Apr
30
2024
Having a Savings Accounts on Social Security Disability

Are You Allowed to Have a Savings Account While on Social Security Disability?

By | Budgeting & Goals, Family Finances, money | Comments Off on Are You Allowed to Have a Savings Account While on Social Security Disability?

If someone is applying for disability benefits, they may be relieved to learn that, yes, you can have a savings account while on Social Security disability. While there are certain financial factors that can disqualify someone from Social Security eligibility, having a savings account is not one of those factors.

But of course, there are some subtleties to be aware of with any benefits matter, so it’s important to take a closer look. Among the points to learn are the difference between SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income), who is eligible for Social Security disability benefits, and what the guidelines are for having a savings account while receiving benefits.

What Is Social Security?

There’s a reason the Social Security program is so well known: It has been providing financial support to Americans for many decades. Social Security benefits are designed to help maintain the basic well-being and protection of the American people. These benefits have been around since the 1930’s in response to the economic crisis caused by the Great Depression.

Today, one in five Americans currently receive some form of Social Security benefits — one third of those are disabled, dependents, or survivors of deceased workers. More than 10 million Americans are either disabled workers or their dependents.

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

Can I Get Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income with a Savings Account?

You may be thinking you can’t have that kind of asset if you want to qualify for Social Security Disability funds. However, it is indeed possible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or supplemental security income if you have a checking or a savings account.

Even better, it doesn’t matter how much money is held in that account. There are other program requirements that must be met to qualify for SSDI, but how much money someone has or doesn’t have in the bank isn’t one of them.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

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Eligibility for SSDI

In order to be eligible for SSDI benefits, the individual must have worked in a job or jobs that were covered by Social Security and have a current medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. Generally, this program can benefit those who are unable to work for a year or more due to a disability.

It provides monthly benefits until the individual is able to work again on a regular basis. If someone reaches full retirement age while receiving SSDI benefits, those benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits maintaining the same amount of financial support.

Eligibility for SSI

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), however, there is a limit on how much you can have in savings. SSI is a federal support program that receives funding from the type of taxes known as general tax revenue, not Social Security taxes.

This program provides financial support to help recipients cover basic needs such as clothing, shelter, and food. It provides aid to those who are aged (65 or older), blind, and disabled people who have little or no income (or limited resources). To qualify, participants must be a U.S. citizen or national, or qualify as one of certain categories of noncitizens.

What You Have to Tell SS about Your Assets if You Want Benefits

There are certain assets (in this case, they’re known as resources) that must be disclosed in order to qualify for benefits through the SSI program. Typically, to receive benefits, one can’t own more than $2,000 as an individual or $3,000 as a couple in what the SSA deems “countable resources.” However, there aren’t any such limits in place for the SSDI program.

The value of someone’s resources (aka their financial assets) can help determine if they are eligible for Social Security benefits. If a recipient has more resources than allowed by the limit at the beginning of the month (when resources are counted), they won’t receive benefits for that month. They can be eligible again the next month if they use up or sell enough resources to fall below the limit.

Eligible resources can include:

•   Cash

•   Bank accounts (checking account, regular savings account, growth savings account; whatever you have)

•   Stocks, mutual funds, and U.S. savings bonds

•   Land

•   Life insurance

•   Personal property

•   Vehicles

•   Anything that can be changed to cash (and can be used for food and shelter)

•   Deemed resources

The term “deemed resources” refers to the resources of a spouse, parent, parent’s spouse, sponsor of a noncitizen, or sponsor’s spouse of the Social Security benefits applicant.

A certain amount of these deemed resources are subtracted from the overall limit. For example, if a child under 18 lives with only one parent, $2,000 worth of deemed resources won’t count towards the limit. If they live with two parents, that amount rises to $3,000.

Recommended: What are the Different Types of Savings Accounts?

How Much Can I Have in My Savings Account and Receive SSI or SSDI?

For the SSI program, the total resource limit (which includes what’s in a checking account) can not be more than $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Again, there are no asset limits when it comes to the SSDI program. If someone is applying for the SSDI program, they can surpass that $3,000 limit, and it won’t matter as it doesn’t apply to them.

SSA Exceptions and Programs

Not every asset someone owns will count towards the SSI resource limit (remember, there is no such limit for the SSDI program). For the SSI program, there are some exceptions regarding what counts as a resource. The following assets aren’t taken into consideration:

•   The home the applicant lives in and the land they live on

•   One vehicle—regardless of value—if the applicant or a member of their household use it for transportation

•   Household goods and personal effects

•   Life insurance policies (with a combined face value of $1,500 or less)

•   Burial spaces for them or their immediate family

•   Burial funds for them and their spouse (each valued at $1,500 or less)

•   Property they or their spouse use in a trade or business or to do their job

•   If blind or disabled, any money they set aside under a Plan to Achieve Self-Support

•   Up to $100,000 of funds in an Achieving a Better Life Experience account established through a State ABLE program

The Takeaway

When applying for Social Security benefits, having a savings account may or may not impact your eligibility. It depends on which program you are applying for. It is possible to have a savings account while receiving SSDI benefits. It’s also possible to have a savings account while receiving SSI, but there are limits regarding how much the value of the applicant’s assets (including what’s in their savings accounts) can be worth to qualify for support.

If you happen to be in the market for a savings account, take a look at your options.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 3.80% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

How much money can I have in a savings account while on Social Security?

Personal assets aren’t taken into account, including savings, when applying for the SSDI program. For SSI, however, countable resources (including savings accounts) are capped at $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples.

Does Social Security look at your bank account?

That depends. If someone is applying for Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) benefits, their personal assets are taken into consideration when it comes to eligibility. With Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), applicant assets aren’t taken into consideration.

What happens if you have more than $2,000 in the bank on SSI?

If you have more than $2,000 in the bank and are on SSI as an individual (more than $3,000 if you are part of a couple), you will not receive benefits for that month. Your finances will be evaluated the following month to see if your assets have fallen and you therefore qualify.

Does Social Security check your bank account every month?

Money in the bank doesn’t affect Social Security disability benefits. However, there is a $2,000 to $3,000 limit (varies by household) for the SSI program.

Photo credit: iStock/MicroStockHub

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2025 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 Eligible Direct Deposit activity can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below).

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning 3.80% APY, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives. If your APY is not showing as 3.80%, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning 3.80% APY from the date you contact SoFi for the rest of the current 30-day Evaluation Period. You will also be eligible for 3.80% APY on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to Direct Deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Eligible 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 an Eligible Direct Deposit or receipt of $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Eligible 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 Eligible 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 Eligible 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 Eligible Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until SoFi Bank recognizes Eligible Direct Deposit activity or receives $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Eligible Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit.

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

Members without either Eligible Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, or who do not enroll in SoFi Plus by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days, will earn 1.00% 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 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://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.

This article is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice.


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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Apr
24
2024

Retiring With Student Loan Debt

By | Preparing for Retirement, Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off on Retiring With Student Loan Debt

Congratulations on being ready to retire! You’ve spent a lifetime working hard, and it’s just about time to sit back and relax.

Before you do, though, you’ll want to make sure you can afford to retire. If you have outstanding debts, these could put a damper on your plans.

If you’re still paying your student loans, you probably are wondering: do you have to pay student loans after retirement? And if so, how does that debt negatively impact your plans to retire?

Keep reading to learn more on paying back student loans in retirement, including options for forgiveness and how to save money on your loans.

Paying Back Student Loans After Retirement

You’ve been saving for retirement for years, and you’re ready to reap the rewards…except you’ve got student loan debt hanging over your head.

Student loans, just like any kind of debt, are financial obligations you must take care of. If not, you risk negative marks on your credit report.

If you’re planning to retire soon, make sure to factor that monthly student loan payment into your budget, as you will still be obligated to make your payments in retirement.

Pros of Paying Back Student Loans After Retirement

The first benefit to paying off student loans after retirement is keeping your credit report squeaky clean. When you pay your loan each month, the positive behavior of an on-time payment and a reduction in your debt is reflected on your credit report. This could help your score rise, which could help you qualify for better interest rates on mortgages, personal loans, and credit cards.

Also, you want to pay off your student loans as quickly as possible to minimize the interest you pay. The sooner you pay off the loan, the less interest you’ll pay overall.

And of course, clearing any debt you have will leave you with more disposable income. Take a cruise with a loved one, pay off your house, or do anything else you’ve always dreamed of doing in retirement!

Cons of Paying Back Student Loans After Retirement

Things get tricky when it comes to student loans and retirement. Because you now have a limited income, it may be challenging to make those monthly payments or to pay off the loan in its entirety.

However, just like the benefit to paying back your loan was positive marks on your credit report, skipping payments or making late payments could have a negative impact on your credit.

And making those payments to your student loan will limit what you can afford to spend your money on. You may have to defer some of your retirement plans until your student loans are paid off.

At What Age Can You Stop Paying Student Loans?

Unfortunately, there is no age when you can stop paying your student loans. Retirement has no impact on the requirement for you to pay off your student loan debts, and your monthly payment will continue to be due each month until the loan is paid off.

Student Loan Forgiveness Options

There are several student loan forgiveness programs offered by the U.S. Department of Education. One is the Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which forgives student loans for professionals who work in public services (teachers, government employees, and nonprofits, for example). There are also income-driven repayment (IDR) plans that also may qualify for loan forgiveness.

Check with your student loan account holder to see if you qualify for any loan forgiveness options.

Options for Paying Off Student Loans During Retirement

When it comes to student loans and retirement, the sooner you pay off your loan, the sooner you can enjoy retirement. It’s important to get a plan for how you’ll pay off your student loan when preparing for retirement.
Start with a student loan calculator so you know how much you owe and how much you’ll pay in interest over time. Then, explore the following options.

Lump Sum

If you can afford to do so, pay off your loan all at once. You’ll cut out the interest you would have paid if you paid it out over time, and you’ll immediately have access to more monthly disposable income since it won’t be going toward a monthly loan payment.

Consolidate Your Loans

If you have multiple student loans from different providers, consider student loan consolidation. With this option, you combine multiple federal student loans into one new loan with one new monthly payment. The interest rate is typically the average of the interest rates on the loans you’re consolidating. While consolidating student loans streamlines your monthly payments, it typically won’t save you money overall.

Note: You can only consolidate federal student loans that qualify. You aren’t able to consolidate private student loans.

Refinance Student Loans

If you have private student loans, or a combination of federal and private loans, you might want to consider refinancing your student loans. This involves taking out a new loan you can then use to pay off your outstanding student loans. Ideally, you’ll receive a lower interest rate or shorten your loan term.

Keep in mind, though, that if you refinance federal loans, you lose eligibility for federal benefits, such as income-driven repayment plans and student loan forgiveness.

Student Loan Refinancing Tips from SoFi

If you go the refinancing route, be sure to shop around for the best rate. The better your credit, the lower the interest you may qualify for. But not all lenders are the same — some charge origination fees and other fees that can add up. So it’s worth a little effort to find the best lender for you.

Even though your finances may be limited in retirement, it’s important to prioritize your student loan debt. This may mean cutting out luxuries for a while until the debt is paid off.

And if you haven’t yet retired, consider continuing to work a little longer so you have the means to pay off your student loans before retiring. It may seem like a major sacrifice to work another year, but you’ll be glad you did when you’ve completely wiped out your student loan debt!

Take control of your student loans.
Ditch student loan debt for good.

The Takeaway

Student loans and retirement may not go hand-in-hand, but you’re far from alone if you’re still struggling with your debt when you’re ready to retire. The important thing is to get a plan for paying it off, either all at once or over the shortest period possible.

One way to reduce your student loan debt is to refinance your student loans. By refinancing, you may be able to secure a lower interest rate or shorter loan term, enabling you to pay off your debt faster.

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

FAQ

Do you have to pay back student loans when you retire?

Yes, you are still responsible for paying back student loans, even in retirement.

How many years do you have to pay student loans?

There is no limit to how long you have to pay off student loans, but be aware that the longer it takes you, the more you will pay in interest.

Does your student loan get written off at 50?

No, your student loans do not get written off or canceled at any age.

Photo credit: iStock/maruco

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.

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

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Apr
09
2024
What Happens When You Pay Off Your Mortgage?

What Happens When You Pay Off Your Mortgage? All You Need to Know

By | Family Finances, Home Ownership, mortgage | Comments Off on What Happens When You Pay Off Your Mortgage? All You Need to Know

When you pay off your mortgage, you may have some paperwork and account switching (such as property taxes) to take care of. And you may look forward to greater cash flow.

But is paying off a mortgage always the right move? In some cases, a person who is about to pay off a mortgage may want to consider a couple of options that could make more sense for their particular financial situation.

Learn more about the payoff path and alternatives here.

Pros and Cons of Paying Off Your Mortgage

Paying off your mortgage is a fantastic milestone to reach, but it’s not without trade-offs. Here are a few considerations to help you make the best decision for your situation.

Pros of Paying Off a Mortgage

 Cons of Paying Off a Mortgage
No monthly payment May lose tax deduction
No more interest paid to the lender Your cash is all tied up in your home’s equity
More cash in your pocket each month If you pay extra to pay off your home, you may miss out on investment strategies
You’ll need less income in retirement Lost opportunity costs for other uses for your money
Greatly reduced risk of foreclosure No tax deduction for mortgage interest, if you’re among the few who still take the deduction



💡 Quick Tip: Thinking of using a mortgage broker? That person will try to help you save money by finding the best loan offers you are eligible for. But if you deal directly with an online mortgage lender, you won’t have to pay a mortgage broker’s commission, which is usually based on the mortgage amount.

First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,
with as little as 3% down.

What Happens When You Pay Off Your Mortgage?

Here’s how mortgage payoff works:

•   To get the amount you need to pay off your mortgage, the first thing you need to do is request a mortgage payoff letter. If you pay the amount on your last statement, you won’t have the right amount. A mortgage payoff letter will include the appropriate fees and the amount of interest through the day you’re planning to pay the loan off.

•   Know that the payoff letter is only good for a set amount of time, and make sure to get your payment in on time.

•   Follow the instructions you’re given about where and how to submit the payment.

•   Once you’ve sent the payoff amount, your mortgage lender is responsible for sending you and the county recorder documentation to release the mortgage and lien on your home.

•   You should be sent any funds remaining in escrow.

•   You will want to contact your insurance company about this change if your insurance was paid along with your mortgage payment and have the bills switched over to you directly.

•   If your property taxes were paid as part of your mortgage, you will want to contact your local tax collector about shifting those bills to you as well.

What Documents Do You Get After Paying Off a Mortgage?

After paying off your mortgage, you should receive (or have access to) documents proving you paid off the mortgage and no longer have a lien attached to your home. These include:

•   Satisfaction or release of mortgage. This document will be filed with the county recorder (or other applicable recording agency). It states that the mortgage has been satisfied and the lien released.

•   A canceled promissory note. When you closed on your home, one of the documents you signed was called a promissory note. Now that the mortgage has been satisfied, you may receive this document back with a “canceled” or “paid in full,” though it’s also possible you may have to call and request the document.

•   A statement on the paid-off loan balance. Your lender should send you a statement showing that your loan has been paid in full.

What Should You Do After Paying Off Your Mortgage?

After you pay off your mortgage, you’ll need to take care of a few housekeeping items (a couple are mentioned above).

•   Close your escrow account. Since you’re no longer sending a mortgage payment to a mortgage servicer, you’ll need to take care of the items in your escrow account, primarily your taxes and homeowners insurance.

•   Contact your county recorder’s office to double-check that the mortgage satisfaction paperwork has been filed. Once that has been filed, you will have a clear title on the property.

•   Make plans for the extra money. Whether you want to make a bigger push in your retirement account, enlarge your emergency fund, or pay off other debts, you now likely have more cash to do it with. If you don’t make plans for the extra money, it might just evaporate.

Recommended: 2024 Home Loan Help Center

Is Prepaying a Good Idea?

Generally, paying off your mortgage early is a great idea. It reduces the principal, which in turn reduces the amount you’ll pay in interest over the life of your loan. Still, there are reasons that some homeowners consider not paying their mortgage off early.

Most lenders do not charge a prepayment penalty, but home loans signed before January 10, 2014, may include one. Nonconforming mortgage loans signed after that date may have a prepayment penalty that applies within the first three years of repayment. (The different types of mortgage loans include conforming and nonconforming conventional mortgages.)

The best way to find out if prepayment is subject to a penalty is to call your mortgage servicer. The terms of your mortgage paperwork should also outline whether or not you have a prepayment penalty.

Should You Refinance Instead?

Another option you may consider is refinancing your mortgage. There are several reasons you may want to refinance instead of paying off your mortgage.

Lower monthly payment. Getting a lower rate or different loan term may lower your monthly payment. Be sure to check out current rates, and use a calculator for mortgages to find out what a possible new payment would be.

Shorter mortgage term. Refinancing a 30-year mortgage to, say, a 15-year mortgage can keep you close to paying off your mortgage while also providing financial flexibility.

Spare cash. Whatever your need is — home renovations, college funding, paying off higher-interest debt — a cash-out refinance might be an option.



💡 Quick Tip: Compared to credit cards and other unsecured loans, you can usually get a lower interest rate with a cash-out refinance loan.

The Takeaway

What happens when you pay off your mortgage? After doing a jig in the living room, you’ll need to take care of a few housekeeping tasks and make plans for the extra money.

An option to consider: Would a refinance to a shorter term make more sense, or pulling cash out with a cash-out refi? It can be wise to review all your options as you move toward taking this major financial step.

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

Is paying off your mortgage a good idea?

The answer depends on an individual’s situation. If you have the money and you’d love to shed that monthly obligation for good, paying off a mortgage is a good idea. But if you’re worried about funding your retirement or losing opportunities to invest, paying off your mortgage may not be a good idea for you.

What do you do after you pay off your mortgage?

Ensure that you have received your canceled promissory note, and update your property tax and insurance billers on where to bill you. Since you no longer will have a mortgage servicing company, you must pay your insurance and property taxes yourself.

Is it better to pay off a mortgage before you retire?

Paying off a mortgage could give you more money to work with in retirement. But if your retirement accounts need a boost, most financial experts contend that allocating money there is a better idea than paying off your mortgage. Paying off a mortgage when you have low cash reserves can also put you at risk.

Does paying off your mortgage early affect your credit score?

Surprisingly, paying off your mortgage early won’t affect your credit score much. Your credit score has already taken into account the years of full, on-time payments you made each month.

Photo credit: iStock/katleho Seisa


*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-criteria 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.


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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Apr
02
2024

Private Equity vs Venture Capital

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off on Private Equity vs Venture Capital

Venture capital and private equity funds are two different ways that companies, funds or individuals invest in other companies. While the two types of funds share some similarities, there are also key differences that you’ll want to be aware of. While many private equity and venture capital funds are privately held, some are open to individual investors.

A private equity fund might use its managerial, technological or other expertise to invest in one specific company, hoping to turn it around and improve its profitability. That would allow the fund to sell their investment for a healthy return. Venture capital firms often invest in early-stage companies or startups. They provide capital funds to these companies in exchange for a portion of the company’s equity.

Key Points

•   Private equity and venture capital are two ways that people, funds or companies invest in other companies.

•   Private equity funds often invest in a small number or even just one company at a time, usually a mature company.

•   Venture capital funds generally invest in many different companies that are early in their journey to profitability.

•   While many private equity and venture capital funds are privately held, there are some that are publicly traded and open to individual investors.

What Is Private Equity?

Private equity refers to investing in companies that are not publicly traded. Unlike investing in public equities (such as by purchasing index funds or shares of stock of companies listed on a public stock exchange), private equity investors put their money into privately-held companies.

While you might not think of private companies as having shares of stock in the same way that publicly-traded companies do, most incorporated companies do have shares of stock. A small company might only have a hundred or even less shares, all owned by the initial founders of the company.

A private company that is more established, on the other hand, might have hundreds of thousands or even millions of shares owned by a wide variety of people. The stock of private companies might be owned by the founders, employees or other private equity investors.

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What Is Venture Capital?

Venture capital refers to investors and money that is invested into early-stage companies in the hope that they will generate an above-average return on investment. Venture capital investing usually refers to funds or individuals that give money to early-stage companies, but the investment can also be via managerial or technical expertise.

Venture capital money is often invested over a series of “rounds.” Initially there might be an “angel” round or “seed” round, and then Series A, B, C and so on. In each round, companies receive funding from venture capital investors in exchange for a percentage of the company’s stock, at an agreed-upon valuation.

Generally, the earlier the round of venture capital investment, the lower the valuation. This allows the earliest investors to potentially have the highest return on investment, since they also carry the largest amount of risk.

Venture capital and private equity may serve as examples of alternative investments for certain investors.

Key Differences Between Private Equity and Venture Capital

While private equity and venture capital both refer to companies or funds that invest in companies, there are a few key differences that you’ll want to be aware of:

Private Equity Venture Capital
Generally invests in already established companies Often invests in early-stage companies and/or startups
Often purchase entire companies and work to improve their profitability Purchase a portion of the companies they invest in
Generally invest more money and focus on fewer companies Firms tend to spread their money around — investing relatively fewer amounts of money in more investments

Advantages and Disadvantages

When you compare private equity vs. venture capital investing, there are a few similarities as well as advantages or disadvantages to investing in both.

In most cases, comparing the advantages and disadvantages of venture capital vs. private equity depends on your own specific situation or goal. What might be an advantage for one investor could be a disadvantage for an investor with a different risk tolerance or financial profile.

One potential advantage of investing in private equity is that private equity firms often concentrate their money in a small number of firms. This might allow the private equity investors to concentrate their expertise into improving the profitability of those companies. However, some might consider this a disadvantage, since you might lose some or most of your investment if the company is not able to turn things around.

Similarly, venture capital investors typically invest in a number of startups and early-stage companies. One advantage of investing in this manner is that you may see outsized returns if the company succeeds. However, a related disadvantage is that many companies in these early stages do not succeed, potentially wiping out your entire investment.

In that sense, it’s a high-risk, high-potentialy-reward area of investment.

Common Misconceptions

One common misconception about private equity vs. venture capital is that only investors with significant net worth can invest in these fields. While it is true that most actual private equity and venture capital investors are those with access to significant amounts of capital, there are also many private equity or venture capital funds that sell shares of the funds themselves to retail investors.

This may allow even regular individual investors to take part in investing in venture capital or private equity.

💡 Quick Tip: Investment fees are assessed in different ways, including trading costs, account management fees, and possibly broker commissions. When you set up an investment account, be sure to get the exact breakdown of your “all-in costs” so you know what you’re paying.

The Takeaway

Private equity and venture capital funds are two different ways that companies invest in other companies. While they share a lot of similarities, there are also some key differences. One big difference is that generally, private equity funds invest more money in fewer companies while venture capital funds often invest (relatively) smaller sums of money in many companies.

While most private equity and venture capital funds are privately held, there are some that are publicly traded and open to individual investors.

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FAQ

Is private equity better than venture capital?

Private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) are two forms of investing in other companies, and when comparing the difference between VC and PE, it isn’t really the case that one is better than the other. Instead, it will depend on your own specific financial situation and/or risk tolerance. You can also consider alternative investments to both private equity and venture capital.

Which is the riskier option?

Both private equity and venture capital carry some level of risk. In one manner of speaking, venture capital is riskier, since many of the early-stage companies that they invest in will not succeed. However, most venture capital funds mitigate that risk by investing in many different companies. One successful investment may pay off the losses of tens or even hundreds of unsuccessful venture capital investments.

Are there private equity or venture capital funds available to buy?

Many private equity and venture capital firms are targeted towards investors with significant assets and/or a high net worth. However, there are some funds that are publicly traded and thus available to individual investors. Make sure that you do your own research before investing in any one particular private equity or venture capital fund.

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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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Everything You Need to Know About Home Swapping

What Is House Trading & How Does It Work?

By | Home Ownership, mortgage | Comments Off on What Is House Trading & How Does It Work?

House trading involves selling your home to someone while buying their property. You essentially swap residences. This can spare both parties the irritation of showings and the expense of agent commissions while giving each party their new next home.

Trading homes isn’t done every day, but it can occasionally be an option that works for the parties involved. Learn more here.

What Is House Trading?

House trading means that you sell your home to someone and simultaneously buy their place.

You’re likely familiar with home exchange programs when it comes to vacations. You dash off to a lovely apartment in Paris, and the owners come to the Big Apple to enjoy your apartment. Both parties enjoy a vacation with a much lower price tag.

With house trading, this kind of switch is made permanent. Perhaps you’re outgrowing your compact two-bedroom house as your family grows, and the empty nesters down the street in a four-bedroom are looking to downsize their home. You could proceed with a house trade, selling and buying each other’s places simultaneously.


💡 Quick Tip: SoFi’s award-winning mortgage loan experience means a simple application — we even offer an on-time close guarantee. We’ve made $7.5 billion in home loans so we know a thing or two about what makes homebuyers happy.‡

How Does House Trading Work?

Think of a house swap as a win-win. You want to sell your house. You find a home you like, and the homeowner is interested in buying your home too. It happens.

What comes next? You trade. This means there will be two simultaneous transactions. You sell your home to the Joneses, and they buy yours, typically on the same day. Because you’re selling and buying at the same time, it’s much like a trade. This is not a simple transaction, though. You want the stars aligned on that day.

However, there are some similarities to buying a home the traditional way. Expect the basics of the home-buying process to be the same:

•   Qualifying for a mortgage

•   Getting a home inspection

•   Doing a title search

•   Closing with simultaneous transactions.

You pay off one mortgage, if you have one, and take on a new one if needed. At the same time, the other party will sign their purchase and sale agreement.

As much as doing all this at once may feel overwhelming, the upside is that you won’t have two mortgages on your hands at the same time. If both homes are owned free and clear, then the only money matters are transfer taxes and closing costs.

You’ll probably want a real estate lawyer who knows how these deals work at your side.

Recommended: How to Buy a House When You Already Have a Mortgage?

What If the Homes Are Unequal in Value?

It’s quite probable that the two homes won’t be of equal value. That’s not a deal-breaker, though. What matters is whether each house meets the needs and desires of the other party.

It’s important for both parties to order home appraisals. If one home is more valuable than the other, the buyer of the more expensive home pays the seller the difference at closing.

How Common Is House Trading?

Trading homes is not something that happens every day, but as people continue to search for creative ways to fulfill their dreams and technology helps connect like-minded folks, house trading has its place in the array of home-buying options out there.

Recommended: What Is a Bridge Loan and How Does It Work?

Pros and Cons of Trading Your House

Here’s a look at the upsides and downsides of trading houses.

Pros

There’s something to be said for this unconventional way of buying and selling a home.

•   You may be able to buy a house without a Realtor®. If there is no real estate agent involved in the trade, both buyer and seller keep the money they would have shelled out to their agents.

•   You eliminate some of the hassle of moving day. Because both parties are working in concert, it makes orchestration of the move easier.

•   You skip the whole dog-and-pony show of potential buyers traipsing through your home and the stress of having it look perfect for showings.

•   You also may find that getting financing when trading a home is easier. Some homeowners encounter hurdles qualifying for a mortgage before their home is sold. However, if you have a contract to sell your current house (which you would in a home trade), your lender won’t count your monthly mortgage payments as debt if you apply for a mortgage.

Having this improved debt-to-income ratio can allow you to qualify for better terms on your new mortgage, which just might save you a ton of money as well.

Cons

Trading isn’t without its issues.

•   If you’re in a hurry to move, you may not be able to find someone who wants a house swap as quickly as you want to move.

•   In a big-picture way, house trading may mean you have fewer options, you may not get the neighborhood you have in mind, or you may not find a home with all your dream features.

•   If you owe more on your mortgage than your home is worth, you may have trouble getting financing. The only way a trade would work is if you pay the lender the difference of what you sell your house for and what is still owed on the mortgage.

•   If for some reason the purchase and sale don’t happen at the same time, you could be stuck for a time with two mortgages.

Pros of Trading Homes

 Cons of Trading Homes
You may not need to use a real estate agent May not find a home as quickly as you want
Getting financing may be easier Fewer options
Avoid the hassle of showing your home to multiple potential buyers Could have to temporarily pay two mortgages

Trading Houses vs Conventional Selling

With trading there’s a good chance you will be able to avoid using a real estate agent if you find your trading partner on your own, be it a relative, colleague, friend of a friend, or from a website. You can also avoid the hassle of staging your home and showing it to prospective buyers.

There are some things that are pretty much the same.

Both parties may need new mortgages, and both may want home inspections. Both will probably want attorneys present.

Trading Homes

 Conventional Sale
Likely no real estate agent Usually buyer’s and seller’s agents involved
Small market Wide market
Deal with one buyer Handle multiple offers

The Takeaway

Trading homes is a viable option for house hunters who find a trading partner who wants to own their home. While the home exchange approach is decidedly nontraditional, the steps of securing a home loan (if needed) and closing will be familiar.

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.

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

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‡SoFi On-Time Close Guarantee: If all conditions of the Guarantee are met, and your loan does not close on or before the closing date on your purchase contract accepted by SoFi, and the delay is due to SoFi, SoFi will give you a credit toward closing costs or additional expenses caused by the delay in closing of up to $10,000.^ The following terms and conditions apply. This Guarantee is available only for loan applications submitted after 04/01/2024. Please discuss terms of this Guarantee with your loan officer. The mortgage must be a purchase transaction that is approved and funded by SoFi. This Guarantee does not apply to loans to purchase bank-owned properties or short-sale transactions. To qualify for the Guarantee, you must: (1) Sign up for access to SoFi’s online portal and upload all requested documents, (2) Submit documents requested by SoFi within 5 business days of the initial request and all additional doc requests within 2 business days (3) Submit an executed purchase contract on an eligible property with the closing date at least 25 calendar days from the receipt of executed Intent to Proceed and receipt of credit card deposit for an appraisal (30 days for VA loans; 40 days for Jumbo loans), (4) Lock your loan rate and satisfy all loan requirements and conditions at least 5 business days prior to your closing date as confirmed with your loan officer, and (5) Pay for and schedule an appraisal within 48 hours of the appraiser first contacting you by phone or email. This Guarantee will not be paid if any delays to closing are attributable to: a) the borrower(s), a third party, the seller or any other factors outside of SoFi control; b) if the information provided by the borrower(s) on the loan application could not be verified or was inaccurate or insufficient; c) attempting to fulfill federal/state regulatory requirements and/or agency guidelines; d) or the closing date is missed due to acts of God outside the control of SoFi. SoFi may change or terminate this offer at any time without notice to you. *To redeem the Guarantee if conditions met, see documentation provided by loan officer.
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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