It’s estimated that close to $100 million in scholarships go unclaimed each year and $2 billion in student grants go unclaimed. Typically, the money is not awarded due to lack of applicants. This is good news for students — as those that are willing to put in the time to search for scholarships and grants should be able to find at least a few to help pay their way through college.
The beauty of scholarships and grants is that you almost never need to pay them back. Who doesn’t love gifts? But acquiring them will take at least a little effort.
Where Do You Find Unclaimed Scholarships?
You don’t have to be a 4.0 student or a star athlete to receive scholarships. In fact, the average high school student is eligible for 50-100 different types of scholarships each year. But, scholarships aren’t just going to come to you. You have to be the one to put in the work to find scholarships you qualify for and apply for them.
One of the best ways to find scholarships you are eligible for is through a scholarship search. Scholarship searches are offered by a variety of companies and allow you to filter the scholarships based on your specific qualifications, including your state, area of study, background, ethnicity, and more. Scholarship searches are one of the quickest ways to find quality scholarships throughout the country.
Other ways to find unclaimed scholarships include asking your specific college or university what they offer, using the library’s recommendation section, reaching out to businesses in your field of study, speaking to your high school counselor, and asking religious organizations if they offer scholarships.
Regardless of which methods you use to find scholarships nobody applies for, the reality is they are out there waiting for students to apply for and claim them.
Federal need-based aid is determined by the Student Aid Index, or SAI (formerly called the Expected Family Contribution, or EFC) as calculated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).
The Pell Grant, the Department of Education’s biggest grant program, is geared toward students who demonstrate significant financial need, but the total cost of attendance at a particular college also plays a role. The maximum Pell Grant amount for the 2023-2024 academic year is $7,395.
Any student who could use college financial aid has nothing to lose by filling out the FAFSA. And even if you are not eligible for federal aid, realize that most states and schools use FAFSA information to award nonfederal aid, too.
One way to find nonfederal financial aid is to fill out the CSS Profile, which determines eligibility for institutional awards and grants. The CSS Profile awards billions in nonfederal aid to college students each year and can be a great way to find unclaimed scholarships.
Merit scholarships are not based on financial need and are awarded by colleges, employers, individuals, businesses, nonprofits, states, religious groups, and professional and social organizations to academic or athletic achievers, as most of us are aware, but merit aid also may be determined by community involvement, level of dedication to a field of study, race, gender, teacher recommendations, and other criteria.
So who is the biggest source of “free money?” Colleges, according to a recent College Board Trends in Student Aid Report. The U.S. Department of Education awards $46 billion annually in scholarships, and thanks to competition to attract students, nearly every college and university in the country offers merit-based aid in some form.
To find unclaimed scholarships, you could start by thinking about all the ways you have, well, merit — making lists of opportunities and eligibility criteria, and pursuing only the scholarships you’re best qualified for.
Why Would Any Scholarships Go Unclaimed?
So is it true there are obscure scholarships left unclaimed? There is no database that can give precise answers, but it makes sense that when specific parameters exist around a particular scholarship, fewer students will qualify.
For example, scholarships exist for North Korean refugees who are permanently living in the United States. Applicants must have been born in North Korea or the child of someone born in North Korea.
Let’s say you don’t fit those parameters. Other unusual opportunities include the following:
• If you dazzle your friends with your ability to make prom outfits using only duct tape, then you could win a $10,000 Stuck at Prom scholarship. Seriously.
• Or maybe you have the best plan ever to survive the zombie apocalypse. If so, you could apply for the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship offered by Unigo ($2,000).
• If you live in the Phoenix area and you’re a tall graduating senior, you could be interviewed and measured for the chance to gain all of $250 through the CATS Tall Club program.
While you may not qualify for any of the above-mentioned scholarships, these are just examples of how many are actually out there. You may be surprised at what you find (and what you do actually qualify for!) when conducting your search.
Keeping an Eye Out for Scholarship Scams
Plenty of scholarship and grant money for college is out there waiting to be claimed. Unfortunately, though, there are also financial aid scams, including scholarships that aren’t legitimate. The Department of Education offers tips to protect yourself, including:
• Know that you don’t need to pay to find scholarships or any other form of financial aid.
• Check information about scholarship offers at a public library and/or online.
• Talk to the financial aid department at your college of choice to verify legitimacy.
Also, before students begin a search, they may want to be aware of “scholarships” that are actually sweepstakes because their information may be sold to third parties.
The Takeaway
Finding unclaimed scholarships and grants is the ideal way to fund college because this money does not need to be repaid. To cover all the expenses of college, however, many students will then need to take out federal and/or private student loans.
Although private student loans do not carry the benefits and protections of federal student loans, they can fill gaps when you’ve considered all of your federal grant and loan options, but your expenses still exceed your means.
SoFi offers private student loans with competitive rates, flexible repayment options, and no fees. Loans do not need to be repaid while in school, and SoFi offers a six month grace period after graduation.
See if you prequalify for a private student loan with SoFi.
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.
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.
When housing costs are high, it’s hard to imagine that your home could ever go down in value. But the truth is it can, particularly if you aren’t actively maintaining your home. If you neglect small repairs, over time these issues can become large — i.e., expensive — problems that can drag down the resale value of your home.
Whether you plan to sell in the near or far-off future, here are some simple (and relatively low-cost) ways to maintain — or even increase — the value of your home over time.
Update, Update, Update
If a home that’s for sale has an updated anything, the real estate listing will scream it out in ALL CAPS. This can apply to appliances, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, bathroom remodels, kitchen remodels, and more.
If your kitchen is due for an update, try to keep in mind that this doesn’t necessarily mean stripping it to the studs and starting from scratch. Are the cabinets in good shape? Consider a fresh coat of paint or stain to reflect the latest color trends.
In addition, something as simple as upgrading to matching appliances or installing a garbage disposal or water filtration system could help maintain value — even if they’re not top-of-the-line.
Also keep in mind that “update” means bringing the home’s aesthetics into line with current styles — replacing brass fixtures for brushed bronze, for example, or swapping out carpet for wood. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean having to buy the most expensive version of that aesthetic.
Something as simple as adding some USB outlets to a room could turn it into a potential home office space.
Other, more expensive updates might adjust the actual layout of the home. If your current house only has one bathroom, is it possible to find a space for another half bath? Are there unused rooms or wasted space that could be updated to become more functional?
Replacing a roof is costly, so it’s a good idea to do what you can to extend the life of your current roof as long as possible. A roof that shows signs of wear and tear can also be a big red flag to potential home buyers.
To maintain the value of your roof (and avoid other costly problems like leaks), you’ll want to replace any missing shingles or damaged areas as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to have your roof cleaned regularly to remove any algae, moss, and mold that can damage the roof over time. Finally, be sure to get your gutters cleaned regularly so water can drain rather than collect on your roof.
Maintaining your home’s exterior paint not only helps your house look attractive and well-cared-for but also protects it from moisture. When paint starts peeling, water can find a way in, which can cause your siding to rot over time. Replacing sections of your siding can end up being a much costlier project than periodically freshening up your paint.
It’s a good idea to give your exterior paint job a look-over once a year to see if you any areas may need attention. This can help your paint job last longer and save money in the long run.
Pruning Your Trees and Shrubs
Maintaining your yard is a lot of work if you do it yourself, and costly if you hire a landscaper. But neglect can cause dead branches or an entire tree to fall in a heavy rain or wind storm, and can cause significant damage to your home. Overgrown shrubs can also bring unwanted bugs close to, and eventually inside, your home (more on that below).
It can be worth hiring a tree expert to evaluate and, if necessary, prune your trees once a year. You can regularly trim back hedges and bushes yourself or hire a landscaper to do the job.
Upgrading Energy Efficiency
Making your home more energy efficient is one of those goals that’s great not only if you’re selling, but also if you want to reduce spending on utility bills. And it doesn’t just mean big investments like switching to solar or wind-powered energy. Making your home more energy efficient can also be as simple as replacing bad weather seals, ensuring that the attic has sufficient insulation, paying attention to the air and heating systems, and using energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.
Upgrading the energy efficiency of your home is something that might even be rolled in with another project, such as maintenance or updating.
Installing Smart Tech
Even if your home is more than 100 years old, adding smart tech can make it 21st-century ready. Smart home assistants like Google or Alexa, for example, can control everything from the lights to the TV to locking the front door.
They can also allow you to remotely control your heating and air temperatures, make sure the oven is actually turned off, and even give you a sense of security with security systems or video door bells. In order for the home assistants to accomplish all of these features, additional smart appliances may be required.
While some types of home tech are hard-wired into the house and others are more portable, even being able to say “wired for surround sound” can be a bonus on a home listing.
Smart home tech is not only quickly becoming a must-have for many homebuyers, adding it to your home can be a perk even if you have no immediate plans to move.
One important job that comes with homeownership is keeping unwanted critters outside where they belong. Public enemy No. 1 in this category? Termites. They can wreak havoc on a home’s wood structures leading to costly repairs.
The problem is so widespread that some home loan companies require buyers to get a “termite letter,” which is basically a guarantee that the home is free from termite damage.
DIY recommendations for keeping the pests at bay can also check off items on the home maintenance list, including keeping gutters and downspouts flowing, filling in any places where water pools around the home or in the yard, filling in cracks in the foundation, pruning shrubbery close to the home, and keeping air vents free and clear.
Beyond termites and the havoc they wreak, there are a variety of other living creatures that can cause damage to a home or surrounding property, including attic squatters like mice or raccoons, carpenter bees, moles, mosquitoes, and even grasshoppers that brunch on beautiful landscaping.
While some home maintenance projects are relatively low cost, others require a more significant investment. Before sinking a lot of money into a home maintenance or improvement project, it can be a good idea to use a Home Project Value Estimator that can help determine whether it’s a smart investment.
If you decide to move forward on the project, you’ll want to get estimates from at least three different contractors. Once you know the cost of the project, your next question may be, how are you going to pay for it?
For a small to midsize home maintenance project, you might consider using a home improvement loan. Unlike a home equity loan, these are unsecured personal loans — meaning your home isn’t used as collateral to secure the loan. Lenders decide how much to lend to you and at what rate based on your financial credentials, such as your credit score, income, and how much other debt you have.
With a home improvement personal loan, you receive a lump sum of cash up front you can then use to cover the costs of your home project. You repay the loan (plus interest) in regular installments over the term of the loan, which is often five or seven years.
If you think a personal loan might work well for your home maintenance project, SoFi could help. SoFi’s home improvement loans range from $5K-$100K and offer competitive, fixed rates and a variety of terms. Checking your rate won’t affect your credit score, and it takes just one minute.
See if a home improvement loan from SoFi is right for you.
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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.
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Getting mortgage preapproval can give you an edge in the home-buying process, especially when the housing market is tight. A mortgage preapproval from a lender lets sellers know that you have tentatively been approved for a specific loan type and amount. Not only does this show that you’re a serious home shopper, it also helps give you a good sense of your budget as you go house-hunting.
Here, you’ll learn the ins and outs of how to get preapproved for a home loan, including:
• What is mortgage preapproval?
• How do mortgage preapproval and prequalification compare?
• What are the pros and cons of mortgage preapproval?
• How can you improve your chances of getting preapproved for a mortgage loan?
• What can you do if you aren’t preapproved for a mortgage?
• Mortgage pre-approval is an important step in the homebuying process that helps determine how much you can afford.
• Pre-approval involves submitting financial documents and undergoing a credit check to assess your eligibility for a mortgage.
• It’s recommended to get pre-approved before house hunting to have a clear budget and show sellers you’re a serious buyer.
• Pre-approval letters typically have an expiration date and may require updating if your financial situation changes.
• Keep in mind that pre-approval is not a guarantee of a loan, and final approval will depend on additional factors.
What Is Mortgage Preapproval?
Mortgage preapproval involves a thorough review of your credit and financial history. If you look like a good candidate for a mortgage, a lender will issue a letter stating that you qualify for a loan of a certain loan amount and at a certain interest rate. The letter is an offer, but not a commitment, to lend you a specific amount. It’s good for up to 90 days, depending on the lender.
You’ll want to shop for homes within the price range of your preapproved mortgage. Armed with your preapproval for a home loan, you can show sellers that you are a serious buyer with the means to purchase a property. In the eyes of the seller, preapproval can often push you ahead of other potential buyers who have not yet been approved for a mortgage and make it easier to compete when there are multiple offers on a house.
Once you find a house that you want to buy, you can make an offer immediately based on the loan amount for which you are preapproved. And if the seller accepts, it will be time to finalize your mortgage application. At this point, a loan underwriter will review your application and conduct other due diligence measures, such as having the house appraised to make sure it is valued at the price it’s selling for. If all goes well, the lender will issue another letter called a commitment letter, which officially seals the deal on your loan, and you can schedule a closing date.
When Should I Get Preapproved for a Home Loan?
Preapproval typically lasts for 90 days, at most, so you want to seek it when you are actively in the market for a new home. Maybe you’ve done some initial online research into available properties. Hopefully, you’ve also had a good look at your finances and thought about how much you have available to spend on a down payment as well as what amount of monthly mortgage payments you can afford long-term. It takes around 10 days after you submit a request to be preapproved, so factor that timing into your house search as well.
Mortgage Preapproval vs. Prequalification
If you are house hunting, you will likely hear two different terms regarding early mortgage moves: prequalification vs. preapproval. Prequalification is a simple, less involved view of your financial qualifications for a mortgage. Preapproval for a home loan is a more in-depth review of your finances and an indicator that your loan application will likely move forward smoothly. Each has its advantages, and its moment.
Mortgage Prequalification
Getting prequalified for a home loan involves a review of a few financial details — usually self-reported — such as income, assets, and debt. The lender will then estimate how much of a mortgage you can afford.
Pros of Mortgage Prequalification
• It’s fast. The process can often be done in minutes, by phone or online.
• You’ll zero in on house prices. Prequalifying for a home loan quickly gives you an idea of what your monthly payment might be and how much house you can afford.
• You can shop around. You can prequalify with multiple lenders to see what types of terms and interest rates they offer.
• It’s easy on your credit score. Prequalification will not affect your credit score because it only requires a “soft inquiry” into your credit record.
Cons of Mortgage Prequalification
• It’s no guarantee. Because it is an unverified, high-level look at your finances, prequalification doesn’t ensure that you will actually qualify for a mortgage.
• It won’t help you bargain. Being prequalified won’t help you negotiate a lower price with a seller or compete against other bidders in a competitive market.
Mortgage Preapproval
Requesting a mortgage preapproval is a more complicated process than getting prequalified. You’ll have to fill out an application with your chosen lender and agree to a credit check. The credit check will be a “hard pull” which will ding your credit score by a few points. You’ll also provide information about your income and assets. The evaluation process can take 10 days or more. Again, preapproval doesn’t mean it’s a done deal that you’ll get the loan, but it is a solid indication of your financial situation and ability to purchase a home.
There are a number of advantages to getting preapproval for a home loan, especially if you’re shopping in a fast-moving market.
Pros of Mortgage Preapproval:
• It gives you an edge. Sellers will see that you are a serious buyer and have assurance that your financing won’t fall through and sink the deal.
• It helps you get loan shopping done. When you’ve found your dream house, you don’t want to delay putting in an offer because you have to spend time getting your documents together and pursuing a loan. Going through the preapproval process helps you take care of these details before you’re in a fast-moving market.
Cons of Mortgage Preapproval:
• A mortgage preapproval expires. How long does a mortgage preapproval last? As noted above, the letter is only good for a certain period of time, usually 90 days, so you’ll want to make sure you’re seriously ready to start shopping once you have your mortgage preapproval in hand.
• The application is time-consuming. You’ll need to provide a lot of documentation to get a mortgage preapproval and agree to a hard credit inquiry, which can drag down your credit score, though usually only by a bit.
• Nothing is guaranteed. Even though your home loan preapproval letter likely has details on your loan amount and type, it is only tentative approval — you still can’t be 100% sure that you will get the loan.
Here are the basic comparison points of prequalification vs. preapproval:
The Difference Between Prequalification and Preapproval
Prequalification
Preapproval
Process
• Simple process that takes only a few minutes online or by phone.
• You’ll fill out a thorough application and provide documents. The process can take 10 days or more.
Required materials
• High-level financial details you provide; sometimes a “soft” credit check which won’t impact your rating.
• Full application and supporting financial documents, as well as a “hard pull” credit check that will ding your rating.
Benefits
• Can give you an idea of what you can afford as you start the process.
• Lets you compare lenders and rates.
• Tentatively approves you for a loan amount and type.
• Can provide leverage when you’re ready to get serious about buying.
Drawbacks
• Won’t give you an advantage in negotiations or a bidding war.
• It’s no guarantee you’ll get a mortgage.
• Preapproval is good for 90 days so your home-finding timeline may be affected.
• Does not guarantee you’ll get the loan.
First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,
with as little as 3% down.
Steps to Get Preapproved for a Home Loan
Getting preapproved for a home loan will take some time, so it’s good to get the process started before you are ready to make an offer on a home. Here are some important steps along the way.
Check Your Credit Score
If you’ve established a credit history, a first step before applying for a mortgage is to check your credit reports, which are a history of your credit compiled from sources like banks, credit card companies, collection agencies, and the government.
The information is collected by the three main credit reporting bureaus: TransUnion®, Equifax®, and Experian®. You’ll want to make sure that the information on your credit reports is correct. Ordering the reports is free once a year through AnnualCreditReport.com .
If you find any mistakes in your credit report, contact the credit reporting agencies immediately to let them know. You don’t want any incorrect information weighing down your credit score, putting your chances for preapproval at risk.
The free credit reports provided by the nationwide credit reporting agencies do not include your credit score, a number typically between 300 and 850. You can purchase your score directly from the credit reporting agencies, or from FICO®. Your credit card company also may provide your credit score for free, or you could try a money tracker app that updates your credit score weekly and tracks your spending at no cost.
Calculate Your Potential Mortgage
To help with the prequalification and preapproval process, use the mortgage calculator below to see what your estimated monthly mortgage would be based on down payment, interest rate, and loan terms.
Gather Documentation
Your credit score is only one of many factors a potential lender will consider when deciding on your mortgage qualification. So collect the many other documents you will need to paint a full picture of your financial life. Ask the lender what is needed, specifically. The list will likely include:
• Recent pay stubs
• Recent bank and investment account statements
• Two years of tax returns and/or W2s, possibly more if you are self-employed
• Verification of alimony or child support payments received and the court documents spelling out the terms of the payments
• Social Security award letter, if you derive income from Social Security
• Gift letter documenting any money you are receiving from family or other sources toward a down payment
Receive Your Mortgage Preapproval Letter
Your first instinct when you receive preapproval will likely be to jump for joy. Next, take a moment to ask the lender if they made any assumptions about your finances in order to issue the letter, or if they flagged anything that could lead to you being denied a mortgage later on, or that could increase your costs. Doing this could help you head off future problems that might scuttle a deal.
Upping Your Odds of Mortgage Preapproval
There are a number of steps you can take to increase your chances of preapproval or to increase the amount your lender may approve you for.
Build Your Credit
When you apply for any type of loan, lenders want to see that you have a history of properly managing your debt before offering you credit themselves.
You can build your credit history by opening and using a credit card and paying your bills on time. Or you could consider having regular payments, such as your rent, tracked and added to your credit score.
Your ability to pay your bills on time has a big impact on your credit score. If your budget allows, you should aim to make payments in full.
If you have any debts that are dragging down your credit score — for example, debts that are in collection — it’s smart to work on paying them off first, as this could help build your score.
Your debt-to-income ratio is your monthly debt payments divided by your monthly gross income. If you have $1,000 a month in debt payments and make $5,000 a month, your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is $1,000 divided by $5,000, or 20%.
Mortgage lenders typically like to see a DTI ratio of 36% or less. Some may qualify borrowers with a higher DTI, up to 43%. Lenders may assume that borrowers with a high DTI ratio will have a harder time making their mortgage payments.
If you’re seeking preapproval for a mortgage, it may be beneficial to keep the ratio in check by avoiding large purchases. For example, you may want to hold off on buying a new car until you’ve been preapproved.
Prove Consistent Income
Your lender will want to know that you have enough money coming in each month to cover a potential mortgage payment, so the lender will likely want proof of consistent income for at least two years (that means pay stubs, W-2s, etc.).
For some potential borrowers, such as freelancers, this may be a tricky process since they may have income from various sources. Keep all pay stubs, tax returns, and other proof of income, and be prepared to show those to your lender.
What Happens If Your Mortgage Preapproval is Rejected?
Rejection hurts. But if you aren’t preapproved or you aren’t approved for a large enough mortgage to buy the house you want, you also aren’t powerless. You can ask the lender why it said “no.” This will give you an idea about what you might need to work on in order to secure the mortgage you want.
Then you may want to work on the factors that your lender saw as a sticking point to preapproval. You can continue to work to build your credit score, lower your DTI ratio, or save for a higher down payment.
If you’re able to pay more upfront, you will typically lower your monthly mortgage payments. Once you’ve worked to make yourself a better candidate for a mortgage, you can apply for preapproval again.
The Takeaway
In a competitive market, having a mortgage preapproval letter in hand may give a house hunter an edge. After all, the letter states that the would-be buyer tentatively qualifies for a home loan of a certain amount.
Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.
SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.
FAQ
What happens during the preapproval process?
During the mortgage preapproval process you’ll provide lots of background information on your finances. A potential lender will also check your credit score. If the lender feels you’re a suitable candidate for a loan, you’ll receive a letter that you can show a seller to better your chances when making an offer on a home.
Do preapprovals hurt your credit score?
The lender will do a “hard pull” to obtain your credit score prior to a preapproval. This may cause your rating to drop by a few points, but it should rebound quickly if you pay your bills on time.
How far in advance should I get preapproved for a mortgage?
Get preapproved for a mortgage when you have a sense of the housing costs where you are shopping for a home, and you are ready to start looking in earnest.
Which is better preapproval or prequalification?
Prequalification and preapproval each have a place in the homebuying process. Prequalification is helpful when you are trying to get a sense of what you can afford and which lender might offer the best terms. It’s time for preapproval when you are serious about searching for a home and have researched possible lenders.
Is it OK to get multiple preapprovals?
You only need one preapproval, but it is fine to get a few if you want to see what loan amounts and rates you might qualify for. Make all applications within a 45-day window — the time frame during which multiple lenders can check your credit without each check having an additional impact on your score.
*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.
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.
SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information.
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.
Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .
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.
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.
Most people have money goals. One person might want to pay off their student loans; another might be saving up for the down payment on a house; and yet another might want a seven-figure retirement fund.
Whatever your particular aspiration may be, there are smart strategies that can help you achieve your goals. These tactics can help improve your financial fitness, balance your budget, reduce debt, and save more money.
Read on to learn some of the best personal financial strategies that can scoot you closer to reaching your money goals.
Smart Financial Strategies to Aim For
Here are some solid ways to begin to enhance your financial fitness.
Build and Maintain an Emergency Fund
When faced with an unexpected big expense or being laid off, it can be helpful to have saved up an emergency fund, which is a cash reserve that is only tapped, well, in case of an emergency. When should you use your emergency fund? A layoff, an unexpected medical or car repair bill, or a relative in need may all be good reasons to dip in.
Starting an emergency fund might cover your basic living expenses for anywhere from three to six months or more. So, if a person normally spends $3,000 per month, then they could strive to set aside $9,000 to $36,000 in their emergency fund. Naturally, this amount will vary based on individuals’ unique financial situations and income vs. expenses.
Now, if that dollar amount sounds a little daunting, it’s always possible to start small — setting aside 50 or 100 dollars a month. With some accounts, users can even automatically transfer a set amount to a savings account on a specific date each month (e.g., payday). Over the course of a year, that bit-by-bit approach to saving money can add up to a much larger sum.
Once a person has tackled high-interest debt, they may have more income available to squirrel away towards their emergency fund.
Some savers prefer to host their emergency fund in a high-yield savings account, which, thanks to its higher annual percentage yield (APY) than standard accounts, can help your money grow faster.
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Paying Off Debt
Debt can be a budget killer. With high interest rates and fine-print fees, individuals can end up paying significantly more than an initial charge on outstanding recurring debts, whether student loans or credit cards.
When it comes to credit cards, for instance, the average interest rate is 20.09% for existing accounts and 22.29% for new accounts . If a person gets charged hundreds or even thousands of dollars in interest per month on existing debts, it could take longer to pay off the initial borrowed amount.
In terms of adopting smart strategies that can lead to greater financial independence, a good place to start is by paying off high-interest debts as quickly as possible.
Two popular debt-repayment approaches are called the snowball method and avalanche approach.
• With the snowball method, you pay down your smallest debts first — no matter what the interest rate is. Once that smallest debt is paid off, you could then apply that payment amount towards the next debt, and so on.
For instance, if a person pays $150 a month to one debt, they could continue paying that sum to their next smallest debt after the first one has been paid down. At the same time, you’ll make minimum payments on all other debts to keep the payment history intact. Over time, the additional payments “snowball,” building up to less overall debt.
• With the avalanche method, a person opts to pay off the debt with the highest interest rate first. Once the highest debt gets paid off, they’ll then roll the regular payments on that now-cleared debt into their next highest debt, all while paying the minimums on other debts at the same time.
While the avalanche method may make more sense mathematically, the snowball method can be more psychologically motivating. The snowball approach can keep some people engaged, since they’ll see quicker progress towards paying down one of their high-interest debts.
However, if a person can commit to the avalanche method, they may end up saving more in total interest paid than with the snowball financial strategy.
Using Credit Cards Wisely
Credit card debt can land cardholders in financial hot water. However, using credit cards judiciously can come with certain benefits (assuming the cardholder regularly pays down what they buy). Here’s a closer look:
• Many credit cards give rewards in return for account holders spending money when shopping. For instance, a user may be able to get 1% to 5% back on grocery store or other purchases at specific retailers. With some cards, it’s possible to earn points that can be used toward discretionary expenses like travel, eating out, hotels, and more.
• Generally, credit cards offer fraud protection, which means that if a card gets stolen (or their account gets hacked), fraudulent charges are not paid by the cardholder — unlike, say, with cash.
• When it comes to healthy financial strategies, it’s also possible to use your credit cards to maintain one’s credit score. One factor that lenders might consider is a loan applicant’s credit history (including the number of active accounts open and their debt-to-income ratio).
Smart financial strategies for credit cards include paying off the entire bill on time and keeping old lines of credit open so the account holder’s credit history is longer. Also, it’s advisable to aim for a lower credit utilization ratio — which is how much debt a person has in relation to how much credit is available. A credit utilization rate below 30% is, generally, considered “good,” though lower will be better.
• Another one of the smart financial strategies is to use credit cards for 0% interest balance transfers. If someone has a credit card with a high-interest rate, they could apply for a balance transfer credit card, pay a fee to transfer over their card’s balance, and then get more time to pay down the existing debt interest-free.
Some cards offer over a year of interest-free access. However, it can be smart to pay off the transferred debt before the end of the agreed-to 0% interest period. Otherwise, a higher interest rate will kick in on whatever has not been paid off. In some cases, the interest after the zero-interest period could be higher than what was paid on the original card.
Budgeting Incoming and Outgoing Money
Budgeting is a classic way to keep tabs on how much money is coming in and how much is being spent each month. If a person is not yet budgeting for their expenses, whether essential or discretionary, it can be one of the simplest ways to track money, and there are many different budgeting methods available.
When adopting financial strategies for budgeting, a good place to start with the 50/30/20 rule. With this budgeting rule, a person spends 50% on needs, 30% on wants and 20% on savings.
• Needs include housing, utility bills, food (basic groceries, not pricey takeout or restaurant meals), car payments, and debts.
• Wants span entertainment, travel new but unnecessary clothing and gadgets, and similar purchases.
• Savings could include an emergency fund, retirement account, and investments.
Budgeting can be made easier with Google Sheets or Excel, or by using an app, or taking advantage of tools that your financial institution offers. Digital personal finance apps can be easy to use. Many financial institutions offer solid ones that give users insights on spending patterns and money habits.
Considering Reducing Monthly Expenses
After tracking their monthly expenses, some people like to see where they can trim and tighten their spending. Some pricey expenses that could be pared down include:
• Housing costs: If rent is gobbling up a huge amount of income each month, moving to a less expensive place or area (i.e., lowering your cost of living) could help with cutting back on spending. If an individual ends up moving to a more economical city or town, it’s likely that local housing costs, groceries, and the general amount it takes to cover day-to-day living expenses will go down as well. Or you could take in a roommate.
• Transportation: In terms of transportation, drivers could try to get out of an expensive lease and purchase or lease a less expensive vehicle. Or a person could utilize public transit or carpool with colleagues to save on gas. One good financial strategy is to shop around for lower car insurance rates.
• Pricey cable plans: If a person spends a significant amount each month on non-essential items or services, they may want to try to reduce their discretionary costs, too. For instance, instead of paying an expensive cable bill every month, one could only pay for Hulu or Netflix as a way of lowering your streaming services costs. Many internet providers run promotions, so it may be worth thinking about switching to a less expensive provider.
• Eating out vs. cooking at home: In lieu of eating out every day, budget-minded individuals could cook at home. Buying ingredients is, generally, much less expensive than dining in a restaurant or picking up take-out. And, if cooking is intimidating, perhaps invest in a slow-cooker to ease into cooking at home.
• Shopping online: Online shopping can tempt many to spend unnecessarily. It’s just so darned easy to click-to-buy when a credit card is saved online. So, some savings seekers opt to delete their credit card details from their favorite online shops.
This adds one extra step (digging the card out of the wallet) before being able to purchase. Those added seconds can give shopping lovers a second chance to decide whether the item in their cart is really essential. You might also unsubscribe from shopping emails that can tempt you with sales and special offers.
Negotiating Better Deals
If you don’t have time to call up your providers and search for better deals, apps like Trim can analyze an individual’s spending patterns, negotiating internet, cable, phone and medical bills while canceling older subscriptions. Users pay a fee for this service, but it could end up saving dollars that would otherwise get spent unknowingly.
You might also call your credit card company and see if they can lower your rate, especially if you’ve found a better deal elsewhere. And if you have a major bill, don’t be shy about seeing if it can be reduced. You may even be able to negotiate medical bills.
Opening a Retirement Fund
When it comes time to retire, money will be needed to pay for everyday life. That’s why it’s a good financial strategy to start a retirement account as soon as a person starts working.
There are many different types of retirement accounts to choose from, including individual retirement accounts like a Roth IRA (which individuals can open on their own and contribute to with after-tax money), a 401(k) (which is a plan through an employer, and a traditional IRA (which people open on their own and gets taxed upon withdrawal).
If an employer offers retirement fund matching, take advantage of it! Matching entails putting a percentage of a paycheck automatically into one’s retirement. The employer then matches that deposit with the same amount. Employer matching can speed along an individual’s path towards saving for retirement; it’s pretty much free money.
In terms of how much to save for retirement, it can be smart to put aside at least 15% of pre-tax income every single year. Doing so can help you later on in life to avoid needing to delay retirement because not enough had been saved prior.
Searching for Low Interest Rates on Loans
Big expenses — going to college, purchasing a car, buying a home, repairing a house, or moving — can come with a big price tag. So, many individuals seek out loans to cover these big-ticket items. When taking out a loan, some smart financial strategies include shopping around and comparing interest rates — looking for the lowest interest rate possible.
As with any debt, it’s essential to pay back the loan on time every month to avoid late payment fees or dings to one’s credit history. For some, it may also be possible to refinance a loan and secure a lower interest rate.
Getting Started with Investing
For those stashing money in a traditional savings account, it’s likely that the money is earning very little interest. As a result, some individuals choose to invest their money with the hopes of earning a higher return over time.
Investing is one the financial strategies, however, that can come with higher risks. Few investments, including those in the volatile stock market, are guaranteed to make a return. For instance, investing in stocks can bear higher returns, but stocks can also plunge in value. Indeed, some investments are riskier than others.
Speaking with a financial advisor can help many to understand the pros and cons of investing and whether it’s the right choice for them.
Here’s an overview of common kinds of investments:
Investing in the Stock Market
While investing money in the stock market can result in a higher return, it’s not guaranteed. It can be safer to invest in already profitable companies that pay out dividends, which distribute some of a company’s earnings to investors. However, more seasoned investors may choose to take on more risks, investing in start-ups or lesser known companies.
Micro Investments
Should a person want to purchase stocks that are more expensive but can’t afford buying an entire share, it’s possible to complete a micro investment. Micro investments are fractions of stocks and a good way to get in on the market without taking too big of a risk.
Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are diverse investments; rather than investing in one stock, an investor is putting their money into a collection of them. The fund has a manager who decides what they’ll do with the money. Typically, investors are charged a fee to invest in these funds.
Investment Bonds
Investment bonds, which are loans made to a company or government, are significantly less risky than stocks. But, it’s worth remembering that lower risk also typically comes with a lower return. Many people get U.S. Treasury Savings Bonds when they’re children and cash them in at a later date.
High-interest Savings Accounts
Some high-interest savings accounts offer around 4.00% APY or higher on deposited funds — significantly higher than the 0.01% that many standard accounts offer. There’s no risk of lost saving, as long as account holders stay below the FDIC-insured limit of $250,000 per account holder, per account ownership category, per insured institution. Interest rates on savings accounts can, of course, vary over time and by bank.
Whichever method gets chosen, there are investment brokers and financial advisors who can offer guidance on how to utilize income and savings.
The Takeaway
Keeping tabs on income, expenses, savings, and investments is one smart financial strategy. With so much to track when it comes to personal finances, budgeting tools can help you develop smarter financial habits and trim back on unnecessary spending.
Opening an online bank account with SoFi lets you save and spend in one convenient place, while earning a competitive APY. Ready to track and then tweak your spending? A SoFi Checking and Savings Account has tools to help you do just that, as well as save towards different goals with our Vaults feature.
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.
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Life after law school can be an exciting time as you look forward to your new career. There are plenty of opportunities available to those with a JD. Some avenues to consider include practicing law at a firm, specializing as an attorney in a field like patents, contracts, immigration (and many more), working as general counsel in-house at a corporation, or even pursuing a career in government.
The path you choose depends on the type of law you studied, your interests, and your past experiences. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for lawyers in 2021 was $127,990 annually.
Once you find your first post-law school gig, you may also have to start thinking about repaying any law school student loans.
Finding Jobs After Law School
After getting a law degree, what to do really depends on why you decided to go to law school in the first place. Did you have dreams of working at a major law firm, becoming a public defender, or going solo with your own practice?
Maybe you’ve decided you no longer want to practice law and would rather apply your new skills to a relevant career or continue to further your education. If you are considering what to do after law school, you can start by examining what workplace environment you find the most exciting and attainable.
Landing at a Law Firm
A law firm is an obvious choice for where to work after getting your JD. But the size, location, and culture of the law firm can greatly impact your experience and job satisfaction. Attorneys working at smaller firms may offer stronger partnership prospects than larger law firms. However, depending on location, the pay could be comparatively lower, and your training may come in the form of on-the-job experience.
While the path to promotion may be longer at a larger firm, they may have more resources and a higher salary. Depending on your preferences and career interests, a major law firm with a big name might be a better fit to help you find your specialty.
Considering a Clerkship
A clerkship is an important career milestone for many attorneys. Usually taking place under the guidance of a certain judge, a clerkship allows law school graduates to see the inner workings of the legal system. Many are considered prestigious resume boosters and offer valuable first-hand experience working under a judge and a leg up on networking from the start.
There are federal and state court clerkships, but federal opportunities like with Supreme Court or circuit court judges can be more difficult to secure because of their prestige. However, state clerkships can also be beneficial, especially if you plan on practicing in the local area.
Getting an Advanced Degree
If you have a desire to specialize in a specific field of law, staying in school to get a post-JD degree is another avenue to consider after getting a law degree.
You might want to pursue this type of degree after having some relevant work experience, which can help you first figure out what particular field of law you want to study. These specialty degrees include Air and Space Law, Sports Law, Global Food Law, Cannabis Law, and more.
Alternative Careers Outside Law
Pivoting after law school to a different careeris another option to consider when looking at jobs. If you, like many, have graduated with six-figures worth of student loan debt, you’ll obviously want to find a steady job so you can make regular student loan payments.
Other jobs that may fit with the skill set you curated in law school may include political advisor, journalist, lobbyist, and teacher.
Tackling Law School Debt
Depending on your earning potential and chosen career path, it might make sense for you to aggressively pay off your law school debt in 10 years or less, or try to maximize your law school loan forgiveness opportunities.
In order to make your degree count towards your personal and professional goals, figuring out how to approach your debt is a key part of what to do after law school.
Ready to tackle your law school debt?
Refinancing your student loans
could help you pay it off faster.
Making Payments While Still in School
While the government does not require you to make payments on most federal student loans while still in school, you could consider paying the amount of interest that builds up each month to help keep your student loan debt from growing.
Whether you need to pick up a side hustle or prioritize how much you save, making at least interest payments on your student loans while still in school can help reduce the amount of interest that will capitalize on your student loans. This can ultimately reduce the amount of interest that accrues and help set you up for success after law school.
Sticking to Budget Basics
After your law degree, it can be wise to take stock of your budget and work to balance your goals for savings, emergency funds, credit card payments, and student loans. The average student loan debt from law school currently sits at $180,000, so you’ll want to prioritize making a plan to get these paid off as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Ultimately, you’ll likely want to pick a student loan repayment plan that works for your personal budget, no matter what jobs after law school you are considering. You may decide to pay down debt while also building up a basic emergency fund as part of your financial foundation.
Refinancing your law school loans means that a private lender will issue one new loan that effectively pays off your existing federal and/or private student loans. This new loan comes with new terms, ideally with a lower interest rate or shorter repayment period. Instead of paying multiple student loans, such as from undergraduate and graduate school, there is only one new loan to pay off.
While there are many advantages to refinancing student loans, refinancing federal student loans means that you will not be able to take advantage of benefits like income-driven repayment plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness. So it may not make sense if you are taking advantage of one of these benefits or plan to in the future.
The Takeaway
Life after law school can mean something different for everyone. Whether you pursue a private practice, family law at a small firm, or corporate law at a large one, there are many career opportunities to pursue.
Law school may also mean taking on a significant amount of student loan debt. Refinancing could be an option that helps you spend less in interest over the life of the loan if you’re able to qualify for a more competitive interest rate or secure a shorter term. If you’re interested in student loan refinancing, consider SoFi. Refinancing with SoFi can be completed online and there are no application fees, origination fees, or prepayment penalties.
See if you prequalify for law school student loan refinancing with SoFi.
SoFi Student Loan Refinance
If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.
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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.
