14 Side Hustles for Couples Who Want to Make Extra Income

If you and your significant other are interested in making some extra cash without sacrificing time together, you might consider a joint business venture. Side hustles for couples allow you to meld forces and level up your earning power. It can also strengthen your relationship and help you achieve your shared financial goals.

Whether you’re looking to save for a special occasion or a major purchase, or just want to increase your cash flow, here’s a look at 14 of the best side hustles for couples.

Benefits of a Side Hustle

There are a number of advantages to starting a side hustle as a couple versus pursuing your own solo gigs. Working together allows you to:

•   Combine resources to cover the startup costs like equipment, materials, and supplies

•   Potentially earn twice (or more) than you could alone

•   Work nights and weekends without sacrificing time together

•   Tap into complementary skills and talents

•   Discover new things about your partner

•   Ease the stress of managing a business

•   Balance the workload

•   Increase your ability to communicate and work together

•   Test the waters on a passion that could potentially lead to a larger couple’s business venture

💡 Quick Tip: An online bank account with SoFi can help your money earn more — up to 4.60% APY, with no minimum balance required.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

Open a SoFi Checking and Savings Account with direct deposit and get up to a $300 cash bonus. Plus, get up to 4.60% APY on your cash!


14 Side Hustles for Couples

To get started with a couple’s side hustle, you’ll want to consider your combined interests, passions, skills, resources, and availability. To help you brainstorm ideas, here’s a look at sidelines that can work well for couples looking to combine forces.

1. Investing in Real Estate

If you and your mate are interested in real estate and understand the market, you might team up to invest in rental properties, which can generate passive income.

Partnering up to invest in real estate gives you more capital to work with. Plus, if you are co-borrowers on a mortgage, it could potentially help you get a loan with a better interest rate if it lowers your debt-to-income ratio. Once you invest in real estate together, you can divide up property management, maintenance, and repair tasks based on your skills and availability.

2. Reselling Items

A relatively simple way to earn extra income as a couple is by reselling items you already own and no longer need, or things you snag for low prices at estate sales, yard sales, or through online marketplaces. Working as a team can be useful with reselling, especially if you buy and sell larger items locally. To maximize your earning potential, you may want to zero in on a specific type of item you want to resell, such as clothing, furniture, or collectibles.

3. Pet-Sitting

Is one of you a people person and the other more of an animal lover? You might combine forces with an in-home pet-sitting business. One partner can focus on bringing in business, communicating with clients, and scheduling, while the other can take charge of providing personalized care, feeding, walking, and attention to your furry clients.

If having pets in your home doesn’t appeal, you might start a neighborhood dog-walking service. This will allow you to get some exercise and spend time together, while also bringing in some extra income.

Recommended: 19 Tips to Save Money on Pets

4. Rent Out Your Car

If you each have a car and one sits idle most of the time, you might consider monetizing it by listing it on a car sharing marketplace, such as Turo or HyreCar. These peer-to-peer car-sharing services make it easy to rent out your car when you’re not using it to make some extra income. Turo claims that the average annual income generated by renting out one car is $10,516.

Before signing up, however, you’ll want to make sure you understand all the legal details, such as protection plans, auto insurance coverage, liability insurance, and rental service agreements.

5. Cleaning and Home Improvement

If you and your mate enjoy maintaining and fixing up your home, you might consider offering your services to others. Perhaps you’re handy around the house while your partner excels at housekeeping tasks or interior painting. You might combine forces by offering a range of services. You can get clients by advertising in your local area or could list your services with a platform like TaskRabbit, Thumbtack, or Care.com (though known for babysitting, the site now also includes housekeeping).

6. Babysitting

Babysitting can be another lucrative side hustle for couples, especially since there is currently a childcare shortage. If you and your partner enjoy children, you might offer to look after kids in the evenings or weekends to allow parents to catch up with chores or errands. If you’re considering the prospect of starting a family in the near future, babysitting can give you experience while earning some extra cash.

To get clients, you might post your services on a local parent group or sign up with a platform like Care.com or Sittercity. To charge a higher rate, consider getting certified in CPR or offering special activities for the kids.

7. Starting a Food Truck

Are you and your partner big foodies? Maybe one (or both) of you loves to cook and you’ve always dreamed of owning your own food business together. If so, a food truck might be a good place to start. It requires lower overhead costs than opening a restaurant and allows you to travel to where the crowds are, rather than waiting for them to come to you.

You’ll need a fair amount of capital to get going (for the truck, equipment, supplies, POS machine, etc.). And since you’re serving food and beverage, you’ll also need to get the necessary permits and adhere to regulations. But the time and money you invest could pay into a lucrative side business.

Recommended: How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business?

8. Blogging

If you and your mate enjoy writing and have expertise in a particular area (such as travel, food, interior design, or fashion), you might consider starting a blog together. You can tap your shared passions and knowledge to produce engaging content, collaborate on articles, and expand your audience together.

While it won’t provide a revenue stream overnight, blogging is a low-cost side hustle that may become lucrative if you can build up a large following. Bloggers generally earn money through ads (which pay per view or click) or affiliate sales (if you promote a product or service and a visitor clicks on the link and completes a purchase, you get paid a commission).

9. Becoming Virtual Assistants

If you both have strong organizational skills and are looking for a way to make extra money while working from home, you might look into becoming virtual assistants. This sideline involves providing administrative support to businesses remotely, such as email management, scheduling, data entry, and booking travel. If you each have different strengths, you might divide up the tasks based on skill/preference, or each pick different types of clients.

To get started, you may want to use a virtual assistant app, such as Fiverr and Upwork; these platforms can help you market your services and manage gigs and payments. But because apps often take a considerable cut, you may want to eventually break out on your own and create a website that markets your virtual admin services.

10. Delivering Items to People

Side hustling by way of delivering food and groceries allows you and your significant other to work your own hours and make money just by driving. Working as a delivery duo also enables you to pick up and deliver items more efficiently than working solo (no parking necessary for quick pick-ups and drop-offs).

You might deliver groceries using a platform like Instacart or Shipt or deliver food via DoorDash or UberEats. Generally all you need to get started is to have a driver’s license and a car, download the app, and set up an account. Once you’re approved, the apps will alert you to new delivery jobs and you can and your partner can choose to work when you want to.

11. Renting Your Home Out to Others

If you have a spare room, basement, or guest house, or you travel often, you might consider renting part or all of your home to travelers as a couple. You can easily make extra monthly income this way by booking through Airbnb. How much will depend on your location, size of your home, and amenities.

To start your side hustle as an Airbnb host, you’ll need to create a profile and listing on the site and have it verified. You and your partner can then collaborate on guest communication, cleaning, and ensuring a comfortable, and welcoming experience for your guests.

12. Charging Public Scooters

If you live in an area that has public scooters, you might be able to earn extra cash as a couple by charging them. Many companies (such as Lime, Bird, and Spin) hire independent contractors to collect, charge, and distribute their electric scooters in different areas around the city. If you and your honey are game, you’ll need to sign up on the app and complete a short training session. Once approved, you will receive a charger kit with all the necessary tools and equipment to get started.

Recommended: How to Earn Residual Income

13. Social Media Monetizing

Similar to blogging, monetizing your social media can be a lucrative couple side hustle, depending on the number of followers you have and their level of engagement. If you and your partner have managed to establish yourself as social media influencers, you may be able to earn money running ads before and after your video content and/or through brand partnerships and affiliate links.

Popular couple accounts include couples working on a major home renovation project, building a business together, sharing their journey to reach a certain goal or overcome a struggle, or spreading positive messaging. You can also offer information and useful tips around a particular topic.

Recommended: How To Make Money Even With No Job

14. Offering Lessons

If you and your mate have a particular skill or talent, such as academic, musical, sports, gardening, or fine arts expertise, you might consider starting a tutoring or personal instruction business together. This is a flexible side hustle since you can offer in-person or virtual lessons, market your services to children and/or adults, and choose to work daytime or evenings. Plus, the start-up costs are typically minimal. Apps like Wyzant, Skooli, and TakeLessons.com can help you market your services and manage gigs and payments.

The Takeaway

By brainstorming side hustle ideas with your significant other, you may be able to find synergies that can take your freelance business to the next level. Combining forces also allows you to work together toward your shared financial goals.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with 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 up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

Is it beneficial to have a side hustle with your significant other?

Starting a side hustle with your significant other offers multiple benefits. These include combining your resources to cover the startup costs, sharing responsibilities, increasing your potential profits, and allowing you to spend time together while also working nights and weekends.

Are there any drawbacks to starting a side hustle as a couple?

A potential drawback to starting a side hustle as a couple is that it can put added stress on your relationship. It can also lead to arguments over how to run the business and divvy up responsibilities.

How can I choose the right side hustle?

The right side hustle for you depends on your interests, goals, and availability. You also want to factor in what you’re qualified to do, and if you have any skills, experience, tools or equipment that could give you a competitive advantage.

Once you’ve narrowed down the side hustles that match your interests, skills, and resources, you can examine the costs and profit potential to find the best fit for you.


Photo credit: iStock/PeopleImages

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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.

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

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The Most Important Components of a Successful Budget

Financial gurus, your money-savvy friend, and personal finance books and articles all say the same thing: You need a budget. Why? Because without any guardrails to guide your spending decisions, you can end up overspending (and, in turn, running up debt). You may also find it difficult to reach important financial goals, such as building an emergency fund, going on vacation, or buying a home.

The main characteristics of any budget are estimates of how much money you’ll make and how much you’ll spend over a certain period of time, typically a month. Trouble is, it can be hard to predict every expense that may come up in a given month. That can make it hard to know what to include in your budget. But don’t give up — read on. What follows are eight key components of a successful and realistic budget.

The Importance of Budgeting

While a budget may sound restrictive, it’s really nothing more than a plan for how you will spend your money. Why bother making one? Here’s a look at some of the benefits of putting together a basic budget:

•   Lets you know if you’re spending more than, less than, or about the same as you’re earning each month.

•   Gives you a birds-eye view at where exactly your money is going each month.

•   Helps you avoid spending more than you have or want to spend.

•   Alerts you to subscriptions or services you’re paying for but may no longer need.

•   Ensures you stay on top of debt payments.

•   Allows you to make adjustments in your spending and saving so you can align your financial habits to reach your goals.

•   Can prevent you from going into debt should there be an unexpected, emergency expense or if you get laid off

•   Helps you feel more secures and less stressed about money

💡 Quick Tip: Want to save more, spend smarter? Let your bank manage the basics. It’s surprisingly easy, and secure, when you open an online bank account.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

Open a SoFi Checking and Savings Account with direct deposit and get up to a $300 cash bonus. Plus, get up to 4.60% APY on your cash!


Key Characteristics That Make a Budget Successful

While there are many ways you can approach managing your money, all budgeting styles share some of the same key elements. Let’s take a look at the main characteristics of a budget that can help you stay on track and boost your overall financial wellbeing.

Emergency Funds

The bedrock of any type of budget is an emergency fund. Without a cash reserve set aside specifically for unplanned expenses or financial emergencies, any bump in the road — say a car repair, trip to the ER, or a loss of income — can force you to run up credit card debt. This can lead to a debt spiral that can take months, potentially years, to recover from.

A general rule of thumb is to keep three to six months’ worth of basic living expenses in a separate savings account earmarked for emergencies. If you’re self-employed or work seasonally, however, you might want to aim for six or 12 months of expenses to feel secure and protected.

Recommended: Where to Keep Emergency Funds

Irregular Expenses

When creating a budget, you likely won’t overlook your recurring monthly expenses, such as rent, utility bills, and food. What’s easy to forget about are your one-off and irregular expenses.

To set up an accurate budget, you’ll want to be sure to jot down any annual or seasonal expenses you anticipate, such as membership dues, holiday gifts, insurance payments, car and registration fees, or kid’s camp expenses. Scanning through your monthly checking account statements for a year should help you suss out your irregular expenses.

To adequately account for these expenses, determine the annual cost, divide by 12, and build that amount into your monthly budget. You may want to transfer that money into a separate account so you can pay those expenses when they’re due.

Recommended: What Are the Average Monthly Expenses for One Person?

Repaying Debt

For a budget to be successful, you want to make sure you’re accounting for debt repayment, including minimum monthly payments and (if you’re carrying high-interest debt) additional payments. The 50/30/20 budgeting rule, for example, recommends putting 50% of your money take-home income toward needs (including minimum debt payments), 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings and debt repayment beyond the minimum.

Once you’ve paid off your balances, the money you were spending on debt/interest each month can now go towards other goals, such as a vacation, large-ticket purchase, or down payment on a house.

Monthly Savings

Even if you tend to live paycheck to paycheck, a key element of a budget is putting at least something into savings each month. For example, with the “pay yourself first” approach to budgeting, you set up a recurring transfer from your checking account into your savings account on the same day each month, ideally right after you get paid.

Once you’ve fully funded your emergency saving account, you can funnel this extra money into a high-yield savings account to work towards your short-term savings goals.

And it’s fine to start small. If you save $20 a week, in a year you’ll have accumulated $1,040. If you commit to the 52-week savings challenge, where you save $1 the first week, $2 the second week, and so forth for an entire year, you’ll have stashed away $1,378 by week 52.

💡 Quick Tip: Most savings accounts only earn a fraction of a percentage in interest. Not at SoFi. Our high-yield savings account can help you make meaningful progress towards your financial goals.

Accurate Monthly Income

Without knowing exactly how much money hits your bank account each month, you won’t be able to allocate your funds accordingly and create an accurate budget. Besides your paycheck, you’ll want to factor in any other income streams, such as freelance work, government benefits, alimony, or child support.

If you’re self-employed and your income varies from month to month, determining your monthly income can be a bit trickier. One solution is to use your lowest monthly income over the past year as your baseline income (minus any taxes you will owe). This gives you a margin of safety, since you will likely make more than that.

Money for Vacations and Free Time

While it’s important to save for an emergency fund and pay off your debt, a key component of budgeting is money for fun and leisure. Without it, you likely won’t stick to your budget at all.

Think about what activities bring you the most joy and offer the most value in your life. What hobbies would you like to invest more time, energy, and resources in? Where would you like to vacation next? From there, you can set some “fun” savings goals. Consider how much you will need and when you want to reach your goal to determine how much to set aside for fun each month.

Recommended: 15 Creative Ways to Save Money

Retirement

Retirement might seem far off but failing to start saving early can put you in a tough predicament later on. Thanks to compound interest — the interest earned on your initial savings and the reinvested earnings — it’s much easier to amass a comfortable nest egg when you start early. Even if you’re still paying off your student loans, retirement is an important element of a budget that can make a huge difference in your future.

If you work for a traditional employer, you likely have a company 401(k) you are eligible to participate in. If your employer offers a company match, it’s wise to contribute at least up to match — otherwise you’re leaving free money on the table.

Realistic Goals

While many people don’t write down specific goals when creating a budget, this is actually an important element of budgeting. By setting realistic goals, such as building an emergency fund, saving for a downpayment on a car or a home, getting out of debt, or saving for retirement, you can begin to find ways to save for those goals and track your progress towards achieving them.

Having specific and realistic money goals can give you the motivation to take control of your spending. It also gives all the money that comes into your account a purpose.

Keep in mind, though, that goals and budgets are ever-evolving. When changes arise in your situation, you can tweak your goals accordingly. For instance, maybe you suffered a financial setback. In that case, you might want to put your foot off the pedal on aggressively paying off debt, and focus on replenishing your emergency fund.

Tips on Starting a Budget

If the idea of creating a budget feels overwhelming, here are some stimple steps that help jump start the process.

•   Determine your after-tax income. If you get a regular paycheck, the amount you receive is probably just that, but if you have automatic deductions, such as 401(k) contributions or health and life insurance, you’ll want to add those back in to give yourself an accurate picture of your earnings.

•   Tally your monthly expenses. You can scan your bank and credit card statements for the past three to six months to get an idea of what you typically spend each month and on what. You can then make a list of spending categories, how much (on average) you spend on each per month, and then break down those expenses into two main categories: “needs” and “wants.”

•   Make adjustments. If your average monthly income is less than your average monthly spending (meaning you are going backwards) or is about the same (meaning you aren’t saving anything), you’ll want to look for places to cut back. You likely find it easier to cut back spending in your “wants” categories, such as cooking a few more times a week (and getting take-out less often) or cutting the cord on cable and opting for cheaper streaming services.

•   Choose a budgeting plan. Once you’ve done the basics, you can take it a step further by selecting a budgeting plan. Any budget must cover all of your needs, some of your wants and — this is key — savings for emergencies and the future. The 50/30/20 budget (mentioned above) often works well for beginners. But there are many different types of budget — including the envelope system and zero-based budget. You might choose a budgeting app, such as YNAB or Goodbudget, to automate the process.

Banking With SoFi

Knowing exactly what elements go into a successful budget can help you create a spending plan that’s in step with your goals and help you do a lot more with the money you have.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with 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 up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

How do I stick to a budget?

The best way to stick to a budget is to never spend more than you have. Running up high-interest debt can be a vicious cycle that is tough to get out of. You also end up spending a lot more on your purchases than if you have held off and saved up.

If you can’t afford something you want right now, it’s generally a good idea to put it off until you can. If you want to go on vacation or buy new furniture, for example, plan for it and save regularly so it doesn’t throw off your budget.

What is the best budgeting method?

The best budgeting method is the one you’re most likely to stick with. If you prefer to not worry so much about where you’re spending each dollar, you might prefer the 50/30/20 budget. If you like to get granular with your spending, then a zero-sum budget might be a good choice.

What are the benefits of budgeting?

Budgeting is a tool that helps ensure you’re spending your money in a way that aligns with your priorities. If you simply spend here and there without any type of plan, you can end up spending on things you don’t care all that much about, and never saving up enough for the things that you do — such as buying a car, going on vacation, or putting a downpayment on home.

Budgeting also helps ensure you can pay all your bills, have a cushion for the unexpected, and avoid running up expensive debt.


Photo credit: iStock/AndreyPopov

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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.

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

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What to Do When You’re Running Out of Money

There’s no feeling in the world quite like running out of money before your next paycheck hits — and it’s not a good sensation. It can have you feeling stressed and unsure of your options.

But, the truth is, when you’re running out of money, you still have ways to move forward. There are also steps that’ll help prevent the problem from cropping up again.

Here, you’ll get a closer look at what happens when you’re running out of money, what options you have, and how to avoid this situation recurring.

Reasons for Running Out of Money

In order to fix a problem, we first have to understand why it’s happening. That means it’s time to take a good, hard look at your finances to learn why you’re running out of money in the first place. Here are some common causes.

Spending Too Much on Fixed Expenses

Major budget line items, like a rent or your car payment, can take a serious chunk out of the funds you have available for everything else. Although trading in your car for a bicycle or enlisting a roommate might seem like huge changes, they can also make huge differences in your financial life.

Spending Too Much on Living Expenses

Where and how you live can make a big difference in your personal finances. A person who lives in a small town with a couple of roommates will probably be able to stretch their paycheck a lot further than someone who has their own place in a major city where the cost of living is significantly higher.

Also, people vary: According to the USDA’s monthly estimates, a single adult might spend as little as about $275 to as much as $450 or more per month on groceries. Finding ways to cut down on non-fixed living expenses, like groceries, can pack a big punch in terms of not running out of cash before your next pay day.

💡 Quick Tip: Banish bank fees. Open a new bank account with SoFi and you’ll pay no overdraft, minimum balance, or any monthly fees.

Spending Too Much on Discretionary Purchases

Don’t beat yourself up: We live in a world in which we’re the subject of constant advertisement. (According to some estimates, we see as many as 10,000 ads each day.) So it makes sense that we often grab that new pair of boots or book a quick weekend getaway. However, making a habit out of treating yourself or making impulse purchases can wreak havoc on your bank account.

Not Earning Enough

If you’ve cut back in every way that feels comfortable (and perhaps even some ways that do not) and still feel you’ve run out of money, the answer may be to increase your income. While starting a side-hustle can make a dent, finding a better-paid full-time job or making a career change might be a more sustainable course of action.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

Open a SoFi Checking and Savings Account with direct deposit and get up to a $300 cash bonus. Plus, get up to 4.60% APY on your cash!


Tips for When You’re Running Out of Money

Once you’ve figured out exactly where your monetary life is going awry, you can take concrete steps to make your personal finances better. Here are some ways that can help you get off the paycheck-to-paycheck roller coaster.

Create a Budget That Fits Your Needs

As you’ve doubtless noticed by now, if you don’t make a plan for your money ahead of time, it pretty much develops a mind of its own and walks away. Creating a budget is exactly the anecdote to this problem: planning ahead for where your money is going. And don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be tedious or boring.

Using one of the many online apps built for this purpose or a plain old pencil and paper, start the process:

•   List your monthly income at the top, and then deducting your fixed living expenses. (Think: rent or mortgage payment, insurance, any car payments or other loans you pay.)

•   Next, budget for living expenses whose amounts can change (like utilities and groceries.)

•   It’s also a good idea to set aside at least a little bit of your money each month towards your savings goals, which is an objective that you can boost when you open a high-yield savings account.

•   Finally, the rest of the money is yours to do with as you please, so be sure to budget for items and activities that are meaningful to you. You can have just about anything you want on a budget, just not everything.

Pay Your Most Important Bills

The next idea for what to do when you’re running out of money: Know how to handle bills that are threatening to go unpaid.

Not being able to pay your bills is indeed a sad and scary circumstance, but it’s not actually the end of the world. Stay calm, and prioritize. Important bills to put first include:

•   Housing

•   Health insurance and healthcare expenses

•   Food

•   Utilities.

Keep in mind, too, that you might be able to negotiate with your creditors or put your student loans in forbearance. Either way, it’s worth the phone call to find out.

Spend Money on Essentials Only

When money is (very) tight and you’re scraping the bottom of the bank account barrel, it’s not the right time to splurge on any fun extras.

Until you can build up a bit of a cushion (even a $1,000 emergency fund is better than none at all), limit your spending to only the essentials: the stuff you need to live. It may feel like a sacrifice today, but you’ll thank yourself in a few weeks when you’re breathing easier.

Limit Borrowing and Taking Out Loans

When you’re out of money, there are plenty of companies who are happy to give you some… in exchange for even more money they’ll expect you to pay them (aka interest).

As tempting as it is to borrow money or take out a loan when your well has run dry, in the long run, it can exacerbate the problem. So if you’re already in dire financial straits, it may actually be a bad time to take out a loan.

Use Credit Cards Sparingly

Similarly, you want to avoid racking up interest charges by breaking out your plastic when money is tight. Credit card debt is high-interest debt and can be a real challenge to pay off. Whenever possible, pay for items with cash or a debit card.

Also consider a balance transfer credit card if you already have an amount of credit card debt that is making you uncomfortable. It can give you a period of low or no interest that can help you pay down your balance.

Make Time to Make Extra Income

As mentioned above, your problem might be improved by earning more. Picking up a side gig, like driving for Uber or selling crafts on Etsy, is one road forward. Training and applying for a more lucrative career could be another path through this tough time.

Look at Government Benefits

Nobody should have to forego medical care, food, or shelter because of their financial situation. That’s why government benefits like the SNAP program (previously known as food stamps) and low-cost health care options exist.

Specifics vary by state, but your local government website should have details available and phone numbers to call. If your income is under a certain threshold, you may qualify for programs that can make it a lot easier to budget what you’re earning on other needs.

Downsize When Possible

Moving or changing your favored mode of transportation are big life changes, for sure… but they can also make big changes in your financial life, for the better. If you downsize your cost of living, you won’t have to struggle quite so hard to pay for it, which could be well worth the sacrifices.

Sell Items You Don’t Need

Selling things you don’t need can help you downsize and line your pockets with some extra change in the short term. You could have a yard sale, offer them on eBay or another online platform, or see if a local second-hand store will purchase them, among other options.

Take Care of Yourself

No matter how dire your financial circumstances get, don’t neglect your personal needs. Going outside for a walk, sitting down to eat nutritious foods, and talking to loved ones are imperative for your mental and physical well-being, and none of them are exorbitantly expensive. In addition, you might look into low-cost or no-fee financial counseling from a nonprofit to help you pull through this challenge.

Managing Finances with SoFi

You’ve just learned ways to cope when you’ve run out of money. Also make sure that the funds you do have are easily managed and earning some interest to help your cash grow.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with 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 up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

What options are available if I can’t afford to pay my bills?

If you can’t afford to pay a credit card bill, auto loan, or student loan payment, consider calling your creditor or lender and asking about ways to negotiate the payment amount or file for forbearance. Debt consolidation loans are another option if your debt is spiraling out of control, but they should be approached with caution.

Which budgeting methods are helpful for people that are running out of money?

One popular budget is the 50/30/20 budget rule, which says, of your take-home pay, to allocate 50% towards the musts in life, 30% to the wants, and 20% to savings and additional debt payments.

Should I contribute to my retirement fund if I don’t have the money?

As important as it is to save for a comfortable retirement, if you don’t have the money to live today, it’s hard to be focused on the money you’ll need to live tomorrow. If you’ve made all possible budget cuts and still don’t have any money to contribute to your retirement fund, so be it for the present. Consider using “windfalls” like your tax refund, bonuses, or birthday gifts to pay into your retirement accounts when they show up.


Photo credit: iStock/miniseries

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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.

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

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How Much Do You Have to Make to File Taxes?

How Much Do You Have to Make to File Taxes?

If you are wondering if you made enough money to file taxes this year, the answer will depend on more than just your income. There are other qualifying factors, such as age and marital status. What’s more, even if you are not required to file taxes, it’s often wise move to do so anyway.

Here, you’ll learn what you need to know about tax-filing requirements based on your income and other aspects of your filing status. In addition, you’ll find some smart tips for filing your tax return this season. Read on for answers to such questions as:

•   How much do you need to earn to file taxes?

•   At what point do you have to start paying taxes?

•   What are some tips for making the tax-filing process easier?

What Factors Determine If You Have to File Taxes

“How much do I have to make to file taxes?” is a valid question, but the answer is, “It depends.” While gross income (not adjusted gross income) is important, it’s not the only factor to consider. Determining whether you need to file taxes depends on your:

•   Gross income (earned and unearned)

•   Filing status

•   Age

•   Dependent status

Note: Regarding age for the 2023 tax year, you’re considered to be 65 or older by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) if you were born before Jan. 2, 1959.

💡 Quick Tip: Banish bank fees. Open a new bank account with SoFi and you’ll pay no overdraft, minimum balance, or any monthly fees.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

Open a SoFi Checking and Savings Account with direct deposit and get up to a $300 cash bonus. Plus, get up to 4.60% APY on your cash!


How Much Do You Need to Make to File Taxes?

Gross income is the number-one consideration when determining if you should file taxes. But this minimum income requirement also varies by filing status and age.

Below is a breakdown of gross income thresholds listed by filing status. You’ll also learn about instances of when dependents may need to file their own tax return.

Single

For the 2024 tax season, filing requirements for single taxpayers vary based on age:

•   Single filers under 65 must file a return if their gross income was $13,850 or more.

•   Single filers 65 or older must file a return if their gross income was $15,700 or more.

Head of Household

Similarly, those with a head of household filing status have varying thresholds based on age:

•   $20,800 for heads of household under 65.

•   $22,650 for heads of household 65 or older.

Married Filing Jointly

Married couples who file a joint return have slightly more complicated requirements since the two spouses could be in different age categories:

•   If both spouses are under 65, they must file if their gross income is $27,700 or more.

•   If one spouse is under 65 and the other is 65 or older, they must file if their gross income is $29,200 or more.

•   If both spouses are 65 or older, they must file if their gross income is $30,700 or more.

Married Filing Separately

Regardless of the age of either spouse, taxpayers who are married but filing separately must file if their gross income is just $5 or more, according to IRS guidelines.

Qualifying Surviving Spouse

If you’re a qualifying surviving spouse, the minimum gross income requirements for filing depend on your age:

•   $27,700 for filers under 65

•   $29,200 for filers 65 or older

If you earn that amount or more, you need to get your tax return in on time. (Remember, if you miss the tax-filing deadline, you may incur penalties.)

Dependent Filers

If you are a dependent claimed on someone else’s taxes, you may still have to file your own return. The minutiae of determining file requirements can be complicated and depends on:

•   Your age

•   Your marital status

•   Your vision (those who are blind have different qualifying guidelines)

The IRS Publication 501 contains a helpful table in determining file requirements, but if you’re unsure, it may be helpful to work with an accountant.

The following chart summarizes answers to “Do I have to file taxes?” in visual form. It breaks down minimum gross income amounts based on age and filing status for most taxpayers. Dependents are a notable exception. Read on for an overview of income thresholds for tax filing.

Filing Status

Age

Required to File If Gross Income Was at Least…

Single Younger than 65 $13,850
65 or older $15,700
Head of household Younger than 65 $20,800
65 or older $22,650
Married filing jointly Both younger than 65 $27,700
One spouse 65 or older $29,200
Both 65 or older $30,700
Married filing separately Younger than 65 $5
65 or older
Qualifying surviving spouse Younger than 65 $27,700
65 or older $29,200

If you’re still not sure if you should file, you can use the IRS’s free online tool for determining filing requirements. You’ll need some basic info to accurately complete the assessment, but this tool can come in handy.

Recommended: What Are the Different Types of Taxes?

Should I File Taxes Even If I Don’t Have to?

Above is an outline of when you’re legally required to file taxes. But just because you don’t have to file doesn’t mean you can’t.

Even if you know how much you need to make to file taxes and are below that number, the IRS encourages everyone to file if they can get money back. This may apply if:

•   You had taxes withheld from a paycheck but didn’t make enough money to have had that money withheld.

•   You made estimated quarterly payments but didn’t make enough money to have to file.

•   You qualify for refundable tax credits that could result in your receiving funds back from the government, like the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Recommended: What Tax Bracket Am I In?

Tax-Filing Tips to Help You This Season

Filing your taxes for the first time or just in need of a refresher? Here are a few tax tips to help you file correctly this season:

•   Be prepared: Preparing for tax season before it’s time to file can make the process much easier. It may be helpful to make a list of all the forms you’re expecting, like W-2 forms and 1099 forms, and keep them located in a safe place until it’s time to file.

•   Check out IRS Free File: No need to pay for professional tax software or an accountant if you qualify for guided tax preparation through the IRS and its partners. As long as your adjusted gross income is $79,000 or less, you’ll qualify.

•   Don’t forget about state and local taxes: We often think of the IRS and our federal tax returns, but depending on where you live, you may also need to pay state and local taxes.

•   File early if possible — and use direct deposit: The sooner you file, the sooner you’ll get your tax refund. If you file electronically and choose direct deposit, the IRS says you can typically expect your refund within three weeks. The IRS also says this is safer than a paper check!

•   Understanding extensions: Sometimes, life happens, and it’s just about impossible to meet a deadline. If that’s your situation, you can file for a tax extension and have an extra six months to file your return. Just note that any taxes you owe are still due on Tax Day; it’s only the return itself that can be sent in later.

•   Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Taxes can be overwhelming. While it may not be ideal to pay for an accountant, it could mean earning a larger refund if this tax professional can identify additional tax deductions and credits for which you qualify.

Recommended: How to Make a Budget in 5 Steps

The Takeaway

Tax time can be confusing. It’s not just a matter of knowing how to file but also if you need to file at all. Depending on your income and other factors, you may not be legally required to file your taxes come April. Even if you don’t meet minimum income requirements for filing, however, it might be a good idea to file anyway if you think you may be owed money from previous withholdings or through a refundable tax credit.

And if you do get a juicy refund? Consider depositing it into a high-interest bank account where it can grow.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with 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 up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

What happens if I don’t file my taxes?

If you don’t file your taxes but were legally required to, the IRS can charge you a Failure to File Penalty, assessed at 5% of your unpaid tax liability every month that the liability goes unpaid (up to 25%).

If you were owed a refund, you won’t be charged a penalty — but you could miss out on that money owed to you. (You have three years to file to get the refund you’re owed.)

The IRS can take additional steps if you fail to file, including criminal prosecution.

Do I have to file taxes on gifts?

As the recipient of a gift, you generally don’t have to worry about paying taxes on the gift. Instead, the person who gave you the gift would pay the taxes.

However, the IRS has several exclusions, including gifts to your spouse, gifts to a political organization, and tuition and medical expenses that you pay for someone else. Note: The IRS has an annual exclusion on gifts. For the 2023 tax year, you don’t have to pay taxes on the first $17,000 in gifts to each person you give a gift to. For most taxpayers, that means they won’t pay taxes on things like birthday and Christmas presents.

Can I file taxes even if I am under the necessary income?

Yes, you can still file taxes if you’re under the necessary income. In fact, the IRS encourages many people to file even if they don’t have to because they might still be eligible for money from the government, perhaps via refundable tax credits.


Photo credit: iStock/Fortgens Photography

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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.

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.

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

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How Much a $1 Million Mortgage Will Cost You

What is the monthly payment on a $1 million mortgage at recent interest rates? If we remove property taxes, property insurance, and mortgage insurance from the equation, you can expect to spend between $6,653 and $8,988 a month on principal and interest alone depending on which loan term you choose. But that’s not the whole story. There’s more you’ll need to know about a $1 million mortgage payment.

Cost of a $1 Million Mortgage

The cost of a $1 million mortgage varies depending on which home mortgage loan you choose and a few other factors, such as interest rate and property taxes. As you may know, different types of mortgage loans have different expenses, such as mortgage insurance, which can change your monthly payment.

Monthly Payments for a $1 Million Mortgage

The monthly payment on a $1 million mortgage is influenced by a variety of factors, which include:

•   Interest rate

•   Fixed vs variable interest rate

•   Mortgage insurance

•   Property insurance

•   Loan term

•   Type of loan

•   Property taxes

Removing all variables except a 7% interest rate, a $1 million mortgage payment would be between $6,653 and $8,988 per month. If you’re a first time home buyer considering a $1 million mortgage, make sure you understand the true cost of buying and owning a home. Remember that your property taxes and some insurance costs may be dictated by your home’s location. (You may want to analyze the cost of living by state. Some of the best affordable places to live in the U.S. may surprise you.)

If these variables are new to you, a home loan help center may smooth out any confusion you may have.

First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,
with as little as 3% down.


Where to Get a $1 Million Mortgage

You can get a $1 million mortgage with mortgage lenders such as banks, credit unions, and online lenders. However, they’ll need to offer jumbo home loans since $1 million exceeds the conventional loan limit of $766,550 in most areas. When comparing lenders, look at both interest rates and fees. Loan origination fees, in particular, can vary greatly between lenders.


💡 Quick Tip: A major home purchase may mean a jumbo loan, but it doesn’t have to mean a jumbo down payment. Apply for a jumbo mortgage with SoFi, and you could put as little as 10% down.

What to Consider Before Applying for a $1 Million Mortgage

The monthly payment for a $1 million mortgage isn’t the only thing you should consider. Also keep in mind the total amount you’ll spend on interest for each loan term. For a 30-year loan with a 7% interest rate, you’ll spend $1,395,086 on interest. If you opt for a 15-year loan, you’ll spend just $617,890. This means if you can afford a 15-year loan, you’ll save $777,196.

While you’re home shopping, use a mortgage calculator to see the amount of money you’ll spend monthly and over the life of the loan. You may also want to use a home affordability calculator to incorporate your monthly debts and spending habits into the equation. While you may be able to technically afford a large monthly payment, would the expense leave room for dining out, vacations, and retirement contributions?

During the early years of your mortgage loan, more of your monthly payment typically goes toward paying off the interest on the loan, with a smaller proportion paying down the principal you owe. An amortization schedule shows how the proportions shift and you build equity more quickly in the second half of the loan term. Here are sample schedules for 30-year and 15-year loan terms:

Amortization Schedule, 30-year, 7%

Year Beginning Balance Monthly Payment Total Interest Paid Total Principal Paid Remaining Balance
1 $1,000,000 $6,653.02 $69,678.20 $10,158.10 $989,841.90
2 $989,841.90 $6,653.02 $68,943.87 $10,892.43 $978,949.47
3 $978,949.47 $6,653.02 $68,156.46 $11,679.84 $967,269.63
4 $967,269.63 $6,653.02 $67,312.12 $12,524.18 $954,745.45
5 $954,745.45 $6,653.02 $66,406.75 $13,429.55 $941,315.90
6 $941,315.90 $6,653.02 $65,435.92 $14,400.38 $926,915.52
7 $926,915.52 $6,653.02 $64,394.92 $15,441.38 $911,474.14
8 $911,474.14 $6,653.02 $63,278.66 $16,557.64 $894,916.50
9 $894,916.50 $6,653.02 $62,081.71 $17,754.59 $877,161.91
10 $877,161.91 $6,653.02 $60,798.23 $19,038.07 $858,123.83
11 $858,123.83 $6,653.02 $59,421.96 $20,414.34 $837,709.50
12 $837,709.50 $6,653.02 $57,946.21 $21,890.09 $815,819.40
13 $815,819.40 $6,653.02 $56,363.77 $23,472.53 $792,346.88
14 $792,346.88 $6,653.02 $54,666.94 $25,169.36 $767,177.52
15 $767,177.52 $6,653.02 $52,847.44 $26,988.85 $740,188.66
16 $740,188.66 $6,653.02 $50,896.42 $28,939.88 $711,248.78
17 $711,248.78 $6,653.02 $48,804.35 $31,031.95 $680,216.83
18 $680,216.83 $6,653.02 $46,561.05 $33,275.25 $646,941.58
19 $646,941.58 $6,653.02 $44,155.58 $35,680.72 $611,260.86
20 $611,260.86 $6,653.02 $41,576.22 $38,260.08 $573,000.78
21 $573,000.78 $6,653.02 $38,810.39 $41,025.91 $531,974.88
22 $531,974.88 $6,653.02 $35,844.63 $43,991.67 $487,983.20
23 $487,983.20 $6,653.02 $32,664.47 $47,171.83 $440,811.37
24 $440,811.37 $6,653.02 $29,254.41 $50,581.89 $390,229.48
25 $390,229.48 $6,653.02 $25,597.84 $54,238.46 $335,991.02
26 $335,991.02 $6,653.02 $21,676.94 $58,159.36 $277,831.66
27 $277,831.66 $6,653.02 $17,472.59 $62,363.71 $215,467.96
28 $215,467.96 $6,653.02 $12,964.32 $66,871.98 $148,595.97
29 $148,595.97 $6,653.02 $8,130.14 $71,706.16 $76,889.81
30 $76,889.81 $6,653.02 $2,946.49 $76,889.81 $0

Amortization Schedule, 15-year, 7%

Year Beginning Balance Monthly Payment Total Interest Paid Total Principal Paid Remaining Balance
1 $1,000,000 $8,988.28 $68,761.41 $39,097.98 $960,902.02
2 $960,902.02 $8,988.28 $65,935.02 $41,924.38 $918,977.65
3 $918,977.65 $8,988.28 $62,904.30 $44,955.09 $874,022.55
4 $874,022.55 $8,988.28 $59,654.49 $48,204.90 $825,817.65
5 $825,817.65 $8,988.28 $56,169.76 $51,689.64 $774,128.02
6 $774,128.02 $8,988.28 $52,433.11 $55,426.28 $718,701.74
7 $718,701.74 $8,988.28 $48,426.34 $59,433.05 $659,268.68
8 $659,268.68 $8,988.28 $44,129.92 $63,729.47 $595,539.21
9 $595,539.21 $8,988.28 $39,522.91 $68,336.48 $527,202.73
10 $527,202.73 $8,988.28 $34,582.86 $73,276.53 $453,926.19
11 $453,926.19 $8,988.28 $29,285.69 $78,573.70 $375,352.50
12 $375,352.50 $8,988.28 $23,605.59 $84,253.80 $291,098.70
13 $291,098.70 $8,988.28 $17,514.88 $90,344.51 $200,754.19
14 $200,754.19 $8,988.28 $10,938.87 $96,875.52 $103,878.66
15 $103,878.66 $8,988.28 $3,980.73 $103,878.66 $0

How to Get a $1 Million Mortgage

Anyone who has ever bought a home will tell you there are tips to qualify for a mortgage. The biggest ones include saving up for a large down payment, paying down your debts, and working on your credit score before applying for a mortgage. Paying off balances lowers your debt to income (DTI) ratio and helps you qualify for better mortgage terms. The maximum DTI is usually around 43%, but it can vary with each lender and borrower.


💡 Quick Tip: Lowering your monthly payments with a mortgage refinance from SoFi can help you find money to pay down other debt, build your rainy-day fund, or put more into your 401(k).

The Takeaway

If you need to borrow $1 million to buy a home, a 15-year mortgage will require around a $9,000 a month mortgage payment, whereas a 30-year mortgage requires around $6,650. Assuming a 7% interest rate, homebuyers can expect to spend between $617,890 and $1,395,086 on interest alone.

Keep in mind that property taxes, home insurance, and mortgage insurance will increase your monthly payment. If you’re in the market to buy a $1 million house, principal and interest will comprise a majority of your monthly costs.

When you’re ready to take the next step, consider what SoFi Home Loans have to offer. Jumbo loans are offered with competitive interest rates, no private mortgage insurance, and down payments as low as 10%.

SoFi Mortgage Loans: We make the home loan process smart and simple.

FAQ

How much is $1,000,000 mortgage a month?

You can expect to spend around $6,653 a month with a 30-year mortgage term and $8,988 a month with a 15-year term. This assumes you have a 7% interest rate (and doesn’t take into account property taxes, mortgage insurance, and property insurance).

How much income is required for a $1,000,000 mortgage?

Housing costs should be at or below 30% of your income. If you were to choose a 30-year mortgage, this suggests that your income should be around $265,000 a year. Choose a 15-year mortgage, and your income should be around $360,000.

How much is a down payment on a $1,000,000 mortgage?

Because a $1,000,000 mortgage typically means a jumbo loan, you may need to make a down payment of at least 10%. That means your minimum down payment would be $111,112 on a home priced around $1,112,000.

Can I afford a $1,000,000 house with $70K salary?

No, a $70,000 salary would not be enough to cover the cost of a mortgage on a $1,000,000 house. Assuming you make around $5,800 a month (before taxes), this would not be enough to cover the minimum payment required of either loan term.


Photo credit: iStock/Paul Bradbury

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


SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information.


*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

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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