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You’ve probably heard that life is too short to spend time on unfulfilling work. While any job can be rewarding, some are inherently better than others. If you need to make a change — and you’re looking for something more fulfilling than a paycheck — we have some ideas.

First we’ll consider the criteria that make a job rewarding, before jumping into our curated list of the most rewarding jobs in America.

Rewarding Jobs, Defined

What exactly is a rewarding job? After all, everyone will define a rewarding job differently. Some folks enjoy being around people, while others appreciate the ability to deeply engage in work alone. Some people are looking specifically for work-at-home gigs, while others are searching for the highest paying jobs.

We think that a rewarding career should help you feel accomplished and fulfilled. We break down additional elements below.

Common Characteristics of Rewarding Jobs

The Urban Institute, a nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing upward mobility and equity with research and data, lists five key factors of a good job.

•   Livable wages. Earning a livable wage means you earn enough money to cover your basic needs. It’s tied to your health, financial security, and even your children’s success. Livable wages make you feel secure. Rewarding jobs should offer a good entry-level salary, and then…

•   Upward mobility and growth opportunities. Rewarding jobs allow workers to build on their skills and further their careers. More-experienced workers can feel satisfied knowing they receive competitive pay.

•   Workplace flexibility and schedule control. Some 22.9% of the U.S. workforce works remotely, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). And 60% of employees would look for a new job if they weren’t offered hybrid or remote work options, according to Gallup.

•   Benefits. Benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, and retirement plans contribute to a worker’s productivity as well as their health and well-being. Jobs with benefits help create a rewarding environment.

•   Working conditions and safety. For a job to be rewarding, a safe environment is essential.

Recommended: Benefits of Working From Home for Employees

21 Most Rewarding Jobs in America for 2025

There are many jobs that have some or all of these characteristics. Below are 21 jobs that rated very high in a PayScale survey on job satisfaction. All salary figures are from BLS data.

1. Kindergarten Teacher

National average salary: $67,020

Job satisfaction rate: 91%

Job description: Some of the most rewarding jobs are jobs helping people. While a career in education doesn’t usually add a lot of zeroes to your bank account, it’s incredibly rewarding to help kids and adults improve their skills and confidence through education. It can also be one of those jobs that pay off student loans through the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

2. Postsecondary English Language and Literature Teacher

National average salary: $94,470

Job satisfaction rate: 96%

Job description: These academic pros instruct and mentor students after high school. Until you reach professor status, check out our list of the best on-campus jobs.

3. Clergy

National average salary: $67,160

Job satisfaction rate: 98%

Job description: Conduct religious services and direct activities to support worship of a spiritual nature.

4. Surgeon

National average salary: $371,280

Job satisfaction rate: 96%

Job description: Diagnose and treat injuries and illness with surgical procedures. With a salary well into the six figures, this is one of the highest paying jobs on our list.

5. Family and General Practitioner

National average salary: $256,830

Job satisfaction rate: 90%

Job description: Provide preventative care to patients and refer them to specialists for further care.

6. Music Director and Composer

National average salary: $84,230

Job satisfaction rate: 80%

Job description: Lead musical performances; write and record music.

7. Epidemiologist

National average salary: $94,160

Job satisfaction rate: 77%

Job description: Investigate the course of a disease to protect public health. Help provide community education and public policy for diseases.

8. Physician Assistant

National average salary: $136,900

Job satisfaction rate: 78%

Job description: Treats patients under the supervision of a doctor. This role is one step below doctor and a step above nurse — similar to a nurse practitioner.

9. Anesthesiologist

National average salary: $336,640

Job satisfaction rate: 83%

Job description: Administer and manage patient pain before, during, and after surgery. (We wonder if people who make this much would benefit from a good spending app.)

10. Speech-Language Pathologist

National average salary: $95,840

Job satisfaction rate: 79%

Job description: Evaluate and treat patients who have speech and language disorders.

11. Pediatrician

National average salary: $222,340

Job satisfaction rate: 89%

Job description: Provide preventative and diagnostic medical care for children.

12. Psychiatrist

National average salary: $269,120

Job satisfaction rate: 85%

Job description: Primary mental health care providers who diagnose and treat patients.

13. Firefighter

National average salary: $63,890

Job satisfaction rate: 83%

Job description: Firefighters manage and extinguish fires to protect life and property. They also respond to other emergencies.

Recommended: The 10 Most Satisfying Jobs You Can Get in America Without a Degree

14. Education Administrator

National average salary: $100,720

Job satisfaction rate: 88%

Job description: Education administrators are responsible for the direction and implementation of school-related activities. They may hire staff, plan academic programs, attend meetings, and stay on top of any number of initiatives.

15. Dentist

National average salary: $196,100

Job satisfaction rate: 82%

Job description: Treat patients to prevent and repair tooth decay and oral health.

16. Forester

National average salary: $70,680

Job satisfaction rate: 85%

Job description: Foresters maintain the health of a forested ecosystem. They may track types and amounts of standing timber, plant new trees, and determine which trees need to be cut.

17. Cartographer and Photogrammetrist

National average salary: $82,860

Job satisfaction rate: 97%

Job description: Create digital and physical maps and charts from geographic data.

18. Rotary Drill Operator, Oil and Gas

National average salary: $70,080

Job satisfaction rate: 93%

Job description: Rotary drill operators control large-scale machines that extract oil and gas from the earth. It’s one of the few jobs that don’t require college on this list.

19. Emergency Management Director

National average salary: $97,700

Job satisfaction rate: 86%

Job description: Develop and implement plans in the event of an emergency, such as a natural disaster. Coordinate with local authorities and help lead when an event occurs.

20. Physicist

National average salary: $166,000

Job satisfaction rate: 77%

Job description: Study matter and energy. May develop scientific theories, conduct experiments, develop software, write papers, and present research at conferences.

21. Librarian

National average salary: $69,180

Job satisfaction rate: 81%

Job description: Help people find information in a library. Organize materials and create programs for public education. Although interaction with the public is a key part of this role, it still seems like the ultimate job for introverts.

The Takeaway

Whether you’re in the right job or looking for a new path, it’s helpful to know that some well-paying jobs are among the most rewarding. Our list was compiled with salary data from the Bureau for Labor Statistics and job satisfaction data provided by PayScale. The medical field has a strong presence, as does education. Some less-expected rewarding jobs include music director, cartographer, clergy, and forester. Clergy have the highest job satisfaction on our list (who knew?), while anesthesiologists pull the highest salary.

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

FAQ

What is the highest-paying job in 2025?

Physicians and other medical professionals dominate the BLS data of the highest-paying occupations, with an average salary over $239,200 per year.

What is the happiest career in the US?

Job satisfaction is individual. While one person may feel happy teaching, another may despise it.. A happy career is one that suits your personality, values, and lifestyle.

Which jobs are in most demand in the US?

Jobs in the medical field are in high demand and pay well. According to the BLS, wind turbine service technicians experienced the highest growth rate in 2024, with median pay over $62,580. Nurse practitioners are also in high demand; median pay is $129,210.

Photo credit: iStock/Delmaine Donson

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

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

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

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

SORL-Q425-026

Monthly payments on a $100,000 mortgage could range from $600 to around $1,000, depending on the loan’s interest rate, term, and other factors. But it’s also important to think about how much borrowing $100,000 will cost you over time, and to pay attention to all your costs as you move forward with your home purchase. Some costs may be negotiable, and a little comparison shopping could help you save. Read on for a breakdown of what the costs related to borrowing $100,000 might be.

What Will a $100,000 Mortgage Cost?

There are several different expenses you can expect to encounter when taking out a mortgage. Most of the time, they can be divided into three main categories.

Closing Costs

Closing costs, which you’ll pay upfront, typically include loan processing fees, third-party services such as appraisals and title insurance, and government fees and taxes. You also may choose to pay mortgage points (also known as discount points) on your loan to lower the interest rate. Closing costs can vary significantly, but they generally range from 3% to 6% of the loan amount.

Monthly Payments

Monthly mortgage payments, which are paid over the life of your loan, usually include two primary components:

•   Principal: This is the portion of your mortgage payment that goes directly toward paying back the amount you borrowed.

•   Interest: This is the amount the lender charges you for borrowing money. The amount of interest you pay each month will be calculated by multiplying your interest rate by your remaining loan balance.

Escrow

Some homebuyers may also have a third amount, called escrow, factored into their closing costs and/or monthly payments. Lenders often collect and hold money in an escrow account to ensure critical bills like homeowners insurance and property taxes are paid on time.


💡 Quick Tip: When house hunting, don’t forget to lock in your home mortgage loan rate so there are no surprises if your offer is accepted.

What Would the Monthly Payment Be for a $100,000 Mortgage

We’ll keep things simple and eliminate the costs associated with an escrow account to get an idea of what a $100,000 mortgage payment might look like each month.

Let’s say you wanted to purchase a home for $120,000, and you had $20,000 for a down payment. If your lender offered you a 7.00% interest rate on a 15-year loan for $100,000, you could expect your monthly payment — principal and interest — to be about $898. If you had a 30-year loan at the same rate, a $100,000 mortgage payment could be about $665 per month.

Here are some more examples that show the difference between a 15-year loan vs. a 30-year loan, using a mortgage calculator:

How Much Interest Will You Pay on a $100,000 Mortgage?

The interest rate your lender offers can make a big difference in the overall cost of your mortgage. So can the mortgage term you choose. On a $100,000 mortgage at a 7.00% rate, for example, your total interest costs could range from $61,789 to $139,509, depending on the length of the loan you choose (15 vs. 30 years).

Stretching your mortgage payments over a longer term can lower your monthly payment, but you can expect to pay more for the loan overall. If you start out with a 30-year term and find your budget can handle larger payments, you can always consider a mortgage refinance or a recast to adjust your payment amount and schedule.

Recommended: Best Affordable Places to Live in the U.S.

How Does Amortization Work on a $100,000 Mortgage?

Though your payment will remain the same every month (if you have a fixed-rate loan, you can expect the amount you’ll pay each month toward interest vs. principal to change over the life of your home loan. In the first years, the majority of your payment will go toward interest. But as your balance goes down, more of your payment will go toward principal.

Your lender should provide you with a repayment schedule, or mortgage amortization schedule, that shows you how the proportions will change over the length of your loan.

Here’s what the amortization schedules for a $100,000 mortgage with 30- and 15-year terms might look like. (Keep in mind that your payments may include other costs besides principal and interest.)

Amortization Schedule, 30-Year Loan at 7.00%

Amortization Schedule, 15-Year Loan at 7% APR

Where Can You Get a $100,000 Mortgage?

Homebuyers have options when they’re deciding where to go for a loan, including online banks and lenders, traditional banks, and credit unions. Because lenders’ rates and terms may vary, it can be a good idea to shop around for a mortgage that’s a good fit for your needs and goals.

Before you start getting mortgage estimates, you may want to sit down and figure out the different types of mortgages you’re interested in and what you might qualify for. Would you be better off with a conventional mortgage or a government-backed loan? Are you looking for a fixed or adjustable mortgage rate? Do you want a 15-, 20-, or 30-year mortgage? Some lenders specialize in certain kinds of loans, such as government-backed loans. And some loans may have less stringent standards for down payment amounts or a borrower’s credit score. Once you start comparison shopping, you may want to read some online reviews of the lenders you’re considering.

💡 Quick Tip: Generally, the lower your debt-to-income ratio, the better loan terms you’ll be offered. One way to improve your ratio is to increase your income (hello, side hustle!). Another way is to consolidate your debt and lower your monthly debt payments.

How to Get a $100,000 Mortgage

Feeling a little overwhelmed by the whole home-buying and mortgage process? Breaking it down into a few manageable steps may make things a little less daunting. If you’ve never bought a home before, spend some time studying up with a first-time homebuyer guide.

First, Figure Out What You Can Afford

Looking at your income, debts, monthly spending, and how much you’ve saved for a down payment can be a good place to start. This will help you determine how much of a down payment you can handle and how much house you can afford.

Look at Different Loans and Lenders

Once you know what you can afford, you can start looking for the loan type, interest rate, loan term, and lender that meet your needs.

Get Preapproved

After you’ve decided on a loan and lender, it can be a good idea to go through the preapproval process. Getting a letter from your lender that says you’re preapproved for a certain loan amount lets sellers know you’re a serious buyer (and can come in handy in a bidding war.)

Time to Go House Hunting

Once you’ve done your homework, you can search for and make an offer on a house. And since you already know how much you can afford, you can target homes in that range.

Submit a Full Mortgage Application

When you’re ready to seal the deal, be prepared to give your lender more financial information and documentation for a formal loan application.

Prepare for Closing

While you’re waiting for a final loan approval and a closing date, you can shop for homeowners insurance, get a home inspection, and make sure you have all the money you need for your down payment and closing costs.

Take Ownership of Your New Home

At the closing you can sign all the necessary paperwork, hand over the funds needed to make the purchase, and—congratulations!–get the keys to your new home.

How Much House Can You Afford Quiz

Recommended: Home Loan Help Center

The Takeaway

Researching the different expenses you might have to pay when taking out a $100,000 mortgage can help you stick to your budget and avoid unpleasant surprises. The choices you make about the type of loan you get, the interest rate, loan term, and other costs, will all affect how much you pay every month — and over the length of the loan.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.

FAQ

How much is a $100,000 mortgage a month?

The monthly payment for a $100,000 mortgage could range from $600 to around $1,000, depending on several factors, including the interest rate and loan term.

How much income is required for a $100,000 mortgage?

You’ll probably need to earn around $40,000 a year (before taxes) to get a $100,000 mortgage. But lenders will look at several factors, besides your income, to determine if you can afford a $100,000 mortgage. You can expect to be asked about your debt, credit history, assets, and the down payment you plan to make.

How much is a down payment on a $100,000 mortgage?

If you wanted to make a 20% down payment (thereby avoiding paying for mortgage insurance), you would put down around $25,000 on a $100,000 mortgage. But a down payment could be as low as 3% in some cases (around $4,000), and may vary depending on the price of the house you choose and the type of loan you get.

Can I afford a $100,000 mortgage with a $70,000 salary?

As long as all your monthly debt payments combined — including your house payment, credit cards, student loans, and car payments — are less than $2,100, you may be able to afford a $100,000 mortgage on a $70,000 salary.

Photo credit: iStock/Hispanolistic

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SOHL-Q425-188

If your trip to the grocery store is more expensive these days, you’re not alone. Food prices have risen 2.2% to 3.2% in the past 12 months.

One way to deal with rising food prices is to have a plan for how to manage the amount of money you spend on groceries and budget accordingly.

Here, we’ll look at the average cost of groceries, provide a grocery budget calculator table to help you manage your food spending, and explore a few ways you can save.

What Is a Grocery Budget?

In order to manage what you spend on food, you have to know how much you can afford. That’s where having a grocery budget comes in handy.

A grocery budget is simply an allotted amount that you can use to buy food for your household. Ideally, you’d spend that amount or less, and anything left over can go toward other living expenses or savings.

The average American household spends $270 per week on groceries, or 12% of their income. You can play around with your income, household size, and dietary needs to see what works best for you.

💡 Quick Tip: Online tools make tracking your spending a breeze: You can easily set up budgets, then get instant updates on your progress, spot upcoming bills, analyze your spending habits, and more.

Pros and Cons of Grocery Budgets

Grocery shopping on a budget generally means being more mindful about your food purchases, which has a number of benefits.

One of the biggest perks of sticking to a grocery budget is that it helps you avoid overspending. It also ensures you still have money for other expenses.

Plus, having an idea of how much you should spend on food can help cut down on the amount of food that goes to waste.

On the other hand, creating a grocery budget means reigning in impulse buys and being stricter about what ends up in your cart. You may have to spend more time looking for the best prices on food items, and you might even need to visit multiple grocery stores to save money.

Average Cost of Groceries by State

Curious about how your grocery bills stack up against others in the U.S.? Here’s the average weekly cost of groceries per household, ranked from highest to lowest.

Average Cost of Groceries by Age

It’s not just geography that can impact how much you spend on groceries. Your age and budget can also play a role. Let’s look at how spending can differ by age and budget sizes. Note that these figures are suggestions and reflect a grocery bill for one for one week.

Average Cost of Groceries by Household Size

Not surprisingly, the size of your household can have a major impact on how much you spend at the grocery store. But it’s worth noting that the more family members you have, the less your budget increases. In other words, you don’t have to double a single person’s budget for two and triple it for three.

Instead, add about 20% to your budget for one extra person, 10% for two extra people, and 5% for three extra people. So if you allocate $400 a month for yourself, you’d increase that to:

•   $480 for two people

•   $576 for three people

•   $605 for four people

This will, of course, vary depending on who’s in your household. Teenagers, as we know, eat a lot!

How to Calculate for a Grocery Budget

Generally, people spend about 12% of their household income on groceries. To get an idea of what you’ve been spending, gather receipts from past grocery shopping trips.

Pay attention to what you’ve bought. How much of it was necessary and how much was an impulse buy? Keep in mind that when you make your new monthly or weekly budget, you’ll likely need to curb some unnecessary spending.


💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Grocery Budget Calculator Table

Let’s create a scenario to illustrate what a monthly grocery budget could look like. The example below is for a household of three.

This budget may be on the high end for a three-person household, depending on its monthly income. If $800 per month is too high for you, you might explore ways to cut down on spending in some of these categories.

Ways to Save Money on Groceries

One effective way to save money on groceries is to track your spending. Categorize your spending so you can track your budgets and make sure you’re within the margin. A money tracker app or grocery budget calculator app can make the job easier.

It also helps to familiarize yourself with the grocery stores in your area so you know who has the best deal on which items. Check the weekly store flyers, and stock up on good deals. Many things, including meat, can be frozen, so consider buying in bulk.

Having a membership to a store like Costco or Sam’s can also be a smart economical move, especially if you have a large family. Also consider cutting coupons the old-school way or downloading a coupon app.

Always make a game plan before you leave for the store. Look at your list and see which store is offering the best prices on the things you need. Check your coupons and plan to buy items that you can save on.

Finally, here’s a tried-and-true tip that’s very useful: Never go to the store hungry. If you’re shopping on an empty stomach, you’re more likely to buy what you want to eat, rather than what you need.

Recommended: 15 Easy Ways to Save Money

The Takeaway

If you’re looking to save money on food, consider making a grocery budget. The spending plan can ensure that you only buy what you can afford, and may leave you with extra money to put toward other expenses or financial goals.

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

FAQ

How do you calculate your grocery budget?

To calculate your grocery budget, track your current spending for a few months, categorize expenses, and identify essential items. Set a realistic monthly target based on this data, considering any dietary changes or financial goals. Adjust as needed to stay within your budget while meeting your nutritional needs.

What is a realistic budget for groceries?

Many American households spend about 12% of their monthly income on groceries. How much you spend will depend on the size of your household and how strict you want your budget to be.

How much should I budget for groceries for a week?

Once you work out a monthly budget for your groceries based on about 12% of your household income, you can break that amount down by the number of weeks in a month. The average American household spends about $270 per week on groceries, though, so you can use that as a base number and adjust as needed.

Photo credit: iStock/Candle Photo

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

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial 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.

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.

SORL-Q425-001

You know that feeling when you are excited to buy something, be it a cross-continent vacation or pair of high-end sneakers, and very soon after are overwhelmed with regret? Welcome to the world of buyer’s remorse.

Maybe you are disappointed with your purchase, feel you have blown your budget, or both. Buyer’s remorse can rear its head for small and large purchases alike. You can feel it when you’ve swiped your card on a whim or even after researching your purchase for hours.

Fortunately, with a little bit of time, practice, and patience, you can learn to ditch the spending habits that most commonly lead to buyer’s remorse — so you can look forward to only those happy post-purchase feelings going forward. Keep reading to learn the full story.

What Is Buyer’s Remorse?

Buyer’s remorse is, quite simply, the feeling of regretting a purchase. It may be that you spent too much (i.e., the feeling you get in January when you review your holiday expenses) or because what you bought wasn’t quite as awesome as you thought (i.e., the feeling you get when your sneakers give you blisters).

Buyer’s remorse is usually the effect of a certain level of cognitive dissonance, which is what happens when you have two competing and incompatible thoughts at the same time. For example: You really want a new pair of headphones, and the ones you like are on sale, but you know you’ve already gone over budget for this month and simply can’t afford them, no matter how good the price is. That can be an example of cognitive dissonance. If you go ahead and purchase the item, there’s a good chance that you’ll experience buyer’s remorse.

💡 Quick Tip: Help your money earn more money! Opening a bank account online often gets you higher-than-average rates.

Examples of Buyer’s Remorse

Buyer’s remorse can show up in a variety of different ways, and the feelings themselves can be slightly different, too. Here are some examples of buyer’s remorse:

•   Booking a trip to Europe on your credit card and then realizing you’ll have to dip into your emergency savings to fund your vacation

•   Buying a cashmere V-neck sweater on sale — only to remember, when you get home, that you have one in excellent condition tucked in your drawer

•   Purchasing a new suitcase and realizing, when you first try to pack it up, that it’s too small to hold everything you need and wishing you’d bought a larger one.

Buyer’s remorse can occur for tiny purchases (a coffee you didn’t need, and now you’ve got the caffeine jitters) or huge ones (some homeowners, unfortunately, experience buyer’s remorse after they move in). The basic common denominator, though, is simple: You wish you hadn’t bought what you did.

Types of Buyer’s Remorse

While buyer’s remorse can happen for a wide range of purchases, it can generally be broken down into two different categories: outcome regret and process regret.

Outcome Regret

As its name suggests, outcome regret refers to the remorse you experience when the outcome of your purchase doesn’t meet your original expectations. This might happen because you realize something else would have been a better purchase to suit your needs or because the thing you bought doesn’t meet your expectations — or both (as in the suitcase example above).

Process Regret

Process regret, on the other hand, indicates that you regret the purchase process more than the outcome itself. For example, if you think you should have spent a longer time researching before making a purchase decision (or, in some cases, less time) you’re likely feeling process regret.

Perhaps you spent a whole weekend choosing a hotel for a trip and then weren’t satisfied with the place you stayed. Or maybe you made an impulse purchase while at a furniture store and later realize you should have spent more time and measured more carefully because your new coffee table is too big.

Signs of Buyer’s Remorse

Buyer’s regret shows up as an emotional reaction. You may feel anxious, angry, annoyed, scared, or sad about your purchase. You may notice that this feeling starts to show itself shortly after the purchase is made.

If you’ve ordered something online, for example, you may experience remorse before it even shows up at your doorstep. Or you may buy yourself a new watch and, the second you walk out of the store, start panicking about what the purchase will do to your credit card debt or checking account balance.

What to Do if You Have Buyer’s Remorse

If you have buyer’s remorse, take heart: there are usually steps you can take to rectify it.

•   Return the item. If you’re feeling buyer’s remorse over a purchase, like a new sweater, you may be able to simply return the item for a refund. (Similarly, if you’ve booked travel you’re now regretting, you might see what the cancellation policy states.)

•   Look for ways to increase your satisfaction with your purchase. If you’re experiencing buyer’s remorse over a larger purchase, like a home or car, it might not be as simple as a quick return. However, you may be able to find ways to feel better about the purchase. For example, you might decorate your home in a way that feels good to you, or outfit your car with a bike rack to increase its storage capacity.

•   Use the opportunity to change your spending. If you’re stuck with the purchase you made, now might be a good time to review your spending habits and come up with some new ones. While it won’t cure your current buyer’s remorse, it may keep you from feeling it again in the future. For instance, you might realize that you shop when bored and find other ways to spend your free time versus strolling through your favorite stores.

How Long Does Buyer’s Remorse Last?

Depending on the size of the purchase, buyer’s remorse might be brief or long-standing. For instance, it could linger for just a few moments — for example, if you order way more sushi than you can actually eat. Or it could go on for several months or longer — say, if you discover you really are unhappy with the neighborhood in which you purchased a home.

In any event, going through and combatting buyer’s remorse is an emotional experience, so it’s important to be gentle with yourself. Do what you can to minimize its impact, and learn from the experience.

Tips for Avoiding Buyer’s Remorse

The best way to deal with buyer’s remorse? To avoid feeling it in the first place. Here are some ideas to help dodge that post-purchase sinking in your stomach again.

Budget

A budget can give your spending some guardrails. Making a budget can help you work out how to cover all your necessary expenses and to prioritize which discretionary expenses are most important. Sticking to a budget can be a great way to avoid buyer’s remorse from the start because you know what you have to spend. Follow the guidelines, and you likely won’t regret blowing too much on a purchase.

“If it works with your income, the 50/30/20 budget is one simple method for people starting to organize their finances,” says Brian Walsh, CFP® and Head of Advice & Planning at SoFi. “This budget allocates 50% of your income for essentials, like rent and bills; 30% to personal day-to-day spending; and 20% for savings or financial goals.”

If you make a purchase and it fits the guidelines of your budget, you’re less likely to regret making it.

💡 Quick Tip: Want a simple way to save more everyday? When you turn on Roundups, all of your debit card purchases are automatically rounded up to the next dollar and deposited into your online savings account.

Practice Patience

Sometimes, the main culprit behind buyer’s remorse is impulse buying: If you’d just given yourself a week or two (or, ideally, a month) to really think through that purchase, you might have decided you didn’t need it in the first place. By practicing patience and forcing yourself to take time to think through your purchases, you may be less likely to experience buyer’s remorse.

Try the 30-Day No-Spend Challenge

After experiencing buyer’s remorse, you may decide you want to take a temporary break from nonessential spending, sometimes known as a no-spend challenge. You could start with as little as a week, but extending your no-spend challenge to 30 days can give you a chance to understand how often you make impulse purchases.

This exercise can give you a new perspective on spending and help you become more mindful with your money going forward.

Ask the Right Questions

Say there’s a jacket you like that is on sale, reduced from $300 to $189. You’re about to snap it up, but wait a moment. Ask yourself: How long did you have to work to earn enough (after taxes) to afford the price tag? How many jackets do you have at home, and are they in good condition? Do you really need another? How will you feel if you buy the new jacket and see it hanging unworn in your closet six months from now?

Hold yourself accountable for the impact a purchase will have on your financial situation and whether you really need it or it’s just another nice thing you might own.

Do Research Before You Buy

While it’s possible to feel buyer’s remorse after a well-researched purchase vs. an impulse buy, it’s generally less likely. Usually, the more information you have before you pull the trigger, the greater the chance you’ll be satisfied with your spending decision. So consider amping up the amount of time you spend researching your purchases before you make them.

Write a List of What You Need and Stick to It

If you tend to make impulse buys while you’re meandering the grocery store, for example, it might be time to employ a shopping list. That way, as tempted as you might be to grab that package of pistachios or fancy flavored seltzer, you’ll have that list to hopefully keep you in line and on track with your spending.

Making a list can be an effective strategy for reducing impulse shopping in any retail environment, not just at the grocery store. The psychological principles that make lists successful apply to department stores, malls, online marketplaces, and even home improvement stores.

Set Shopping Boundaries

Like any other part of life, establishing boundaries around shopping is critical to ensuring your well-being and success. Some examples of boundaries you might set: Deciding you won’t shop alone, online after 10 pm, or while you’re feeling sad or angry.

Use Cash Rather Than Credit to Avoid Overspending

Money is money, but tapping your card at the terminal can feel a lot easier than parting with cold, hard cash — too easy, in fact. Plus, credit makes it easy to spend more than you can actually afford to, and buyer’s remorse can just be compounded when it also leads to high-interest debt.

The Takeaway

Buyer’s remorse is a common emotional response to a purchase, often stemming from overspending or unmet expectations. Recognizing the signs and types of regret — outcome or process — can empower you to address it effectively, whether through returns or by adjusting your spending habits. By using strategies like budgeting, practicing patience, asking thoughtful questions, and conducting thorough research, you can proactively avoid buyer’s remorse and foster a healthier relationship with your finances.

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.

FAQ

What are some questions to ask yourself before you make a purchase?

To avoid buyer’s remorse, consider asking yourself: Do I really need this item, or do I just want it? Will I still want it in two days? Two weeks? How much time and effort did it take me to earn the money I am about to spend? What else could I purchase with that money if I made a different decision?

What should I do if an item is limited in stock and won’t restock after?

Sometimes, buyers make impulsive purchase decisions because an item is in limited supply or on sale for a limited time. While these external factors can make a purchase seem more urgent, it’s still worth taking the time to decide whether or not you truly need the item — or if you’re likely to feel buyer’s remorse over it. A new pair of shoes you didn’t need can still feel like a waste of money, even if you snagged them during an end-of-season sale.

What are common items that people have buyer’s remorse about?

Buyer’s remorse is highly personal, but many people feel regret over large expenses, such as vacations, boats, or expensive cars. That said, it’s possible to feel buyer’s remorse over smaller purchases, like unnecessary clothing, restaurant meals, makeup/grooming products, or anything that you simply don’t need.

Photo credit: iStock/Anawat_s

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

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

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

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

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

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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

We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
^Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

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Shrinkflation is the practice of reducing the size or amount of a product in a given package while maintaining the same sticker price. It is a hidden form of inflation that allows companies to boost or protect their profit margins, particularly when facing rising production costs. For consumers, it means they are effectively paying more for less. According to a LendingTree analysis of nearly 100 household products from 2019 to 2024, a third have shrunk in size.

Shrinkflation relies on the fact that shoppers are more likely to pick up on a direct price increase than a subtle reduction in a product’s size. However, shrinkflation contributes to overall inflation. To keep your grocery bills from escalating, it’s important to understand how to spot and avoid being deceived by shrinkflation.

Why Does Shrinkflation Happen?

First, let’s take a step backwards. Why is it called “shrinkflation” anyway?

When companies shrink their products and thereby inflate the price, that’s shrinkflation. For instance, perhaps you notice that the 14-ounce bag of pretzels you used to buy is now 12 ounces…while the price has stayed the same.

Once you understand how it works, it’s pretty easy to understand why companies shrinkflate their products, as sneaky a tactic as it is. By offering less of their product at the same (or even a higher price), companies can protect their profit margins.

This, in turn, can help them battle rising production costs, competition from other companies, or simply drive more profits — which, in the end, is generally the main goal of every for-profit company.

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Examples of Shrinkflation

To avoid implicating any specific brand, let’s use an imaginary example to demonstrate how shrinkflation works and how you might notice it as a consumer.

•   Say you’re at the grocery store, and you’re about to buy your favorite bottle of pomegranate juice. It’s a little pricey, but you love the taste — and besides, it’s good for you.

•   You pick up the bottle, expecting to pay $8 for your typical 16 ounces. The bottle looks the same and costs the same, but it feels different in your hand. Still, you go ahead and purchase it.

•   When you get home, you notice that the almost-empty bottle in your fridge is just a little bit bigger than the new bottle. When you look closely, you notice the new bottle actually has 14.5 ounces, not 16.

You’ve just been shrinkflated.

Is Shrinkflation Temporary?

Shrinkflation isn’t new. According to research by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, product downsizing has been happening for over a decade. It spiked in 2015, was at its lowest during the pandemic years, and started trending up again in early 2022, amidst increasing inflation.

However, because shrinkflation usually occurs gradually, many consumers don’t even recognize it’s happening. Instead, they just slowly see their grocery bills and household expenses increase. If companies were transparent and sold the same amount of product at a higher price, you’d likely notice — and perhaps balk — while you were putting the item in your shopping cart.

With shrinkflation, companies can get a financial boost without (hopefully) triggering any consumer pushback. But careful, observant shoppers may still pick up on this sneaky business tactic.

💡 Quick Tip: Want a simple way to save more everyday? When you turn on Roundups, all of your debit card purchases are automatically rounded up to the next dollar and deposited into your online savings account.

Is Shrinkflation Illegal?

Shrinkflation is generally legal. However, more than a dozen U.S. states and territories have recently instituted laws requiring the unit price be disclosed on products. This is helpful to consumers because when a product’s size decreases but its price stays the same, the unit price increases. The unit price label makes this increase more visible, allowing consumers to identify hidden price hikes and make informed choices.

Even without widespread labelling, customers appear to be catching on. According to an April 2025 survey by CivicScience, 81% of grocery shoppers say they’ve noticed shrinkflation recently.

Recommended: 7 Tips to Managing Your Money Better

Tips for Noticing Shrinkflation

Here are some tips and tricks that can help you detect and stay ahead of shrinkflation.

1. Pay Attention to Your Receipts

Although plenty of us forego paper receipts entirely, keeping them can actually be very instructive, particularly when it comes to avoiding shrinkflation. Keeping and comparing receipts, especially for products you buy often, may help tip you off to shrinkflation more quickly than you’d otherwise notice on your own. (Plus, you may get a better picture of how much you actually spend on groceries, as opposed to how much you expect to.)

2. Make a Price-Inclusive Grocery List

If you’re really serious about beating the shrinkflation machine, grab that receipt you kept and make your next grocery list — with the approximate price you paid next to each item. That way, you’ll notice shrinkflation before it even happens as you’re about to put the item in your cart.

You can update this on a monthly basis or so to stay abreast of any shrinkflation moves, should companies roll out new, smaller-sized products for the same or a higher price.

3. Pay Attention to Price-Per-Unit When Shopping

One of the most effective ways to beat shrinkflation is to ignore the overall price of a product and focus on its unit price — the cost per ounce, pound, or item. While it may not be listed on the label, this information is typically printed on the shelf tag at the grocery store. Alternatively, you can quickly do the math yourself: Use your phone’s calculator to divide the product’s price by its quantity (for example, $3.60 /12 ounces = $0.30 per ounce). Choosing larger sizes, opting for store brands, or buying in bulk can result in a lower price per unit, which can help you spend less on food.

Should You Buy Shrinkflated Products?

Generally speaking, nobody likes to feel like they’re being deceived. But only you can decide whether or not the juice is worth the squeeze, so to speak, when it comes to buying from a company that employs this tactic.

•  If you really, really love that brand of pomegranate juice (or any other product), you may just put up with it… and adjust your budget accordingly.

•  If you strongly feel that this tactic is deceptive and it’s taking a substantial chunk out of your checking account, it may be time to find brands that don’t engage in this practice.

•  You might decide to buy generic brands, or to shop at a warehouse or wholesale club store. There, you may benefit from economies of scale — and stock up on your favorite items before their prices potentially go up.

Recommended: Passive Income Ideas to Help You Earn Money

The Takeaway

Shrinkflation is the practice of consumer goods being sold in smaller packages than in the past for the same or a higher price. In other words, your money doesn’t stretch as far. While frustrating, shrinkflation doesn’t have to significantly impact your finances. By being a vigilant shopper and adjusting your budget, you can continue to enjoy your favorite products. You can also make your money work harder by choosing a banking partner with favorable terms.

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.

FAQ

Why is shrinkflation allowed?

Shrinkflation is allowed because it isn’t inherently illegal. There isn’t a law saying companies must disclose packaging changes, nor are manufacturers or marketers claiming they are selling the same size as before. Therefore, as long as a package of “14 oz” truly contains “14 oz,” the practice is legal, even if the consumer is getting less for their money.

What is a real life example of shrinkflation?

One real example of shrinkflation in recent years is paper towels. On average, this product went from offering 165 sheets per package to offering 147 sheets, while maintaining a price of $3.99. As a result, the cost of each sheet increased from 24 cents to 27 cents.

How do you beat shrinkflation?

You can fight shrinkflation by becoming a more vigilant shopper: focus on unit prices and net weights on labels, compare prices between different brands (especially store brands), and shop smart by buying in bulk or stocking up during sales. Other strategies include cooking from scratch and using online resources like coupon apps.

Photo credit: iStock/AlexSecret

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

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

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

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

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

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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

We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
^Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.

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