s not too late to begin building retirement wealth.

An obvious way to do this is to start contributing to your employer’s retirement plan at work. This might be a 401(k) plan, 403(b), or 457 plan depending on where you work. You may also have the option to save in a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA or SIMPLE IRA if you work for a smaller business. Any of these options could help you set aside money for retirement on a tax-advantaged basis.

If you don’t have a workplace retirement plan, you can still save through an IRA. Traditional and Roth IRAs offer different types of tax benefits; the former allows for tax-deductible contributions while latter offers tax-free qualified distributions. You could also open a SEP IRA if you’re self-employed, which offers higher annual contribution limits.

If you decide to start any of these retirement plans, it may be helpful to use a retirement calculator to determine how much you need to save each month to reach your goals. Checking in regularly can help you see whether you are on track to retire or if you need to adjust your contributions or investment targets.

💡 Quick Tip: Can you save for retirement with an automated investment portfolio? Yes. In fact, automated portfolios, or robo advisors, can be used within taxable accounts as well as tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

Retirement Investing With SoFi

Choosing a retirement date is an important decision, but it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming one. Looking at the various factors that can influence how much you’ll need to save and your desired lifestyle can help you pin down your ideal retirement date. Reviewing contributions to your employer’s retirement plan and supplementing them with contributions to an IRA can get you closer to your goals.

Not everyone’s journey to retirement is going to look the same, so you should weigh your options. Think about your goals, and what tools you can use to help you reach them. If you need guidance, it may be a good idea to speak with a financial professional.

Prepare for your retirement with an individual retirement account (IRA). It’s easy to get started when you open a traditional or Roth IRA with SoFi. Whether you prefer a hands-on self-directed IRA through SoFi Securities or an automated robo IRA with SoFi Wealth, you can build a portfolio to help support your long-term goals while gaining access to tax-advantaged savings strategies.

Opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.¹

FAQ

Is it better to retire at the beginning or end of the month?

Retiring on the last day of the month is typically the best option. This enables you to collect all your paychecks during this period. You may also benefit from collecting any holiday pay that might be offered by your employer for that month. As a note, it doesn’t necessarily matter if the last day of the month is a work day for you.

What is the best day to retire?

The best day to retire can be the end of the month or the end of the year, depending on how pressing your desire is to leave your job. If you can wait until the very last day of the year, for example, you can collect another full year of earnings while maxing out contributions to your workplace retirement plan before you leave.

Is my retirement date my last day of work?

Depending on how your employer handles payroll, your retirement date is usually the day after your last day of work or the first day of the next month following the date you stop working.


About the author

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake has been a finance writer for nearly a decade, specializing in personal finance, investing, and small business. She is a contributor at Forbes Advisor, SmartAsset, Investopedia, The Balance, MyBankTracker, MoneyRates and CreditCards.com. Read full bio.


Photo credit: iStock/Tatomm

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest is a trade name used by SoFi Wealth LLC and SoFi Securities LLC offering investment products and services. Robo investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Brokerage and self-directed investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

For disclosures on SoFi Invest platforms visit SoFi.com/legal. For a full listing of the fees associated with Sofi Invest please view our fee schedule.

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.


¹Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 45 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify. Probability percentage is subject to decrease. See full terms and conditions.

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What Is a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA)?

A chartered alternative investment analyst, or CAIA, is a financial professional who specializes in offering advice about alternative investments. The CAIA Association offers the CAIA Charter Program for financial professionals who are interested in expanding their financial knowledge to include alternatives such as real estate, private equity, and hedge funds.

Obtaining a CAIA designation requires the successful completion of two exams and membership in the CAIA Association. A securities license is not needed for CAIA certification, though you will need to have at least a bachelor’s degree and adequate work experience to earn it.

Key Points

•   The CAIA Charter Program specializes in alternative investments like real estate, private equity, and hedge funds.

•   The successful completion of two exams and CAIA Association membership are required for certification.

•   Exams cover topics like professional standards, ethics, and the various types of alternative investments.

•   CAIA certification can enhance career prospects and distinguish financial advisors.

•   Approximately 13,000 CAIA charterholders exist worldwide, working in diverse financial roles.

Advantages of Obtaining a CAIA


Professional designations generally have a time and cost component to acquire — meaning that you’ll likely need to pay some fees and put in some study time to earn them — and it’s no different with the CAIA certification. It’s important, then, to consider what kind of return on investment you might enjoy. Adding a CAIA credential to your professional resume may yield several benefits.

•   A CAIA charter can help you distinguish yourself from other financial advisors you compete with.

•   Gaining additional knowledge in the area of alternative investments could enable you to expand the services you offer as a financial advisor, potentially increasing your revenues in the process.

•   You can use what you learn in the CAIA Charter Program to better serve your existing clients and offer more comprehensive advice when constructing a diversified portfolio.

•   CAIA certification may give you an edge if you’re hoping to get promoted within your current firm, or get hired at a different one.

•   You can use your skills to build your brand reputation and network. For example, you might offer to lead a seminar on the benefits of alternative investments at a nationally recognized conference.

A CAIA designation might be right for you if you’re hoping to broaden your knowledge base where alternative investments are concerned. Examples of financial professionals who may be good candidates for CAIA certification include risk managers, portfolio managers, traders, consultants, and fiduciary advisors.

Recommended: Alternative Investments Guide

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Preparing for the CAIA Exam


The CAIA exam is actually two levels of examinations, both of which you’ll need to complete unless you qualify for a waiver. You’re eligible to obtain CAIA certification by taking just one exam if you’re a CFA charterholder. CFA is short for “certified financial analyst,” and is a professional designation offered by the CFA Institute.

In terms of what the exams cover, there are two topic groups. Level I topics include, but are not limited to:

•   Professional standards and ethics

•   Introduction to alternative investments

•   Real assets

•   Private equity

•   Private debt

•   Hedge funds

•   Digital assets

•   Additional strategies in alternative investing3

Level II exams cover:

•   Emerging topics in alternative investments

•   Universal investment considerations

•   Modeling

•   Institutional asset owners and investment policies

•   Risk and risk management

•   Methods for alternative investments

•   Accessing alternative investments

•   Due diligence and selecting managers

•   Volatility and complex strategies3

Exams are offered twice per year, in March and September. The CAIA Association writes and prepares the curricula covered by both exams.

When you register for the CAIA exam and pay the registration fee you’ll get access to digital exam prep materials. You must pay a one-time enrollment fee of $400 for each exam, at the time of publication, as well as a $1,395 registration fee per exam. If you need to retake an exam, the fee is $795.

It’s possible to find CAIA study courses online. Courses may be self-paced or include live instruction. Note that these courses are not endorsed by the CAIA Association. Candidates are encouraged to commit at least 200 hours to study prep for each level before attempting the exams.

As far as the exam format goes, Level I and Level II are slightly different. Both exams include a multiple-choice component. Level I features 200 multiple-choice questions, while Level II has 100 multiple-choice questions. The Level II exam also has a constructed response section, which requires you to answer questions in essay format. You’ll have two hours per section, four hours total, to complete both exams.

Historical Pass Rates


CAIA exam pass rate numbers from March 2024 put the pass rate for the Level I exam at 46%, and the pass rate for the Level II exam at 59%. Since 2011, pass rates for the exam have been on a downward trend. Before 2011, the typical pass rate for the exams was around 70%.

The CAIA Association does not specify what constitutes a passing score for the CAIA exam. It’s generally recommended that candidates aim for a final score of 70 or better on both exams in order to position themselves for the best chance of passing.

CAIA vs. CFA


Chartered financial analysts or CFAs conduct research and analyze financial data, then use what they learn to make portfolio recommendations to clients who might be using a brokerage for online investing. A CFA may work with individual investors, institutional investors, or a mix of both. CFAs may offer advice on alternative investments but they may be less knowledgeable about them than a CAIA.

To obtain a CFA designation, you’ll need to pass three levels of exams, which become progressively more difficult. You must also meet minimum education and work experience requirements, and be able to provide professional letters of reference.

As for which is better, CAIA vs. CFA? It depends on your career goals. If you’d like to specialize in alternative investments, then a CAIA credential could help you attract clients with those particular needs. For example, you might have clients who are interested in investing in art, fine wines, or hedge funds.

On the other hand, you may lean toward a CFA designation if you’d like to offer advice for a broader range of investments, or even consider earning both designations.

The CAIA Charter


The CAIA Charter is how the CAIA Association refers to the CAIA designation or credential. Approximately 13,000 financial professionals worldwide have earned a CAIA certification and are considered charterholders.

The CAIA Association was founded in 2002 by the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) and the Center for International Securities and Derivatives Markets (CISDM). The Association’s mission is to raise industry standards among financial professionals who work with alternative investments.

The Takeaway


If you’re working in financial services you might weigh the merits of a CAIA designation. And if you’re interested in exploring alternative investments for your portfolio it could make sense to seek out a CAIA professional.

Ready to expand your portfolio's growth potential? Alternative investments, traditionally available to high-net-worth individuals, are accessible to everyday investors on SoFi's easy-to-use platform. Investments in commodities, real estate, venture capital, and more are now within reach. Alternative investments can be high risk, so it's important to consider your portfolio goals and risk tolerance to determine if they're right for you.

Invest in alts to take your portfolio beyond stocks and bonds.

FAQ


How difficult is the CAIA exam?


Based on current pass rates and historical trends the numbers suggest that its level of difficulty is something to take seriously. Taking practice tests can be a helpful way to prepare for the exam and get a sense of where you might land score-wise.

What jobs can I get as a CAIA charterholder?


CAIA professionals can work in many different roles, in varied settings. Possible job titles you could get with a CAIA credential include investment analyst, investment consultant, portfolio manager, risk manager or risk analyst, and investment advisor.

How many CAIA charterholders are there?


According to the CAIA Association, there are approximately 13,000+ CAIA charterholders worldwide. Charterholders are located in more than 100 countries globally.


About the author

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake has been a finance writer for nearly a decade, specializing in personal finance, investing, and small business. She is a contributor at Forbes Advisor, SmartAsset, Investopedia, The Balance, MyBankTracker, MoneyRates and CreditCards.com. Read full bio.



Photo credit: iStock/Arsenii Palivoda

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest is a trade name used by SoFi Wealth LLC and SoFi Securities LLC offering investment products and services. Robo investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Brokerage and self-directed investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

For disclosures on SoFi Invest platforms visit SoFi.com/legal. For a full listing of the fees associated with Sofi Invest please view our fee schedule.

An investor should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. This and other important information are contained in the Fund’s prospectus. For a current prospectus, please click the Prospectus link on the Fund’s respective page. The prospectus should be read carefully prior to investing.
Alternative investments, including funds that invest in alternative investments, are risky and may not be suitable for all investors. Alternative investments often employ leveraging and other speculative practices that increase an investor's risk of loss to include complete loss of investment, often charge high fees, and can be highly illiquid and volatile. Alternative investments may lack diversification, involve complex tax structures and have delays in reporting important tax information. Registered and unregistered alternative investments are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as mutual funds.
Please note that Interval Funds are illiquid instruments, hence the ability to trade on your timeline may be restricted. Investors should review the fee schedule for Interval Funds via the prospectus.


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.


¹Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 45 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify. Probability percentage is subject to decrease. See full terms and conditions.

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Value vs Growth Stocks

Generally speaking, value stocks are shares of companies that have fallen out of favor and are valued less than their actual worth. Growth stocks are shares of companies that demonstrate a strong potential to increase earnings, thereby ramping up their stock price.

The terms value and growth refer to two categories of stocks, as well as two contrasting investment “styles”: value can be lower risk with a focus on longer-term returns; growth can be higher risk, with a focus on higher, short-term returns.

Each style has pros and cons. When value investing, investors can buy shares (or fractional shares) of a company that has strong fundamentals at bargain prices. However, investors must be careful not to fall into a “value trap”: i.e., buying stocks that appear to be a bargain, but are actually trading at a discount due to poor fundamentals.

Key Points

•   Value stocks represent undervalued assets, while growth stocks indicate potential for significant price increases.

•   Established companies may offer value stocks, whereas growth stocks usually stem from emerging, rapidly expanding businesses.

•   Dividends are more common with value stocks, as growth stocks frequently retain earnings for reinvestment.

•   Long-term gains are the focus of value investing, contrasting with the short-term appreciation sought in growth investing.

•   Volatility tends to be lower in value stocks and higher in growth stocks, reflecting different risk profiles.

What Are Value Stocks?

Value stocks are stocks that tend to be relatively cheap, or that investors believe aren’t receiving a fair market valuation. In other words, investors think that a stock may be undervalued by the market. Value investors try to identify value stocks by examining quarterly and annual financial statements and comparing what they see to the price the stock is getting on the market.

Investors will also look at a number of valuation metrics to determine whether the stock is lower cost relative to its own trading history, its industry, and other benchmarks, such as the S&P 500 index.

Key Characteristics of Value Stocks

Value stocks tend to have a few underlying characteristics that may lead investors to believe that they’re undervalued.

For example, investors often look at price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, which is the ratio of price per share over earnings per share. Some experts say that a value stock’s P/E should be 40% less than the stock’s highest P/E in the previous five years.

Investors may also look at price-to-book, which is the price per share over book value per share. A stock’s book value is a company’s total assets minus its liability and provides an estimate of a company’s value if it were liquidated.

Value investors are hoping to buy a quality stock when its price is in a temporary lull, holding it until the stock market corrects and the stock price goes up to a point that better reflects the underlying value of the company.

What Could Make a Stock Undervalued?

There are a number of reasons that a stock could be undervalued.

•   A stock could be cyclical, meaning it’s tied to the movements of the market. While the company itself might be strong, market fluctuations may temporarily cause its price to dip.

•   An entire sector of the market could be out of favor, causing the price of a specific stock to dip. For example, a pharmaceutical company with an effective new drug might be priced low if the health care sector is generally on the outs with investors.

•   Bad press or a negative news cycle could cause share prices to drop.

•   Companies can simply be overlooked by investors looking in a different direction.

Examples of Well-Known Value Stocks

As of early 2025, here are five examples of top-performing value stocks, according to Morningstar. But remember, there’s no guarantee that any of these stocks, or any stock for that matter, will appreciate.

•   JPMorgan Chase

•   Walmart

•   UnitedHealth Group

•   International Business Machines (IBM)

•   Wells Fargo

What Are Growth Stocks?

Growth stocks are shares of companies that demonstrate the potential for high earnings or sales. These companies tend to reinvest their earnings back into their business to spur their company’s growth, as opposed to paying out dividends to shareholders.

Growth investors are betting that a company which is growing fast now, will continue to grow quickly in the future. But the risk is that investors jumping into growth stocks may be buying a stock that is already valued relatively high. In doing so, they could lose a potentially significant amount of money if prices to tumble in the future.

Key Characteristics of Growth Stocks

To spot growth stocks, investors can look for companies that are not only expanding rapidly but may be leaders in their industry. For example, a company may have developed a new technology that gives it a competitive edge over similar companies.

There are also a number of metrics growth investors could examine to help them identify growth stocks. First, investors may look at price-to-sales (P/S), or price per share over sales per share. Not all growth companies are profitable, and P/S allows investors to see how quickly a company is expanding without factoring in its costs.

Investors may also look at price-to-earnings growth (PEG), which is P/E over projected earnings growth. A PEG of 1 or more typically suggests that investors are overvaluing a stock, while PEG of less than one may mean the stock is relatively cheap. PEG is a useful metric for investors who want to consider both value and growth investing.

Key Differences Between Value and Growth Stocks

The main difference between value and growth stocks mostly concerns their current valuation. As discussed, investors believe that value stocks are undervalued at a certain point in time, and believe the stock could appreciate over time.

Growth stocks, on the other hand, may not be undervalued, but are expected to appreciate relatively quickly over the short or medium term.

With that in mind, some other differences between the two could include relative risk; value stocks may be less risky than growth stocks, which can be more volatile. Further, value stocks may be shares of older more established companies, which could also offer dividends (but have lower earnings growth). The opposite might be true for growth stocks.

Performance in Bull vs. Bear Markets

Given relative risk factors and volatility in relation to growth and value stocks, investors might expect that value stocks would perform better than growth stocks during bear markets. The inverse could be true for bull markets. But again, nothing is guaranteed.

Investment Horizon for Value vs Growth

Investors may also want to consider their strategy and time horizon when deciding whether a value or a growth strategy makes more sense for them.

Specifically, value stocks may be better suited for investors with long-term strategies, while growth may be better for those with shorter time horizons. Naturally, a mix of the two, to some degree, is likely an ideal route for most investors, but it may be worth speaking with a financial professional for guidance.

How Are Growth and Value Strategies Similar?

While growth and value investing are two different investment strategies, distinctions between the two are not hard and fast; there can be quite a bit of overlap. Investors may see that stocks listed in a growth fund are also listed in a value fund depending on the criteria used to choose the stock.

What’s more, growth stocks may evolve into value stocks, and value stocks can become growth stocks. For example, say a small technology company develops a new product that attracts a lot of investor attention. It might start to use that capital to grow its business more quickly, shifting from value to growth.

Investors practicing growth and value strategies also have the same end goal in mind: They want to buy stocks when they are relatively cheap and sell them again when prices have gone up. Value investors are simply looking to do this with companies that are already on solid financial footing, and hopefully, see stock price appreciation should rise as a result.

Growth investors are looking for companies with a lot of growth potential, whose stock price will hopefully rise quickly.

Using Growth and Value Strategies Together

The stock market goes through natural cycles during which either growth or value stocks will be up. Investors who want to capture the potential benefits of each may choose to employ both strategies over the long term. Doing so may add diversity to an investor’s portfolio and head off the temptation to chase trends if one style pulls ahead of the other.

Investors who don’t want to analyze individual stocks for growth or value potential can access these strategies through growth or value mutual funds. Because of the cyclical nature of growth and value investing, investors may want to keep a close eye on their portfolios to ensure they stay balanced — and consider rebalancing their portfolio if market cycles shift their asset allocation.

Balancing Risk With Growth and Value Investments

As noted, it may be a good strategy to find some sort of balance between value and growth assets in your portfolio. This adds a degree of diversification, naturally, but given your personal risk tolerance and time horizon, there may be advantages to balancing your portfolio more toward growth or value — it’ll depend on your specific situation.

Again, this may be worth a conversation with a financial professional, who can help with some additional guidance. But given prevailing, changing market conditions and more variables, it can also be a good idea to regularly check in and rebalance your portfolio.

The Takeaway

Growth and value are different strategies for investing in stocks. Investing in growth stocks is considered a bit riskier, though it also may provide potentially higher returns than value investing. That said, growth stocks have not always outperformed value stocks. Value stocks may be purchased for less than they’re worth, tend to be lower risk, and may offer investors some appreciation over time.

As a result, some investors may choose to build a diversified portfolio that includes each style so they have a better chance of reaping benefits when one is outperforming the other.

Invest in what matters most to you with SoFi Active Invest. In a self-directed account provided by SoFi Securities, you can trade stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, options, and more — all while paying $0 commission on every trade. Other fees may apply. Whether you want to trade after-hours or manage your portfolio using real-time stock insights and analyst ratings, you can invest your way in SoFi's easy-to-use mobile app.

Opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.¹

FAQ

What is the main difference between value and growth stocks?

Value stocks are considered to be undervalued by investors, whereas growth stocks have an expectation of short-term growth or appreciation.

Can growth stocks turn into value stocks over time?

Yes, growth stocks may turn into value stocks over time, and value stocks may turn into growth stocks. They are fluid, in that sense.

How can beginners balance growth and value investments?

Perhaps the easiest way for beginners to balance growth and value investments is to diversify their portfolios through index or mutual funds, which may include a mix of both types of investments.

Which strategy works better in a recession?

While nothing is guaranteed or for certain, it may be a better bet to stick to a value strategy during a recession or economic downturn, as value stocks tend to have less volatility and risk than growth stocks.

How do dividends impact value and growth stocks?

Many growth stocks may not offer dividends, as those companies may instead be focused on growth and reinvesting their profits. Value stocks, on the other hand, tend to offer dividends, as they’re not necessarily in “growth mode,” and are in the practice of returning value to shareholders.


INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest is a trade name used by SoFi Wealth LLC and SoFi Securities LLC offering investment products and services. Robo investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Brokerage and self-directed investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

For disclosures on SoFi Invest platforms visit SoFi.com/legal. For a full listing of the fees associated with Sofi Invest please view our fee schedule.

Mutual Funds (MFs): Investors should carefully consider the information contained in the prospectus, which contains the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other relevant information. You may obtain a prospectus from the Fund company’s website or clicking the prospectus link on the fund's respective page at sofi.com. You may also contact customer service at: 1.855.456.7634. Please read the prospectus carefully prior to investing.Mutual Funds must be bought and sold at NAV (Net Asset Value); unless otherwise noted in the prospectus, trades are only done once per day after the markets close. Investment returns are subject to risk, include the risk of loss. Shares may be worth more or less their original value when redeemed. The diversification of a mutual fund will not protect against loss. A mutual fund may not achieve its stated investment objective. Rebalancing and other activities within the fund may be subject to tax consequences.

Disclaimer: The projections or other information regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results.

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.

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.


¹Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 45 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify. Probability percentage is subject to decrease. See full terms and conditions.

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FDIC Insurance: What It Is And How It Works

When you deposit money into a bank, you expect it to be safe and accessible whenever you need it. But what happens if the bank itself runs into trouble or even goes out of business? That’s where the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) comes in.

FDIC insurance is a crucial safety net that protects depositors’ funds in the rare event of a bank failure. This ensures that you don’t lose your money (up to certain limits) if a financial institution goes belly up.

But there are rules and limits surrounding FDIC insurance that are important for banking customers to understand. Read on for a closer look at what the FDIC is, what “FDIC insured” means, and how to make the most of the FDIC’s coverage.

Key Points

•   The FDIC protects depositors’ funds and ensures bank stability by offering insurance, monitoring banks, and managing failures.

•   The agency insures checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, CDs, and certain retirement accounts and prepaid cards.

•   Coverage limits for FDIC insurance are $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, and per account ownership category.

•   When a bank fails, the FDIC ensures quick access to insured funds, typically by transferring them to another bank or issuing a check.

•   Uninsured financial products like stocks, bonds, and crypto assets carry risks.

What Is the FDIC?

The FDIC is shorthand for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. It’s an independent agency of the U.S. government that provides insurance to protect depositors’ money in case of a bank failure. You don’t need to apply for this insurance when you open a bank account — your deposits are automatically insured up to at least $250,000 at each FDIC-insured bank.

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) offers similar protection at credit unions.

History and Mission of the FDIC

The FDIC was created under the Banking Act of 1933 in response to the many bank failures during the Great Depression. In the early 1930s, the U.S. experienced one of the most severe banking crises in history. Thousands of banks failed, wiping out savings and triggering widespread financial panic. To prevent future economic disasters and protect the savings of ordinary Americans, Congress established the FDIC.

The FDIC officially began operations on January 1, 1934. Its initial insurance limit was $2,500 per depositor, which has been increased multiple times over the decades to reflect inflation and changing economic conditions. Today, the standard insurance coverage limit is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category (more on exactly how this works below).

What Does the FDIC Do?

The FDIC plays a crucial role in the U.S. financial system by acting as both an insurer and a regulator.

Role of the FDIC in Maintaining Financial Stability

The FDIC’s primary responsibility is to safeguard depositors’ funds and ensure that banks operate in a sound and secure manner. It does this by:

•   Providing deposit insurance: By insuring deposits, the FDIC protects individual and business accounts from losses due to bank failures. Customers do not pay for this insurance; banks cover the cost of insurance premiums.

•   Conducting bank examinations: The FDIC regularly audits banks to ensure they are following sound financial practices and complying with federal regulations.

•   Managing risk: The FDIC monitors financial institutions for signs of instability and typically steps in to address problems before they lead to failure.

•   Handling bank failures: If a bank does fail, the FDIC ensures that depositors’ insured funds are quickly accessible. They often do this by transferring the funds to another bank or directly reimbursing depositors.

Recommended: What Are National Banks?

How the FDIC Protects Consumers

Thanks to FDIC insurance, the money you deposit in a checking account or savings account remains safe (up to certain limits), even if your bank goes out of business. In fact, no depositor has lost any insured money as a result of bank failure since the creation of FDIC insurance.

The FDIC’s protection extends beyond just insuring deposits, though. The agency also enforces consumer protection laws to prevent unfair practices by banks. These protections include:

•   The Truth in Lending Act, which requires banks to disclose the terms and costs of loans and credit products.

•   The Electronic Fund Transfer Act, which protects consumers when they use ATMs, debit cards, and electronic payment systems.

•   The Fair Credit Reporting Act, which regulates how banks use and share consumer credit information.

Through these regulations, the FDIC ensures that banks treat consumers fairly and transparently, and help foster trust in the financial system.

Increase your savings
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*Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 3/30/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply here. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

Types of Accounts Insured by the FDIC

The FDIC covers common banking products, including checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts. However, not all financial products qualify for FDIC coverage.

How to Tell if Your Money Is FDIC-Insured

To determine if a bank is FDIC-insured, you can ask a bank representative or look for the FDIC sign when visiting a branch. If you use an online bank, the company’s website should contain information about its coverage.

Another option is to use the FDIC’s BankFind tool. BankFind provides access to detailed information about all FDIC-insured institutions, including branch locations, the bank’s official website, and the current operating status of the bank.

Commonly Covered Accounts Under FDIC Insurance

The FDIC insures all deposit accounts at insured banks and savings associations up to the FDIC’s limits, including:
Checking accounts

•   Checking accounts

•   Savings accounts, including high-yield savings accounts

•   Money market accounts

•   Certificates of deposit (CDs)

•   Prepaid cards (if certain FDIC requirements are met; also note that funds are only insured in the event of bank failure, not loss or theft of card)

•   Certain retirement savings accounts (in which plan participants have the right to direct how the money is invested)

Types of Accounts Not Insured by the FDIC

While the FDIC protects many types of deposit accounts, not all financial products are covered. For example, investments in the stock market and other securities carry inherent risks, and the FDIC does not cover losses in these markets.

Examples of Uninsured Financial Products

Products that are not insured by the FDIC include:

•   Stocks

•   Bonds

•   Annuities

•   Crypto assets

•   Mutual funds

•   Municipal securities

•   Life insurance policies

•   The contents of a safety deposit box

How FDIC Insurance Works

Understanding how FDIC insurance works is essential to maximizing your coverage and protecting your assets.

Coverage Limits and How They Apply

FDIC insurance covers up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, and per ownership category. But what exactly does that mean? Let’s break it down.

•   “Per deposit, per institution” refers to one person (the depositor) at one insured bank. If you own multiple deposit accounts at the same bank those deposits count towards the $250,000 limit. If you own accounts at two different banks, each account would have separate and full coverage.

•   “Per ownership category” generally refers to whether the account is owned by one person (single) or owned by two or more individuals (joint). (Other types of ownership categories include certain retirement accounts, employee benefit plan accounts, and business accounts.)

For example:

•   An individual with a checking account and a savings account at the same bank is insured for up to $250,000 across both accounts.

•   A couple with a joint account is insured for up to $500,000 ($250,000 per depositor).

•   A person with a checking account at one insured bank and a savings account at another insured bank is insured for up to $250,000 at each bank.

If you’re married and want to maximize your FDIC insurance, you and your spouse could each open individual accounts at one bank (resulting in each of you having up to $250,000 FDIC-insured), then also open a joint account (where each of you has $250,000 insured). Across all three accounts, you could have up to $1 million FDIC-insured at one bank.

If you’re not sure if all your cash on deposit at a bank is insured, the FDIC’s Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator can show your specific deposit insurance coverage once you put in your account details.

What FDIC Insurance Does Not Cover

FDIC insurance does not cover:

•   Investment losses (stocks, bonds, mutual funds)

•   Losses due to bank fraud or theft

•   Funds held at non-FDIC-insured banks

•   Failure or bankruptcy of a non-bank

•   Business losses related to bank failure

What Happens if a Bank Fails?

When a bank fails, the FDIC steps in to protect depositors and minimize disruption to the financial system.

Steps the FDIC Takes to Protect Depositors

If a bank were to collapse, the FDIC would intervene in two ways:

Giving Customers Access to Their Funds

The FDIC would pay depositors up to the insurance limit to cover their losses. So, if you had $10,500 in an insured account and the bank failed, you would be reimbursed for that amount. Typically, this happens within a few days after a bank closes.

The FDIC may pay depositors by providing a new account at another insured bank for the insured amount they had at the failed bank, or by issuing a check for that amount.

In some cases, you may be able to receive amounts higher than the coverage limit, but there is no guarantee. If the failed bank is acquired by another institution, your uninsured funds may also be transferred. If the failed bank is dissolved, you typically need to file a claim with the FDIC to recoup uninsured funds.

Becoming the “Receiver” of the Failed Bank

The FDIC also takes responsibility for collecting the assets of the failed bank and settling its debts. As assets are sold, depositors who had more than the $250,000 limit in an insured account may receive payments on their claim, though this can take several years.

How to Recover Your Money if a Bank Fails

Recovering your funds after a bank failure is usually straightforward. Here’s how it works.

FDIC Claims Process Explained

Because of the FDIC safety net, you won’t likely see fearful customers lining up to get their money the way they did before deposit insurance was established.

Still, when a bank closes, it can cause depositors to worry and wonder how to get their money. Typically, there are one of two scenarios when a bank fails:

•   Most commonly, you would become a depositor at a healthy, FDIC-insured bank. You would have access to your insured funds at this new bank and could likely choose to keep your accounts there if you like.

•   If there is not a healthy, FDIC-insured bank that can step in quickly, the FDIC will likely pay the insured depositor by check within as little as a few days after the bank closes.

As for immediate next steps if you learn your bank is closing, the FDIC aims to post information as promptly as possible, or you can contact the agency at 877-ASK-FDIC or visit the FDIC Support Center website.

The Takeaway

Though it’s a rare occurrence, a bank can fail when it takes on too much risk. This means the bank can’t meet its financial obligations to its depositors and borrowers. If your bank is covered by FDIC insurance, you can receive reimbursement up to certain limits, meaning your funds aren’t lost for good. FDIC insurance covers checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, CDs, and other deposit accounts.

The FDIC does not cover some of the other financial products or services offered by banks, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, and securities.

Putting your money in a brick-and-mortar financial institution isn’t the only way to make sure it’s protected. Many online banks, including SoFi, are FDIC-insured.

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.


Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy 3.30% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings with eligible direct deposit.

FAQ

How often does a bank fail?

Currently, bank failure is relatively uncommon. Since January 2020, there have been 12 bank failures in the U.S., but only three of these were major banks.

In stable economic periods, bank failures tend to be rare due to strict regulations and oversight. If an insured bank does go under, the FDIC steps in to protect depositors by covering funds up to the standard limit. This ensures customers can access their money with little to no disruption.

How does the FDIC differ from the NCUA?

The FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) insures deposits at banks, while the NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) insures deposits at credit unions. Both provide up to $250,000 in coverage per depositor, per institution, and per account ownership category.

The FDIC is an independent government agency, while the NCUA is a federal agency overseeing credit unions. Although they serve similar functions, they apply to different types of financial institutions — banks (FDIC) and credit unions (NCUA).

How many banks are FDIC insured?

As of the third quarter of 2024, the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) insured 4,517 banks and savings institutions in the U.S. The FDIC protects deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per account category. The number of FDIC-insured banks has declined over time due to mergers and acquisitions, but the FDIC continues to monitor and regulate the banking system.

Are credit unions FDIC insured?

No, credit unions are not insured by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation). Instead, they are insured by the NCUA (National Credit Union Administration), which provides similar protection for deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per credit union, and per account type.

The NCUA operates the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) and ensures that credit union members’ deposits are safe even if the institution fails, similar to how FDIC insurance protects bank customers.

Does FDIC insurance cover online banks?

Yes, FDIC insurance typically covers online banks just as it does traditional brick-and-mortar banks. This protects your deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category, even if the online bank fails. You can confirm an online bank’s FDIC status by checking the FDIC website, the bank’s website, or contacting the bank directly.


SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. 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.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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.

We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
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.

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Smart Strategies to Lower Your Student Loan Payments

Staying on top of student loan payments is an important part of your overall financial health. If you’re concerned about making payments on time, or if you’re reevaluating your budget, you may be wondering how to lower student loan payments.

Many borrowers may be eligible for options that can reduce their student loan payments. Read on to learn about some strategies that could help.

Key Points

•   Borrowers struggling to pay student loans have several options for reducing their monthly payments.

•   Enrolling in autopay can reduce the student loan interest rate by 0.25%, helping to make monthly payments more manageable.

•   Federal student loan repayment plans like the Graduated Repayment Plan and the Extended Repayment Plan can lower monthly payments but increase total interest paid.

•   Loan assistance and forgiveness programs might help reduce or eliminate student loan debt for some borrowers.

•   Refinancing private student loans can potentially lower interest rates and result in more favorable loan terms for those who qualify.

Can You Reduce Your Student Loan Payments?

There are several ways you may be able to lower your monthly payments. For example, if you have federal student loans, the Graduated Repayment Plan, in which your payments start small and gradually go up over time, is an option you can explore.

Borrowers might also want to consider refinancing student loans at a lower interest rate or with a longer loan term, both which may lower monthly payments. (Note: You may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you refinance with an extended term.) It’s possible to refinance private and federal student loans, although there are many factors to consider.

Assessing Your Student Loan Repayment Situation

Before you can determine if you can lower your student loan payments, however, it’s important to know the type of loans you have, since this can affect your student loan repayment options.

You can find all of your federal student loans and the individual loan servicers, by logging into your account on Federal Student Aid.

Unless you choose another plan, federal loans are automatically placed in the Standard Repayment Plan, which sets your monthly payments at a fixed amount so your loans will be paid off within 10 years. Some private loans also follow the 10-year repayment timeline, but it varies depending on the lender.

The next step is to assess how much debt you have in total. By calculating what you owe, you can get a better understanding of how your current repayment plan is working and whether you want to consider changing it.

Once you have all of your loan information, you can use a student loan payoff calculator or contact your loan servicer to find your current payoff dates for your student loans. The calculator can also help you determine which repayment plans you qualify for. Keep in mind that if you change to a longer term to lower your monthly student loan payments, you may end up paying more over the life of the loan since interest will continue to accumulate over the longer term.

If you only need temporary relief, consider contacting your loan servicer to see if you are eligible for student loan deferment or forbearance. Both options let borrowers temporarily pause or lower loan payments for reasons such as unemployment or going back to school. Depending on the type of loan you have, interest may still accrue during this time.

Recommended: When Do You Have to Start Paying Back Student Loans?

Ways to Lower Your Monthly Student Loan Payments

There are different ways to reduce your student loan payments. One or more of these methods might be right for your situation.

1. Enroll in Autopay for Interest Rate Reductions

Federal loan servicers and some private lenders offer incentives if you elect to make automatic payments, such as a 0.25% interest rate reduction. With auto payments, you won’t have to worry about missing student loan due dates. Autopay can also help you incorporate your student loan payments into your budget as an expense that must be accounted for every month.

2. Talk to Your Loan Servicer About Alternative Repayment Plan Options

If you’re interested in changing federal repayment plans to help lower student loan payments, contact your loan servicer to learn more.

One option is the Graduated Repayment Plan, as mentioned, which has a payment timeline of 10 years (or up to 30 years for Direct Consolidation loans), and starts out with lower monthly payments. The payment amount gradually increases, usually every two years. Note that you will likely pay more in interest with this plan.

If you have more than $30,000 in eligible outstanding student debt on most loans, you can also ask about the Extended Repayment Plan, which lengthens your loan repayment timeline to 25 years and can make your monthly payments smaller. However, you may end up paying more in interest over the life of the loan on the extended plan.

3. Consider Income-Driven Repayment for Federal Loans When Available

As of March 2025, access to income-driven (IDR) plans for new borrowers is currently on hold while the Trump administration reevaluates these plans. You can find out more about this and any new developments on the Federal Student Aid website. In the meantime, here is a quick rundown of how these plans typically work.

On an IDR plan, how much you owe each month is based on your monthly discretionary income and family size. IDR options typically offer loan forgiveness after borrowers make consistent payments for a certain number of years. However, forgiveness on all but one of the IDR plans is currently paused.

These are the types of IDR plans.

•   Income-Based: Payments are generally about 10% of a borrower’s discretionary income, and any outstanding balance is forgiven after 20 or 25 years.

   Note that on the IBR plan, forgiveness after the repayment term has been met is still proceeding as of March 2025, since this plan was separately enacted by Congress.

•   Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE): As of March 2025, the SAVE plan is no longer available after being blocked by a federal court. Forgiveness has been paused for borrowers who were already enrolled in the plan and they have been placed in interest-free forbearance.

•   Pay As You Earn (PAYE): A borrower’s monthly payment on PAYE is roughly 10% of their discretionary income, and they’ll make 20 years of payments. As of March 2025, forgiveness has been paused for borrowers who were already enrolled in the plan, and they have been placed in interest-free forbearance.

•   Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR): The monthly payment amount on this plan is either 20% of a borrower’s discretionary income divided by 12, or the amount they would pay on a repayment plan with a fixed payment over 12 years, whichever is less. The repayment term is 25 years. As of March 2025, forgiveness has been paused for borrowers who were already enrolled in the plan and they have been placed in interest-free forbearance.

4. Explore Loan Assistance and Forgiveness Programs

If you’re eligible, a Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) can provide funds to help you lower your student loan payments. Since private loans are not eligible for the federal income-based repayment plans mentioned above, an LRAP could be helpful for those with both private and federal student loans.

Some states, organizations, and companies may offer LRAPs, especially if you work in certain fields like health care or education. LRAPs often include a requirement that you work in your eligible job for a certain number of years, typically in public service.

There are also federal and state forgiveness programs you may be eligible for. For example, if you have federal student loans and you’re employed by government entities or nonprofits, you might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Borrowers pursuing this program agree to work in underserved areas and must meet specific requirements to have their loan forgiven after 120 qualifying payments on an income-driven repayment plan.

A number of states also have student loan forgiveness programs, especially for individuals working in health care and education. Check with your state’s department of education to see what’s available.

5. Refinance to Potentially Lower Interest Rates

Student loan refinancing is an option that may be helpful if you have student loans with high interest rates or private student loans.

When you refinance student loans, a lender pays off your existing loans and gives you a new loan with new terms. Refinancing may save you money in the long run if you get a lower interest rate, or you could change your term to get more time to pay off your loan and lower the cost of your monthly student loan payments, though you may pay more in interest in the long run.

Keep in mind, however, that if you refinance a federal student loan, you’ll lose access to federal benefits and protections.

What to Do if You Can’t Afford Your Student Loan Payments

With most federal student loans, if you don’t make a payment in more than 270 days, you’ll default on the loan. Private loans are often placed in default as soon as after 90 days.

Defaulting can impact your credit score, and have other negative consequences, including losing eligibility for deferment, forbearance, and other valuable repayment options. The best path forward is to avoid default. If you are having trouble making payments, contact your loan servicer right away.

Planning for Life After Student Loan Repayment

Along with managing your student loan payments, it’s also important to save for your future. That might include a down payment on a house, putting money away for your child’s education, and investing for retirement.

To plan for life after student loan repayment, work to build an emergency fund to handle sudden expenses, such as medical bills or job loss. Aim to have at least three to six months’ worth of expenses in your emergency fund, and keep it in a separate bank account so you won’t be tempted to spend it.

Also, open a savings account, if you don’t already have one, to put away money each week or month for your financial goals. Participate in your 401(k) at work, if that’s an option. And you might also want to consider opening an IRA to help maximize your retirement savings and secure your financial future.

Refinancing Student Loans With SoFi

There are several strategies to make your student loan payments more manageable, including choosing a new repayment plan, signing up for autopay, and student loan refinancing. Explore the options to determine what makes sense for your situation.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.


With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

FAQ

Can you negotiate student loans down?

You generally can’t negotiate student loans unless you’ve stopped making payments and your loans are delinquent or in default, a situation that has serious financial consequences, such as potentially damaging your credit score.

There are other options to lower student loan payments, however. If you need temporary relief, you can contact your loan servicer to see if you’re eligible for deferment or forbearance. If you have federal loans, you may be able to change your loan term or enroll in a different repayment plan. Borrowers with private loans can explore refinancing their student loans to see if they qualify for a lower interest rate or more favorable loan terms.

How do I negotiate student loan payoff?

If your student loans are delinquent or in default, you may be able to negotiate a settlement for a lower payment amount, but this is generally seen as a last resort because of the negative financial consequences. If you are struggling to make your payments, contact your lender to see what other options may be available to you.

What is average student loan debt?

The average student borrower has $38,375 in student loans to pay off, according to the Education Data Initiative.

What are the pros and cons of refinancing student loans?

The pros of student loan refinancing include potentially getting a lower interest rate on your loan or better loan terms if you qualify. Your loans may also be easier to manage because you can streamline them into one new loan with one monthly payment.

The disadvantages of student loan refinancing include potentially paying more in interest if you lengthen your repayment term to lower your monthly payments and losing access to federal benefits if you refinance federal loans. Weigh the pros and cons to decide if refinancing makes sense for you.

Does deferment or forbearance affect my credit score?

Neither deferment nor forbearance affect your credit score. Both options allow you to temporarily stop payments on your student loans if you are struggling to afford them. The main difference between them is that with deferment, some federal student borrowers may not be required to pay the interest that accrues on certain types of loans during the deferment period. With forbearance, a borrower is generally required to cover accruing interest while the loan is in forbearance.


SoFi Student Loan Refinance
Terms and conditions apply. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are private loans. When you refinance federal loans with a SoFi loan, YOU FORFEIT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL FEDERAL LOAN BENEFITS, including all flexible federal repayment and forgiveness options that are or may become available to federal student loan borrowers including, but not limited to: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, extended repayment plans, PAYE or SAVE. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers.
Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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.

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.

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