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When life gets expensive (which is often), it can make sense to take on a side job to earn extra money. If you have skills you can put to work on a part-time basis (like writing, landscaping, or driving), you may be able to generate enough income to help pay down debt, build up emergency savings, or to get some breathing room in your budget.

What are the best self-employed jobs? Keep reading to find out.

What Are Self-Employed Jobs?

Being self-employed means working for yourself. For tax purposes, you may be considered a sole proprietor or an independent contractor. You can be self-employed on a full-time basis or part-time on the side.

Reasons for Getting a Self-Employed Job

These are some great reasons to get a self-employed job:

•   Earn extra money

•   Gain experience and improve skills

•   Expand your professional network

•   Make your own schedule around other responsibilities

Pros and Cons Of Getting a Self-Employed Job

Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages associated with self-employed jobs and side hustles, including:

Pros:

•   Flexible hours

•   Choose your work environment (home, cafe, office)

•   Great learning opportunities

•   Chance to pursue a passion

Cons:

•   Less collaboration

•   Starting a business can require long hours

•   Fluctuating earnings (having a budgeting app can help here)

•   A lot of responsibility

Recommended: What Trade Makes the Most Money?

What to Expect From Self-Employed Jobs

It can be hard to know what to expect from self-employed jobs since they don’t come with a job description or HR department. Some jobs can be done on a work-from-home basis, whereas others require showing up in-person.

Self-employed workers know to “expect the unexpected”: Don’t assume that your workday or client roster will be consistent or predictable, as it is with a full-time job. It’s normal for there to be speed bumps along the way to a more steady routine.

Self-Employed Job Tips

Now let’s look at some tips for making self-employment easier.

•   Focus on a passion. Having a second job or working as an entrepreneur is hard. But if you choose a field or mission you’re passionate about, it can be easier to stay motivated and on track.

•   Develop industry expertise. To really stand out and impress clients, it’s important to have a deep knowledge of the industry and skills required to do the job well.

•   Learn from mistakes. Mistakes happen, but they aren’t a reason to give up. Try to learn from mistakes and improve.

•   Make the most of your income. Once you start making extra money, you may need help managing it. A money tracker lets you connect all of your accounts in one place, so you can track your debts, keep tabs on your cash flow, and find ways to save.

16 Best Self-Employed Jobs 2022

What are the best self-employed jobs? Let’s take a look at 16 options, considering how much they pay and the skills they require. All of these jobs can be done on a part-time basis to generate supplemental income. They also have the potential to turn into full-time opportunities.

1. Writer

National average pay: $35.43 per hour

Job growth outlook: 5%

Job description: Write articles, books, scripts, advertising copy, and other materials.

Requirements: Strong understanding of grammar, communication skills, professional or academic writing experience.

Duties:

•   Write short-form or long-form copy

•   Edit written copy

•   Craft headlines and campaign slogans

2. Business Consultant

National average pay: $47.80 per hour

Job growth outlook: 11%

Job description: Consult businesses on how they can improve their performance.

Requirements: Business experience and good communication skills.

Duties:

•   Help a business perform better in chosen area(s) of focus

•   Measure and report business performance

•   Create strategy and present that strategy to key stakeholders

3. Videographer

National average pay: $31.28 per hour

Job growth outlook: 3%

Job description: Capture video content and edit it for clients.

Requirements: Video and editing skills.

Duties:

•   Shoot and direct video content

•   Edit video content using professional software

•   Plan video shoots

4. Social Media Specialist

National average pay: $13.71 per hour

Job growth outlook: 4%

Job description: Plan social media marketing strategy, create and post social content, and engage with audience.

Requirements: Marketing analytics and social media marketing knowledge, including paid social media.

Duties:

•   Plan social media campaigns: organic and paid

•   Create written and visual content

•   Interpret metrics to understand strengths and weaknesses

5. Makeup Artist

National average pay: $32.97 per hour

Job growth outlook: 9%

Job description: Apply makeup on models, individuals for special events, or actors for movies and red carpet events.

Requirements: License in cosmetology and strong cosmetic skills.

Duties:

•   Apply makeup to professional or individuals

•   Consult on beauty looks before big events

•   Design and apply special effects makeup for the film industry

6. Graphic designer

National average pay: $28.32 per hour

Job growth outlook: 2%

Job description: Design graphics such as logos and advertisements using digital tools.

Requirements: Understand design and color theory and be adept at digital design programs

Duties:

•   Use software to create visuals for digital or printed materials

•   Edit photographs

•   Create company branding

7. Career Coach

National average pay: $29.67 per hour

Job growth outlook: 4%

Job description: Help clients set professional goals and guide them as they work toward them. Coaching can be a rewarding way to make money from home.

Requirements: Strong understanding of job market and active listening skills.

Duties:

•   Help clients complete job applications effectively

•   Assist with cover letter and resume writing

•   Practice interview scenarios

8. Software Developer

National average pay: $62.58 per hour

Job growth outlook: 17%

Job description: Developers write computer code in order to create applications, websites, and other digital products or to update existing ones. Coding is considered the quintessential job for introverts.

Requirements: Knowledge of coding languages.

Duties:

•   Write computer code

•   Design and install programs and applications

•   Create or update websites

9. Event Planner

National average pay: $27.36 per hour

Job growth outlook: 7%

Job description: Plan corporate events, weddings, and parties.

Requirements: Plan and execute events, from compiling guest lists and booking the venue to selecting a caterer and choosing decor.

Duties:

•   Plan events from start to finish, from concept to tiny details

•   Run and manage the event day-of

•   Connect clients with vendors

10. Hairstylist

National average pay: $16.87 per hour

Job growth outlook: 7%

Job description: Cut, color, and style hair for clients, as well as providing other beauty services.

Requirements: Cosmetology license (most states)

Duties:

•   Cut and color hair

•   Style hair

•   Educate clients on hair care and products

11. Photographer

National average pay: $19.60 per hour

Job growth outlook: 4%

Job description: Take photographs of places, objects, and people for business clients or individuals who want a special moment or event recorded.

Requirements: Digital photography and photo editing.

Duties:

•   Plan photoshoots

•   Take digital photographs

•   Edit photos in post-production

12. Transcriptionist

National average pay: $17.82 per hour

Job growth outlook: -5%

Job description: Listen to recorded or live speech and transcribe it into text. (Transcribing is a good job for antisocial people.)

Requirements: Active listening, typing, and spelling and grammar skills.

Duties:

•   Accurately transcribe audio into text

•   Edit transcripts for proper spelling and grammar

•   Work for businesses or transcription services

13. Driver

National average pay: $19.21 per hour

Job growth outlook: 9%

Job description: Pick up and drive passengers to desired locations safely.

Requirements: Valid driver’s license and good driving record. If driving for a company, you may have to pass a driver’s test and own a car.

Duties:

•   Pick up passengers at desired location

•   Drive passengers to their location safely

•   Provide ride-share services or private driving services

Recommended: What Credit Score is Needed to Buy a Car?

14. Landscaper

National average pay: $18.12 per hour

Job growth outlook: 5%

Job description: Plan and plant landscaping and maintain existing plantings to ensure garden health and aesthetic appeal.

Requirements: Knowledge of landscaping best practices.

Duties:

•   Plant grass, flowers, trees, and shrubs

•   Maintain health of plants

•   Mow grass, trim and prune plants, and water landscaping

15. Nanny

National average pay: $14.60 per hour

Job growth outlook: -1%

Job description: Take care of children: Cook for, clean up after, play with, and transport them to and from school and social activities.

Requirements: Childcare experience; some parents prefer safety certifications such as CPR.

Duties:

•   Keep children safe, clean, and fed

•   Play with children and help them with their homework

•   Assist with household chores

16. Personal Trainer

National average pay: $22.35

Job growth outlook: 14%

Job description: Help clients master workout routines and make physical health progress. While this used to be an in-person job exclusively, many trainers now work from home, coaching and leading classes via web-cam.

Requirements: Education in kinesiology or exercise science.

Duties:

•   Create custom workout routines for clients

•   Help clients set fitness goals

•   Instruct clients on how to properly perform exercises and monitor their physical progress

The Takeaway

The best self-employed job for you depends on your skills and passions. There are many self-employed job opportunities across various industries that can help you earn extra money. Benefits include flexible hours and schedules, your choice of workplace, and the opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills. Disadvantages include fluctuating income, unpredictable workdays, and total responsibility.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

How can I make $1,000 a month passively?

Passive income takes work to set up, but it can be rewarding once the initial labor is done. Investing is a good example of passive income. It takes time and money to build a strong investment portfolio, but once you do, you can earn money passively each month with little effort.

What self-employed jobs make a lot of money?

Personal trainer, event planner, software developer, business consultant, videographer, and makeup artist are some of the best paying self-employed jobs. But many different types of jobs can generate good income once you have some experience.

Which career is best for the self-employed?

As they say, one person’s heaven is another’s hell. And so it is with self-employed jobs. Think carefully about what you’re good at, your industry knowledge and experience, and the type of role you’re passionate about in order to find the right self-employed job for you.

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SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

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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Some days off are meant for purely relaxing. Others are meant for checking things off our to-do lists that we can’t get done during the course of the work week.

If you’re looking for productive things to do on your day off — including ideas that may improve your money mindset and financial fitness — we have 21 good ways to get started.

How Staying Productive Can Improve Your Money Mindset

If you have a lazy day off, it might wind up costing you. The temptation to spend when bored is real. When you have nothing to do, you may turn to online shopping, dining out, or other pricey leisure activities to fill your time.

There is of course a time and place for spending on leisure, but there’s a big question to ask yourself before spending that money. Specifically, are you plunking down that cash because you will get something out of the experience or purchase or are you simply doing so because you’re bored?

Staying productive on days off can be a form of financial self-care. It can help you avoid unnecessary spending which, in turn, can make other leisure time feel even more enjoyable.

Productive Things to Do on Your Day Off

Not sure what to do on a day off? Consider checking one or more of these positive activities off your to-do list. Any of them can help you feel more organized and in control of your life.

1. Planning a Vacation

Instead of going out and spending money, consider staying home and planning your next vacation. The money you save can go towards your upcoming trip. Not only that,, research and advance planning can help you spend less on your vacation and make sure everything goes smoothly. You might even open a travel fund account and begin saving.

2. Checking Your Credit Card Statements

If you get paperless statements, you may not regularly look closely at your credit card spending. This can be a smart thing to check off on your day off. Simply Log into account and scan your recent statements. Make sure all charges are accurate and see if your spending is in line with your budget. If you’re carrying a balance, you might hatch a plan to pay it off.

3. Taking Quality Time for Yourself

“Qualify time” means different things to different people. For you, taking time for yourself might mean pursuing a hobby like painting, reading a good book, going for a long run, or taking a long bath. There are plenty of relaxing activities to enjoy that don’t cost any money and recharge you for the work days ahead.

Recommended: 30 Fun and Inexpensive Hobbies

4. Reviewing Your Career Goals

While it may not sound fun to sit down and think about work outside of working hours, there’s a lot of value to be found in peaceful reflection. Spending time reviewing career goals when there are no Monday-to-Friday stressors or distractions can make it easier to find clarity.

5. Starting a Side Hustle

Whether you could use some extra income or you’re thinking about changing careers, you might use some of your day off to investigate freelance opportunities and other types of side hustles. Look into options that you might enjoy that also provide the opportunity to learn new skills.

6. Catching Up on Important Errands

Running errands isn’t always fun, but not having them hanging over our heads almost always feels good. If you have a day off, you might want to use a couple of hours in the morning to tackle errands — this can leave the rest of the day wonderfully free. Plus, you’ll get that “I’ve got this!” boost from knowing you’re in control of those to-do’s.

7. Exercising

Getting in a workout — or just some physical activity — can boost your mood and energy level and lead to a happier and more productive day off.

8. Mapping Out Your Money Goals

Similar to setting career goals, a day off can be the perfect time to think about your money goals. Consider what you’d like to accomplish in the next several years — such as buying a car, going to Europe, or putting a down payment on a home. Then figure out how much you’ll need to save each month to do it. You might even open a high-yield saving account and set up an automated monthly transfer to help accomplish your goal.

9. Getting a Haircut

A fresh haircut can put a bit of pep in anyone’s step — a definite self-esteem booster for most of us.

10. Volunteering

Giving back to your community can be a great way to spend free time. There are so many different causes worth getting involved in, from food banks to animal shelters to park cleanups. Volunteering can also expand your network and help you learn new skills, which could pay off in other ways down the line.

11. Updating Your Online Resume

If you’re looking for a new job, the weekend can be a great time to update any resumes you have posted on social media platforms or job searching websites. There are loads of templates online that can help you spiff up your resume, too.

12. Reading a New Book

With so many distractions on busy days, it’s hard to find the time to read. Why not make reading a new book (or an old favorite) a priority on your next day off? There’s nothing like the escape of a good story, whether it’s historical fiction, a murder mystery, or whatever else catches your attention.

13. Taking an Online Class

Whether you want to learn a new work-related skill or explore a personal interest, there’s likely an online class out there that can help you productively use your time off. From coding to cooking, almost any topic is available these days.

Recommended: Can You Take Online Classes While Working?

14. Spending Time With Loved Ones

Productivity can mean a lot of different things, including spending time with loved ones. Maintaining connections with the people you care about most can help you build a support system and provide personal gratification.

15. Unsubscribing From Unwanted Emails

Have half an hour to kill before meeting up with friends? Chip away at unsubscribing from all those unwanted emails. The lack of digital clutter can be super freeing, even if you don’t achieve “inbox zero” just yet.

16. Updating Your To-Do List

Want to get things done on a day off, but don’t know where to start? Sit down with a pen and some paper (or your phone or laptop) and write an updated to-do list. Of course, it’s not necessary to tackle the entire list in one day, but do try to schedule when you’ll tackle each item on your list.

17. Checking How You’re Doing With Your Budget

Budgets only work if you check in periodically to see how well you’re sticking to the plan. Every few months, it’s a good idea to look at your bank statements and make sure your spending and saving aligns with your goals. You can also use a budgeting app to simplify the process.

Recommended: Guide to Emergency Funds

18. Planning for Next Week

Another good use of free time is to get organized for the week ahead so it feels less stressful and intimidating. Do meal prep, clean up the house, organize your bills, and make sure all work clothes are washed and ready to wear.

19. Finding Networking Opportunities

Nowadays, you can do a lot of professional networking from home online. If you have some downtime, consider hopping on LinkedIn, checking your notifications, and sending some connection requests or messages to help broaden your network.

20. Adjusting Your Tax-Withholding if It’s Not Right

Sick of owing taxes each year? Check your tax withholdings to make sure the correct amount is being deducted from your paychecks. Adjust it accordingly if needed. That quick move could save you some money headaches when tax season rolls around.

21. Cleaning Your House

A good cleaning session can help make your home more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable to live in. Imagine your place freshly vacuumed or the bathroom scrubbed as motivation.

The Practical And Financial Benefits of Being Productive

We all need downtime, but being productive on a day off also has numerous benefits, including feeling happier, less stressed, and more in control over your life. It can also have a positive impact on your finances. For one, being productive can help beat the boredom that can lead to filling your time with shopping or other expensive activities. And if you use your free time to organize and stay on top of your finances, it can help you make the most of your money and reach your financial goals.

Banking With SoFI

As you can see from this list, there’s no shortage of productive things to do on your day off. Whether you choose to spend your free hours taking an online class, reviewing your budget, or outside running, putting your time to good use can leave you feeling less stressed and more in control over your personal, professional, and financial life.

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

What is considered wasting time on your day off?

When deciding what things to do on a day off, only you can decide what’s a waste of time or what’s not. For one person, organizing their receipts is a waste of time; for another, it’s productive. The same holds true for reading a book. The key is to find a way to balance productivity and relaxation as you define them.

How can I productively treat myself on my day off?

There are numerous ways you can treat yourself on a day off while also being productive. Examples include going for a hike, listening to a podcast, reading a new book, or taking a class online. All of these options have positive benefits in terms of self-care and fun but don’t cost much (if anything).

Is traveling considered productive?

Traveling and gaining new experiences and insights beyond your local community can indeed be productive. Travel can help us learn, grow, relax, and return home with a new, refreshed perspective.

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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

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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.

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.

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Housing and transportation may be the top line items in a typical family budget, but the cost of meals and groceries can also be significant. The cost of food jumped during the pandemic and has remained high due to inflation, supply chain issues, and other factors. While all consumers are impacted by price hikes, families in particular may be feeling the pinch at checkout.

If you have a larger family, creating a budget can help keep you from overspending at the grocery store. But how much should you allocate for food each month? Keep reading to learn more about creating a grocery budget for a family of five.

Average Grocery Budget for American Family of Five

When coming up with your grocery budget, it helps to first understand how much you can expect to spend on food. The average household spends roughly $832 per month or $9,985 per year, on at-home food, according to the most recent statistics available from the BLS.

But how much should you budget for groceries if you have a family of five? A good starting point is the USDA’s food plans, which include four spending levels: thrifty, low-cost, moderate-cost, and liberal. According to the latest food plan available, here’s what a family of five should plan to spend on groceries:

Spending level	Cost per month	Cost per year
Thrifty	$939	$11,268
Low-cost	$1,017	$12,204
Moderate-cost	$1,258	$15,097
Liberal	$1,520	$18,240

Source: USDA food plans

How Much to Budget for Groceries Per Person

How much a family of five end up budgeting for groceries depends on a number of factors, like how much the store charges, the type and amount of food purchased, and whether they use a grocery delivery service.

Want to figure out how much to allocate in your food budget for each family member? You can refer to the USDA food plans above for a general idea of monthly and yearly costs, and divide the amounts by the number of members of your family. You can also look at the last three to six months of your family’s grocery bills and calculate a monthly average. Divide that amount by the number of members of your family.

Once you see how much you’re actually spending per person each month, you can adjust your budget accordingly.

How to Prioritize Your Grocery Spending

When you’re feeding a large family, you want to make the most of your grocery list. The best way to prioritize your food spending is to create a home budget and stick to it. Having a plan in place makes it easier to curb grocery store splurges.

If you’re new to budgeting, you may want to use the 50/30/20 rule. This framework calls for earmarking 50% of your monthly after-tax income on things you need (such as food, housing, and transportation), 30% on things you want (such as a new outfit or tickets to a concert), and 20% on savings and debt repayment.

Another helpful tool to consider is a budget planner app, which allows you to easily set spending and savings goals and monitor your progress.

How to Stay Within Your Grocery Budget

Staying on top of a grocery budget can be challenging, especially when you have a larger family. The following tips can help:

Don’t Shop When You’re Hungry

When your stomach is grumbling in the middle of the grocery store, chances are you’re more likely to give in to cravings. This may leave you with a cart full of impulse buys, which could add to your overall cost.

Make a Shopping List

Writing down everything you need before you start shopping is a good way to ensure you only pick up the items you need and are in your budget.

Embrace Meal Planning

Create a weekly menu ahead of time so that when you hit the store, you know exactly what ingredients to buy. If your finances allow, consider reserving a small chunk of the budget so that each family member can pick out a treat for that week.

Recommended: How to Create a Budget in 6 Steps

How to Budget for Restaurants and Dining Out

While eating at home can be more cost effective than dining out, many memories are made at restaurants. If your family is planning to have meals out, how much should you expect to spend?

The average American household spends $3,933 on dining out, according to the most recent data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, larger families should expect to spend more.

Tips for Reducing Your Grocery Budget

Looking to lower your grocery bill? Consider these simple strategies:

•   Buy in bulk

•   Shop at discount retailers

•   Choose generic brands

•   Meal prep for the week

•   Shop sales

•   Join rewards programs

•   Use coupons

•   Use a credit card that earns cash back rewards

Tips for Getting Help If You Can’t Afford to Buy Groceries

Families that are struggling to pay for food have several government resources they can turn to for help. Food stamps (also referred to as SNAP benefits), the WIC program, school meal programs, and food assistance programs are all worth looking into. Depending on the program, you may need to meet certain criteria, such as an income limit, in order to be eligible.

Examples of the Cost of Common Groceries

As anyone who has stepped foot in a grocery store lately can attest, food costs are going up. But just how much depends largely on where you live. To make budgeting for groceries and other expenses easier, consider using a money tracker app.

It can be helpful to understand national prices so you can prepare your food budget accordingly. Below is the national average of six common items, according to a February 2025 NBC News analysis of NielsenIQ data.

Average Cost of Groceries
Orange juice (60 oz.)	$4.83
Chicken eggs (dozen)	$5.88
Chicken breast/lb	$5.75
Fresh ground beef/lb	$5.88
Bacon (16 oz.)	$4.86
Loaf of bread	$3.04

How to Stretch Your Grocery Budget

Stretching a grocery budget requires careful planning. A few places to start: planning meals for the week, taking advantage of weekly ads and local deals, and shopping at more affordable grocery stores. Savvy shoppers can even design meals around the discounts and coupons being offered at the more affordable grocery stores.

Another strategy is to buy in bulk where it makes sense. Purchasing larger amounts of staples like rice, flour, and paper products can provide a better bang for your grocery buck.

Recommended: 23 Ways to Cut Back on Spending and Expenses

The Takeaway

Food is a major expense for most Americans, but perhaps more so for larger families. Creating a budget can help keep costs in check. On average, a family of five spends anywhere from $939 to $1,520 a month on groceries, according to USDA monthly food plans. If you’re looking to curb your spending, consider meal planning, buying in bulk, and shopping at more affordable grocery stores. If you need help paying for groceries, government programs like SNAP benefits and WIC can provide support.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

What is a realistic grocery budget for a family of five?

Depending on how much you have to spend on food, a realistic grocery budget for a family of five may range anywhere from $939 to $1,520 a month on groceries, according to USDA monthly food plans. To determine how much your family should spend each month, consider adding up the last three to six months of grocery bills and finding the monthly average.

How can a family of five save money on groceries?

There are steps a family of five can take to save on groceries, including meal planning, taking advantage of coupons and weekly deals, and making a shopping list ahead of time. Those strategies allow families to spend more mindfully and, ideally, lower their grocery bill.

What is a reasonable grocery budget?

The average American household spends $9,985 per year on groceries, according to the most recent statistics available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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There are times when urgent, vital expenses pop up that lead you to dip into your emergency fund. Maybe you were laid off and rent is due, or you get into an accident and wind up with a pile of medical bills.

But at other times, it can be hard to know what exactly qualifies as a rainy day and gives you license to dip into your emergency savings. What about a great deal on a used car, which you could really use? Or the opportunity to replace your old fridge at a steep discount? Do those qualify as reasons to dip into your savings? Learn more here.

What Are Things to Avoid Spending My Emergency Savings on?

If you’ve done a good job stashing cash in an emergency fund, you likely want to know what types of expenses are valid uses of the money sitting in your savings account. Here are examples of when not to withdraw funds:

6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Spending Your Emergency Fund

Now, it’s time to consider when to go ahead and use that money you saved for a rainy day. If you’re on the fence about whether an expense counts as an emergency, ask yourself the following six questions to determine if you should tap your emergency funds.

1. Is This Absolutely Necessary?

There’s a difference between things you want and things you need. If you start a new job and have to buy a uniform for it, that’s a necessity. If, however, you begin a new job and simply want some new outfits, that isn’t a necessity. Similarly, pining for a new stove with a commercial-style cooktop is a want; replacing a stove that conked out is a necessity.

2. Is This the Only Way That I Can Pay for This?

Before pulling money from this account, consider if the emergency fund is the only source of money that can cover this expense. Would it be possible to wait a week until payday and use your income instead? Gift cards, coupons, and sale discount codes can make it easier to pay for purchases without draining your emergency fund.

Your goal here is to determine the lowest possible price for a purchase and then see if there’s another (non-emergency fund) way to pay for it.

3. Is This an Unexpected Event?

Emergency funds can be a great way to cover unexpected and necessary purchases, but they aren’t supposed to replace poor planning. If you know a major expense is coming your way (say, the hot-water heater is coming to the end of its lifespan), it’s best to save for it instead of reaching into your rainy day fund.

4. Is This Urgent or Can It Wait?

Even if an expense feels like something that must be dealt with at the moment, there’s a good chance it can be put off. Ask yourself if it can wait until you have saved enough money to pay for it without accessing emergency funds.

5. How Much of My Emergency Fund Will I Be Using?

An emergency fund exists as a safety valve when you unexpectedly need funds. However, before pulling money from an emergency fund, it can be helpful to consider just how much of the emergency fund the purchase will take up. If it’s going to drain the fund and the purchase can wait, it’s likely best to wait. Or maybe you can buy a less pricey version of the item in question.

6. How Long Will It Take To Rebuild My Savings?

If the purchase will take up a big chunk of the emergency savings fund, it can be a good idea to map out how long it will take to rebuild those savings. If it will take more than six months, then it may be best to hold off on making that purchase until the emergency fund is more substantial. It may be better to cut back on spending to cover this expense now without having to touch emergency savings.

Of course, sometimes an emergency is really an emergency, and you can’t hold off. If you are hit with, say, a major medical bill, you may have to use up that emergency fund and work hard to rebuild it later. But it will have done its job and seen you through a tough time.

Recommended: Emergency Fund Calculator

The Takeaway

Before pulling savings from an emergency fund, it’s important to determine if the purchase is truly urgent or simply something you really want. Sometimes, real emergencies do crop up, and you’ll be glad you have money saved. Other times, you may realize that the expense isn’t really so vital. Emergency savings can be a real lifesaver, so you want to protect those funds and make sure you use them properly.

One way to build up an emergency fund faster is to put your money in a savings account that earns a competitive interest rate.

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

What should you ask yourself before using your emergency fund?

Before you pull money from an emergency fund, ask yourself questions like, Is this expense absolutely necessary? Is this the only way I can pay for it? Is it urgent or can it wait? How much of my emergency savings will I be using up? The answers should guide you towards whether or not it’s worth tapping into your emergency fund.

What should you spend your emergency fund on?

What constitutes an emergency purchase for one person may look quite different for another. That being said, it’s usually best to only spend emergency fund savings on necessities, not wants. Financial emergencies are usually unexpected and may include home repairs, medical bills, and car repairs — or day-to-day expenses after, say, a job loss.

What should you not put in your emergency fund?

While it’s a good idea to put extra money towards an emergency fund instead of spending it frivolously, there are some types of savings it’s best to leave out of an emergency fund. For example, it’s not a good idea to use 401(k) contributions or other retirement savings to build an emergency fund. Saving for retirement is crucial, and employers may match 401(k) contributions, which is basically like getting free money. In this scenario, it may be wise to focus on maxing out retirement contributions before building an emergency fund.

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*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.

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A personal loan can be a helpful financial tool when someone needs to borrow money to pay for things like home repairs, a wedding, or medical expenses, for example. The principal amount of a loan refers to how much money is borrowed and has to be paid back, aside from interest.

Keep reading for more insight into what the principal of a loan is and how it affects repayment.

Loan Principal Meaning

What is the principal of a loan? When someone takes out a loan, they are borrowing an amount of money, which is called “principal.” The principal on a loan represents the amount of money they borrowed and agreed to pay back. The interest on the loan is what they’ll pay in exchange for borrowing that money.

Does a Personal Loan Have a Principal Amount?

Yes, a personal loan does come with a principal amount. Whenever a borrower makes a personal loan payment, the loan’s principal decreases incrementally until it is fully paid off.

Recommended: What Is a Personal Loan?

Loan Principal vs Loan Interest

The loan principal is different from interest. The principal represents the amount of money that was borrowed and must be paid back. The lender will charge interest in exchange for lending the borrower money. Payments made by the borrower are applied to both the principal and interest.

Along with the interest rate, a lender may also disclose the annual percentage rate (APR) charged on the loan, which includes any fees the lender might charge, such as an origination fee, and the interest. As the borrower makes more payments and makes progress paying off their loan principal amount, less of their payments will go towards interest and more will apply to the principal balance. This principal is referred to as amortization.

Loan Principal and Taxes

Personal loans aren’t considered to be a form of income so the amount borrowed is not subject to taxes like investment earnings or wages are. The borrower won’t be required to report a personal loan on their income tax return, no matter who lent the money to them (bank, credit card, peer-to-peer lender, etc.).

Recommended: What Are the Common Uses for Personal Loans?

Loan Principal Repayment Penalties

As tempting as it can be to pay off a loan as quickly as possible to save money on interest payments, some lenders charge borrowers a prepayment penalty if they pay their personal loan off early. Not all charge a prepayment penalty. When shopping for a personal loan, it’s important to inquire about extra fees like this to have a true idea of what borrowing that money may cost.

The borrower’s personal loan agreement will state if they will need to pay a prepayment penalty for paying off their loan early. If a borrower finds that they are subject to a prepayment penalty, it can help to calculate if paying that fee would cost less than continuing to pay interest for the personal loan’s originally planned term.

How Can You Pay Down the Loan Principal Faster?

It’s understandable why some borrowers may want to pay down their loan principal faster than originally planned as it can save the borrower money on interest and lighten their monthly budget. Here are a few ways borrowers can pay down their loan principal faster.

Interest Payments

When a borrower pays down the principal on a loan, they reduce how much interest they need to pay. That means that each month as they make a new payment, they reduce their principal and the interest they’ll owe in the future. As previously noted, paying down the principal faster can help the borrower pay less interest.

Personal loan lenders allow borrowers to make extra payments or to make a larger monthly payment than planned. When doing this, it’s important that borrowers confirm that their extra payments are going towards the principal balance and not the interest. That way, their extra payments work towards paying down the principal and lowering the amount of interest they owe.

Shorten Loan Term

Refinancing a loan and choosing a shorter loan time can also make it easier to pay down a personal loan faster. Not to mention, if the borrower has a better credit score than when they applied for the original personal loan, they may be able to qualify for a lower interest rate, which can make it easier to pay down their debt faster. Having a shorter loan term typically increases the monthly payment amount but can result in paying less interest over the life of the loan and paying off the debt faster.

Cheaper Payments

Refinancing to a new loan with a lower interest rate may reduce monthly loan payments, depending on the term of the new loan. With lower monthly scheduled payments, they may opt to pay extra toward the principal and possibly pay the loan in full before the end of the term.

Other Important Information on the Personal Loan Agreement

A personal loan agreement includes a lot of helpful information about the loan, such as the principal amount and how long the borrower has to pay their debt. The more information the borrower has about the loan, the more strategically they can plan to pay it off. Here’s a closer look at the information typically included in a personal loan agreement.

Loan Amount

An important thing to note on a personal loan agreement is the total amount the borrower is responsible for repaying.

Loan Maturity Date

A personal loan’s maturity date is the day the final loan payment is due.

Loan Interest Rates

The loan’s interest rate and APR should be listed on the personal loan agreement.

Monthly Loan Payments

The monthly loan payment amount will be listed on the personal loan agreement. Knowing how much they need to pay each month can make it easier for the borrower to budget accordingly.

The Takeaway

Understanding how a personal loan works can make it easier to pay one-off. To recap: What is the principal amount of a loan? The principal on a loan is the amount the consumer borrowed and needs to pay back.

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

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named a NerdWallet 2026 winner for Best Personal Loan for Large Loan Amounts.

FAQ

What is the principal balance of a loan?

The principal balance of a loan is the amount originally borrowed that the borrower agrees to pay back.

Does the principal of the loan change?

The original loan principal does not change. The principal amount included in each monthly payment will change as the amortization period progresses. On an amortized loan, less principal than interest is paid in each monthly payment at the beginning of the loan and incrementally increases over the life of the loan.

How does loan principal work?

The loan principal represents the amount borrowed. Usually, this is done in monthly payments until the loan principal is fully repaid.

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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.

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.

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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