Oct
31
2022
Crypto Tax Loss Harvesting Guide for 2022

Crypto Tax-Loss Harvesting Guide: Turn Losses Into a Tax Benefit

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off on Crypto Tax-Loss Harvesting Guide: Turn Losses Into a Tax Benefit

Tax-loss harvesting is a popular tactic used by many investors who hold traditional assets such as stocks or bonds, and it can also be applied to cryptocurrency investments. Crypto tax-loss harvesting follows the same principles as ordinary tax-loss harvesting, except it can be used by crypto investors to reduce their tax liabilities.

Crypto tax-loss harvesting is particularly relevant for 2022, when many investors have seen steep crypto losses. The upside is that tax-loss harvesting allows crypto investors to offset their losses against other capital gains in their portfolio.

Ultimately, tax-loss harvesting may help crypto investors lower the amount they owe in taxes — an important benefit, given how volatile crypto can be. And for various reasons, the current rules have been more favorable for crypto traders, although that could change.

What Is Crypto Tax-Loss Harvesting?

Tax-loss harvesting, and by extension, crypto tax-loss harvesting, is primarily a way to lower or even eliminate capital gains taxes on your investment gains for a given tax year. Although tax-loss harvesting has traditionally been a tactic used with traditional assets, like stocks, bonds, or ETFs, tax-loss harvesting crypto investments is simply using crypto investments to harvest tax losses.

With tax-loss harvesting, an ordinary investor can sell assets that have dropped in value and use the losses to mitigate the capital gains tax they may owe on the profits of other investments they’ve sold.

For example, if an investor sells a security for a $25,000 gain, and sells another security at a $10,000 loss, the loss could be applied so that the investor would only see a capital gain of $15,000 ($25,000 – $10,000). That’s the main benefit of tax-loss harvesting.

The same basic rules apply to crypto investors, with the exception of the wash sale rule. This is covered in more detail below, but essentially the wash sale rule prohibits securities investors from selling investments to lock in a loss — and then repurchasing the same investments within 30 days. If an investor violates the wash sale rule, they can’t use their losses to offset taxable gains.

This isn’t true for crypto investors at the moment. Currently, crypto investors aren’t covered by the wash sale rule, so they can sell crypto holdings at a loss, use the realized loss to offset capital gains, and then repurchase the same crypto they just sold.

While there’s more to the strategy than just a 1:1 application of losses to gains, as you’ll see in the sections below, a tax-loss harvesting strategy can be an important part of a tax-efficient investment strategy.

Note that an investor has to actually sell the asset to create a taxable event, otherwise, it’s still an “unrealized” loss. Tax loss harvesting only comes into play when you sell your holdings at a loss.

How Crypto Tax-Loss Harvesting Works

When engaging in tax-loss harvesting to try and lower your tax liability, remember that there are a lot of variables at play. Those can include the specific asset being sold, how long the asset was held, and even your household income and tax filing status.

Example of Crypto Tax-Loss Harvesting

But to keep things simple, here’s an example of crypto tax-loss harvesting:

Let’s say the value of your Bitcoin holdings is down by $5,000. If you sell your Bitcoin and take the loss, you can then apply that $5,000 to offset other investment gains realized in the same calendar year. You’re not limited to applying crypto losses to crypto gains. So if you have investment gains of $10,000 in total in a given year, the $5,000 loss would reduce your taxable gain amount to $5,000 for that year.

That said, there are two types of capital gains: Short-term (less than one year) gains, and long-term gains (for assets you’ve held for a year or more). Depending on how long you’ve held different investments, you could owe more or less when it comes to capital gains . That’s because long-term gains are taxed at a more favorable rate; short-term gains are taxed at the higher capital gains rate.

Be sure to consider which assets you’re selling and when, because the IRS applies like to like: short-term losses to short-term gains and long-term losses to long-term gains first. After that, your investment losses generally offset any gains, and can be carried forward (see below).

Note, too, that some investors can use automated tax-loss harvesting tools to do the heavy lifting for them when it comes to tax-loss harvesting.

How Much Can You Tax-Loss Harvest?

The limit you can tax-loss harvest is determined by the amount of your losses versus your gains. You can only harvest the investment losses you have for a given calendar year and apply them to the investment gains you realized in the same calendar year.

If capital losses equal your capital gains, they would offset one another on your tax return, so there’d be nothing to carry over. For example, a $10,000 capital loss would cancel out a $10,000 capital gain.

If your losses exceed your gains, there is a remedy.

What If You Have More Losses Than Gains?

In order to allow taxpayers to claim the full capital loss deduction they’re entitled to, the IRS allows investors to carry tax losses forward into future years using a strategy called a tax-loss carryforward.

This means, generally speaking, that you can report losses realized on assets in one tax year on a future year’s tax return. IRS loss carryforward rules apply to both personal and business assets.

Thus, if your capital losses exceed your capital gains, you can claim the lesser of $3,000 ($1,500 if married filing separately) or your total net loss shown on line 21 of Schedule D for Form 1040. Any capital losses in excess of $3,000 could be carried forward to future tax years. The IRS allows you to carry losses forward indefinitely.

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*Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $25 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.

When Is Tax-Loss Harvesting Crypto Worth It?

Tax-loss harvesting is somewhat of an advanced investment strategy, so whether or not it’s worth it depends on your specific financial picture. If you only have a handful of crypto investments, for instance, and don’t plan on selling any of them, tax loss-harvesting crypto may not really be necessary.

The strategy itself is most useful when the benefits are greater than the costs to you (crypto tradings costs, fees, etc.). But if you’re a fairly active crypto investor, cryptocurrency tax-loss harvesting may indeed be worth it. The best course of action, however, is probably to consult an accountant or financial professional for guidance.

When Is the Best Time to Tax-Loss Harvest?

Generally, many investors engage in tax-loss harvesting at the end of the year in order to lock in their gains and losses for the tax year. That’s mostly because people are looking for ways to lower their potential tax bills, and some year-end portfolio moves can often help them do it. But it’s a strategy that can be used year-round — not merely to end the year.

Pros and Cons of Tax-Loss Harvesting

Naturally, if you want to tax-loss harvest crypto, there are some pros and cons to be aware of.

Pros

 Cons
Can lower or eliminate capital gains, thereby reducing your tax bill Costs of tax-loss harvesting may outweigh benefits
Excess losses can offset personal income tax, and carried forward to future tax years May benefit high income investors more
No wash sale rule Could throw off your asset allocation

Is Tax-Loss Harvesting Crypto Legal?

Yes, crypto tax-loss harvesting is legal for now. Under the Build Back Better Act, some provisions might have changed how crypto investors carried out their tax-loss strategies, but that law has yet to pass Congress.

What About Wash-Sale Rules?

Usually, when discussing tax-loss harvesting, investors need to be aware of wash-sale rules. This IRS rule states that if you sell an investment to claim a loss, and then buy the same asset back within 30 days (pre- or post-sale) — what’s known as a wash sale — you forfeit the ability to claim the capital loss as a tax benefit.

Basically, it’s the IRS’ way of stopping investors from taking advantage of the system. If you could sell Stock X to claim a loss only to turn around and rebuy Stock X 10 minutes later, then you’re not really realizing a loss, per se.

But crypto investors don’t need to worry about wash sale rules, at least for now. In something of a loophole, wash sale rules don’t apply to cryptocurrencies because the IRS taxes crypto as property, rather than as securities.

Until the IRS says otherwise, crypto is unaffected by wash-sale rules. But as noted above, there is legislation currently being considered that could close this loophole for crypto investors by apply wash-sale provisions to crypto trades as well.

The Takeaway

Tax-loss harvesting cryptocurrency can provide crypto investors with a method for reducing their taxable income. Since crypto trading is unaffected by the wash-sale rule, it may be a relatively easy way for sophisticated investors to lower their tax bills. But it’s not foolproof, as the costs of crypto loss-harvesting may outweigh the potential savings.

FAQ

Is there a limit to how much you can tax loss harvest?

Not really. As long as you have investment gains that match your losses, you can use those losses to offset any taxable gains. There is a limit if you want to carry losses forward to future tax years. The limit is $3,000 ($1,500 if you’re married, filing separately).

Can you avoid capital gains tax on crypto?

The easiest and most obvious way to avoid capital gains tax on crypto is to hold it, rather than sell it, which triggers a taxable event. Other than that, you can gift your crypto holdings to avoid taxes on gains.

Photo credit: iStock/xavierarnau

SoFi Invest®
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Crypto: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies aren’t endorsed or guaranteed by any government, are volatile, and involve a high degree of risk. Consumer protection and securities laws don’t regulate cryptocurrencies to the same degree as traditional brokerage and investment products. Research and knowledge are essential prerequisites before engaging with any cryptocurrency. US regulators, including FINRA , the SEC , and the CFPB , have issued public advisories concerning digital asset risk. Cryptocurrency purchases should not be made with funds drawn from financial products including student loans, personal loans, mortgage refinancing, savings, retirement funds or traditional investments. Limitations apply to trading certain crypto assets and may not be available to residents of all states.

2Terms and conditions apply. Earn a bonus (as described below) when you open a new SoFi Digital Assets LLC account and buy at least $50 worth of any cryptocurrency within 7 days. The offer only applies to new crypto accounts, is limited to one per person, and expires on December 31, 2023. Once conditions are met and the account is opened, you will receive your bonus within 7 days. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate the offer at any time without notice.

First Trade Amount Bonus Payout
Low High
$50 $99.99 $10
$100 $499.99 $15
$500 $4,999.99 $50
$5,000+ $100

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Oct
31
2022
Cryptocurrency and the Wash Sale Rule for 2022

Cryptocurrency and the Wash Sale Rule for 2023

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off on Cryptocurrency and the Wash Sale Rule for 2023

Because crypto can be volatile, using tax-loss harvesting to offset capital gains has been relatively easy for crypto traders to execute — mainly because these investors haven’t had to worry about the wash sale rule.

Under the current wash sale rule, investors cannot sell ordinary securities at a loss (such as stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds), and then buy back the same or similar securities and still claim the loss to offset other capital gains. But crypto investors can.

That’s because, for now, the IRS does not classify cryptocurrency as a security; it is considered property. So crypto investors may therefore sell crypto that has fallen in value, lock in the loss, and then buy it back again immediately — a wash sale — while still being able to offset investment gains for a tax benefit.

This may change if legislation that’s pending ultimately passes Congress, so it’s wise to be informed about the wash sale rule and how it could affect cryptocurrency trading.

What Is the Wash Sale Rule?

The wash sale rule prevents investors from selling an investment loss just for the tax-loss harvesting benefits while essentially maintaining their position in the security. For instance, if an investor sells 100 shares of stock ABC at a loss on October 1 and then repurchases 100 shares of ABC on October 15, they would not be able to use the tax advantages from the losses from the sale on October 1.

A wash sale occurs when an investor sells a security at a capital loss, and then buys the same or “substantially identical” security within a 61-day window, either 30 days before or after the sale.

Investors often take advantage of investments that have declined in value, selling the securities at a capital loss to offset the capital gains tax they may owe on the profits of other investments they’ve sold.

Known as tax-loss harvesting, investors commonly use this strategy to minimize investment tax liability. And for years, crypto investors have been able to claim multiple losses — some of which can also offset up to $3,000 in personal income — to offset gains, without having to worry about the wash sale rule.

💡 Recommended: Crypto Tax Loss Harvesting Guide for 2022

Does the Wash Sale Rule Apply to Cryptocurrency?

While crypto transactions aren’t subject to the wash sale rule at the moment, excessive crypto wash sales could still cause investors issues with the IRS. This is because crypto wash sales may fall under the IRS’ Economic Substance Doctrine, which states that crypto wash sales must have economic substance — like altering your exposure to market risk — to be eligible for tax benefits.

Because the crypto market can be highly volatile, crypto transactions often have economic substance, so its likely investors could still claim the tax loss benefits even if they repurchased the same crypto shorting after selling.

Nonetheless, the wash sale rule is something that all investors need to be aware of when trading different types of cryptocurrency. By understanding the rule and how it applies to cryptocurrency, investors can ensure they are taking advantage of all the tax benefits available to them.

💡 Recommended: Crypto Tax Guide 2022: How to Report Crypto on Your Taxes

Get up to $1,000 in stock when you fund a new Active Invest account.*

Access stock trading, options, auto investing, IRAs, and more. Get started in just a few minutes.

*Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $25 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.

Example of Crypto Wash Sale

A crypto wash sale occurs when an investor sells a specific cryptocurrency at a loss but buys the same cryptocurrency 30 days before or after the sale date.

For example, suppose an investor buys $5,000 worth of a specific cryptocurrency. This crypto then falls in value by half, trading at $2,500. The investor can sell their position, incurring a $2,500 loss, but immediately buy back $2,500 worth of the crypto to maintain their position. The investor could claim $2,500 of capital losses on their taxes but still have a position in the crypto.

Crypto investors often use a wash sale to lock in a capital loss for tax benefits but still maintain a position in a specific crypto.

However, the IRS could still flag this strategy for tax loss harvesting. The IRS may disallow a wash sale if a taxpayer is in the same economic position after the transaction, as in the example above.

The best way to avoid issues with crypto wash sales is to wait to repurchase the specific crypto asset after the 30 days period; this way, the transaction no longer classifies as a wash sale.

Will the Wash Sale Rule for Crypto Change in the Future?

As noted above, the wash sale rule doesn’t currently apply to crypto, but that could change in the future.

The Biden administration tried to change how the wash sale rule applied to crypto as part of the Build Back Better legislation. If it had passed, this bill would have made crypto subject to the wash sale rule like stocks and other securities. However, this bill stalled in Congress.

Investors should be aware of the evolving nature of how tax rules apply to cryptocurrency since it is still a nascent asset class. There will likely be further regulation of cryptocurrency in the future, which could affect how the wash sale rule applies to crypto.

The Takeaway

The wash sale rule is a tax rule that says you can’t deduct a loss on the sale of an asset if you buy the same or similar asset within 30 days before or after the sale. The wash sale rule applies to stocks, bonds, and other securities, but does not usually apply to cryptocurrency.

Many crypto traders use wash sales as part of a tax-loss harvesting strategy to minimize tax burden while maintaining a position in their crypto holdings. However, the evolving tax rules surrounding crypto may limit this benefit in the future. Crypto traders need to stay up to these changes when it comes to managing a crypto portfolio and tax liability.

Photo credit: iStock/kate_sept2004

SoFi Invest®
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Crypto: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies aren’t endorsed or guaranteed by any government, are volatile, and involve a high degree of risk. Consumer protection and securities laws don’t regulate cryptocurrencies to the same degree as traditional brokerage and investment products. Research and knowledge are essential prerequisites before engaging with any cryptocurrency. US regulators, including FINRA , the SEC , and the CFPB , have issued public advisories concerning digital asset risk. Cryptocurrency purchases should not be made with funds drawn from financial products including student loans, personal loans, mortgage refinancing, savings, retirement funds or traditional investments. Limitations apply to trading certain crypto assets and may not be available to residents of all states.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

2Terms and conditions apply. Earn a bonus (as described below) when you open a new SoFi Digital Assets LLC account and buy at least $50 worth of any cryptocurrency within 7 days. The offer only applies to new crypto accounts, is limited to one per person, and expires on December 31, 2023. Once conditions are met and the account is opened, you will receive your bonus within 7 days. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate the offer at any time without notice.

First Trade Amount Bonus Payout
Low High
$50 $99.99 $10
$100 $499.99 $15
$500 $4,999.99 $50
$5,000+ $100

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Oct
30
2022
What Are Bull Put Spreads & How Do They Work?

Bull Put Spread: How This Options Strategy Works

By | Going to College, invest, Investing, Terminology | Comments Off on Bull Put Spread: How This Options Strategy Works

A bull put spread is an options trading strategy that someone may use when they have a moderately bullish view of an asset, meaning they think the price will increase slightly. The strategy allows you to profit from an increase in an underlying asset’s price while limiting losses if an asset’s price declines.

Bull put spreads and options trading are not for everyone, but learning the ins and outs of this strategy may help your financial portfolio.

What Is a Bull Put Spread?

A bull put spread is an options trading strategy that involves buying a put option and selling another put option on the same underlying asset with the same expiration date, but at different strike prices. The trade is considered a neutral-to-bullish strategy, since it’s designed so the maximum benefit occurs when an asset’s price moderately increases.

To execute a bull put spread, a trader will simultaneously sell a put option at a specific strike price (the short leg of the trade) and buy a put option with a lower strike price (the long leg of the trade).

The trader receives a premium for selling the option with a higher strike price but pays a premium for buying the put option with a lower strike price. The premium paid for the long leg put option will always be less than the short leg since the lower strike put is further out of the money. The difference between the premium received and the premium paid is the maximum potential profit in the trade.

The goal of the bull put spread strategy is to finish the trade with the premium earned by selling the put (sometimes referred to as writing a put option) and lose no more than the premium paid for the long put.

A bull put spread options trading strategy is sometimes called a short put spread or a credit put spread.

💡 Recommended: Options Trading 101: An Introduction to Stock Options

How a Bull Put Spread Works

Bull put spreads focus on put options, which are options contracts that give the buyer the right – but not always the obligation – to sell a security at a given price (the strike price) during a set period of time.

The bull put spread strategy earns the highest profit in situations where the underlying stock trades at or above the strike price of the short put option – the put option sold with the higher strike price – upon expiration. This strategy, therefore, works best for assets that the traders of a bull put spread believe will trade slightly upwards.

The strategy provides a way to profit from a stock’s rising price without having to hold shares. An options strategy like this also caps downside risk because the maximum loss is the difference between the strike prices of the two puts minus the net premium received.

Even though the risk is limited, there can still be times when it makes sense to close out the trade.

💡 Recommended: How to Trade Options: An In-Depth Guide for Beginners

Max Profit and Risk

A bull put spread is meant to profit from a rising stock price, time decay, or both. This strategy caps both potential profit and loss, meaning its risk is limited.

The profit of a bull put spread is capped at the premium you receive by selling the short leg of the trade, minus the premium you spent to buy the long leg put option. You achieve this maximum profit if the underlying asset finishes at any price above the strike price of the short leg of the trade.

Maximum profit = premium received for selling put option – premium paid for buying put option

The maximum losses (i.e., the risk) of a bull put spread is the difference between the strike price of the short put option and the strike price of the long put option, minus the net premium you received.

Maximum loss = strike price of short put – strike price of long put – net premium received

The breakeven point of a bull put spread is the price the underlying asset trades at expiration so that the trader will come away even. The breakeven point will equal the difference between the net premiums you receive up front and the strike price of the short put option. At the breakeven, the trader neither makes nor loses money, not including commissions and fees.

Breakeven point = strike price of short put – net premium received

Bull Put Spread Example

Alice would like to use a bull put spread for XYZ stock since she thinks the price will slowly go up a month from now. XYZ is trading at $150 per share. Alice sells a put option for a premium of $3 with a strike price of $150. At the same time, she buys a put option with a premium of $1 and a strike price is $140. Both put options have the same expiration date in a month.

Alice will collect the difference between the two premiums, which is $2 ($3 – $1). Since each option contract is usually for 100 shares of stock, she’d collect a $200 premium when opening the bull put spread.

Maximum Profit

As long as XYZ stock trades at or above $150 at expiration, both puts will expire worthless, and she will keep the $200 premium she received at the start of the trade, minus commissions and fees.

Maximum profit = $3 – $1 = $2 x 100 shares = $200

Maximum Loss

Alice will experience the maximum loss if XYZ stock trades below $140 at expiration, the strike price of the long leg of the trade. In this scenario, Alice will lose $800, plus commissions and fees.

Maximum loss = $150 – $140 – ($3 – $1) = $8 x 100 shares = $800

Breakeven

If XYZ stock trades at $148 at expiration, Alice will lose $200 from the short leg of the trade with the $150 stock price. However, this will be balanced out by the initial $200 premium she received when opening the positioning. She neither makes nor loses money in this scenario, not including commissions and fees.

Breakeven point = $150 – ($3 – $1) = $148

Bull Put Spread Exit Strategy

Often, trades don’t go as planned. If they did, trading would be easy, and everyone would succeed. What sets successful traders apart from the rest of the pack is the ability to make winning trades, mitigate risk, and limit losses.

Having an exit strategy can help by providing a plan to cut losses at a predetermined point, rather than being caught off guard or simply “waiting” and “hoping” that the market turns around in your favor.

An exit strategy may be a little complicated for a bull put spread. Before the expiration date, you may want to exit the trade so you don’t have to buy an asset you may be obligated to purchase because you sold a put option. You may also decide to exit the position if the underlying asset price is falling and you want to limit your losses rather than take the maximum loss.

To close out a bull put spread entirely would require that the trader buy the short put contract to close and sell the long put option to close.

💡 Recommended: Buy to Open vs Buy to Close

Pros and Cons of Bull Put Spreads

The following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of bull put spreads:

Bull Put Spread Pros

 Bull Put Spread Cons
Protection from downside risk; the maximum loss is known at the start of the trade The gains from the strategy will be limited and may be lower than if the trader bought the underlying asset outright
The potential to profit from a modest decline in the price of the underlying asset price Maximum loss is usually more substantial than the maximum gain
You can tailor the strategy based on your risk profile Difficult trading strategy for novice investors

Impacts of Variables

Several variables impact options prices, and options trading terminology describes how these variables might change in a given position.

Because a bull put spread consists of a short put and a long put, the way specific changes in different variables impact the position can be different than other options positions. Here’s a brief summary.

1. Stock Price Change

A bull put spread does well when the underlying security price rises, making it a bullish strategy. When the price falls, the spread performs poorly. This is known as a position with a “net positive delta.” Delta is an options measurement that refers to how much the price of an option will change as the underlying security price changes. The ratio of a stock’s price change to an option’s price change is not usually one-to-one.

Because a bull put spread is made up of one long put and one short put, the delta often won’t change much as the stock price changes if the time to expiration hasn’t changed. This is known as a “near-zero gamma” trade. Gamma is an estimation of how much the delta of a position will change as the underlying stock price changes.

2. Changes in Volatility

Volatility refers to how much the price of a stock might fluctuate in percentage terms. Implied volatility (IV) is a variable in options prices. Higher volatility usually means higher options prices, assuming other factors stay the same. But a bull put spread changes very little when volatility changes, and everything else remains equal.

This is known as a “near-zero vega” position. Vega measures how much an option price will change when volatility changes, but other factors are unmoved.

3. Time

Time decay refers to the fact that the value of an option declines as expiration draws near. The relationship of the stock price to the strike prices of the two put options will determine how time decay impacts the price of a bull put spread.

If the price of the underlying stock is near or above the strike price of the short put (the option with a higher strike price), then the price of the bull put spread declines (and makes money) as time goes on. This occurs because the short put is closest to being in the money and falls victim to time decay more rapidly than the long put.

But if the stock price is near or below the long put’s strike price (the option with a lower strike price), then the price of the bull spread will increase (and lose money) as time goes on. This occurs because the long put is closer to being in the money and will suffer the effects of time decay faster than the short put.

In cases where the underlying asset’s price is squarely in-between both strike prices, time decay barely affects the price of a bull put spread, as both the long and short puts will suffer time decay at more or less the same rate.

4. Early assignment

American-style options can be exercised at any time before expiration. Writers of a short options position can’t control when they might be required to fulfill the obligation of the contract. For this reason, the risk of early assignment (i.e., the risk of being required to buy the underlying asset per the option contract) must be considered when entering into short positions using options.

In a bull put spread, only the short put has early assignment risk. Early assignment of options usually has to do with dividends, and sometimes short puts can be assigned on the underlying stock’s ex-dividend date (the date someone has to start holding a stock if they want to receive the next dividend payment).

In the money puts with time value that doesn’t match the dividends of the underlying stock are likely to be assigned, as traders could earn more from the dividends they receive as a result of holding the shares than they would from the premium of the option.

For this reason, if the underlying stock price is below the short put’s strike price in a bull put spread, traders may want to contemplate the risk of early assignment. In cases where early assignment seems likely, using an exit strategy of some kind could be appropriate.

Start Investing Today With SoFi

Trading options isn’t easy and can involve significant risk. Many variables are involved in options trading, some of which have been notorious for catching newbie traders by surprise. While we’ve answered the fundamental question “what is a bull put spread” here, new investors looking to implement this strategy will still have a lot to learn.

For investors ready to dive into bull spreads and other options trading strategies, SoFi’s options trading platform is a good place to start, thanks to its intuitive design. Investors can trade options from the mobile app or web platform. Plus, they can check out educational resources about options if any questions arise.

Trade options with low fees through SoFi.

Photo credit: iStock/kate_sept2004

SoFi Invest®
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Before an investor begins trading options they should familiarize themselves with the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options . Tax considerations with options transactions are unique, investors should consult with their tax advisor to understand the impact to their taxes.
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Oct
28
2022
Liability vs Full Coverage Car Insurance: What They Cover

Liability vs Full Coverage Car Insurance: What They Cover

By | Insurance | Comments Off on Liability vs Full Coverage Car Insurance: What They Cover

Full coverage car insurance protects you against the most common causes of car damage and bodily injury: not just accidents but also theft, vandalism, fire, and more. Depending on the state you live in, it may also include Uninsured Motorist coverage, and Personal Injury Protection for yourself and your passengers. Liability, on the other hand, only offers financial protection against other drivers’ claims of injury and damage if you’re found at fault.

It can be hard to know how much insurance you need, and how to keep costs down. We’ll review the different types of policies available, pros and cons of each, and the average cost of full coverage vs. liability.

What Is Full Coverage Car Insurance?

Full coverage car insurance refers to a policy with the broadest protections available. Although specifics vary by policy, full coverage usually includes the following:

•   Liability: If you’re involved in an accident and found to be at fault, this type of insurance provides financial protection against other drivers’ claims of bodily injury and property damage.

•   Collision: Helps pay for damages to your own vehicle after an accident with another vehicle or an object like a guardrail.

•   Comprehensive: Protects you against theft or damage unrelated to an accident, such as fire or vandalism.

In some states, full coverage may also include the following:

•   Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM): Covers your losses if the other driver either doesn’t have insurance or not enough.

•   Personal injury protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses for yourself and passengers in your car if injuries occur. It may cover other costs, as well: lost wages, the cost of services that you can’t perform while injured, such as housekeeping, as well as funeral costs.

•   Medical payments (MedPay): This can cover medical expenses but doesn’t offer the fullness of coverage that’s available through PIP.

Check your state laws for specifics. This guide to car insurance terms can also be helpful.

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Recommended: Insurance Tips for First-Time Drivers

Average Cost of Full Coverage Car Insurance

The average full coverage car insurance cost in 2022 is $1,771 annually. Of course, many factors go into full coverage car insurance quotes, so your price will undoubtedly vary. The cost for a male teenage driver, for example, is $807 more each year on average.

A poor driving record will almost double your premiums. For more details, check out this look at how much insurance goes up after an accident.

Your deductible will also make a big difference in your premiums. In general, the lower the deductible, the higher the premium, and vice versa. So if you’re wondering how to lower your car insurance cost, consider choosing a higher deductible.

The cheapest full coverage car insurance is about $1,000 per year for an individual policy.

Recommended: What Credit Score is Needed to Buy a Car

Why Consider Getting Full Coverage Insurance?

You’ll have the broadest protections with a full coverage policy. Also, if you have a car loan, your lender may require you to have full coverage to protect their investment. The best way to determine how much coverage you need is to sit down for a personal insurance planning session.

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Pros and Cons of Full Coverage Car Insurance

There are advantages and disadvantages to paying for full coverage car insurance.

Pros of full coverage

•   Provides a broader range of protection:

◦   May cover medical expenses if you’re hurt in a collision

◦   May cover vandalism and theft

◦   Can protect you after an accident if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough coverage

•   Typically meets all state insurance requirements.

•   Usually satisfies the requirements of your lender or lessor.

Cons of full coverage

•   Cost is higher than baseline liability insurance.

•   Doesn’t provide coverage for commercial driving purposes.

•   Won’t cover the cost of normal wear and tear.

What Full Coverage Insurance Doesn’t Cover

Although full coverage provides a significant amount of protection, it doesn’t cover every situation imaginable. It may or may not, for example, provide UM/UIM, PIP, or MedPay coverage. As noted above, full coverage also doesn’t account for standard wear and tear or maintenance needs on the vehicle — that’s up to you. Learn more about saving on car maintenance costs.

Because full coverage varies from company to company, it’s important to read your agreement carefully and understand what it does and doesn’t include.

What Is Liability Car Insurance?

There are two components to what liability auto insurance covers: bodily injury and property damage. If someone is at fault in an accident, their bodily injury coverage will pay for the medical expenses of injured parties. It may also cover lost income, legal fees, and/or funeral costs.

Property damage coverage helps pay for damage to the other person’s vehicle and to any other property that sustained damage during the accident, such as a fence, home, or bicycle.

Personal liability coverage is something different. It typically covers medical costs for someone injured on your property or because of your negligence. It may cover property damage costs, legal fees, and so forth.

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Average Cost of Liability Insurance

On average, a liability insurance policy costs $716 in 2022. But again, many factors — including your age, gender, driving record, and type of deductible — can influence the price.

Why Consider Getting Liability Coverage Insurance?

Most states require liability car insurance, although the specifics vary from state to state. do not require it. In New Hampshire and Virginia, you can skip liability insurance if you can prove you can pay for costs out-of-pocket after an accident where you’re at fault.

Pros and Cons of Liability Coverage Car Insurance

While it may be tempting to pay for only liability coverage, you need to keep certain drawbacks in mind.

Pros of liability insurance

•   Costs less than full coverage car insurance.

•   Provides basic coverage in case of an accident.

•   Required by most states.

Cons of liability insurance

•   If an accident occurs, you could still be on the hook for many costs (more on this below).

•   Won’t cover theft or vandalism of your vehicle.

•   If you have a loan or lease, the lender/lessor may require full coverage.

What Liability Insurance Doesn’t Cover

If an accident occurs, liability insurance won’t cover damage to your vehicle. For that, you need collision coverage. Liability may or may not cover your personal injuries. And if you’re not at fault in the accident, it doesn’t cover the other driver’s medical bills or property damage costs.

Differences Between Liability and Full Coverage Insurance

When weighing liability vs. full coverage car insurance, here are a few things to consider:

•   Full coverage car insurance costs more, but it also offers significantly more protection.

•   Liability auto insurance is required in most states, but full coverage is not.

•   If you have a car loan or lease, the lender/lessor will likely require full coverage.

•   With liability insurance, there’s no deductible. With full coverage, deductibles range from $500 to $1,500.

When To Add Optional Coverage

Optional coverage to consider include:

•   Rental car reimbursement: If your car is in the shop or otherwise out of service for more than a day, this pays for a rental vehicle.

•   Gap insurance: This is intended for cars that have a loan or lease. If the vehicle is totalled and you owe more than the value of the car, gap insurance pays the difference.

•   New car replacement: As the name suggests, if a car is totaled, you get a new car that’s similar to your previous one.

Recommended: The Cheapest Way To Rent a Car

What Are the State Minimum Requirements for Full Coverage?

How to read this table: Alabama’s requirements for car insurance are 25/50/25. This means that the state requires $25,000 of bodily injury liability insurance per person, with $50,000 for all bodily injuries that take place within a single accident, and $25,000 in property damage per accident. Just keep in mind that this is the minimum amount of car insurance you need.

State

 Car Insurance Requirements

 Additional Requirements
Alabama 25/50/25
Alaska 50/100/25
Arizona 25/50/15
Arkansas 25/50/25
California 15/30/5
Colorado 25/50/15
Connecticut 25/50/25 The state also requires uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Delaware 25/50/10 The state also requires personal injury protection (PIP)
Florida Property damage liability of $10,000 per accident and $10,000 PIP coverage
Georgia 25/50/25
Hawaii 20/40/10 and $10,000 PIP
Idaho 25/50/15
Illinois 25/50/20 Under state law, policies automatically include what’s required for uninsured motorist coverages
Indiana 25/50/25 This state also requires $50,000 in underinsured motorist coverage for bodily injuries
Iowa 20/40/15
Kansas 25/50/25 Along with uninsured/underinsured coverage ($25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident) and personal injury protection (PIP or no-fault)
Kentucky 25/50/25
Louisiana 15/30/25
Maine 50/100/25 Along with $50,000 uninsured coverage per person and $100,000 per accident, and $2,000 in medical payment coverage
Maryland 30/60/15
Massachusetts 20/40/5 and $8,000 PIP
Michigan 20/40/10
Minnesota 30/60/10 Along with $25,000 uninsured/underinsured coverage per person, $50,000 per accident, and $40,000 PIP
Mississippi 25/50/15
Missouri 25/50/25 Plus $25,000 uninsured coverage per person and $50,000 per accident
Montana 25/50/20
Nebraska 25/50/25 Plus $25,000 uninsured/underinsured coverage per person and $50,000 per accident
Nevada 25/50/20
New Jersey 15/30/5 Along with $15,000 PIP
New Mexico 25/50/10
New York 25/50/50 and $50,000 PIP
North Carolina 30/60/25 The state also has detailed specifics about required insurance coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists
North Dakota 25/50/25
Ohio 25/50/25
Oklahoma 25/50/25
Oregon 25/50/20 Plus $25,000 uninsured coverage per person and $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 PIP
Pennsylvania 15/30/5 Plus $5,000 for medical payments
Rhode Island 25/50/25
South Carolina 25/50/25 Plus $25,000 uninsured coverage per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage
South Dakota 25/50/25 Plus $25,000 uninsured coverage per person and $50,000 per accident
Tennessee 25/50/15
Texas 30/60/25
Utah 25/65/15
Vermont 25/50/10
Washington 25/50/10
Washington D.C. 25/50/10 $25,000 uninsured coverage per person, $50,000 per accident, and $5,000 property damage
West Virginia 25/50/25 Plus $25,000 uninsured coverage per person and $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage
Wisconsin 25/50/10 Plus $25,000 uninsured coverage per person and $50,000 per accident

The Takeaway

Full coverage car insurance includes several different types of protection, which makes it popular with drivers who can afford it. Full coverage gives you liability protection (used when you’re at fault in an accident), collision (which pays for damage to your vehicle), and comprehensive (which protects against theft and non-accident-related damage). In some states, you’ll also get Uninsured Motorist coverage, Personal Injury Protection, and/or Medical Payment coverage. Liability coverage, on the other hand, only covers property damage and bodily injury in case you’re at fault in an accident. Auto insurance coverage requirements vary by state.

If you’re looking for affordable full coverage car insurance, we invite you to compare auto insurance quotes from top insurers. SoFi makes finding the right deal on car insurance easy.

Get a car insurance quote in just minutes.

FAQ

Is it worth having full coverage on a car?

If you have a loan or lease, you may be required to have full coverage. And you may want to get full coverage on a newer car to protect your investment even if you don’t have to. This can also be true of an older car that’s maintained its value.

What does full coverage come with?

It comes with liability insurance, collision coverage, and comprehensive insurance. It may come with additional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection, and/or medical payment coverage.

What are the benefits of full coverage?

This kind of policy provides you with a broad range of protections against not just accidents but fire, theft, vandalism, and other common threats. If you have a car loan or lease, full coverage may be required.

Photo credit: iStock/shapecharge

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

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Oct
27
2022
12 Ways a College Athlete Can Make Money

12 Ways a College Athlete Can Make Money

By | Budgeting & Goals, Going to College, money | Comments Off on 12 Ways a College Athlete Can Make Money

Student athletes typically have extra busy schedules along with the usual college expenses. Between classes, course work, practices, and games or competitions, finding the time for a job to make some money can be tough.

Fortunately, there are many ways for college athletes to make money — through coaching, training gigs, remote work options, and more. With a little creativity, it’s possible to earn some cash doing what an athlete does best: playing to your strengths.

Here, you’ll learn more about how college athletes can make money while working on their degree.

Rising Cost of College

There’s no doubt that college is a big-ticket item: In the 2021-2022 school year, the average cost of tuition and fees at a public college was around $10,740 for in-state residents, and $27,560 for out-of-state residents. For private college, the average cost was $38,070.

Between 1980 and 2020, the average cost of an undergraduate degree went up by 169%.

Even if you’ve been awarded a scholarship, student athletes still need money for everyday expenses and all those protein bars. If you’re wondering how to make ends meet, read on for answers to the question, “How can you make money as a college athlete?”

12 Smart Ways to Make Money as a Student Athlete

If you need to balance athletics and academics, there are an array of part-time job opportunities well-suited for the student athlete.

Here are 12 ways you can bank on your abilities, while adding to your college bank account.

1. Working for the Athletics Department

Landing a job in your school’s athletics department can be a convenient way to earn money while figuring out how to get involved at college and meet other students. Many college athletic departments can provide part-time gigs — in the office or the locker room.

Try asking your coach or athletic director about money-making opportunities. Athletic departments often need the support and, since they’ll be helping out a student athlete, the arrangement can be a real win-win.

2. Training Younger Athletes

Your athletic talents can help nurture the next generation. You could earn an hourly wage working in an after-school sports program for kids — either directly at a school, with a private league/program, or with an organization such as the YMCA.

Parents are often looking for role models to coach and train their children. Some college athletes offer their expertise in a private one-on-one or small group setting for an hourly rate — between $20 to $25 per kid.

Your coach or athletic director may have insight on opportunities for working with children. Bonus: Running around with those energetic kids can help keep you in shape.

Recommended: 15 Low-Cost Side Hustles

3. Personal Training

Still curious about how a college athlete can earn money? Think about all those hours spent training, whether your sport is baseball or gymnastics. You can parlay your workout know-how into income. As a personal trainer, you could make around $20 bucks an hour working with a client, and schedule sessions around your availability.

However, some clients (definitely gyms) may require you to have a personal trainer certificate from an accredited program, which could take time and money.

4. Managing Social Media

In addition to hours in the weight room, college athletes, like most young people, have spent a lot of time on social media. Why not turn those hours of screen time into cash?

Some small businesses don’t have a social media presence. You could check with your campus pizza joint, a local fitness center, or your team’s favorite coffee bar and see if they might hire you to set up or maintain their social media accounts. You could arrange for an hourly rate or flat monthly fee.

Recommended: Finding Jobs That Pay Off Student Loans

5. Vlogging

Some student athletes start their own YouTube vlog relating their experiences or testing sports equipment. As it grows, you can eventually monetize it by using income-producing programs such as Google Adsense.

The flexibility of vlogging is great for a busy college athlete’s schedule, but it might take awhile for you to learn how to get paid for social media and start bringing in income.

Quick Money Tip:When you overdraft your checking account, you’ll likely pay a non-sufficient fund fee of, say, $35. Look into linking a savings account to your checking account as a backup to avoid that, or shop around for a zero fee bank account that doesn’t charge you for overdrafting.

6. Writing Sports Articles

You can make some extra dough by writing about your experiences as a college athlete — personal stories or articles about your triumphs and challenges or an insider’s scoop on the big match.

Check with local newspapers or online sports publications for submission requirements and pay scale.

7. Working Seasonal Jobs

Many college athletes may have more hours for a job during the off-season. If the bulk of your athletic commitments are in the spring, you might consider an easy way to make money in the winter, whether shoveling driveways or ski detailing in a sporting goods store.

A primarily winter season could free up time for an athletic summer job, such as being a lifeguard or a counselor at a sports camp.

8. Selling Old Sports Gear

Student athletes can clean out their closets and earn extra money by selling their gently used sports equipment, apparel, and footwear. Online marketplaces such as SidelineSwap and Geartrade deal specifically in used sports products. Or you can always list your items on Ebay, Facebook Marketplace, and/or Craigslist.

9. Selling Sports Cards

Like many college athletes, you may have spent your childhood collecting trading cards of your sports heroes. Now your hobby could really pay off. There are many websites and antique stores waiting to buy individual cards or your whole collection.

Only one problem: Some of your sports cards may have high sentimental value. You may not be able to part with them!

Recommended: 39 Passive Income Ideas to Build Wealth in 2022

10. Starting an Online Business

Being your own boss is a great way to ensure a flexible schedule for a college athlete. Tap your entrepreneurial streak. The possibilities are endless — editing services, translation services, online T-shirt sales with a unique logo for your team — and you can hire your teammates to help out.

Recommended: 11 Benefits of Having a Side Hustle

11. Modeling

Here’s how else student athletes can make money: Most are physically fit, making them good candidates for modeling work. You could submit photos to a local talent/modeling agency and mention your athletic skills as a plus. A photoshoot for a print ad or an on-camera commercial can yield good money for a few hours of work.

12. Cashing in on Endorsements

In 2021, college athletes earned the legal right to profit off of their names, images, and likeness (NIL). While some student athletes have raked in five- to six-figure endorsement deals, the majority of the 460,000 college athletes across the country earned smaller payouts or free products from local businesses.

While the ruling may be controversial, for some, it’s an easy way to benefit from your years of hard work and dedication to your sport.

The Takeaway

Student athletes can leverage their years of training and discipline into finding a part-time job. You can channel your sports knowledge and work ethic into coaching, personal training, vlogging, writing sports articles, or launching an online business.

With a little research and hard work, you can find an income source that is financially rewarding and won’t put your studies or athletic performance in the penalty box.

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

FAQ

Is it legal for student athletes to make money?

Student athletes are allowed to hold on-campus and off-campus jobs.

How many hours are student athletes able to work?

The NCAA dictates that student athletes are limited to participate in school athletic activities for a maximum of four hours a day, or 20 hours a week. Depending on a student’s course load, that leaves a few hours a day for a part-time job.

Do student athletes get paid?

Student athletes don’t receive salaries from colleges. However, they are allowed to benefit from monetizing their name, image, and likeness, and benefit from commercial endorsements.

Photo credit: iStock/GCShutter

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

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