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If you travel, you may wonder in which circumstances tips are customary and when they aren’t needed. As you plan a trip, you are likely sticking to a budget and don’t want to overlook this area. But money isn’t the only consideration. You also likely want to do the right thing: In some countries, tipping is a must. In others, it’s optional, and in a few, it’s considered downright rude. Learn the ropes here.

Who Should You Tip While on Vacation?

As you travel, there are many people you could tip: the ones who help you into the airport, out of the airport, into your hotel, out again, into a taxi…the list goes on and on. Most people want to be polite and tip appropriately but don’t want to burn through more money than they have to.

To help you manage this aspect of travel, here are some of the people you probably do want to tip, plus some insight into how much to tip.

Luggage attendants can help get your luggage from the curb at the airport to the check-in counter. You can definitely manage the process on your own, but if you’re wrangling young kids, traveling with pets, or simply packed extra-jumbo bags so you’d have loads of outfits to choose among, it’s nice to get help.

Traditionally, it’s polite to tip $2 for your first bag and $1 for any additional luggage. If your bags are legitimately humongous, consider tipping the full $2 for each one. This expense can’t go on your airline credit card or any other kind of plastic, so be sure to keep cash on you.

Note: Airline employees stationed outside the airport may not be able to accept tips, so be prepared for your bills to be rebuffed if one of these workers assists you.

Car valets park and return your car directly from the curb of hotels and restaurants. It’s a major convenience and generally deserves a monetary thank-you. How much to tip? In the $2 to $5 range when your car is returned to you. Tipping when your wheels are first whisked away is generous, though not necessary.

Housekeepers should be tipped each day during your stay, whether you splurged on luxe accommodations or figured out how to save on hotels and booked a rock-bottom rate. Housekeepers freshen your room, replace those damp towels, and otherwise make it a pleasure to return after a long day of visiting museums, lolling on the beach, or whatever else you’ve been up to.

The best method is to leave the cash in a marked envelope (some hotels provide them for just this purpose) or folded in some hotel stationery that is clearly marked “For Housekeeping.” Best practice suggests $1 to $5 each day of your stay.

Room service is a luxurious treat during vacation. Some hotels automatically include a gratuity on your bill. If you don’t see it on your receipt, however, the answer to the “to tip or not to tip” quandary is that it’s likely a good idea to add 15% to 20%, just as you would in a restaurant.

Drivers help in a few different travel scenarios. If you’re taking a taxi or rideshare, consider tipping either a few dollars for short rides and 10% to 20% for long rides. Add an extra tip if the driver helps with your luggage. It’s also customary to tip shuttle drivers, typically from $1 to $2 per person in your party.

Tour guides share their expertise and passion with you, as they lead you around the best snorkeling spots in Tulum or show you the hidden treasures of Paris. Their services can be a memorable highlight of your summer travel plans, so it’s nice to tip them, especially when you have a great experience. An easy rule of thumb is to tip 10% to 20% of the tour’s cost for your group or $5 to $10 per person.

Recommended: Breaking Down the Different Types of Credit Cards

Why Tipping Is Important

Tipping is by no means a requirement, but in many economies throughout the world (including the U.S.), it’s a way to help workers make ends meet. Many service industry employees are not guaranteed minimum wage.

In fact, in most states in America, there is a much lower minimum wage for tipped employees; hourly rates can dip below $3. While economic policies are a larger discussion, the fact of low wages can help put things in perspective and show the very real value of rewarding workers for a job done well.

For this reason, when budgeting for an upcoming trip, it’s wise to think about your plans, estimate a tip budget, and include that as part of where you keep your travel fund. It’s one of those incidentals that can add up and throw your financial planning out of whack if not accounted for.

Also, since tips are often given in cash rather than plastic (sorry, you can’t reap those credit card rewards this way), you may want to plan ahead to get some foreign currency for this purpose.

Recommended: How Families Can Afford to Travel

Tipping Guidelines by Destination

You likely do a good amount of research before traveling, scoping out cool hotels, amazing restaurants, and an affordable car rental. So why not, before your next trip, familiarize yourself with tipping customs in different parts of the world? It’ll help you prepare for the costs coming your way and make you feel more comfortable and in control while traveling. Here’s some useful intel:

US

Across the U.S., it’s customary to tip up to 20% for restaurant servers, bartenders, and drivers. In some cities, like New York, the answer to “How much to tip?” is nudging up to 22% or even 25%.

Europe

If you’re planning an epic family reunion trip to France, Spain, Italy, or other European countries, service tips may already be included in your restaurant bill in Europe. Look on the menu; it will probably say so. If it’s not, a maximum 10% tip is recommended. When it comes to your hotel stay, you might tip one euro per bag if a staffer helps you, and leave one euro per day for housekeeping.

Mexico and the Caribbean

Whether you’re heading to Cancun, Mexico City, or the Bahamas, be prepared to tip. Restaurant gratuities usually average between 10% and 20% in Mexico and the Caribbean.

If you’re staying at a resort, remember to keep cash on hand for bellhops, housekeeping, and other employees. Typically, a dollar or two per day/interaction is appropriate.

Central and South America

Heading to Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, or beyond? Here’s the scoop: The standard tip rate for Latin America is 10% to 15% in restaurants. Some countries (like Brazil) may include the gratuity in your bill, so look carefully at the check before paying for your feijoada. Not sure? There’s no harm asking your server; you’re likely not the first person to do so.

When it comes to hotel staff and drivers, you’ll need a dollar or two (or the equivalent), so it’s wise to have some cash stashed in advance. Also know that tour guides depend on tips, so $10 to $20 of the price is appreciated.

Recommended: Where to Find Book Now, Pay Later Travel

Places You Probably Don’t Have to Tip

Here’s a travel budget bonus: There are a number of countries you might visit that do not have a tipping custom. In fact, it may even be considered rude or insulting to leave a tip. So before you add a tip when paying with your travel credit card or plunking down cash, double-check local etiquette. Here, some pointers:

Australia

Tipping is not vital when Down Under. Compared to the U.S. and many other countries, Australia has a high minimum wage. That’s one of the reasons why tipping in the service industry is seen as optional.

China

If you are going to be exploring China, know that tipping is actually taboo there. And in some places like airports, it’s illegal because it can be seen as a bribe. Stay polite and safe by skipping the tip.

Japan

Heading to Tokyo, Kyoto, or other locations in Japan? Heads up: Tipping is not customary in Japan and is actually considered rude. Although it may feel odd, when wondering whether to tip or not to tip, just don’t do it. Save your money for more shopping or sushi. The one exception may be if you’ve hired a private guide or translator. In that situation, a small amount of cash, presented discretely, can be appropriate.

Scandinavia

Iceland and Scandinavia typically don’t expect you to tip. You might round up a restaurant tab if there isn’t already a service charge added, but these aren’t countries where a 20% gratuity is routine. Taxi drivers don’t expect tips either.

The Takeaway

Preparing for a trip often involves budgeting, and a key way to wind up on or under your budget is to anticipate what costs are coming your way. Tips are one of those incidentals it’s easy to forget about and can throw your financial planning for a loop. By understanding local tipping customs, you can have a smooth, on-budget trip wherever you may go. What’s more, you’ll know exactly what to expect so you can travel with confidence. You can know how much cash to have on hand or when to add a tip to a restaurant credit card bill

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

Are tourists always expected to leave a tip?

It depends on where you’re staying. Countries in North and South America, Europe, and Africa typically have tipping customs, particularly at restaurants and resorts. But Asian and Pacific countries like Australia, Japan, and China often do not incorporate tipping into their cultures — and it can even seem impolite.

Who are you supposed to tip at the airport?

In many countries (with China being an exception), it’s polite to tip a baggage handler who carries your luggage to the check-in counter. Some, however, may be unable to accept tips, depending on their employer’s policies.

How much do you tip internationally?

How much to tip internationally varies tremendously. Research each country individually to understand tipping customs. While it’s traditional in many foreign countries, it’s also rude (and sometimes illegal) to tip in others.

Photo credit: iStock/DragonImages

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Real estate investments make money through appreciation and rental income. Real estate can diversify a portfolio and act as a hedge against inflation, since landlords can pass rising costs to tenants. But the down payment on multifamily investment properties? At least 20%, or 25% to get a better rate.

It’s true that eligible borrowers may use a 0% down U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan for a property with up to four units as long as they live there. But those loans serve a relative few and are considered residential financing. Properties with more than four units are considered commercial.

So how can a cash-poor but curiosity-rich person tap the potential of multifamily properties? By not footing the entire bill themselves.

Can You Buy a Multifamily Property With No Money?

When you buy real estate, you typically have two options: Buy with cash or finance your purchase with a mortgage loan.

There are various types of mortgages. If you take out a home loan, you’ll likely need to pay a portion of the purchase price in cash in the form of a down payment. The minimum down payment you make will depend on the type of mortgage you choose — the average down payment on a house is well under 20% — and it will help determine what terms and interest rates you’ll be offered by lenders.

This money needs to come from somewhere, but it doesn’t necessarily need to come from your own savings account. When investors buy multifamily properties with “no money down,” it just means they are using little to no personal money to cover the upfront costs.

If you don’t have much cash of your own, there are several ways that you can fund the purchase of a multifamily investment property.


💡 Quick Tip: Jumbo mortgage loans are the answer for borrowers who need to borrow more than the conforming loan limit values set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency ($806,500 in most places, or $1,209,750 in many high-cost areas). If you have your eye on a pricier property, a jumbo loan could be a good solution.

6 Ways to Pay for a Multifamily Property

Find a Co-Borrower

If you don’t have the money to front the costs of a property yourself, you may be able to partner with a family member, friend, or business partner. They may have the money to cover the down payment, and you might pull your weight by researching properties or managing them.

When you co-borrow with someone, you’ll each be responsible for the monthly mortgage payments. You’ll also share profits in the form of rents or capital gains if you sell the property.

Give an Equity Share

You may give an equity investor a share in the property to cover the down payment. Say a multifamily property costs $750,000, and you need a 20% down payment. An equity investor could give you $150,000 in exchange for 20% of the monthly rental income and 20% of the profit when the property is sold.

Borrow From a Hard Money Lender

Hard money loans are offered by private lenders or investors, not banks. The mortgage underwriting process tends to be less strict than that of traditional mortgages. Depending on the property you want to buy, no down payment may be required.

These loans (also called bridge loans) have high interest rates and short terms — one to three years is typical — with interest-only payments the norm. For this reason, they may be used by investors who may be looking to flip the property in short order, allowing them to make a profit and pay off the loan quickly.

House Hack

House hacking refers to leveraging property you already own to generate income. For example, you might rent out an in-law suite or list your property on Airbnb.

Another option: You could rent out your primary residence and move into one of the units in a multifamily property you buy. This way, you’d probably generate more income than if you had rented out the unit to a tenant.

Finally, you could hop on the ADU bandwagon if you own a single-family home. Accessory dwelling units can take the form of a converted garage, an attached or detached unit, or an interior conversion. The rental income can be sizable. To fund a new ADU, homeowners may tap home equity, look into cash-out refinancing, or even use a personal loan.

Seek Seller Financing

If you don’t have the cash for a down payment on a property, you may be able to forgo financing from a lending institution and get help instead from the seller.

With owner financing, there are no minimum down payment requirements. Several types of seller financing arrangements exist:

•   All-inclusive mortgage: The seller extends credit for the entire purchase price of the home, less any down payment.

•   Junior mortgage: The buyer finances a portion of the sales price through a lending institution, while the seller finances the difference.

•   Land contracts: The buyer and seller share ownership until the buyer makes the final payment on the property and receives the deed.

•   Lease purchase: The buyer leases the property from the seller for a set period of time, after which the owner agrees to sell the property at previously agreed-upon terms. Lease payments may count toward the purchase price.

•   Assumable mortgage: A buyer may be able to take over a seller’s mortgage if the lender approves and the buyer qualifies. FHA, VA, and USDA loans are assumable mortgages.

Invest Indirectly

Not everyone wants to become a landlord in order to add real estate to their portfolio. Luckily, they can invest indirectly, including through crowdfunding sites and real estate investment trusts (REITs).

The Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2013 allows real estate investors to pool their money through online real estate crowdfunding platforms to buy multifamily and other types of properties. The platforms give average investors access to real estate options that were once only available to the very wealthy.

REITs are companies that own various types of real estate, including apartment buildings. Investors can buy shares on the open market, and the company passes along the profits generated by rent. To qualify as a REIT, the company must pass along at least 90% of its taxable income to shareholders each year.

As investment opportunities go, REITs can be a good choice for passive-income investors.


💡 Quick Tip: To see a house in person, particularly in a tight or expensive market, you may need to show the real estate agent proof that you’re preapproved for a mortgage. SoFi’s online application makes the process simple.

The Takeaway

Buying a multifamily property with no money down is possible if you take the roads less traveled, including leveraging other people’s money. And if you have the means to make a down payment on a property, your first step is to research possible home mortgage loans.

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

Can I buy a multifamily home with an FHA loan?

It is possible to buy a property with up to four units with a standard mortgage backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) if the buyer plans to live in one of the units for at least a year. The FHA considers homes with up to four units single-family housing. The down payment could be as low as 3.5%. There are loan limits.

A rarer product, an FHA multifamily loan, may be used to buy a property with five or more units. The down payment is higher. You’ll pay mortgage insurance premiums upfront and annually for any FHA loan.

Is a multifamily property considered a commercial property?

Properties with five or more units are generally considered commercial real estate. Commercial real estate loans usually have shorter terms, and higher interest rates and down payment requirements than residential loans. They almost always include a prepayment penalty.

Photo credit: iStock/jsmith

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

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

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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.

^¹FHA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by FHA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. FHA loans require an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP), which may be financed or paid at closing, in addition to monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP). Maximum loan amounts vary by county. The minimum FHA mortgage down payment is 3.5% for those who qualify financially for a primary purchase. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
^†Veterans, Service members, and members of the National Guard or Reserve may be eligible for a loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by VA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. VA loans typically require a one-time funding fee except as may be exempted by VA guidelines. The fee may be financed or paid at closing. The amount of the fee depends on the type of loan, the total amount of the loan, and, depending on loan type, prior use of VA eligibility and down payment amount. The VA funding fee is typically non-refundable. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.

SOHL-Q224-1842703-V1

There are unfortunately many things in life that can rock a person’s financial stability, ranging from divorce to a devastating flood. Situational poverty is a type of poverty that occurs due to a sudden change in circumstances such as a major life event or natural disaster.

If you’re in the grip of a situation like this, it can feel impossible to get back on your feet. But it is indeed possible to overcome situational poverty. Using a variety of techniques, it’s often possible for people to pull themselves out of a difficult and painful moment. Here’s a closer look at what causes situational poverty and how to break out of a poverty cycle once it starts.

What Is Situational Poverty?

Situational poverty is a type of poverty that is the result of a sudden or severe crisis. It usually has a specific cause or triggering event, and the financial difficulties may be only temporary. Those in situational poverty may have ways to steadily improve their finances.

This is in contrast to generational poverty, where at least two generations of a family are born into poverty. In this case, poverty is largely the result of circumstance; people don’t have the knowledge or skills to escape poverty, so often their finances do not improve.

Reasons for Situational Poverty

Situational poverty is often the result of a sudden or severe crisis in a person’s life. While there are many events that may lead to situational poverty, they are often temporary. Here’s a look at some of the triggers that can cause this sort of disadvantaged scenario.

Being Born Into a Disadvantaged Background

Being born into a disadvantaged background can contribute to situational poverty; it can also be a factor in generational poverty, which requires at least two generations to be born into poverty.

In terms of situational poverty, if you were born into poor circumstances, even if your parents had been wealthier earlier in their life, it may still be difficult for you to get ahead financially. You might face issues like lack of access to medical care and educational resources. You don’t get that boost into financially stable adulthood that some people do.

Making Bad Financial Decisions

When you are grappling with poverty, you may wonder, why am I so bad with money? But it’s not uncommon for people to make a series of unwise money moves and wind up in poverty as a result. Perhaps you made a bad investment or took on a large debt (say, a mortgage) that you couldn’t keep up with. Or maybe you poured all your savings into a business idea that didn’t succeed. Sadly, these things happen every day. In some cases, the consequences of these sorts of decisions can trigger situational poverty.

Experiencing a Tragedy

It’s painful to think about it, but there are many types of tragedies that can send a person’s finances into a downward spiral. For instance, you might lose your house in a hurricane or your spouse (with whom you share your finances) might die unexpectedly. These events can leave a person without the means to live above the poverty line.

Lack of Good Education

Education is a path out of poverty, and sadly, the inverse is also true: Not getting a solid education can lead to a person not succeeding financially. They may lack the skills to earn higher wages.

Lack of financial education, such as the importance of an emergency fund and how to manage your finances, can also result in or contribute to situational poverty. Unfortunately, many U.S. high schools don’t require personal finance education as a graduation requirement. As a result, many people enter adulthood without basic financial skills like how to open a new bank account, set up a basic budget, and avoid “bad” debts.

Tips for Breaking the Vicious Cycle of Poverty

The scenarios above reveal some of the ways that a person can slip into poverty. Once you’re in that situation and possibly struggling to pay bills, however, it can feel impossible to climb your way out. Fortunately, there are several paths that may help you rise up and get on better financial footing. Here, some ideas for how to get out of situational poverty.

1. Getting a Sound Education

A good education — and specifically a good financial education — is one of the first steps toward getting out of poverty. While financial education classes in school are ideal, you can still learn the basics on your own, even as an adult. For example, the FDIC’s How Money Smart Are You? can help you learn the basics. Many universities and organizations also have personal finance courses for adults. You can also find free educational materials online that can help boost your financial IQ and guide you towards making money-smart choices.

2. Having a Close Mentor

Having a great mentor is one of the best ways to get a leg up in life, and the same applies to escaping situational poverty. A career mentor can help you gain the skills and experience you need to find (or find a better) job, while a financial mentor can help you learn how to budget, save, and ultimately break the cycle of poverty.

It can take some searching but you may be able to find a mentor where you work or by networking with friends, family members, and neighbors. People who have achieved success and escaped poverty themselves are often happy to give back by helping others in the community.

3. Working With Well-Informed Organizations

Another way to improve your financial literacy and learn how to overcome situational poverty is to work with trusted organizations. There are a number of nonprofit groups that specialize in different aspects of personal finance that could be holding you back. For example, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) helps people who are saddled by large amounts of debt. Operation Hope provides financial education to underserved communities, while Accion is a nonprofit that is focused on bringing financial technology and tools to underserved communities.

4. Utilizing Community and Government Resources

There is no shortage of community and government resources that can help if you are experiencing situational poverty. Churches, schools, community centers, and public libraries can offer support within your community.

Beyond your community, there are extensive government resources that can also help. For example, you might qualify for benefits like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or the child tax credit. There are dozens of government programs that use poverty as a qualifying criterion. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has a list of programs on its website.

5. Changing Your Money Mindset

Your mindset can hold you back just as much as it can empower you. It’s worthwhile to try to improve your money mindset. Something that is important to remember is that situational poverty is often temporary.

This is especially true if a bad financial decision or a natural disaster was a major contributor to your lack of funds. These are passing, albeit difficult, moments. By leveraging some of the resources mentioned in this article and practicing financial self-care, you can make progress.

6. Setting Financial Goals

Setting financial goals is important whether you are experiencing poverty or not. But it is even more important when you are hoping to build up your financial resources. Money goals can help you work toward something specific. Consider taking some time to map out what steps you want to take to move through your situational poverty. Some common goals are developing a budget with positive cash flow and paying down high-interest credit card debt.

7. Cutting Expenses and Spending Wisely

One aspect of budgeting that can help you pull yourself out of a tough financial spot is cutting any nonessential expenses, and then funneling that money towards your goals, such as paying down debt (more on that below) or taking a class to learn a skill that can help you get a promotion or a higher-paying job.

To “find” money, it can help to look at your current expenses and see where you may be able to trim back. For example, if you have any streaming services, you might pause them until you have your finances in order. Or if you have a cell phone plan, you might switch to a prepaid plan so you aren’t being charged automatically and can take control of your spending. You might also negotiate lower interest rates by calling your credit card issuer; this tactic may yield rewards.

8. Paying Down Your Debt

If you have large amounts of debt, you’ll want to prioritize paying down those with the highest interest rates first. You might look into a balance transfer credit card, which may give you no or low interest for a period of time. That can help you whittle down debt as it gives you some breathing room from a high annual percentage rate (APR). If you can qualify for a low rate on a personal loan, you may use it to consolidate your debt. Working with a non-profit credit counseling organization is another option to help you manage this common aspect of poverty.

Recommended: What is the Average Credit Card Interest Rate?

9. Avoiding Payday and Predatory Loans

Payday loans offer cash advances before payday to those who need cash quickly, but this money infusion can really cost you. These loans typically have extremely high interest rates. Even with state laws limiting fees to no more than $30 per $100 borrowed, you could still end up paying the equivalent of 400% interest or more. And if you are unable to pay back a payday loan, you may end up in a debt cycle that can be difficult to break out of.

10. Making Saving a Priority

Saving is generally always smart, but situational poverty can highlight its importance. When you’re financially vulnerable, any expense you aren’t expecting could really rock your situation. A big medical or car repair bill could be a huge problem.

Even if you don’t have the means to put much aside, even a small contribution to savings each month can slowly but surely add up to a solid cash cushion over time, especially if you put the funds in a savings account that pays a competitive rate, such as a high-yield savings account. This allows your money to grow just by sitting in the bank. As your finances improve, you can gradually increase how much you siphon off into savings each month.

11. Finding Out Where You Stand

Finding out where you stand can be a powerful exercise. We tend to be our own biggest critics, and that applies to finances, too. When you take a look at the numbers (go ahead and really study your income, cash outflow, assets, and debt), you might find you are doing better than you think.

Granted, this may not be the case when you first find yourself in situational poverty. But as you start to work on things, you might find your debt declining. Or that your savings by age is better than you expect. That can give you the confidence boost you need to keep exercising good financial habits and continue to improve your situation.

Also, even if you are in the midst of situational poverty and your status isn’t great, you will at least know exactly where you are. That benchmark will be what you build from.

The Takeaway

Situational poverty is a type of poverty typically caused by a life event, such as a divorce, severe health problems (and the resulting bills), or a natural disaster. This type of poverty is usually temporary and can often be overcome by boosting your financial education, accessing community and government resources, and prioritizing debt elimination and saving.

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

How can I overcome a poverty mindset?

Overcoming one’s mindset is often a key step to getting out of poverty. Here are some ways to break out of a poverty mindset and feel more empowered:

• Set achievable financial goals and celebrate small victories to build confidence.

• Educate yourself on personal finance through books, courses, and mentors.

• Surround yourself with positive influences and avoid those who reinforce negative stereotypes.

• Practice gratitude to appreciate what you have.

• Cultivate a growth mindset by seeing challenges as opportunities for learning.

How do I know if I am poor or not?

The federal poverty guideline for 2024 for the lower 48 states and D.C. is an annual income of $15,060 or less for an individual. For a couple, poverty is defined as an annual income of $20,440 or less. For a family of four, it’s defined as an income of $31,200 or less.

How many people are in situational poverty?

It is difficult to know exactly how many people live in situational poverty. However, a large number of people live in poverty in general. According to the latest data from the U.S. Census, the official poverty rate is 11.5% of the population, with 37.9 million people living in poverty.

Photo credit: iStock/malerapaso

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SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. 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 (“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, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 3.80% 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 members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

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 3.80% 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.

Separately, SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days can also earn 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. For additional details, see the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.

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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