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Making it to high school graduation is a big deal. For most people, it’s taken 13 years of education since starting in kindergarten.

This is a time to celebrate, but also to start planning for the next step into adulthood. Taking care of the practical stuff now can allow more time to enjoy your senior year and relax before moving on to the next big thing.

To help get you started, check out these tips to close out high school on a high note and prepare for summer and beyond.

Preparing for High School Graduation

1. Keeping Up Your Grades

You’re almost across the finish line. Yet, slacking off and letting grades slip could be a red flag for the college you plan on attending in the fall.

The extent to which colleges look at senior year grades varies. If an A in calculus drops to a B, that’s probably not a cause for alarm. Rather, having grades fall below a college’s admissions standards could run the risk of a rescinded offer. Staying on top of your coursework and taking some challenging classes your senior year could pay off in the fall.

2. Ordering Your Cap and Gown

To attend high school graduation, you’ll likely have to look the part. If you have an older sibling or friend who graduated before you and is around your size, you can kindly ask to borrow their cap and gown, assuming it’ll match your classmates’ at graduation.

Renting a cap and gown could save money if that option is offered at your high school. Rentals may require a deposit and will likely need to be returned right after the ceremony to discourage graduates from walking off with them amid all the excitement.

If you go the rental route, you may still need to purchase a tassel unique to your graduating class.
Traditionally, there is a moment during the ceremony when graduates are asked to flip their tassel from one side of their cap to the other, which signifies graduation.

3. Return Library Books

At many high schools, failing to return library books, or pay any accrued late fees could make you ineligible to walk at graduation. If there are any other fees or outstanding holds that will prevent you from walking at graduation, take care of them as soon as possible. Your guidance counselor or another administrator at the school may be able to help if you’re not sure.

4. Picking a Graduation-Day Outfit

Yes, you will be wearing your cap and gown for the ceremony. But what about photos afterward? Pick an outfit that is both stylish and one you feel comfortable in. There’ll likely be a lot of photos to celebrate this accomplishment, and wearing an outfit you feel your best in can help make you feel good in front of the camera.

5. Reserving Tickets for Graduation

Some schools may limit the number of tickets a student can reserve for graduation due to venue capacity. In some cases, students may be able request additional tickets, but they are not always guaranteed. If your school has a ticket limit or request process, stay on top of deadlines.

6. Inviting Family and Friends to Graduation

Once you know how many tickets you have to your graduation, you’ll need to invite family or friends to the ceremony. Parents, siblings, grandparents, or close friends may all want to come watch, but if there are ticket restrictions, you may be limited in who you can invite.

Consider sending the information for the ceremony including date, time, location, and any parking instructions in writing via email or text so your family members can easily reference relevant details to see you walk across that stage.

7. Taking Photos with Friends and Family

Graduating high school is a major accomplishment. This is a day you’ll want to remember and you’ll want to get photos with family and friends on the big day. Scope out some meaningful locations for a few photos. If you run hurdles, perhaps you want some photos out on the school track.

8. Registering for Dorm Room Necessities

If you’re expecting gifts from family and friends in honor of your graduation, consider registering for dorm room necessities like towels, twin-XL sheets, duvet, or a mini-fridge. Letting your family know what you want and need for the next four years could make it easier for them to purchase something you’ll actually use.

9. Celebrating With Friends and Family

High school graduates have passed numerous milestones from kindergarten to senior year. Besides the homework and exams, many high schoolers have put countless hours into varsity sports, drama club, marching band, or other extracurricular activities.

High school graduation is a well-deserved moment to have fun and celebrate the culmination of these accomplishments. Whether you’re moving away for college or commuting from home, your schedule may change significantly.

Spending time with family and friends, attending senior activities, and throwing a graduation party are some ways to honor the occasion and process the transition.

10. Plan Your Graduation Party (If You’re Hosting One)

Graduation parties are popular for high schoolers (and their families). If you — or your parents — are hosting a party you’ll want to determine details like the date, time, and location, budget for the event, and guest list.

You’ll want to invite guests and track RSVPs so you can get an accurate headcount for food and drink at the event. From there, you can look into decorations and any party rentals (like chairs, flatware, plates, table cloths, and more).

11. Writing Thank You Notes

As you receive graduation gifts, keep a log of who sent each gift. Show your gratitude for thoughtful gifts by writing a thank you note to each sender. Express your thanks for the gift, and mention a couple specific details about the item they sent and how you plan to use it. Close out your thank you with a thoughtful note about when you hope to see them next (or how great it was to see them at your graduation party) and thank them once again.

Generally, it’s best to send your thank you notes soon after receiving the gifts, so staying organized as you approach graduation can be helpful.

12. Landing a Summer Job

Between hanging out with friends and going on family trips, you might have time to take on a part-time or full-time summer job. These experiences can help boost your resume and gain references for internships and jobs down the road.

Additionally, putting in some hours now can further pad your college savings for tuition and living expenses. If all goes well, you may be invited back to work next summer.

13. Managing Your Schedule and Setting Goals

College schedules can be a big adjustment for students. Instead of following a strict bell schedule like most high schools have, college students are responsible for managing their own schedules with little oversight.

Each college course’s credit hours usually indicate how many hours that class meets per week. Full-time students typically take between 12 and 18 credit hours each semester, which translates to roughly the same number of hours in class. This means college students have more flexibility than high school students in planning their schedule for completing homework and other assignments. That flexibility also means more responsibility for their own time management.

Students might consider preparing for this adjustment by trying out a few planning systems — e.g., paper, digital, or a combination of both — to see what works best for them so they’ll be ready to hit the ground running in the fall.

Some things to plan for, other than class schedules, might be a summer job schedule, family vacations, summer parties with friends, or savings goals.

14. Cleaning up Your Social Media Presence

High school can feel like a bubble. Some students have known each other since elementary school.

Upon graduating and leaving this familiar environment, graduates will encounter an influx of new friends, coworkers, employers, and professors. To put your best foot forward in these scenarios, it could be worth revisiting your social media posts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Many people have said or posted things online they aren’t proud of or no longer reflect their current opinions on a subject. Checking to see what posts you’re tagged in, too, can help refine your online presence and give peace of mind as you head into the “real world.”

In serious cases, colleges have rescinded students’ admission for inappropriate and offensive conduct on social media.

Recommended: 25 Smart Things to do With Your Graduation Money

Preparing for College

While finishing senior year and taking care of high school graduation, getting ready for college is just around the corner. There are plenty of ways to prepare for college before the fall semester rolls around. Let’s take a look at some of the key things you may want to consider.

1. Creating a Plan to Pay for College

Pay for college often requires students to pull together a few different types of funding. In addition to savings or using your grad money to pay for college expenses, students can also rely on financial aid including scholarships, grants, federal student loans, and work-study.

Typically, college-bound high school seniors will fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) in February. This form is the first step in applying for federal student aid, which can include scholarships, grants, and loans, depending on a student’s eligibility.

Students who are looking to fill gaps in funding may consider private student loans — which are offered by private lenders and lack benefits offered to federal student loans, like deferment or forgiveness options. Check out SoFi’s guide to private student loans for more information.

2. Researching Classes and Majors

Generally speaking, most programs do not require incoming freshmen to declare a major right away. Still, taking some time before registration to learn about different majors and general course requirements can help students figure out what they want to study, create a balanced schedule, and graduate on time.

3. Getting Ready to Move Away From Home

Students planning to attend college away from home may be feeling a mix of excitement and stress about moving.

Putting that energy into planning for college living arrangements might alleviate some of those feelings.

If coordinating with roommates ahead of time is a possibility, students might consider splitting up the list of room necessities — one roomie can bring the microwave and another can bring the mini-fridge. If the college provides those things, there are many other items that can make the transition from home to college dorm easier.

Recommended: College Essentials: What to Bring to College

The Takeaway

Graduating from high school is a huge accomplishment. As you approach graduation day, make sure you have met graduation requirements and have no holds on your student account that will prevent you from walking. Get ready for the big day by ordering your cap and gown, picking your grad day outfit, reserving tickets for the ceremony, and planning a celebration with friends and family.

3 Student Loan Tips

1.    Can’t cover your school bills? If you’ve exhausted all federal aid options, private student loans can fill gaps in need, up to the school’s cost of attendance, which includes tuition, books, housing, meals, transportation, and personal expenses.

2.    Parents and sponsors with strong credit and income may find much lower rates on no-fee private parent student loans than federal parent PLUS loans. Federal PLUS loans also come with an origination fee.

3.    Even if you don’t think you qualify for financial aid, you should fill out the FAFSA form. Many schools require it for merit-based scholarships, too. You can submit it as early as Oct. 1.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

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SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

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

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

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Many people think of a pet as a member of their family. So of course pet owners want to be sure they’re providing the best possible care for their animals without having to worry about what a trip to the veterinarian might cost.

Pet insurance offers a way to help pay for that care — whether it’s a routine checkup or an emergency. However, just like health insurance for humans, choosing the right pet insurance policy can be complicated.

There’s a wide range of coverage options and policy costs to consider. And pet insurance may not be the right fit for every pet owner. Here’s what to know.

What Is Pet Insurance?

Though it has a lot in common with human health insurance coverage, a pet policy falls under the property and casualty insurance classification.

Pet insurance has been around for almost 100 years, but has only been available in the United States since 1982, when a subsidiary of Nationwide sold its first policy to cover the dog that played Lassie on TV.

As with health insurance for humans, pet insurance has a range of options and costs to consider.

And it’s growing in popularity: The North American Pet Health Insurance Association reports that the industry has more than doubled since 2018, and the number of pet insurance premiums in the U.S. grew by 30.4% from 2020 to 2021.

Most of the 4.4 million pets insured are dogs (82% in 2021) and cats (18%). But some insurers may offer coverage for birds, fish, and other pets.

Pet policies are designed to protect pet owners from the high cost of taking their animal to the vet. (If a pet bites another animal or person, those costs typically are covered by homeowner’s insurance.)

There are a few types of pet insurance. Coverage can be limited to accident-only care for an animal, or it can be more comprehensive and include treatment for injuries and illness.

Some policies also include wellness costs, such as vaccinations, dental care, and medical tests. A few include extra benefits, such as coverage for pet care when an owner has an emergency, or coverage for vet care when the owner travels out of the country with the pet.

But preexisting conditions and cosmetic procedures usually aren’t covered. And policies tend to come with a waiting period of 14 to 30 days, which means if a pet is diagnosed with an illness or is injured before that time is up, treatment for that condition won’t be covered.

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

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?

The average cost of an accident and illness pet policy was $48.66 per month for a dog in 2021, or $583.91 per year, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association. For a cat, the average cost was $28.57 per month, or $342.84 per year. Adding wellness care and other benefits can increase the cost of a policy. So can the deductible, co-pay, and maximum coverage amounts the pet owner chooses. These costs are something to consider as you’re budgeting for a new dog or cat.

Reimbursement is typically 80%-90%, which means the insured pet owner can be reimbursed for up to 80%-90% of a qualifying claim. The deductible can be up to $1,000. Research shows many pet owners choose a deductible of $250.

The cost of coverage also may be affected by where the pet owner lives. In cities or regions where veterinary practices generally charge more for office visits or treatments, the cost of pet insurance may be higher.

And coverage may cost more based on a pet’s breed and age as well. Because some purebred cats and dogs may be more susceptible to certain medical conditions, they can be more expensive to insure.

Age is a factor. The older a pet is, the more it may cost to get coverage — both at the time of enrollment and as the pet ages.

The good news is, there are no “out-of-network” provider charges to worry about with pet insurance. As long as the pet owner takes Fido or Fluffy to a licensed vet, and the expenses for the visit qualify, it’s just a matter of filing a claim. Some insurance companies may pay the vet directly, but most reimburse the pet owner after the claim is submitted and verified.

Recommended: 19 Tips to Save Money on Pets

How Can Pet Owners Find Prices and Plans?

Because every pet and every plan is a little bit different, it can pay to do some research.

An increasing number of employers now offer pet insurance in their benefits packages, which could mean a lower premium. So pet owners may want to check with their human resources department to see what their company has to offer.

It’s also easy to get an online price quote from many of the companies that offer pet insurance. A quick search will turn up several well-known insurers (Nationwide, Progressive, Geico, Allstate) that offer coverage, along with insurance companies that are strictly for pets. The insurer will ask a few questions (the pet’s name, age, gender, breed, any preexisting conditions), and then provide quotes for three or more plans, along with some details about the benefits those plans include.

It also may help to have an idea of what it costs to treat common (and not-so-common) problems a certain type of pet might encounter.

For example, a physical for a dog can be as much as $300, and up to $200 for a cat, depending on your location and the pet’s age. Those bills might be daunting but not necessarily devastating for a family’s budget. But an emergency vet visit with multiple overnight stays in an emergency clinic could be as much as $3,500. And surgeries your pet might require can run into the hundreds and even thousands of dollars.

Planning for those costs could help pet owners decide if insurance is something they should consider. (Your vet also may be able to provide some helpful information that pertains to your specific pet.)

💡Quick Tip: If you’re faced with debt and wondering which kind to pay off first, it can be smart to prioritize high-interest debt first. For many people, this means their credit card debt; rates have recently been climbing into the double-digit range, so try to eliminate that ASAP.

So, Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

As with so many financial decisions, there are pros and cons to purchasing a pet health policy.

Insurance may take some of the stress out of making treatment decisions for a beloved pet based on the ability to pay. Although there still could be out-of-pocket expenses to consider, it might help avoid what the pet insurance association calls “economic euthanasia,” when a pet owner makes the heartbreaking choice to put down a sick or injured animal because the required care is just too expensive.

Insurance also might help a pet owner avoid taking on credit card debt or depleting their savings account to pay for their pet’s care.

Another plus: Because policies can be customized, it may be possible to find one that provides basic coverage and still works within the family budget. And pet owners who love their vet won’t have to switch to a new provider.

But pet insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, and premiums also may be higher for breeds that are vulnerable to costly health conditions. The cost also goes up as an animal gets older, which is when many pets start having problems that require expensive treatments.

And, as is the case for most types of insurance, if policyholders don’t use their benefits, they don’t get their money back. So, for example, if the pet owner opts for an accident and illness policy and the pet stays healthy for several years, the insurance bills could end up costing more than the vet bills. You may want to set up an emergency fund to help cover any healthcare costs for your pet instead.

Recommended: How to Pay for Medical Bills You Can’t Afford

The Takeaway

If you aren’t sure if pet insurance is right for you, it might help to look at how the cost would fit with your current finances. If money is tight, is there something you could or would give up in order to pay for a pet policy? Also, would pet insurance tackle financial stress by keeping you from worrying about what you’d do if your pet needed expensive care?

Think about these questions carefully. If you feel you won’t get your money’s worth out of a health insurance policy, you may want to skip it for now. But if it’s easier for you to pay a premium monthly, rather than having to come up with a hefty sum all at once if something happens, you may decide pet insurance is a good option.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall. Enjoy up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Flexible spending accounts, or FSAs, are special savings accounts offered through some employer benefit plans. They allow the account holder to pay for certain out-of-pocket medical and dependent care costs with tax-free money.

However, FSAs come with some rules and regulations. For instance, FSA rules cap the amount of money that can be placed in the account each year ($3,050 for 2023), and also dictate which types of expenses qualify for an FSA distribution.

Still, FSAs can be a powerful tool for covering unavoidable medical costs that could otherwise wreak havoc on finances.

Flexible Spending Account Explained

FSAs are savings programs offered through employers — which means that self-employed people aren’t eligible. Those who are self-employed may be covered through an employed spouse’s plan, or they may choose to open an HSA, if they qualify.

FSAs are also sometimes called flexible spending arrangements, and they can cover you, your spouse, and your dependents. There are also a few sub-types of FSAs, such as dependent care FSAs (DCFSAs) and limited purpose FSAs (LPFSAs).

Recommended: Benefits of Health Savings Accounts

Flexible Spending Account Rules: An Overview

FSA contributions work similarly to employer-sponsored retirement plans like 401(k)s: a certain amount of wages is withheld each pay period and contributed to the account.

The account holder elects how much to withhold at the beginning of the plan year — and, importantly, they may not be able to change it unless there’s a change in employment or family status. That means it’s important to think the decision through carefully.

But unlike a 401(k), the funds placed into an FSA aren’t just tax-deferred — they’re actually tax-free. That means they aren’t included in the account holder’s total taxable income, nor are taxes due when distributions are made.

Recommended: Tax Credits vs. Tax Deductions: What’s the Difference?

How Much Can I Contribute to My FSA?

In 2023, account holders may contribute up to a maximum of $3,050 per year to their FSAs. Employers may also place limits on the amount an employee can elect to be contributed, up to this federal cap.

Unused Funds: FSA Rollover and Reimbursement Rules

Another rule regarding FSAs is the fact that, generally speaking, unused FSA funds are forfeited.

In other words, FSAs are “use it or lose it” accounts; the money that isn’t used for qualified expenses by the end of the plan year can’t be rolled over into the next.

Thus, account holders may want to be cautious to avoid over-contributing to the plan and carefully estimate how much they think they’ll need to spend on out-of-pocket health expenses. Setting up a budget may help with this.

However, there are some exceptions that may be accessible, depending on the employer’s policy choice. They may allow for a “grace period” or a carry-over option — one or the other, but not both, and they’re not legally required to offer either.

•   The grace period option allows account holders to use their FSA funds for an additional two and a half months after the plan year to pay for qualified medical expenses.

•   The carry-over option allows account holders to roll over up to $610 of unused funds into the account for use the next plan year, though the employer may specify a lower dollar figure. Carryover doesn’t affect the maximum allowable contribution for the next year’s plan.

Recommended: How to Negotiate Medical Bills

What Can a Flexible Spending Account Be Used For?

Given the contribution limits and forfeiture rules of flexible spending accounts, FSA account holders usually want to be careful about calculating how much money they might be able to use — otherwise, significant amounts of their paycheck might end up right back in their employers’ hands.

And although many medical expenses qualify, not all of them do, or especially rules apply. For instance, non-prescription medications are covered only with a doctor’s prescription. The exception is insulin, which is covered without a prescription.

FSA funds are also ineligible to be used for health insurance premiums (though you can use them for deductibles and copays) or long-term care coverage and expenses, which may affect those with chronic illnesses or disabilities.

There are, however, a wide range of procedures and healthcare services that FSA funds can be used to cover, including dental expenses.

In basic terms, any treatment that would qualify for a medical expense tax deduction can be covered by FSA funds; the full list of which can be found in IRS Publication 502 .

From acupuncture and alcoholism to birth control pills and psychological counseling, many services do count as qualified medical expenses.

Along with being the right kind of medical expense, services paid through FSA funds must be applied to the right people in order to be covered. Eligible beneficiaries include:

•   The account holder

•   Their spouse

•   Dependents claimed on their tax return

•   Children age 26 and under

Keep in mind, too, that FSAs generally work in conjunction with other types of health benefits and coverage, and funds can’t be used to reimburse services that are covered under other health plans.

It might be a valuable exercise to write out all of the expected medical expenses you’ll face as a family at the beginning of the plan year in order to decide how much to contribute, including additional coverages, in order to avoid over-contribution. While nobody can predict the future, some routine expenses can be foreseen — and a little bit of planning might save a lot of forfeited funds in the end.

Recommended: 15 Creative Ways to Save Money

Taking Distributions from an FSA

The process for taking distributions from an FSA may vary based on the plan. In some cases, distributions are made from an FSA to reimburse the account holder for medical expenses they’ve incurred. Some FSAs also have a debit, credit, or stored value card that can be used to pay directly for qualifying expenses.

In order to take a distribution, the account holder may have to provide a written statement from the doctor or medical service provider that specifies the medical expense incurred, as well as a statement documenting that the expense hasn’t been covered by any other health plan. In other situations, a receipt may be sufficient documentation in order to be reimbursed.

FSA reimbursements are only available for verifiable medical expenses that have already been incurred, rather than expenses the account holder plans to incur in the future. (In other words, you can’t write to the FSA and tell them you’re going to the doctor next month.)

Finally — and importantly — FSA participants must be able to use the entire benefit (that is, the total amount of money they pledged to contribute to the plan) even if those monies haven’t yet been contributed. There is some opportunity for roll-over, depending on the plan rules. Some FSAs allow account holders to carry over up to $610.

For example, if you decide to contribute $2,000, but get hurt midway through the year when only $1,000 has been deducted from your pay, you’ll still be able to use up to $2,000 worth of tax-free FSA coverage for qualified expenses. Pretty cool, huh?

Is a Flexible Spending Account Worth It?

A flexible spending account can be a helpful tool, but it’s not the only option for footing medical bills.

For one thing, $3,050 might not even scratch the surface of some common medical procedures, such as childbirth.

Furthermore, although the tax-free nature of FSAs is attractive, the prospect of forfeiting parts of a paycheck is definitely not — and there are other ways to save cash for medical expenses and other emergencies which offer not just flexibility, but growth.

For example, you could open an online bank account with a high-yield and earn more than 4% APY (annual percentage yield) in interest. That could be an option to explore.

Another idea is to create an emergency fund to help pay medical expenses. However, if you think you’ll use all the funds in an FSA, going that route instead may be worth more to you.

The Takeaway

The tax benefits of the FSA can make them an appealing and useful tool, especially for those who know they’ll spend a decent amount out of pocket on healthcare.

But if you’re not sure you’ll use the funds saved in an FSA, a SoFi Checking and Savings account could be an alternative solution. You’ll earn a competitive APY and you’ll pay no account fees. You could even use a SoFi Checking and Savings account as a complementary tool, along with your FSA, to work toward other saving goals.

Got medical expenses? Let SoFi Checking and Savings help you save for your healthcare needs.

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SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
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SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.

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

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

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

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

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

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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These days, the U.S. debt ceiling is in the headlines and on everyone’s mind. Although the debt ceiling is technically the amount of money the country can legally borrow to pay its bills, that doesn’t do justice to the hotly debated issue the debt ceiling has become.

As the country’s fiscal obligations continue to grow, Congress periodically must increase the limit the government can borrow, so that the U.S. can issue bonds to have enough money to continue to operate. The U.S. reached its current debt ceiling on January 19, 2023.

Many lawmakers and economists worry that increasing the debt ceiling continually could have a negative impact on the U.S. economy over the long term, as it allows the federal government to spend more than it takes in.

The danger, however, is that failing to raise the debt ceiling would have an immediate negative impact because the U.S. could default on its debts — pushing domestic and global markets into turmoil.

What Is the Debt Ceiling?

The U.S. debt ceiling — sometimes called the debt limit — is the legal limit on how much money the U.S. federal government can borrow to fund government operations. The debt ceiling only authorizes borrowing to cover existing obligations; it does not allow for new spending.

The U.S. government owes more than $31 trillion, which it accrues by issuing bonds. That includes more than $24 trillion owed to the public, including individuals, businesses, and foreign governments, and nearly $7 trillion to itself, borrowed from government agencies, such as the Social Security Administration.

💡 Recommended: Who Owns the U.S. National Debt?

Recent Changes to the Debt Ceiling

When federal spending pushes up against this limit, as it is right now, Congress must vote to raise the debt ceiling.

For example, in August of 2021, Congress reinstated the debt ceiling to about $28.5 trillion after suspending it in 2019. In October 2021, Congress voted to raise the debt ceiling limit by $480 billion to keep the government running through early December.

Next, Congress passed a $2.5 trillion increase in the debt ceiling in December 2021, which President Biden promptly signed, bringing the debt limit up to about $31.4 trillion. Analysts expected the U.S. government to hit the debt ceiling in January 2023, which it did on January 19.

What Will Happen to the Debt Ceiling?

As of May 9, 2023, the debt ceiling battle was front and center, with a few possible outcomes:

•   Congress could vote to raise the debt limit, as it has done since the debt ceiling was first created in 1917 (see more on the history of the debt ceiling below).

•   Both parties could negotiate a way forward, by agreeing to cut spending while also raising the debt ceiling.

•   The president could use his executive powers to bypass the debt ceiling.

Finally, although very unlikely, the government could default on its debts. This has never occurred, and would be unprecedented — potentially leading to a global financial crisis.

Where Did the Debt Ceiling Come From?

Congress first enacted the debt ceiling in 1917 at the beginning of World War I through the Second Liberty Bond Act. That act set the debt ceiling at $11.5 billion. The creators of the debt ceiling believed it would make the process of borrowing easier and more flexible. In 1939, as World War II loomed on the horizon, Congress established a debt limit of $45 billion that covered all government debt.

Before the creation of the debt ceiling, Congress had to approve loans individually or allow the Treasury to issue debt instruments for specific purposes. The debt ceiling granted the government greater freedom to borrow funds via issuing bonds, allowing it to spend as needed. And over time the ceiling was often raised, and rarely contested.

The debt ceiling has, however, become a partisan pain point in recent years.

Benefits and Drawbacks of the Debt Ceiling

The debt ceiling has several advantages. It allows Congress to fund government operations and simplifies the process of borrowing. It also, theoretically, serves as a way to keep government spending in check because the federal government should consider the debt ceiling as it passes spending bills.

However, there are also some drawbacks. Congress has consistently raised the debt ceiling when necessary, which some analysts claim dampens the legislative branch’s power as a check and balance. And if Congress does not increase the debt ceiling, there is a risk that the government will default on its loans, lowering the country’s credit rating and making it more expensive to borrow in the future.

Debt Ceiling and Congress

In the last 10 or 15 years, Congress has found itself embroiled in partisan battles over raising the debt ceiling. For example, during the Obama administration, there were two high-profile debt ceiling standoffs between the president and Congress. In 2011, some members of Congress threatened to allow the U.S. government to hit the debt ceiling if their preferred spending cuts were not approved.

This standoff led Standard & Poor’s, a credit rating agency, to downgrade U.S. debt from a AAA to a AA+ rating.

Moreover, in 2013 there was a government shutdown when members of Congress would not approve a bill to fund the government and raise the debt ceiling unless the president made their preferred spending cuts. This standoff ended after 16 days when Congress finally approved a spending package and a debt ceiling increase partially due to the potential for a further downgrade of U.S. debt.

However, only some debt ceiling increases have been a partisan battle. Congress has raised or made changes to the debt ceiling nearly 100 times since World War II, usually on a bipartisan basis.

What Happens if Congress Fails to Raise the Debt Ceiling?

The current debate centers on finding a long-term solution for raising the debt ceiling. If the executive and legislative branches can not reach an agreement, there could be several consequences.

•   The government will swiftly run out of cash if it can not issue more bonds. At that point, the money the government has coming in would not cover the millions of debts that come due each day. The government may default, at least temporarily, on its obligations, such as pensions, Social Security payments, and veterans benefits.

•   A U.S. government default could also have a ripple effect throughout the global economy. Domestic and international markets depend on the stability of U.S. debt instruments like Treasuries, which are widely considered among the safest investments.

•   Interest rates for Treasury bills could rise, and interest rates across other sectors of the economy could follow suit, raising the borrowing cost for home mortgages and auto loans, for example.

•   A default could also create stock volatility in global equity markets, turmoil in bond markets, and push down the value of the U.S. dollar.

💡 Recommended: What Is the U.S. Dollar Index?

Even the threat of a default can have serious economic ramifications. In 2011, delays in raising the debt limit increased the cost of borrowing by $1.3 billion, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office estimates.

What Are Extraordinary Measures?

When the government hits the debt limit, there are certain “extraordinary measures” it can take to continue paying its obligations. For example, the government can suspend new investments or cash in on old ones early. Or it can reduce the amount of outstanding Treasury securities, causing outstanding debt to fall temporarily.

These accounting techniques can extend the government’s ability to pay its obligations for a very short amount of time.

Once the government exhausts its cash and these extraordinary measures, it has no other way to pay its bills aside from incoming revenue, which doesn’t cover all of it. Revenue from income tax, payroll taxes, and other sources only cover about 80% of government outlays, according to the U.S. Treasury.

Can Congress Get Rid of the Debt Ceiling?

As noted above, the debt ceiling debate has become fertile ground for partisan fighting in Congress, but theoretically, it doesn’t have to be that way. For example, Congress could give responsibility for raising the debt ceiling to the president, subject to congressional review, or pass it off to the U.S. Treasury. Congress could also repeal the debt ceiling entirely.

The Takeaway

A failure to raise the debt ceiling and a subsequent default could have a significant impact on financial markets, from increased volatility to a decline in the value of the dollar to a lower national credit rating or even a recession. Given such consequences, it’s likely that Congress will continue to find ways to raise the debt ceiling, although political battles around the issue may continue.

Even if the debt ceiling continues to go up, the growing national debt could lead to economic instability, according to some economists. It’s hard to predict, since the debt ceiling has been raised about 100 times since World War I, when it was first established, and the U.S. has yet to face grave consequences as a result.

While it’s important to keep an eye on macroeconomic trends, it’s also wise to stay focused on your own investment goals. One way to start is by opening an investment account with SoFi Invest®. With a SoFi online brokerage account, you can build a portfolio suited to your financial needs.

Take a step toward reaching your financial goals with SoFi Invest.

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Photo credit: iStock/William_Potter

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