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Guide to Morningstar Ratings

Morningstar is a well-respected global financial services and research company that provides data, analysis, ratings, and a range of tools to help institutional and individual investors sort through and evaluate some 600,000 investment vehicles.

Since 1984, Morningstar has conducted independent research on stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and more. While the company collects and analyzes data on many aspects of many different assets, it’s primarily known for its five-star rating system.

Morningstar ratings aren’t predictive. But because their research is conducted independently, they are able to provide an evaluation of past performance, and potential risks and return factors that many investors find useful.

Key Points

•  Morningstar is an independent financial services research firm that collects data on a wide range of securities.

•  Morningstar is principally known for its five-star ratings system, which reflects the past performance of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs.

•  The five-star rating system is based on historic data, so while it’s not predictive, these ratings help identify potential risks, as well as the potential for returns.

•  In addition to its ratings, Morningstar offers investors an array of tools, such as stock screeners, portfolio trackers, and more.

•  While well-respected, Morningstar cannot accurately predict the performance of any asset, and investors typically use these and other tools in combination.

What Are Morningstar Ratings?

The Morningstar ratings system is a tool investors can use to compare financial securities such as mutual funds and ETFs, stocks, bonds, and other securities. Particularly valuable to investors: Morningstar ratings evaluate risk-adjusted as well as price-adjusted returns of investments.

Morningstar is an independent financial services company, and thus relies on its own data and research to evaluate the performance, risks, pricing, and other aspects of certain investment products.

Morningstar reviews of mutual funds and ETFs also reflect how a fund performs relative to its benchmark and to its peers. The main Morningstar ratings investors may turn to learn more about a particular investment are the Star Ratings and Analyst Ratings. (Morningstar also has a separate ratings system for individual stocks.)

These ratings can be helpful to investors for a variety of reasons — whether they’re trying to diversify their portfolios, or do some research into socially responsible investing, and trying to find investments that fit their strategy.

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How Morningstar Ratings Work

As Morningstar itself describes, the ratings system uses a methodology based on specific categories and risk-adjusted return metrics. The company will only rate a fund that’s been around for more than three years. Morningstar also updates its ratings on a monthly basis.

You can use these ratings to select the funds available in your 401(k), buy stocks online or through a traditional brokerage, or to decide which funds to add to an IRA or a taxable brokerage account.

The “Star Rating” Explained

The Morningstar Star Rating system, usually shortened to Morningstar ratings, is a quantitative ranking of mutual funds and ETFs. Introduced in 1985, the star rating looks at a fund’s past performance, then assigns a rating from one to five stars based on that performance.

As mentioned, Morningstar reviews ETFs and mutual funds with a record of more than three years, so newer funds do not receive a star rating until they’re reached this milestone. The rating methodology utilizes an enhanced Morningstar risk-adjusted return measure. Specifically, the star ratings system looks at each fund’s three-, five-, and 10-year risk-adjusted returns.

Star ratings can serve as a report card of sorts for comparing different funds, based on how they’ve performed historically. The Morningstar ratings are not forward-looking, as past performance is not a foolproof indicator of future behavior. But investors can use the ratings system as a starting off point for conducting fund research when deciding where to invest.

Morningstar ratings are free, and investors who are selecting investments for a traditional IRA, Roth IRA, or other retirement or investment account, may find it helpful to sort through the many available options.

If you’re looking for a tool to help you compare mutual funds or ETFs at a glance based on past performance, the star rating system can help.

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The “Analyst Rating” Explained

The Morningstar Analyst Rating takes a different approach to ranking funds and ETFs. Instead of looking backward, the qualitative analyst rating looks forward to assess a fund’s ability to outperform similar funds or a market benchmark.

Rather than using stars, funds receive a rating of Gold, Silver, Bronze, Neutral or Negative, based on the analyst’s outlook for performance.

The firm does not update analyst ratings as frequently as star ratings. Morningstar reviews for analyst ratings are reevaluated at least every 14 months. The firm typically assigns analyst ratings to funds with the most interest from investors or the most assets.

When ranking funds, analysts look at three specific metrics:

•   People

•   Process

•   Parent

Performance is also taken into account within the People and Process pillars. In order to earn a Gold, Silver or Bronze rating, an analyst must determine that an active fund can beat its underlying benchmark when adjusted for risk.

Generally speaking, these Morningstar reviews go into more detail, in terms of the analysis, ranking, and comparison of funds.

How Morningstar Measures Volatility

Morningstar uses a few key volatility measurements as it aims to minimize risk and maximize returns through strategic diversification. Chief among those measurements are standard deviation, mean, and the Sharpe ratio.

It’s a somewhat complicated process, but using these three measurements in tandem helps Morningstar get a handle on volatility and make appropriate ratings decisions.

Example of a Morningstar Rating

Morningstar star ratings are free to access for investors on the company’s website, and it’s relatively easy to find plenty of examples of Morningstar ratings on the platform. For instance, to find a star rating for a particular fund or ETF you’d simply search for it using its name or ticker symbol.

You can also view Morningstar ratings and picks for funds by category, such as small-cap funds or U.S. or international index funds.

Here’s an example of a Morningstar rating for the Vanguard Total International Stock Index (VTIAX), as of Sept. 6, 2025. This fund, which is in the foreign large-blend category and is an index fund, has a three-star rating from Morningstar — and a Gold Morningstar analyst rating.

The fund has a lower expense ratio for its category of 0.09%, a minimum investment of $3,000 and $525.7 billion in assets.

While the three-star rating may sound middle-of-the road, it’s likely due to the fund’s slightly higher risk profile. But the Gold analyst rating indicates that the fund has a lower cost, and an extensive market-cap-weighted portfolio that tracks the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, which has over 8,000 constituents, providing investors with diversification in overseas equities.

This is just one example. Morningstar researches and provides ratings for thousands of assets in a range of categories and products.

Are Morningstar Ratings Accurate?

Morningstar fund ratings are designed to be a guide as you invest; they cannot predict how well a fund is likely to perform. For example, there’s always going to be risk involved when investing, so don’t expect any rating to be a sure-thing.

Assessing the Reliability of Morningstar Ratings

So, how well do Morningstar ratings perform over time and are they an accurate guide for investing? According to Morningstar’s own analysis of its ratings system, the star ratings can be a useful jumping-off point for investors. That analysis resulted in three key findings:

•   Funds with higher star ratings tend to have lower expense ratios and be cheaper for investors to own.

•   Higher-rated funds tend to be less volatile and experience less dramatic downward swings when the market is in flux.

•   Funds that received higher star ratings tended to produce higher returns for investors compared to funds with lower ratings.

The analysis didn’t look specifically at how star ratings and fund performance aligned through different bull and bear markets. But the ultimate conclusion Morningstar drew is that the Star Ratings tend to steer investors toward cheaper funds that are easier to own and stand a better chance of outperforming the market.

Use Expense Ratios

According to Morningstar, fees are one of the best predictors of future performance, at least for Star Ratings. For funds and ETFs, that means it’s important to consider the expense ratio, which represents the cost of owning a fund annually, calculated as a percentage of fund assets.

Actively managed funds typically carry higher expense ratios, as they require a fund manager to play an important role in selecting fund assets. Passively managed funds and ETFs, on the other hand, often have lower expense ratios.

So which one is better? The answer is that it all comes down to performance and returns over time. A fund with a higher expense ratio is not guaranteed to produce a level of returns that justify higher fees. Likewise, a fund that has a lower expense ratio doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a poor investment just because it’s cheaper to own. Morningstar’s research found that the average one-star fund cost significantly more than the average five-star fund.

As you do your own research in comparing funds and ETFs, consider both performance and cost. This can help you find the right balance when weighing returns against fees.

How Should Investors Use Morningstar Ratings?

How much do Morningstar ratings matter in the grand scheme of things? The answer is, it depends on what you need from investment research tools.

Morningstar reviews of mutual funds and ETFs can be helpful for comparing investments, especially if you’re just getting started with the markets. Morningstar is a respected and trusted institution and both the Star and Analyst Ratings are calculated using a systematic approach. The reviews aren’t just thrown together or based on a best guess.

They’re designed to be a guide and not a substitute for professional financial advice. So, for instance, you may use them to compare two index funds that track the same or a similar benchmark. Or you may use them to compare two ETFs that are representative of the same market sector.

Risks of Morningstar Ratings

Morningstar ratings are not an absolute predictor of how a mutual fund or ETF will perform in the next five minutes, five days, or five years. After all, there’s no way to perfectly forecast how any investment will perform as the market changes day to day or even minute-to-minute.

One risk to avoid with Morningstar ratings is relying on them solely as your only research tool and not doing your own independent research. Again, that means checking expense ratios as well as looking at the underlying assets of a particular fund and its investment strategy (i.e., active vs. passive) to determine how well it aligns with your goals and risk tolerance.

Looking only at Morningstar reviews without doing your own due diligence could cause you to invest in funds that aren’t the best fit for your portfolio. Or you may overestimate how well a fund will perform, only to be disappointed later.

Morningstar Ratings for Funds

Morningstar’s original rating system of one to five stars enabled investors to evaluate a fund’s past performance within four broad asset classes: domestic equity funds, international equity funds, taxable bond funds, and municipal bond funds.

One useful aspect of the ratings is that they include risk-adjusted and cost-adjusted returns for investors. Given that most investors own several, sometimes many different mutual funds and ETFs in their portfolios and retirement accounts, Morningstar also offers a Category rating — which allows investors to evaluate a fund within a smaller more relevant grouping of related assets.

Also, as it bears repeating, a good, average, or poor Morningstar rating does not mean that an investment is risk-free.

Other Investment Risk Rating Providers

Morningstar is just one of many companies that offers investment ratings. Bloomberg, Nasdaq Market Data Feeds, S&P Global Market Intelligence, MarketWatch, Thomson Reuters, and others all offer investment ratings, rankings, stock and fund screeners, and other tools.

In addition, many financial institutions collect and analyze their own data and offer proprietary metrics and tools that investors can also use to assess those products.

Investors should take into account who is collecting the data, and where that data comes from, when deciding what type of investment rating to use for their own portfolios.

The Takeaway

Having reliable research tools can help you make educated decisions about where and how to invest. Morningstar ratings are one tool you can use. But keep in mind that there are many ratings services on the market, and that Morningstar’s ratings are far from the only research tool out there.

It’s also important for investors to keep in mind that all investments involve risk, whether they’re highly rated or not.

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FAQ

How reliable are Morningstar ratings?

Morningstar ratings are generally considered to be high-quality in the financial industry, but that doesn’t mean that these ratings are always spot-on. All investing involves risk, and even a high rating doesn’t guarantee that an investment will pan out.

Is a Morningstar rating of “5” good?

Morningstar uses a scale of one to five stars to rate investments, with five stars being the highest, or best-quality investment. So, yes, a five-star rating is generally considered good, although not risk-free.

Why do investors use Morningstar?

Individual and institutional investors alike use Morningstar ratings to help sort through and evaluate the hundreds of thousands of available investment products. Morningstar has developed a reputation for being reliable, because its data is collected and analyzed independently of any financial firm.


About the author

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake has been a finance writer for nearly a decade, specializing in personal finance, investing, and small business. She is a contributor at Forbes Advisor, SmartAsset, Investopedia, The Balance, MyBankTracker, MoneyRates and CreditCards.com. Read full bio.



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The Minimum Wage Debate in 2025: Pros, Cons and What It Means for You

The minimum wage is the lowest hourly wage under the law that an employer can pay employees. The current minimum wage in the U.S. is $7.25 an hour, and it’s been the same rate since 2009. The question of whether to raise the minimum wage is a matter of great debate.

There are a number of pros and cons of raising the minimum wage. For example, advocates say that increasing the minimum wage could help low-wage hourly workers make ends meet and keep up with inflation. Some proponents also believe that raising the minimum wage could increase consumer spending and strengthen employee retention and morale.

But opponents point to cons of raising the minimum wage, including potentially increasing the cost of living overall, reducing opportunities for inexperienced workers, and triggering more unemployment.

Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of increasing the minimum wage and potential effect it could have on the economy — and your finances.

Key Points

•   The federal minimum wage has not changed since 2009, despite inflation.

•   There are arguments for and against raising the minimum wage. Proponents say raising it could help low-wage workers escape poverty and keep up with inflation.

•   Increased wages might also lead to higher consumer spending and reduced reliance on government assistance.

•   Higher labor costs from wage increases could lead to unemployment, higher prices for goods and services, and accelerate a shift toward workplace automation, opponents say.

•   Some states have their own minimum wage laws. The state with the highest minimum wage is the state of Washington, where the minimum wage is $16.66 an hour.

What Is the Federal Minimum Wage in 2025?

The federal minimum wage in 2025 is $7.25 per hour. The last time the minimum wage increased was on July 24, 2009, when it grew from $6.55 an hour to $7.25. That was part of a three-phase increase enacted by Congress in 2007.

Tipped employees (like waiters) have a different minimum wage called the tipped minimum wage. The current federal tipped minimum wage is $2.13 an hour, as long as the worker’s tips make up the difference between that and the standard minimum wage.

Similar to the differences in the average salary by state, some states have their own minimum wage laws with a higher (or lower) starting wage than the federal minimum. In such states, employers must pay the higher of the two minimum wages.

Here are some minimum wage fast facts:

•   The state with the highest current minimum wage is Washington, where the rate is $16.66 per hour. Washington state’s minimum wage is expected to increase in 2026 (the amount of the increase has not yet been announced). Although it’s not a state, Washington, D.C. currently has the highest minimum wage in the country — $17.95 an hour as of July 1, 2025.

•   There are 67 cities and counties with minimum wages higher than their state’s minimum wages. Of these, the city of Burien, Washington, currently has the highest wage at $21.16 per hour for employees of large employers (those with more than 500 employees).

•   Three states — Georgia, Oklahoma, and Wyoming — have minimum wages that are lower than the federal minimum. But by law, employees in those states must be paid the federal minimum wage.

•   About 21 million US workers make less than $15 per hour, according to the most recent data (from 2023).

•   While the minimum wage has been stagnant since 2009, inflation has not. The spending power of $7.25 in 2009 is equivalent to $10.92 today. This means that $7.25 can buy today about 66% of what it could buy in 2009, which can impact the cost of living.

What Is the Purpose of the Minimum Wage?

The federal minimum wage was created in the late 1930s as part of the recovery effort after the Great Depression. At the time, Congress found that low wages in certain industries were causing one-third of the population of the U.S. to be “ill-nourished, ill-clad, and ill-housed.”

As part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal program, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA) of 1938 officially established the first minimum wage of $0.25 an hour. The FSLA also created the 40-hour work week, banned child labor, and mandated overtime pay.

The minimum wage was gradually increased to $0.40 an hour in 1945. It has been raised 22 times since then, with the last increase taking place in 2009, as noted above.

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The Argument for Raising the Minimum Wage

Increasing the minimum wage could be beneficial for low-wage workers and the labor market, proponents say. These are some of the potential benefits of raising the minimum wage.

Pro: Boosting Consumer Purchasing Power Amidst Inflation

Even without minimum wage increases, inflation has been on a rollercoaster ride over the last several years. At the end of 2019, inflation was 2.3%. By December 2023, it was 3.4%. In August 2025, inflation was 2.9%. That means today, the average American family is likely paying more for the average cost of groceries, among other expenses, than they were six years ago.

The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 was introduced in Congress in April of 2025 to raise the minimum wage to $17 an hour by 2028. The goal of the Act is to give American workers a raise and more buying power to make ends meet. As of September 2025, the Act has not been voted on.

While raising the minimum wage will not necessarily beat inflation, earning more money could make it easier for lower-income families to afford basic necessities.

Pro: Reducing Poverty and Income Inequality

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that low-wage earners spend a larger portion of their budget than higher-wage earners on immediate daily needs like food, shelter, transportation, and medical care. Raising the minimum wage could give these workers more money to spend on other things, including discretionary items such as eating out, travel, and streaming services.

Increased consumer spending helps stimulate the economy. It’s a positive economic indicator reflecting consumer confidence in the market, and it typically creates more revenue for businesses.

Pro: Improving Employee Retention in a Competitive Labor Market

According to a study by researchers at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, workers with a higher minimum wage tend to work harder and are more productive. Not only that, earning a higher wage could be an incentive for workers to stay with a company longer, which can help reduce turnover.

That’s generally considered beneficial since employee turnover is expensive. Replacing an employee with a new candidate can cost about 50% of the worker’s salary or possibly more, according to the HR firm G&A Partners. In that case, it could make more financial sense for a business to pay an employee a better salary to keep them on staff, rather than recruiting and training a new worker to replace them.

The Argument Against Raising the Minimum Wage

Increasing the minimum wage could lead to higher prices and unemployment, opponents say. These are some of the possible cons of raising the minimum wage.

Con: Potentially Increasing Prices for Consumers

If business owners have to raise the minimum wage they pay workers, they would likely raise the prices of their products and services to help pay for the higher labor costs. As employers pass the higher costs along to their customers, consumers will end up paying more for the things they buy. That means their dollars won’t go as far as they used to, which could contribute to inflation.

Con: Risking Job Losses, Especially for Small Businesses

The increased labor costs of a higher minimum wage could be substantial. If the minimum wage increased to, say, $15 an hour, businesses would suddenly need to give raises to everyone making less than that.

But not all companies can afford that. Small businesses that have a slim profit margin could struggle in particular. Restaurants, for example, operate at a 3% to 9% profit margin. Increasing labor costs could shrink (or eliminate) their margins, meaning they might have to let go of some staff or even go out of business.

Con: Could Accelerate a Shift Toward Automation

Employees without specialized skills often work some minimum wage jobs to earn what might be considered entry-level salaries. But as employers are forced to pay workers more, companies might invest in automated technology or artificial intelligence (AI) to do these jobs.

According to one recent survey, approximately 30% of hiring managers said they would use automation or AI if the minimum wage was raised. This could make it more challenging for unskilled laborers to find work; other workers could lose their jobs to automation or AI. They might then have to go on unemployment or try to rely on popular side hustles to try to earn a living and pay their bills.

What Is the Predicted Economic Impact of a Federal Minimum Wage Increase?

There are differing views on how raising the federal minimum might impact the economy. An analysis by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) found that the $17 an hour minimum wage increase proposed by the Raise the Wage Act of 2025, would provide an additional $70 billion dollars each year in wages to the lowest-paid workers in the U.S. The average worker in this category would make an additional $3,200 a year, the EPI estimates.

However, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), which has also examined the potential impact of the Raise the Wage Act, while the wages and family income of many low-paid workers would likely increase with a higher federal minimum wage, for other families, income would fall due to business owners absorbing the cost of higher wages among other reasons. Overall, the CBO says the number of families in poverty would likely decrease.

But higher wages would likely cause some employers to employ fewer workers, the CBO says. That could result in more unemployed and jobless workers.

How a Changing Minimum Wage Could Affect Your Personal Finances

Beyond the potential impact to the economy, a higher minimum wage could have an effect on individuals’ finances as well — including yours.

For example, an increase in spending by low-wage workers can drive up demand for goods and services and help stimulate the economy and boost economic growth. Employees already making more than the minimum wage might even see their own earnings increase if employers feel pressure to compensate them as well.

But prices may go up as businesses try to offset higher labor costs. That means you might pay more for the things you buy. Employers may also hire fewer workers or make reductions in workforce. And they might also outsource or automate more jobs, which could negatively impact many individuals’ employment opportunities and result in more unemployment.

Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help protect your own bottom line. Here are some strategies to consider.

Reduce expenses where you can. Take a look at the cost of living in your city or town. Is it reasonable? Or are housing prices and grocery prices more expensive in your locale? Those living in the most affordable cities might find that their dollars go farther. Even relocating a few towns over to one with a lower cost of living might help you save money.

Give your savings a boost. Let’s say you have a goal of saving up for a downpayment on a house, or establishing an emergency fund. One step you might want to consider is opening a high-yield savings account. These accounts have higher interest rates than traditional bank accounts, which could help your savings grow.

Make it simple. Automating your finances can make it easier to save. With direct deposit, for example, your paycheck will go right into your bank account — without you even having to think about it. You might even be able to get your money in there faster. For example, by setting up direct deposit to your SoFi checking and savings account, you can get an early paycheck.

The Takeaway

The original intention for creating a federal minimum wage was to enable workers to have a standard of living that would improve and maintain their health and well-being. However, today’s minimum wage of $7.25 an hour has not risen since 2009. Increasing the minimum wage has a number of potential benefits, but there are possible negative economic effects to minimum wage increases as well.

While the debate over this complex issue will likely continue, remember that you have control over your own finances. Establishing financial goals, and setting up a plan to save for them, can help you manage your money.

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FAQ

Why are state minimum wages different?

In general, states are able to enact laws that differ from federal laws according to their state needs. Many states with a higher cost of living, like California and Washington, have increased their minimum wage to roughly double the federal minimum. If a state’s minimum wage differs from the federal minimum wage, employers must pay the higher of the two rates.

Who benefits from a minimum wage increase?

Low-income workers can potentially benefit from a minimum wage cost, according to proponents of raising the minimum wage. That’s because earning a higher wage could give them more money to spend on things beyond basic needs like food, shelter, and medical care. For example, they could spend more on such discretionary items such as eating out, and streaming services. This kind of increased consumer spending might, in turn, stimulate the economy.

Does increasing the minimum wage affect cost of living?

It’s possible that increasing the minimum wage could raise the cost of living. This might happen if employers raise prices on the items or services they sell to help cover the cost of higher wages for employees. Higher prices, in turn, may cause inflation to rise, which means that dollars won’t go as far as they used to.

What state has the highest minimum wage?

The state with the highest minimum wage is Washington state, where the state minimum wage is currently $16.66 per hour, and it’s expected to increase in 2026. Although it’s not a state, Washington, D.C. has the highest minimum wage overall of $17.95 an hour.

What might be an opportunity cost of raising the minimum wage?

One possible opportunity cost of raising the minimum wage is that employers might reduce their labor force and lay off workers to help pay for the increased cost of higher wages. They might also automate certain jobs, which could result in more unemployment.


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*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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

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

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How to Get Student Loans Out of Default

As student loan debt increases, it’s likely that so will the number of borrowers defaulting on their student loans. Student debt in the U.S. has reached crisis levels at $1.814 trillion, with the average borrower owing $39,075 in federal student loan debt.

About one in 10 borrowers have defaulted at some point, and 6.24% of student loan debt is in default at any given time.

Failure to make payments on your student loans can result in serious consequences. If you’re struggling with your student loans and are in danger of defaulting, there are options. The sooner you take action to remedy your student loan troubles, the better.

If your loans are already in default, there are steps you can take to recover. Read on to learn how to get student loans out of default.

Key Points

•   Federal loans enter default after 270 days of nonpayment, leading to serious consequences like wage garnishment and credit damage.

•   Loan rehabilitation lets you restore good standing by making nine on-time payments and can remove the default from your credit report.

•   Loan consolidation combines multiple loans into one and may offer access to income-driven repayment plans to lower monthly payments.

•   Refinancing with a private lender may reduce interest or payments, but it removes access to federal benefits and requires good credit.

•   Act early to avoid default — use deferment, forbearance, or income-driven plans to stay current and protect your financial health.

What is Considered Student Loan Default?

At its most basic, student loan default happens when you have failed to make payments on your student loans.

If you have a federal student loan, the U.S. Department of Education considers your loan delinquent the day after you miss your first payment. After 90 days, your failure to pay will be reported to all three credit bureaus, which may negatively impact your credit score.

If your loan is delinquent, there are steps you can take to prevent the loan from going into default. If you’ve failed to make a payment or two, consider applying for student loan deferment or forbearance, especially if you’re facing a temporary financial hardship.

Keep in mind, for loans made after July 1, 2027, borrowers will no longer be eligible for deferments based on unemployment or economic hardship.

If you’re having long-term difficulty paying your monthly student loan payments, an option is to see if you can change your payment terms to reduce your monthly bill. This process will extend the life of the loan (lowering your monthly loan payments usually involves lengthening your loan term) and you’ll most likely pay more in interest over the life of the loan. However, making payments on time can help you avoid defaulting and the consequences that come with it.

After 270 days of nonpayment, the loan is considered in default, triggering a series of consequences for the borrower.

Consequences of Student Loan Default

The default and history of missed payments can stay on your credit report for years to come. You also become ineligible for federal payment assistance such as forbearance, deferment, and student loan forgiveness. Any costs associated with collecting the loan are added to your balance due, and the government has the ability to garnish your wages or seize your tax refund.

Tips for How to Get Student Loans Out of Default

If you’re wondering how to get student loans out of default, there are options. These include: loan rehabilitation, consolidation, refinancing, or paying off the loan in full—including any additional interest accrued on student loans. Oftentimes, borrowers in default are unable to repay their loans in full, so the following alternatives may be more practical.

1. Loan Rehabilitation

You may be able to remove a default from your credit report through student loan rehabilitation. Here’s roughly what the process looks like if you have federal loans in default:

First, you contact your lender’s customer service office to request a rehabilitation plan for your loan. Second, you want to be sure you can commit to the program since you can’t rehabilitate a loan a second time. However, starting on July 1, 2027, borrowers will be able to rehabilitate student loans twice (instead of once).

Third, you follow your lender’s plan. That means making nine payments on time, usually at a lower payment rate (your lender determines the monthly payment amount, usually equal to 15% of your annual discretionary income, divided by 12).

Once you’ve successfully made all payments on rehabilitated student loans, the default can be removed from your credit report, but sometimes it takes about 90 days. Note that missed payments prior to the default on your loan will remain on your credit report, and your loan holder may still take involuntary payments (like wage garnishment) until your loan is no longer in default and/or you begin making rehabilitation payments.

Once you have rehabilitated student loans and you’ve again become a borrower in good standing with your lender, you now have the opportunity to get further relief through forbearance or deferment, especially if you’re still struggling.

2. Loan Consolidation

If you have federal student loans, you may be able to consolidate your student loans into one Direct Consolidation Loan. By consolidating, you pay off your existing loans and replace them with one new loan. The new rate is a weighted average of the interest rates on your old loans, rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of a percent.

If you qualify to consolidate your student loans, you have the ability to choose a different payment plan, including income-driven repayment plans. These plans lower your monthly payment to a percentage of your discretionary income. Most plans also extend the term out to 20 or 25 years, and cancel any remaining balance once the term is up. Keep in mind that extending your repayment term could mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.

3. Refinancing Your Loans

If you have a solid personal financial picture (which includes things like your income and credit score), you may be able to refinance your loans with a private lender instead of consolidating them with the government. You may get a lower interest rate, which can allow you to trim the amount of interest you’ll pay over time. You could also extend your loan term to get a lower monthly payment. Keep in mind, though, that extending your term will make it so you pay more in interest over the life of the loan.

If you have a less-than-great credit score, you may need to find a cosigner for the loan. A reliable cosigner can help you qualify for refinancing. However, your cosigner would be equally responsible for the loan.

When you refinance a federal student loan with a private lender, you’ll no longer be eligible for federal protections, such as income-driven repayment plans or Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Recommended: Student Loan Refinancing Guide

The Takeaway

Getting student loans out of default is a crucial step toward financial stability and can open doors to better loan management options, such as refinancing. By exploring methods like loan rehabilitation, consolidation, and maintaining consistent payments, you can regain control of your debt and improve your credit standing.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.


With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

FAQ

What is the first step to getting student loans out of default?

The first step is to contact your loan servicer to understand your options and the specific requirements for getting out of default. They can provide detailed information on the processes available, such as loan rehabilitation or consolidation.

How does loan rehabilitation work?

Loan rehabilitation involves making a series of on-time payments, typically nine out of 10 consecutive months, to bring your defaulted loans back into good standing. Once completed, the default status is removed, and you regain eligibility for federal benefits like deferment and forbearance.

What are the benefits of refinancing student loans after getting them out of default?

Refinancing student loans after getting them out of default can lead to lower interest rates and more manageable monthly payments. It can also simplify your finances by combining multiple loans into one, making it easier to manage and pay off your debt.


SoFi Student Loan Refinance
Terms and conditions apply. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are private loans. When you refinance federal loans with a SoFi loan, YOU FORFEIT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL FEDERAL LOAN BENEFITS, including all flexible federal repayment and forgiveness options that are or may become available to federal student loan borrowers including, but not limited to: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, extended repayment plans, PAYE or SAVE. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers.
Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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


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

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.

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

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A silver smartphone next to a yellow speech bubble with a dollar sign inside, all on a teal background.

What Is a Global Remittance? A Complete Guide

Global remittances are an important resource for anyone who needs to send money internationally. Global remittances are used to send money to an individual (or group) in another country, commonly to family members abroad. Remittances may be sent in a number of different ways, such through wire transfers, money transfer apps, cash pick-up services, and more recently crypto-related services. Below, we’ll cover how global remittances work, how much they cost, and how you can safely send money around the globe.

Key Points

•   Global remittances involve movement of money from one country to another.

•   Remittances help migrants, travelers, and businesses engaged in global commerce.

•   Transfers can be made through banks, online platforms, cash pick-up services, mobile apps.

•   A global remittance can take anywhere from a few minutes to several business days.

•   Typical remittance fees are around 6.4% of the total amount sent.

What Is a Global Remittance?

A global remittance is a transfer of money from one country to another. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the U.S. government considers any electronic transfer of $15 or more from consumers in the U.S. to another country to be a global remittance.[1]

While the term “global remittance” is often used to describe money that migrants send to family members in their home countries[2], people make international money transfers for many reasons. For instance, you may need to send a global remittance to make an international purchase, support a loved one traveling aboard, fund international travel or education, or contribute to charitable organizations in other countries.

How Is a Global Remittance Different From a Wire Transfer?

An international wire transfer is a specific type of global remittance. It refers to an electronic payment that moves funds from a bank account in one country to a bank account in another country using the SWIFT network (a system that connects thousands of banks worldwide). Wire transfers are processed individually, verified in real time, and are typically irreversible once completed, which makes it a preferred transfer method for large or time-sensitive transactions.

A global remittance, by contrast, is defined as any type of international money transfer. This includes transfers made via wire transfer, an international ACH transfer (an electronic bank-to-bank transfer made using a network called the Automated Clearing House), or via cash transfer services (like Western Union) or through an online transfer platform. More recently, some groups are beginning to integrate crypto-related services as a means of sending payments across borders.

(Note that SoFi announced plans in June 2025 to introduce a global remittance service transmitting payments through blockchain networks.)

Send cash in a flash with worldwide money transfers.


Importance of Global Remittance

Global remittances are an important part of the global economy. They are used by migrant workers to send money to family and friends in their home countries, helping them afford food, shelter, health care, and education. According to the International Fund for Agricultural Development, one in eight people rely on remittances worldwide.[3] In some low-income countries, remittances make up 30% to 40% of the county’s domestic product (GDP).[2]

International payments are also crucial to global commerce by facilitating trade between countries and allowing businesses to expand their operations beyond domestic borders. Businesses in the U.S. and throughout the world use global remittances for a wide range of activities, including paying overseas suppliers for goods, compensating international employees, and receiving payments from foreign customers.

How a Global Remittance Works: Step by Step

The process for making an international money transfer varies by method and provider, but this is generally looks like this:

1.    Register with a transfer service. If you’re not using your bank, select a transfer service that meets your needs and create an account. You may be required to verify your identity by providing your driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued ID.

2.    Provide the recipient’s information. Enter specific details about your recipient, such as their name, bank account details, and/or the location where they will pick up the money.

3.    Select the amount you’d like to send. Choose how much money you want to send and in what currency.

4.    Pay for the transfer. You can typically pay by debit card, credit card, or direct transfer from your bank. The total cost typically includes the transfer amount, transfer fee, plus an exchange rate markup (an additional percentage added to the mid-market exchange rate).

5.    Track the transfer. Providers typically give you an expected delivery date and time and a tracking code so you follow the status of your remittance.

Depending on the provider and payment/transfer method, the total time for this process can range from minutes to several business days.

Example of a Global Remittance

Here’s an example of a global remittance. Suppose Maria needs to send $200 to her family in Mexico:

•   Maria logs into an online remittance app and chooses to send $200.

•   She pays with her debit card.

•   The service charges her a fee of $3.99 and converts dollars into Mexican pesos at the day’s rate and does not add a markup.

•   Within a few minutes, her family in Mexico receives the equivalent of $196.01 in Pesos, available for cash pick-up at a nearby location.

Common Methods for Sending Global Remittances

There are several ways to send money internationally. Here are a few options to consider:

1.    Bank wire transfers: You can use a traditional bank or financial institution to initiate an international wire transfer.

2.    Online money transfer services: Digital platforms, like Wise and Xoom, facilitate online payments using your debit/credit card or bank account; the money can be sent to a recipient’s bank account or mobile wallet.

3.    Cash pick-up services: If the recipient doesn’t have a bank account, services like Western Union and MoneyGram allow senders to transfer money to a physical agent location, where recipients can pick it up as cash.

4.    Mobile money transfers: International payment apps, such as WorldRemit, allow individuals to store, send, and receive money via their mobile phones.

5.    International money order: If an electronic transfer isn’t possible, you can purchase an international money order (a prepaid, paper-based payment) and mail it to your recipient. They are available through banks and some retailers. The recipient can cash or deposit it in their local currency.

How Much Does a Global Remittance Cost?

According to a March 2025 analysis by the World Bank, the average fee for sending global remittances is 6.5% of the remittance amount.[1] However, fees vary widely by transfer method. Here’s a closer look:

Global average 6.5%
Digital transfers 4.9%
Non-digital transfers 5%
Mobile operators 5%
Banks 14.6%

How to Choose the Best Remittance Service

When researching a remittance service to send money internationally, here are key some key factors to consider:

•   Fees and exchange rate: Banks and transfer services typically charge a transfer fee, which may be a percentage of the transfer amount or a flat fee. They also generally charge a markup on the exchange rate, which could be anywhere from less than 1% to 6%, or more. Be sure to consider both fees and markups when comparing services.

•   Transfer speed: A traditional bank wire transfer can take three or five days, while online platforms and cash transfer services can often complete transactions within minutes or hours.

•   Convenience and accessibility: Consider how your recipient will be able to receive the money. Do they have a bank account? Do they need cash in hand right away? Can they make an account on a payment app? This will help you determine the best way to send money overseas.

•   Customer support: A reputable transfer service will offer various ways to contact customer service, such as phone, online chat, or email.

Best Practices for Sending Money Abroad Safely

International transfers can be risky if handled improperly, so safety is crucial.

Tips for Secure Transactions

To send money internationally safely be sure to:

•   Use only licensed, regulated remittances providers (more on this below)

•   Triple-check the recipient’s details.

•   Verify all fees and exchange rates up front.

•   Set up two-factor (2FA) authentication.

•   Keep all receipts and confirmation numbers.

Common Scams to Avoid

Unfortunately, wire transfer scams are common. Here are some of the most popular schemes identified by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and how they work:

•   Apartment and vacation rental scams: The fraudster will ask you to wire money before touring a unit.

•   Fake check scams: You’re asked to deposit a bad check and wire the money before the check is found to be fraudulent.

•   Family emergency scams: Someone poses as a loved one in an emergency and asks you to wire money.

•   Prize scams: You’re led to believe you’ve won a prize but must first wire money for something such as taxes or shipping and handling.

•   Romance scams: Someone online pretends to be romantically interested in you and eventually asks for money.

•   Utility scams: A scammer poses as your utility company and threatens to shut off services if you don’t wire money ASAP.

How to Verify a Remittance Service

To find a legitimate service, make sure the provider:

•   Is fully licensed and regulated in the countries where it operates. This ensures the provider meets strict financial regulations set up to ensure secure transfers. In addition, they must follow compliance standards that prevent money laundering and other illegal activities. A provider’s licensing should be detailed on its website.

•   Has a trusted reputation in the industry. Read online reviews and look for consistently positive feedback about the provider’s reliability, customer service, and transparency. Be wary if you see complaints about delays, hidden fees, or poor communication.

•   Offers a high level of security. Look for a service that uses multi-level authentication, such as verification codes or biometric logins (like fingerprint or face scans). These security features make it harder for unauthorized users to access your account.

•   Is transparent about refund and cancellation procedures. A legitimate service will make it easy to find these terms before you confirm a transaction. Under federal law, you have at least 30 minutes to cancel the remittance transfer at no charge, unless the transfer has already been picked up or deposited into the recipient’s account.

Comparison of Leading Global Remittance Services

According to a September 2025 analysis by CNBC, these six international money transfer providers are among the top options:

Service

Standout Features

Delivery Options

Drawbacks

Remitly Can choose Economy or Express transfer; over 350,000 cash pickup locations Bank account deposit, debit card, mobile wallet, cash pickup Express transfer fees can be high
Wise No exchange rate markup Bank account deposit, mobile wallet No cash pick-up locations
OFX No transfer fees for U.S. customers; no maximum transfer limit Bank account deposit Bank transfer only; no cash pickup locations
Western Union More than 500,000 cash pickup locations globally Debit card, mobile wallet, bank account deposit, cash pickup Charges fees plus exchange rate markups
MoneyGram Over 400,000 cash pickup locations globally Bank account deposit, debit card, mobile wallet, cash pickup Charges fees plus exchange rate markups
Xoom Can use PayPal or cryptocurrency to fund transfers; large network of cash pickup sites Bank deposit, debit card, mobile wallet, cash pickup Charges fees plus exchange rate markups

The Global Impact of Remittances

Remittances are a big part of the global economy. Let’s take a closer look.

Statistics on Remittance Flows

Here are some recent stats on global remittances:

•   In 2024, global remittances totaled $905 billion.[2]

•   Migrant workers typically send $200 to $300 every one to two months to families in their home countries.[3]

•   More than one-third of remittances go to rural areas, helping to improve financial stability and food security in those regions.[3]

•   Global money transfers are now the largest source of external finance for low- and middle-income countries.[5]

Economic Impact on Developing Nations

The impacts of remittances on low- to middle-income countries include:

•   Reducing poverty by providing stable household income

•   Boosting household consumption

•   Promoting financial literacy

•   Reducing a household’s reliance on credit

•   Fueling local entrepreneurship

The Takeaway

Global remittances are more than routine money transfers — they are essential tools that help families stay connected, provide financial security, and keep international commerce moving. Whether you’re supporting loved ones, covering overseas expenses, or conducting business, global remittances offer a reliable way to move funds across boards safely and effectively.

SoFi Checking and Savings members can now send money to 30+ countries, including Mexico, India, Brazil, and more. Plus, make three international money transfers by 3/31/26 to earn $30 in rewards points.

SoFi worldwide money transfers are a fast, affordable, and simple way to transfer money to loved ones abroad — directly from the SoFi app.

Fast, easy international money transfers.

FAQ

What is the average cost of a global remittance?

The average cost of a global remittance is 6.5% of the amount of money being transferred, according to a 2025 analysis by the World Bank. However, cost can vary widely depending on the transfer method (bank transfers are generally more expensive than online transfer services) and where you’re sending the money.

How long does it take for a global remittance to complete?

International money transfers can take anywhere from a few minutes to several business days, depending on how you send the money. Transfers using a cash pick-up service or digital transfer platform often take only minutes or hours, while traditional bank wire transfers can take one to five business days.

Can I send a global remittance without a bank account?

Yes, it is possible to send a global remittance without a bank account. Some cash transfers services like Western Union allow you to pay for the transfer in person using cash. In addition, many online transfer platforms permit you to fund a transfer using a prepaid card or credit card with no need to link a bank account.

Are there any limits on a global remittance?

There are no federal limits on the amount of money that can be sent from the U.S. to other countries. However, remittance providers may set their own limits on how much you can send in a single transaction or per day or month. For example, transfer limits for banks typically range from $1,000 to $50,000 per transaction; while some transfer platforms limit you to $5,000 per transaction or $15,000 every 30 days.

How can I track my global remittance?

Remittance services typically provide tracking tools to monitor the status of your transfer. After sending, you’ll likely receive a confirmation number or tracking code, which you can use on the provider’s website, app, or through customer support. Some services also send emails or text updates to notify you when the funds are processed or received. Tracking helps ensure transparency and can provide peace of mind, as you’ll know where your money is and when it reaches your recipient.

What are the potential security concerns with remittance services?

While remittance services are generally safe, there are potential risks to be aware of. International money transfer scams are common, especially if you send money to someone you don’t know. Data breaches or weak cybersecurity practices could expose your personal or financial information. To reduce risks, always use licensed providers that require multi-factor authentication, confirm the recipient’s details carefully, and avoid sharing sensitive information on unsecured networks or suspicious platforms.


About the author

Timothy Moore

Timothy Moore

Timothy Moore is a personal finance writer and editor and a Certified Financial Education Instructor. His work has been featured on sites such as USA Today, Forbes, Business Insider, LendingTree, LendEDU, and Time. Read full bio.


Article Sources

Photo credit: iStock/MicroStockHub

Global remittance services are available to SoFi members through SoFi Checking and Savings. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered by SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. Transfers are subject to the terms of the SoFi Bank Deposit Account Agreement in effect at the time of payment. Fees, exchange rates, and estimated delivery times will be presented prior to payment confirmation. Service availability may vary by country or recipient.

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

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

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.

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

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Exit Strategy for Investors: Definition and Examples

Exit Strategy for Investors: Definition and Examples

An exit strategy is a plan to liquidate a financial investment or dispose of a business in order to maximize potential gains and minimize losses. Thus, an exit strategy for stocks, options, and other assets can be useful, whether prices have moved in the desired direction or not.

An exit strategy assumes that certain criteria, laid out in advance, have been met — and thus exiting the position by selling one’s stake will help preserve capital and/or minimize the risk of loss.

Key Points

•  Just as investors have a strategy for investing in stocks, it’s wise to have an exit strategy for stocks when the conditions are right to sell.

•  An exit strategy presumes certain conditions have been met in order to liquidate a position.

•  Investors, venture capitalists, and others may have an exit strategy for selling a stock, a business, or disposing of other assets.

•  An exit strategy for stocks may help an investor cut loose an underperforming stock.

•  By and large, an exit strategy is meant to preserve capital and minimize losses.

What Is an Exit Strategy?

Broadly speaking, an exit strategy refers to steps an individual takes in order to get out of a financial or business obligation, or even a personal one. For instance, an employee who’s interested in changing jobs may form an exit strategy for leaving their current employer and moving on to their next one.

What is an exit strategy in finance or business? It’s a plan crafted by business owners or investors that cover when they choose to liquidate their position in an investment. To liquidate means to convert securities or other assets to cash. Once this liquidation occurs, the individual or entity that executed the exit strategy no longer has a stake in the investment.

Creating an exit strategy prior to making an investment can be advantageous for managing and minimizing risk. It can also help with defining specific objectives for making an investment in the first place.

In other words, formulating your exit strategy beforehand, when investing in stocks, can give you clarity about what you hope to achieve.

Exit strategies often go overlooked, however, as investors, venture capitalists, and business owners may move ahead with an investment with no clear plan for leaving it.

How Exit Strategies Work

Investors use exit strategies to realize their profit or to mitigate potential losses from an investment or business. When creating an exit strategy, investors will typically define the conditions under which they’ll make their exit.

For instance, an exit strategy plan for investors may be contingent on achieving a certain level of returns when starting to invest in stocks, or reaching a maximum threshold of allowable losses. Once the contingency point is reached, the investor may choose to sell off their shares as dictated by their exit strategy.

A venture capital exit strategy, on the other hand, may have a predetermined time element. Venture capitalists invest money in startups and early stage companies. The exit point for a venture capitalist may be a startup’s IPO or initial public offering.

Again, all exit strategies revolve around a plan. The mechanism by which an individual or entity makes their exit can vary, but the end result is the same: to leave an investment or business when certain conditions are met.

Recommended: Stock Market Basics

When Should an Exit Strategy Be Used?

There are different scenarios when an exit strategy may come into play. For example, exit strategies can be useful in these types of situations:

•   Creating a succession plan to transfer ownership of a profitable business to someone else.

•   Shutting down a business and liquidating its assets.

•   Withdrawing from a venture capital investment or angel investment.

•   Selling stocks or other securities to minimize losses.

•   Giving up control of a company or merging it with another company.

Generally speaking, an exit strategy makes sense for any situation where you need or want to have a plan for getting out, whether you’re investing online or through other channels.

Exit Strategy Examples

Here are some different exit strategy examples that explain how exit strategies can be useful to investors, business owners, and venture capitalists.

Exit Strategy for Investors

When creating an exit strategy for stocks and investing, including how to buy stocks, there are different metrics you can use to determine when to get out. For example, say you buy 100 shares of XYZ stock. You could plan your exit strategy based on:

•   Earning target from the investment

•   Avoiding a loss on the investment

•   How long you want to stay invested

Say your goal is to earn a 10% return on the 100 shares you purchased. Once you reach that 10% threshold you may decide to exit while the market is up and sell your shares at a profit. Or, you may set your maximum loss threshold at 5%. If the stock dips and hits that 5% mark, you could sell to head off further losses.

You may also use time as your guide for making an exit strategy for stocks. For instance, if you’re 30 years old now and favor a buy-and-hold strategy, you may plan to make your exit five or 10 years down the line. On the other hand, if you’re interested in short-term gains, you may have a much smaller window in which to complete your exit strategy.

Exit strategies can work for more than just stock investments. For instance, you may have invested in crowdfunding investments, such as real estate crowdfunding or peer-to-peer lending. Both types of investments typically have a set holding period that you can build into your exit plan.

Recommended: 5 Investment Strategies for Beginners

Exit Strategy for Business Owners

An exit strategy for business owners can take different forms, depending on the nature of the business. For instance, if you run a family-owned business then your exit strategy plan might revolve around your eventual retirement. If you have a fixed retirement date in mind your exit plan could specify that you will transfer ownership of the business to your children or sell it to another person or company.

Another possibility for an exit strategy may involve selling off assets and closing the business altogether. This is something a business owner may consider if the business is not turning a profit, and it looks increasingly unlikely that it will. Liquidation can allow a business owner to repay their creditors and walk away from a failed business without having to file bankruptcy.

Exit Strategy for Startups

With startups and larger companies, exit strategies can be more complex. Examples of exit strategy plans may include:

•   Launching an IPO to allow one or more founders to make an exit

•   A merger or acquisition that allows for a transfer of ownership

•   Selling the company

•   Liquidating assets and shutting the company down

If a founder is ready to move on to their next project, they can use an IPO to leave the company intact while extricating themselves from it. And angel investors or venture capitalists who invested in the company early on also have an opportunity to sell their shares.

Startup exit strategies can also create possible opportunities for some investors. IPO investing allows investors to buy shares of companies when they go public.

The mechanics of using an IPO as an exit strategy can be complicated, however. There are IPO valuations and regulatory requirements to consider.

It’s important for startup founders to know how to value a business before taking it public to ensure that an IPO is successful. And early-stage investors may have to observe IPO lock-up period restrictions before they can sell their shares.

5 Types of Exit Strategies

There are different types of exit strategies depending on whether you’re an investor, a business owner, or a venture capitalist. Some common exit strategies include:

1. Selling Shares of Stock

Investors can use an exit strategy to set a specific goal with their investment (say, 12%), reach a certain level of profit, or determine a point at which they’ll minimize their loss if the investment loses value. Once they reach the target they’ve set, the investor can execute the exit strategy and sell their shares.

2. Mergers and Acquisitions

With this business exit strategy, another business, often a rival, buys out a business and the founder can exit and shareholders may profit. However, there are many regulatory factors to consider, such as antitrust laws.

3. Selling Assets and Closing a Business

If a business is failing, the owner may choose to liquidate all the assets, pay off debts as well as any shareholders, if possible, and then close down the business. A failing business might also declare bankruptcy, but that’s typically a last resort.

4. Transferring Ownership of a Business

This exit strategy may be used with a family-run business. The owner may formulate an exit plan that allows him to transfer the business to a relative or sell it at a particular time so that he or she can retire or do something else.

5. Launching an IPO

By going public with an IPO, the founder of a startup or other company can leave the company if they choose to, while leaving the business intact. As noted, using an IPO as an exit strategy can be quite complicated for business founders and investors because of regulatory requirements, IPO valuations, and lock-up period restrictions.

Why Exit Strategies Are Important

Exit strategies matter because they offer a measure of predictability in a business or investment setting. If you own a business, for example, having an exit strategy in place that allows you to retire on schedule means you’re not having to work longer than you planned or want to.

An exit strategy for investors can help with staying focused on an end goal, rather than following the crowd, succumbing to emotions, or attempting to time the market. For example, if you go into an investment knowing that your exit plan is designed to limit your losses to 5%, you’ll know ahead of time when you should sell.

Using an exit strategy can help prevent losses that could occur when staying in an investment in the hopes that it will eventually turn around. Exit strategies can also keep you from staying invested too long in an investment that’s doing well. The market moves in cycles and what goes up eventually comes down.

If you’re on a winning streak with a particular stock, you may be tempted to stay invested indefinitely. But having an exit strategy and a set end date for cashing out could help you avoid losses if volatility sends the stock’s price spiraling.

How to Develop an Exit Strategy Plan

Developing an exit strategy may look different, depending on whether it involves an investment or business situation. But the fundamentals are the same, in that it’s important to consider the specific conditions that must be met:

•   What form an exit will take (i.e., liquidation, IPO, selling shares, etc.)

•   Whether an exit is results-based or time-based (i.e., realizing a 10% return, reaching your target retirement date, etc.)

•   Key risk factors that may influence outcomes

•   Reasons and goals for pursuing an exit strategy

If you’re an individual investor, you may need to formulate an exit plan for each investment you own. For instance, how you exit from a stock investment may be different from how you sell off bonds. And if you’re taking on riskier investments, such as cryptocurrency, your exit strategy may need to account for the additional volatility involved.

For business owners and founders, exit strategy planning may be a group discussion that involves partners, members of the board, or other individuals who may have an interest in the sale, transfer, or IPO of a company. In either situation, developing an exit strategy is something that’s best done sooner, rather than later.

The Takeaway

Investing can help you build wealth for the long-term, and an exit strategy is an important part of the plan. It allows you to decide ahead of time how and when you’ll get out of an investment, and could help you lock in returns or minimize losses.

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FAQ

What are different exit strategies?

Examples of some different exit strategies include selling shares of a stock once an investor realizes a certain return or profit, transferring ownership of a family business so an owner can retire, or selling all the assets and closing down a failing business.

What are the most common exit strategies?

The most common exit strategies depend on whether you’re an investor, the owner of an established business, or the founder of a startup. For investors, a common exit strategy is to sell shares of stock once they reach a certain high or low. For owners of an established business, a common exit strategy is mergers and acquisitions, because doing so is often favorable to shareholders. For founders of startups, a common exit strategy is an initial public offering (IPO).

What is the simplest exit strategy?

For an investor, the simplest exit strategy is to sell shares of stock once they reach a certain profit or target level of return. At that point they can sell their shares for more money than they paid for them.


About the author

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake has been a finance writer for nearly a decade, specializing in personal finance, investing, and small business. She is a contributor at Forbes Advisor, SmartAsset, Investopedia, The Balance, MyBankTracker, MoneyRates and CreditCards.com. Read full bio.



Photo credit: iStock/Christian Guiton

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