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If you’re a student or a recent grad, you are likely just starting your financial life and looking for ways to economize. One way to do that is to learn about the tax deductions and credits that can often help you lower your tax bill whether you’re still in school or just got your degree.

Here, you’ll learn about more than 20 possible ways you can save on your tax bill. But keep in mind: Taxes can get complicated. If you have any outstanding questions or concerns about your specific situation, consider consulting with a tax professional.

Smart Tax Deductions for Young Adults

1. American Opportunity Tax Credit

If someone is still in school, they might qualify for The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC). The AOTC allows people to take a student tax credit of up to $2,500 for tuition, fees, and course materials they paid for during the taxable year for an undergraduate education.

In addition, 40% of the credit, or up to $1,000, is refundable, which means that someone can receive it even if they happen not to owe any taxes for the year. To qualify, the taxpayer or their dependent needs to be pursuing a degree and enrolled half-time at the very least. A taxpayer can only take advantage of this for four years, no matter how long it takes the student to finish the degree.

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

2. Lifetime Learning Credit

Unlike the AOTC, the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) is available to vocational, graduate, and non-degree or vocational students, too. The maximum benefit? Up to $2,000 is allowed per tax return. To learn more about the differences between the LLC and AOTC and which one might be right for you, see this IRS chart.

3. Student Loan Interest

Students and parents of students paying for a child’s education through student loans can use the student loan interest tax benefit for education. With this deduction, they can deduct up to $2,500 in interest they paid for the year.

4. Moving Expenses

Perhaps instead of going to college, a young adult enrolled in the military instead. If they are a Member of Active Forces on active duty and had to move due to a military order, then they could take a deduction for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents. On https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f3903.pdf, active members of the military can claim expenses related to a military move like transportation and storage of household goods and personal effects and travel (including lodging) from the old home to the new home. They cannot include the cost of meals.

The IRS has an interactive tool to help taxpayers determine whether or not their moving expenses may qualify for a moving deduction.

5. Self-Employment Tax

If a young adult chose to go into business for themselves after graduating, then they can deduct one-half of their self-employment tax, which is 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare. They can do this when figuring their adjusted gross income on Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR.

6. Home Office

Someone who works at home, whether they’re working at their job remotely or after hours, or they are self-employed, can take a deduction for their home office. Someone can deduct expenses that keep their home office running such as utilities, insurance, and general repairs, but they cannot deduct unrelated expenses like a gardening bill or the paint they used for a room that is not their office. There is a simplified method for this deduction as well as a regular one. With the simple one, taxpayers can deduct $5 per square foot of the home used for business, with a 300-square-foot maximum (see both methods on the IRS’ website ).

Recommended: Do You Qualify for Home Office Tax Deductions?

7. Standard Mileage Rate

If a young adult is using their car for business purposes, then they may be able to deduct their standard mileage rate, which is 65.5 cents (0.655) per mile as of 2023. They need to keep in mind, however, that if they use the standard mileage rate, they cannot use the car expenses deduction as well. They cannot deduct lease payments, gasoline, car depreciation, vehicle registration fees, oil, or insurance.

8. Car Expenses

When a young adult does not use the standard mileage rate, then they can deduct car expenses that involve business purposes from their taxes. If they use the vehicle for personal and business expenses, then they need to split the deductions.

9. Meals While Traveling

When traveling for business, young adults who are entrepreneurs or self-employed can take a 50% deduction for their unreimbursed business meals. They can either take a standard meal allowance through the IRS or keep records of their actual costs for their meals and take those deductions.

10. Other Travel Expenses

The IRS also allows taxpayers to deduct some travel expenses. If young adults own their own business or are otherwise traveling for professional purposes, they could deduct things like travel by airplane, car, or train, fares for taxis to and from the airport to the hotel, the shipping of baggage, dry cleaning, and laundry, and business calls made on the trip.

11. Business Interest

If a young entrepreneur took out a business loan vs. a personal loan to get their startup running, then they can deduct the interest they paid. If they utilized the loan proceeds for more than one type of expense, then they need to allocate the interest based on how they used the loan’s proceeds.

12. 401(k) Deduction for Employed People

If a young adult has a job that’s providing them with a 401(k), then they can take a certain amount of deductions from their tax return. For tax year 2023, the maximum contribution that would qualify for an individual is $2,000, with a credit of $1,000.

Individuals may also qualify for a deduction for their IRA contributions as well. If they file as single or head of household, for instance, and their modified adjusted gross income is $66,000 or less, then they can take the full deduction up to the amount of their contribution limit.

13. IRA Deduction for Self-Employed People

If someone does not have a job that provides a 401(k), they may be eligible to deduct their contributions to an IRA. This can be a common tax deduction when you are self-employed.

You can learn more about the various kinds of IRAs and possible deductions from the IRS website.

14. Employee Pay

A young entrepreneur who has hired someone as an independent contractor, you may be able to deduct their income from the tax return. You may want to check in with a tax professional if you hire contract workers or salaried individuals to make sure you stay on top of your taxes.

15. Educator Expenses

A young graduate who is working as a teacher is able to deduct up to $300 of the expenses they put towards things they used in the classroom, such as books, courses, and computer equipment. If they teach a course in physical education or health, then-athletic supplies would count towards the deduction as well.

16. Health Savings Account

If a taxpayer chose to use a tax-deductible Health Savings Account (HSA) for their healthcare expenses in 2023, then they can contribute up to $3,850 for self-only coverage. An HSA can earn interest or other earnings, and they won’t be taxed.

Recommended: HSA vs. FSA: What Are the Differences?

17. 401(k) Contributions

The IRS will not tax the money that goes from a paycheck into a 401(k). However, there is a limit of $22,500 in 2023. This is for traditional and safe harbor plans.

18. SIMPLE 401(k) Contributions

If a young adult has a SIMPLE 401(k), then they can contribute up to $15,500 from their paychecks in 2023 and still reap the tax benefits.

19. Home Mortgage Interest

If a young adult is fortunate enough to own their own home, they may qualify for the home mortgage interest deduction, which allows them to deduct home mortgage interest on the first $750,000 of their debt.

20. State and Local Tax Deduction

Under federal rules, taxpayers can deduct up to $10,000 for state and local taxes if they are single or married filing jointly.

21. Charitable Contributions

If young adults donated to a charity in 2022, then they can take a deduction on their return. Just remember that federal law limits cash contributions to just 60% of the federal AGI for the year. It’s always best to keep receipts and records of charitable contributions in order to take the deduction.

22. Medical Expenses

Healthcare is very expensive, but the IRS allows taxpayers to deduct the amount of total medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of the AGI. Medical expenses include payments for diagnosing, preventing, and mitigating disease.

23. Residential Energy Credit

If a young adult is lucky enough to own their own home and invests in qualifying clean energy (think heat pumps, solar panels, geothermal energy), they may be able to claim up to 30% of the costs as a tax credit.

The Takeaway

Making smart use of tax deductions can help maximize a tax refund or minimize tax liability. Even if you are a student or a young person, you may be able to claim deductions and credits that make a difference on your tax return. You might even qualify for a tax refund that you could use to pay down debt or sock away in the bank to earn interest.

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.

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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.

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.

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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Many people believe you must have a college degree to land a secure, high-paying job and build a successful career. However, going to college can be expensive in its own right and require taking on significant debt.

That’s why it may be wise to consider the rewarding and well paying jobs that are possible without a degree. Instead of requiring an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, these careers often vet interested candidates through a certificate program, an apprenticeship, and on-the-job training.

Read on to learn about nine careers that pay well but don’t require a college degree.

1. Elevator Technician

Though it may appear as a niche industry, there are approximately 23,200 people employed as elevator and escalator installers and repairers in the United States.

To enter the field, the National Association of Elevator Contractors offers two types of certification: Certified Elevator Technician (CET) and Certified Accessibility and Private Residence Lift Technician (CAT). Completing CAT Education Program involves two years of coursework and paid on-the-job training, whereas the CET Education Program is a four-year program.

Both programs require applicants to be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent.

Although the training and certification requirements parallel the time it takes to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, this field has some of the best jobs without a degree from a financial standpoint. In the most recent survey, the median salary for elevator technicians was $97,860, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

💡 Quick Tip: If you’re saving for a short-term goal — whether it’s a vacation, a wedding, or the down payment on a house — consider opening a high-yield savings account. The higher APY that you’ll earn will help your money grow faster, but the funds stay liquid, so they are easy to access when you reach your goal.

2. Computer Programmer

Obtaining a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in computer science or a related field are common paths to computer programmer jobs. However, it’s still possible to forgo a formal degree program to enter this career path with the right skills and knowledge of programming languages, such as Java, Ruby, and Python.

There are a variety of platforms offering free coding classes for beginner and experienced programmers, including Coursera, Udemy, Codecademy, and edX. In some cases, these courses are drawn directly from top universities.

With a median salary of $93,00, computer programming is one of the top-earning jobs without a degree.

Recommended: How to Automate Your Finances

3. Commercial Pilot

There are several levels of certification for pilots, ranging from recreational purposes to a career flying commercial and passenger aircraft. Becoming a commercial pilot requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a commercial pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The commercial pilot certification process involves a minimum of 250 hours of flight time in varying conditions and in-depth training requirements.

Commercial airline pilots are able to operate charter flights, rescue operations, and aircraft used in large-scale agriculture and aerial photography. To work for an airline, such as Delta or JetBlue, pilots generally need a bachelor’s degree and an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.

The median annual wage for commercial pilots was $134,630. This is competitive with many of the highest paying jobs out of college.

4. Real Estate Broker

Looking for high paying jobs without a degree or serious mechanical or tech skills? A career in real estate could be an option worth considering.

Every state has its own set of requirements for obtaining a real estate license. Generally speaking, this entails taking a set module of coursework and passing an exam.

Once certified, real estate agents are authorized to help clients buy, sell, and rent real estate for a sponsoring broker or brokerage firm. Depending on the state, real estate salespersons may also need to complete additional training or work a certain number of years to become a real estate broker.

The median salary for a real estate sales agent is approximately $65,850.

5. Flight Attendant

The airline industry offers other high-paying jobs, with no degree required. Working as a flight attendant can be a well-paying job that also affords the ability to travel.

Requirements can vary somewhat between airline carriers, but some universal qualifications include being at least 18 years old, passing a background check, and holding a valid passport.

Flight attendants may also need to pass physical and medical evaluations and meet certain vision and height requirements based on the airline.

Once hired, flight attendants will complete training with the airline, which typically runs from three to six weeks. Training can cover emergency procedures, first-aid, and soft skills related to customer service.

The median flight attendant salary was $61,640.

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

6. Electrician

Instead of finding a job that pays for your college degree, how about getting paid for learning on the job? Through paid apprenticeship and education programs, that’s exactly what most electricians do to begin their careers. Typically, apprenticeships span four to five years and include a combination of classroom instruction and paid on-the-job training every year.

Rules for electrician apprenticeship programs vary by state and location. A handful of industry groups, such as Independent Electrical Contractors and the National Electric Contractors Association, provide resources for finding apprenticeship programs.

Electrician earnings are impacted by specialization and location, but the median wages for the industry totaled $60,040.

Recommended: 22 High Paying Trade Vocational Jobs

7. Plumber

Installing and repairing piping and plumbing fixtures can be counted among jobs that pay well without a degree. Plumbers accounted for 469,000 people in the workforce.

The path to becoming a plumber parallels the apprenticeship and training requirements for electricians. A standard plumber apprenticeship spans four to five years and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and classroom coursework. In most cases, a high school diploma or its equivalent is required to be accepted into a program.

Apprentices can be sponsored by plumbing companies or trade unions. This map , managed by Explore the Trades, is a helpful tool to find apprenticeships by state in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical professions.

Plumbers can be called in on evenings and weekends to respond to emergencies, such as burst pipes. This, among other factors, is why the median annual pay for plumbers ($59,880) is higher than some other trades.

8. Wind Turbine Technician

Considering careers without a degree but worried about long-term prospects? A job in wind energy could be a safe bet. Between 2021 and 2031, the BLS projects wind turbine technician jobs to grow by 44%, making it one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States.

Wind turbine technicians may perform tasks related to maintenance, repair, inspection, and analysis of wind energy systems. Community colleges and technical schools often offer associate’s degrees and certificates in wind energy technology that can improve a candidate’s prospects.

Recommended: Pros and Cons of Going to College

Upon hire, technicians usually complete about 12 months of on-the-job training related to electrical safety, equipment operation, and climbing wind towers. Wages can vary by location, but the median pay for wind turbine technicians was $56,260 in the most recent survey.

💡 Quick Tip: When you feel the urge to buy something that isn’t in your budget, try the 30-day rule. Make a note of the item in your calendar for 30 days into the future. When the date rolls around, there’s a good chance the “gotta have it” feeling will have subsided.

9. Court Reporter

Court reporters type word-for-word transcriptions of a trial, deposition, or other legal proceeding, using shorthand, machine shorthand, or voice writing equipment. They may also be asked to read back portions of the transcript by judges.

Court reporters often work with private law firms or local, state and government agencies. There is some training required, but not a four-year college degree. Court reporting programs may be offered at community colleges, technical schools, or court reporter schools.

To enter a program, you may need to take an entrance exam that tests typing and English language skills. The most recent median income for a court reporter was $60,380 per year.

The Takeaway

Finding a high-paying and meaningful job doesn’t always require going to college.

But, while you may not need a bachelor’s degree for many of these rewarding careers, you will likely need some kind of education, such as an associate degree, some trade school, or other specific certifications or apprenticeships.

Whichever career path you choose, it can be a good idea to factor in education costs, and to start saving up these expenses as early as you can.

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.

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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.

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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Sure, you’ve heard of spring cleaning, but if you’re a homeowner, fall is a great season to do some maintenance before the rigors of winter set in. It could be something as simple as making sure your weatherstripping around doors and windows is in good shape, to help keep the warmth in and the cold out. Or it could involve dealing with a roof that’s reaching the end of its lifespan.

Taking care of such tasks can not only make your home more comfortable, it can help you maintain or even build your property’s value.

Here, a checklist of 25 fall home maintenance and home improvement projects that will help keep your house snug all winter and in top condition.

1. Door & Window Seals

It’s easy for cold air to slip in around doors and windows that don’t have sufficient weatherstripping. To keep your ongoing heating costs in check, it’s smart to take a look at all of your doors and windows to ensure the seals are tight. Fixing any issues could wind up saving you some serious money over time.


💡 Quick Tip: Before choosing a personal loan, ask about the lender’s fees: origination, prepayment, late fees, etc. SoFi personal loans come with no-fee options, and no surprises.

2. Furnace Inspection

There’s not a lot worse than finding out on the coldest day of the year that your HVAC system needs repairs. Instead of waiting for a problem, it’s almost always a good idea to have your furnace inspected annually.

Recommended: The Ultimate House Maintenance Checklist

3. Air Ducts

This isn’t something you likely need to do every year, but it is smart to have your HVAC ducts cleaned regularly so the system is operating as efficiently as possible. Once every three to five years is a good cadence.

4. Gutters

Whether you do it yourself or hire a pro, having your gutters cleaned after the leaves have fallen can ensure that your roofline remains leak-free during the winter months.

5. Exposed or Rotting Wood

Whether it’s on your deck, around your foundation, or under your gutters, wood that is no longer properly sealed can take a beating during winter months. You can save yourself serious headaches by repairing, replacing, or sealing any exposed wood.

6. Roof inspection & Repair

A leaking roof is no one’s idea of a good time and is among the most common home repairs. Having an older roof inspected can help to spot minor problems before they turn into major issues.

In colder climates, some roof repairs may need to wait months for warmer weather before they can take place. For that reason, the sooner you tackle this issue, the better. You might be able to squeeze in a repair before the weather gets too chilly. (Note: It’s worth checking if you have a roof warranty before shelling out for repairs.)

Recommended: How Much Does It Cost to Remodel or Renovate a House?

7. New Insulation

If you’re like a lot of people, you don’t check the insulation of your attic and eaves regularly, if ever. Having the proper depth of insulation can provide most homeowners with significant savings when it comes to heating and cooling costs.

8. Lawn Winterization

Your lawn will be greener earlier in the spring if you fertilize it in the fall.

Recommended: How to Winterize a House

9. All Those Leaves

While you don’t want leaves in your gutters or on your lawn, having them in your garden and flower beds can actually help protect plants against damage from cold weather by insulating them. A leaf bed also provides a home for insects that help feed migratory birds in spring; it can also spare landfills from tons of waste.

10. Critter Blockers

All those pipes and tubes coming into our homes from the exterior can mean there are little cracks and crevices. These in turn can allow insects and even vermin to enter in search of warmth. It can be smart to inspect and seal these crevices before the weather turns significantly colder.


💡 Quick Tip: Unsecured home improvement loans don’t use your house as collateral — a relief for many homeowners.

11. Storing Summer Clothes & Bedding

If you live in a cooler climate and you have the space, you may want to get organized and put summer clothes and bedding in storage over the winter. Enjoy the extra closet space!

12. Chimney Inspection/Cleaning

There’s nothing like sitting in front of a roaring fire on a cold winter day — unless, of course, dangerous creosote is building up in your chimney. You can likely nip any problems in the bud by having your fireplace inspected and cleaned annually.

13. Spring Bulb Planting

If you love tulips, daffodils, and other flowers that grow from bulbs, now’s the perfect time to set them in your garden. They often love a good freeze over the winter.

14. Perennial Care

Not only will mulch keep your beds looking neat and tidy during colder months, it can help insulate plants from the cold.

15. Outdoor Faucets

Now’s a great time to check your faucets to see if washers and all other parts are in good working order. And if you live in colder climates, it could be a good idea to install a frost-free yard hydrant to help protect your pipes against breakage during freezing weather.

16. Ceiling Fans

This is an easy one to forget. If you have ceiling fans, it’s smart to switch their direction for colder months. By reversing the direction of your fans, you can help to disperse warm air throughout your rooms.

17. Yard Tools

To keep your lawnmower, leaf blower, and any other gas-powered tools in good working order, clean them up before storing them for the season.

18. Trees & Shrubs

Pruning can be especially important for flowering trees and shrubs that only flower on new growth. It can also help to ensure that unhealthy branches are removed before heavy snow and ice coat them and possibly break them.

19. Carpet & Rug Cleaning

You’re likely going to be spending a lot more time indoors during the winter months, so why not freshen up your surroundings with a good carpet and rug cleaning? It could provide some welcome allergy relief.

20. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

It can be smart to check your detectors and replace batteries whenever there’s a time change. So when you “fall back” and re-set the clocks, make sure these important devices are in good working order.

21. Patio Furniture & Grilling Equipment

Covering your outdoor furniture and grill can lengthen their lives and help prevent chipping and other damage.

22. Snow Removal

If you live where it snows regularly, it’s smart to go ahead and prepare now. Having your snowblower serviced, buying salt or snowmelt products, ensuring that your snow shovels are in good shape, and/or lining up a snow removal service are all things you can do now to avoid problems when the snow has begun to fall.

Recommended: Typical Personal Loan Requirements Needed for Approval

23. Older Doors & Windows

If you’re still living with single-pane windows, it may be time to upgrade and undertake the effort and cost of replacing windows. Here’s why: Double- or even triple-pane windows can pay for themselves in just a few years. They can be far superior in keeping out both the cold and heat (depending on the season), thus reducing your heating and cooling bills. The same is true for older doors that may not be well insulated or have single-pane glass in them.

24. Programmable Thermostat

It may seem like a little thing, but turning your heat down every night can wind up saving you money. Remembering to do it, however …that’s another story. Why not make it easy on yourself and install a programmable thermostat that remembers for you?

25. A Fresh Coat of Paint

If you’re going to be spending more time indoors, why not update its look to something you love? A fresh coat of paint can do wonders to spruce up almost any room. And how about the exterior? You might also look into the cost of painting a house; this is a project that can take homeowners a weekend to complete or can be bid out.

Recommended: The Top Home Improvements to Increase Your Home’s Value

The Takeaway

As the leaves change, it might be time for homeowners to consider some important home improvement projects before the cold weather really kicks in. A seasonal to-do list can ensure that your home is comfy, cozy, and safe for winter and beyond. For some of the bigger projects, like replacing windows or completing roof repairs, you may want to get your financing squared away too, perhaps with a personal loan.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.

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Photo credit: iStock/JavenLin

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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.

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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