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Gap years are less popular in the U.S. than in many other countries, but still, data shows that 3% of students take a gap year between high school and college. The idea of taking a break before, during, or after college is likely one that many students can relate to.

Obtaining an education involves a lot of hard work. From long days in the classroom to late-night study sessions, the rigors of academia can take their toll. And college can carry a hefty price tag. It’s understandable that someone might want to take a gap year before they start college or after they finish college to regroup before they begin working.

There are a lot of benefits associated with taking a gap year, but getting ready for a year off requires quite a lot of financial planning to make this choice sustainable.

What Is a Gap Year?

Before diving into how much to save in your bank account for a gap year, it’s helpful to understand exactly what a gap year is. Essentially, a gap year involves taking a year off from school or work to travel, do an internship, take on a temporary job, volunteer, develop a skill, or do a combination of those activities. Some students design their own program; others sign up with an organization that, say, leads them on travel or volunteer projects.

More often than not, people take a gap year between when they graduate high school and start college, but it is possible to take a gap year during college or after graduation but before starting a job or going to graduate school.

A gap year can give someone the time they need to discover what they want their next move to be, to rest, to learn about an area of interest, or to simply get out of their comfort zone.

What Are the Benefits of Taking a Gap Year?

Some parents may look down on the idea of a gap year, fearing that their child won’t get “back on track” with their studies or post-grad life. But there are many benefits associated with taking a gap year.

•   Time to rest and recharge. After many years of academic pressure, some students need a year off to recover from burnout before they start their next big endeavor.

•   Room for discovery. Students who aren’t sure what path they want to take next may find that taking a gap year gives them the opportunity to discover or deepen their interests and formulate next steps.

•   Can explore passions. If a person knows they’re interested in a certain industry or job role, they can spend some time interning, pursuing a fellowship, or researching that career path before they pursue a degree toward that job.

•   Develops independence. A gap year can provide the opportunities young adults need to become more self-sufficient. That could mean traveling solo or taking on a job in a new town, not to mention getting better with money.

Is a Gap Year Beneficial Financially?

If you’re contemplating taking a gap year, it’s natural to wonder how much to save to make it a reality. You may also be curious if a gap year could be a boost or a bust for your finances. In truth, a gap year can be beneficial financially and in other cases it can be financially damaging — it just depends on how the person chooses to spend that year. For instance, if you are working at a local business while living at home, you might open a high-yield savings account and really plump it up with your earnings. If, on the other hand, you go on a gap-year guided tour of another continent, that could cost $10,000, $20,000, or more.

There is some concern that gap years can hurt someone’s overall lifetime earnings. By pushing off entering the working world with a college degree in hand by a year, they can lose a year’s earnings as well as a year’s progress towards a higher paying job.

That being said, someone may spend their gap year interning, working as a fellow, or finding other ways to earn income or boost their resume. They may find their efforts propel them forward financially or at least help them break even. On the other hand, if a person spends the year traveling and relaxing, their finances might take a major hit if they don’t plan and budget appropriately.

Typical Expenses to Prepare for During a Gap Year

Parents may not be able to (or eager to) fund a child’s gap year, so a student can benefit from preparing to pay some or all of their expenses. Saving in advance or working part-time during the gap year can help make it a reality. (Planning for a gap year can actually be a great way to get your finances in order and learn how to budget.)

Here are some of the expenses to consider:

•   Rent and utilities or other housing (say, youth hostels if you are traveling)

•   Transportation

•   Travel costs

•   Food

•   Entertainment (movies, concerts)

•   Clothing

•   Personal-care products

•   Health insurance

•   Medical costs

•   Car insurance

•   Cell phone/data plan; internet access

•   Student loan payments, if applicable

•   Credit card debt payments

•   Gym membership/fitness costs

Financial Tips to Save for a Gap Year

The very act of planning and saving for a gap year can be a great exercise in money management for college students; it will definitely give you a new perspective on saving and spending.

Budgeting While Planning a Gap Year

Budgeting for a gap year takes quite a bit of forethought and planning regarding your personal finances. It’s a good idea to plan for a gap year a full 365 days in advance to make it easier to build up a savings fund. It can be helpful to put your cash into either a savings account, money market account, or CD to gain interest and help build your funds.

You might want to determine how much you need to save over the next year, divide that amount by 12, and then add that amount into your budget so you can set the money aside each month. This can be a great time to familiarize yourself with different budgeting techniques (like the envelope system or the 50/30/20 budget rule) and see which one suits you best.

Getting a Job or Internship

Getting a part-time job or a paid internship while in school can make it easier to save for a gap year. Your school may have an online board where you can scan for opportunities. You might also consider a side-hustle, whether that means selling photographs you took while hiking or doing a weekend shift at a local coffee shop.

Cutting Unnecessary Expenses

As mentioned, it’s a good idea to budget for a gap year. Now it’s time to up the ante. You can take a cold, hard look at your budget to see where you can cut your spending (hello, subscription services and those pricey daily smoothies). The money you save can be put towards your gap year fund.

Selling Items You No Longer Use

From clothes to workout equipment to electronics, most of us have things we simply no longer use. If you’re trying to fund a gap year, you can cut the clutter and make some extra cash by selling this stuff. You might offer items up online (eBay and the like) or organize a yard or stoop sale.

Reduce Credit Card Spending

Credit card debt has a way of snowballing and getting very expensive. With credit card interest rates at 24.62% as of mid June 2024, owing money on your plastic can be an expensive thing. Aim to only use your credit card for purchases you can afford to pay off right away. That way, you can use any cash-back and travel-point bonuses to help fund your gap year without carrying a balance. It’s wise to focus on managing your money in a way that doesn’t require relying on a credit card.

Consolidate Credit Card Debt

The above strategy may not be possible if you’ve already racked up a good deal of credit card debt and are feeling as if you are in financial trouble. (Yes, this can happen quickly, even if you’re a student who’s only had a card for a short time.) You may find that consolidating multiple sources of credit card debt can help you get a lower interest rate (which could save money) and streamline your debt, making it easier to pay off.

For instance, you might find a balance-transfer card that offers breathing room thanks to an introductory, interest-free period. Or perhaps you would do better with a credit card consolidation loan that lets you pay off the debt and then pay back the funds at a lower interest rate. If you need guidance, consider talking with a debt counselor at the non-profit National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC).

Cook at Home

Eating out will almost always cost more than eating at home. To save extra cash, get comfortable in the kitchen and build your meal-prep repertoire. In addition, you might start making your own lunch; those popular salad bars can be a budget-breaker if you go often.

Recycle, Reuse, Rewear

One way to save big is to be planet-friendly. Did you know the average American spends about $100 per year on bottled water? Buy yourself an insulated reusable water bottle in a color or design you love, and use it.

Also consider that each of us typically spends almost $2,000 on clothes per year. Commit to wearing what you own or perhaps shopping second-hand (there are plenty of cool things to be found at thrift and vintage stores) to whittle that expense way down.

Think Carefully About Big Purchases

If you’re planning for a gap year, you may want to slow your roll when it comes to making big purchases. Upgrading to the latest mobile phone or buying a premium mattress as you enter adult life may seem enticing right now. However, if you delay gratification, you may be closer to making your gap year dreams a reality. Better money management can sometimes mean knowing how to say “no” to things you think you have to have.

The Takeaway

A gap year can be a great way to intern, explore, volunteer, destress, and more. But it typically isn’t free. If you want to enjoy this kind of experience, you likely need to save more in your bank account and spend less. Yes, this can help your gap year become a reality, but it has another bonus: It teaches you money management skills that can last a lifetime.

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 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

How much money is needed for a gap year?

How much money you need for a gap year depends on your goals. For instance, if you want to travel the world during that year, you will require a lot more money than if you plan to live at home and intern in an industry you’re interested in.

Can taking a gap year help you save money?

Usually a gap year doesn’t help students save money, other than the fact that no tuition will be due that year. The exception would be if you live with your parents during your gap year and work during that time.

How can a gap year hurt?

A gap year can potentially hurt someone’s lifetime earning potential. By delaying entering the working world for a year, the individual misses out on a year’s salary and career growth that can lead to a higher salary down the road. However, a gap year could also be a positive: It could involve an internship or connections that eventually lead to a dream job.

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Photo credit: iStock/ijeab

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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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“Competitive pay” is a term commonly used among employers looking to attract qualified candidates to their business. Offering competitive pay means providing a compensation level that is equal to or above the market rate for a given position, geography, or industry.

Competitive pay typically includes base salary as well as additional employment benefits such as a signing bonus, health insurance, retirement benefits, or stock options offered to an employee.

Why Is Competitive Pay Important?

In highly competitive job fields, or when there is a shortage of talent, offering competitive pay can be a powerful lever for employers to attract and retain highly qualified employees. At the same time, employees who are in high demand might choose to seek out competitive pay in order to earn more than their counterparts at other companies.

Competitive pay is ultimately a measure of an employee or job candidate’s value to the business, and is something that can be offered by an employer or negotiated by an employee or candidate.

But whatever your take-home pay is, a money tracker can help you monitor your spending and provide valuable financial insights.

What Determines Competitive Pay?

Competitive pay rates can be determined by a variety of factors:

Location

Where you are physically located can greatly impact the competitiveness of the pay you are offered. For example, an employee in a metropolitan area like New York or San Francisco with a higher cost of living may be able to earn more than a counterpart in a more affordable geographical area. Certain states also have higher minimum wage standards, which can increase the average compensation for any job offered within that state.

Level of Education and Experience

Many jobs will offer competitive pay commensurate with a candidate’s education and experience. That means that a candidate with a college degree and 10 years of industry experience may be offered higher compensation than someone with no degree and fewer years of experience. Candidates with specialized degrees or certifications can sometimes use that to negotiate more-competitive pay.

Job Title and Industry

Most job titles and industries will have a baseline market pay rate that employers use to guide their job offerings and employee salaries. If you want to compare a job offer with the market, you can find market pay rates for most jobs on the Bureau of Labor of Statistics website or through websites like Indeed and Glassdoor.

Market Demand

One of the biggest drivers of competitive pay is the overall supply and demand for a job in the market. If a job is highly in demand, either due to a shortage of workers or a sudden increase in the number of available jobs, compensation for that role may become more competitive. Candidates can potentially use that to their advantage when applying to jobs and negotiating salaries with employers.

Recommended: 15 Entry-Level Jobs for Antisocial People

Competitor Salaries

Similarly, when multiple companies in the same or adjacent industries are competing for employees, they may offer more competitive compensation packages to try and win over prospective job candidates.

Minimum vs. Competitive Wages: How They’re Different

While competitive wages are offered at the discretion of employers, minimum wage is the minimum hourly pay rate under federal law. States can also establish and enforce minimum wage requirements for certain jobs or industries.

Like competitive pay, minimum wage typically takes into consideration living costs, geography, and job titles or industries. However, it tends not to change as often or dramatically as competitive wages. In fact, the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour has not changed since 2009. Also, minimum wage only takes into consideration base salary, whereas competitive pay includes other benefits and forms of compensation, such as signing bonuses.

Recommended: Pros and Cons of Raising the Minimum Wage

Examples of Competitive-Paying Jobs

Competitive pay rates are constantly shifting, especially as the market for talent becomes increasingly competitive. However, here are the some of the most competitive-paying jobs in 2023 — the most recent data available from the BLS:

Cardiologists

•   Average annual salary: $423,250

Computer and Information Systems Managers

•   Average annual salary: $180,720

Lawyers

•   Average annual salary: $176,470

Financial Managers

•   Average annual salary: $166,050

Physicists

•   Average annual salary: $158,270

Recommended: The Highest-Paying Jobs by State

How to Negotiate for More Competitive Pay

Whether you’re applying for a new job or reconsidering your current employment situation, negotiating competitive pay is an important part of getting paid what you believe you are worth. There isn’t an exact formula for negotiating higher pay, and it’s important to take a methodical approach that considers both your needs and the perspective of your employer. Here are five strategies that can help you in the course of negotiating competitive pay:

1. Establish your priorities

Going into a pay negotiation, you should think about what you would need financially to consider joining or staying with a company. You’ll want to determine your needs, including any debt you may be paying off — a online budget planner can be a useful resource. Then once you have a number in mind, try to identify a compensation package that meets your financial requirements.

Competitive pay can also mean different things to different employees. For some, it may mean a higher base salary, while others may want other perks like assistance in paying off college tuition or student loan debt, greater workplace benefits, or better health coverage. Identifying exactly what you need is important for deciding when it makes sense to push back or walk away from a negotiation.

2. Build Your Case

Even in competitive markets, an employer may not be willing to meet your salary or benefits requirements. However, going into that conversation with evidence and clear reasoning for why you are asking for more competitive pay can help support your case.

You’ll want to clearly show why you believe your compensation isn’t as competitive as you’d like it to be, due to the fact that you’ve been working harder, delivering greater value to the business, or have incurred higher living costs.

3. Know Your Pay Rate in the Market

Before negotiating, it’s also important to research how the competitive rate for your specific job title or industry has changed. Or, if you’ve suddenly taken on additional responsibilities outside of your core job function, you may want to look at what similar employees in those roles are getting paid and factor that into your pay rate. All of that data will help you to know what you’re worth as an employee and be able to communicate it to your employer.

The Takeaway

“Competitive pay” is a term commonly used among employers to refer to a compensation level that is equal to or above the market rate for a given position, geography, or industry. Other factors that help determine competitive pay include a candidate’s education and experience, and market demand.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

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FAQ

Is competitive pay a red flag?

“Competitive pay” has become an industry buzzword used by many employers on their job postings and websites. While seeing “competitive pay” on a job posting isn’t a red flag, it’s still important to conduct your own research to ensure pay rates are competitive with similar industries, geographies, and employers.

Does competitive pay come with good benefits?

Competitive pay does not necessarily come with good benefits like 401(k) matching, health insurance, or paid time off. However, those benefits are becoming increasingly important for job seekers. When analyzing competitive pay, it’s important to look at an employer’s full compensation package (benefits and salary) to ensure it meets your needs.

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

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

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

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After you purchase a new home, there are many things to budget for, including moving costs, new furniture, and ongoing expenses such as your mortgage. Although it may seem like many of the significant expenditures are out of the way once you close on a property, there are additional costs that can add up.

To avoid financial surprises, it’s wise to jot down and budget for all of the extra expenses you will encounter when you move into your new place. To help you organize your finances, here are the things to budget for after buying a house.

Moving-Out Expenses to Budget for

Before you take up residence in your new home, you must move all of your things. Even if you pack and move all your belongings yourself, you’ll still have to spend on things like boxes, packing materials, and a truck. And if you use movers, it will cost you even more.

Recommended: The Ultimate Moving Checklist

Moving Your Belongings

There are three main options for moving your belongings:

•   Renting a truck and doing it yourself. It’s more cost efficient than using professional movers, but DIY moving yourself still adds up. You’ll have to pay for the truck rental fee, gas, and damage protection. If you’re moving across the country, you may also have to factor in the costs of shipping some of your items. Even though you can enlist your friends and family to help you do the heavy lifting, the cost of moving yourself can still be significant, and it’s a lot of work.

•   Hiring movers. If you decide to use professional movers, it’s wise to shop around to find the best price. Here’s why: For moves under 100 miles away, the national average cost of moving is $1,400, and it ranges from $800 to $2,500. If you’re moving long distance, the average cost can be as high as $2,200 to $5,700. To cut costs, you can do your own packing, which may save you money.

•   Moving your things in a storage container. Another option is to use a hauling container — you load your things in it, and the container company moves it to your new location. This usually costs between $500 and $5,000, depending on the distance and how much stuff you’re moving. Long-distance moves will usually cost more than local ones.

Moving Supplies

If you decide to go the DIY moving route, you will need to buy boxes, bubble wrap, labels, and tape. And you likely have more items to wrap and box up than you think, which requires even more supplies.

Cleaning Supplies

You’ll probably want to clean your current property before you move out, and you’ll definitely want to clean the new place when you move in. That means buying mops, sponges, cleaning solutions, and paper towels. You may also want to get the carpets cleaned or hire a professional house cleaner if the place needs a deep cleaning.

10 Common Expenses After Buying a Home

Once the move is done, there are other expenses you’ll need to account for as you settle into your new abode. Here are a few things to budget for after buying a home.

Furniture and Appliances

You’ll likely bring some furniture and decor from your old place, but you’ll probably want to purchase some new things as well. For example, if the appliances are outdated, you might want to upgrade to new ones. And you may have more rooms to furnish, which requires additional furniture.

Consider opening a savings account for the new items you want to purchase. It can also help pay for any unexpected costs, such as having to replace a hot water heater that breaks.

Mortgage Payments

As a homeowner, every month you will making a mortgage payment that typically includes:

•   The principal portion of the payment. This is the percentage of your mortgage that reduces your payment over the life of the loan. The more you pay toward principal, the less you will have to pay in interest.

•   The interest. This is the amount you pay to borrow funds from the bank or lender to purchase your home.

If you are using an escrow account to pay your mortgage, other things may be included in your payment, such as your property taxes, insurance, and private mortgage insurance. This guide to reading your mortgage statement can help you understand all the costs involved in your mortgage payment.

Property Taxes

Property taxes are the taxes you pay on your home. In many cases, these taxes are the second most significant expense after your mortgage. Property taxes are based on the value of your home, which is typically governed by your state. The county you live in collects and calculates the sum due. Usually, property tax calculations are done every year, so the amount you owe may fluctuate annually.

Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance helps protect your home from damage or destruction caused by events like a fire, wind storm, or vandalism. It can also protect you from lawsuits or property damages you are liable for. If someone slips and falls on your sidewalk, for instance, homeowners insurance will pay for the injured person’s medical bills and the legal costs if they decide to sue you.

The cost you pay for this coverage will vary by the type and amount of coverage you select.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

For borrowers who can’t afford a down payment that’s 20% of the mortgage value, lenders usually require private mortgage insurance (PMI). This type of coverage is designed to protect the lender if you default on your mortgage payments.

PMI can cost as much as a few hundred dollars per month, depending on the sum you borrow.

HOA Dues

This is a Homeowner’s Association fee, which goes toward the upkeep of property in a planned community, co-op, or condo. The amount can range from a couple of hundred dollars a year to more than $2,000, depending on the amenities you’re paying for (like a pool and landscaping). You typically pay HOA fees monthly, quarterly, or annually.

Utilities

Your utility payments include water, gas, electric, trash, and sewer fees. Some bills like water and electricity are based on the amount you use every month, so monitoring your electric and water usage, like taking short showers and turning lights off, can help lower your cost. Other payments, such as your trash or recycling, might be a fixed amount.

Lawn Care

Maintaining the curb appeal of your home requires landscape services and lawn care. If you choose to mow your own lawn, you may need to factor in the purchase of a mower, which can cost about $1,068 on average. If you hire a lawn service to cut your grass, you may pay $25 to $50 a week.

Pest Control

Pests, such as ants, ticks, rodents, or mice, can wreak havoc on your home and your family’s health. For these reasons, many homeowners hire a pest control company to prevent the infestation of pests around their homes. The company’s initial visit may cost between $150 to $300, then $45 to $75 for every follow-up.

Home Improvement Costs

As a homeowner, there are likely things you want to change about your house. From painting the walls to a complete kitchen renovation, transforming your property can add to the cost of owning a home. According to the HomeAdvisor 2023 State of Home Spending Report, homeowners spend an average of $9,542 on home improvement each year.

Additionally, as the features of your home age, you will need to replace and repair them accordingly.

Common Mistakes After Buying a Home

One of the most common mistakes people make when buying a home is spending more than they can afford. For instance, you may forget to factor in utilities, lawn care, HOA fees, costs of upkeep, and other hidden expenses that come with owning a home. It’s crucial to do your research to determine extra costs and add them up before you move forward with purchasing a property.

Another mistake new homeowners make is taking on too many DIY projects. TV shows can make home renovations look easy. However, many of these projects require professionals who know what they are doing. Attempting a home improvement project could cost you more to fix than hiring a pro in the first place. In fact, about 80% of homeowners that attempt their own renovation projects make mistakes — some of them serious.

Unless you can afford an expert, you may want to rethink purchasing a home that requires a lot of renovation.

The 50/30/20 Rule

For help planning your budget as a homeowner, you can use the 50/30/20 rule, which breaks your budget into three categories:

•   50% goes to to needs

•   30% goes to wants

•   20% goes to to savings

That means you’ll be budgeting 50% of your income to go toward necessities such as housing costs, grocery bills, and car payments. Then 30% will go toward things you want, such as entertainment (movies, concerts), vacations, new clothes, and dining out. The remaining 20% goes towards saving for the future or financial goals such as home improvement projects.

Using a 50/30/20 budget rule is simple and easy. It allows you to see where your money is going and helps you save.

Recommended: How to Track Home Improvement Costs

Lifestyle Tradeoffs in Order to Budget

With so many things to budget for after buying a home, you may need to cut back on spending. Start by looking at your discretionary spending and think about where you can trim back. For example, instead of eating out regularly, you can cook more meals at home. Or perhaps you can put your gym membership on hold and do at-home workouts for a while to stay in shape physically and financially.

Recommended: How to Budget in 5 Steps

The Takeaway

After you buy a house, there are many expenses you may not have accounted for, such as the cost of hiring movers; buying furniture; and getting your new place painted, cleaned, and ready to move into. Making a budget is vital to keep you on track financially, so you can enjoy your new home.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

How much money should you have leftover after buying a house?

After buying a home, the amount you have left will vary depending on your financial situation. However, it’s a good idea to have at least three to six months of living expenses in reserve. That way, in case of an emergency, you can stay afloat financially.

Is it worth putting more than 20% down?

Putting more than 20% down on your home can help lower your monthly mortgage payment and interest because you’ll be borrowing less money. It also gives you more equity in your home from the beginning. But make sure you can afford to pay more than 20% in order not to stretch beyond your budget.

What’s the 50-30-20 budget rule?

The 50/30/20 rule means that you budget 50% of your expenses for needs (housing, groceries, loan payments), 30% for wants (entertainment, eating out, shopping), and 20% toward savings goals (retirement, renovations, new furniture).

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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.

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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An IRA CD is simply an individual retirement account (IRA) in which the investor has opened one or more certificates of deposit (CDs).

This may provide tax advantages and be a smart long-term move for some savers. Keep reading to learn how an IRA CD works and its pros and cons.

What Is an IRA CD?

An IRA CD is an IRA where your money is invested in certificates of deposit. In other words, an IRA CD is a traditional, Roth, or other type of IRA account where the funds are invested at least partly in CDs.

Investing in CDs can offer some tax advantages and may be a good option for long-term savings. As you may know, a CD, or certificate of deposit, is a time deposit. You agree to keep your funds on deposit for a certain amount of time, typically at a fixed interest rate.

💡 Quick Tip: Don’t think too hard about your money. Automate your budgeting, saving, and spending with SoFi’s seamless and secure mobile banking app.

How Do IRA CDs Work?

If you choose to put your retirement money in an IRA, you have the chance to choose investments that might include stocks, mutual funds, bonds — and also CDs. By investing in CDs within an IRA, you can add to your portfolio’s diversification. Unlike equities, CDs can offer a predictable rate of return.

By investing in an IRA CD, you no longer have to pay taxes on the interest gains, and the money can grow taxed-deferred.

But if you withdraw funds prior to the CD’s maturity date, you will face an early withdrawal penalty. Once the IRA CD matures, you can either renew it or take your money and invest it in the stock market for potentially higher returns.

How much can you contribute to an IRA CD? It depends on the type of IRA account you choose. Traditional and Roth IRAs have contribution limits of $7,000 per year as of 2024, or if you are 50 or older, the contribution limit is $8,000 per year. The contribution limits for SEP IRAs are typically higher.

If you choose an IRA CD with a bank or credit union backed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., or FDIC, your money in the IRA CD is insured for up to $250,000 per depositor, per account ownership category, per insured institution. This means that if the bank goes under for any reason, your retirement funds are covered up to that amount.

CD Basics

A CD or a certificate of deposit is a type of savings or deposit account that usually offers a fixed interest rate for locking up your money for a certain period of time, known as the term. An investor deposits funds for the specified terms (usually a few months to a few years), and cannot add to the account or withdraw funds from the account until the CD matures.

In exchange, for keeping your money in a CD, the bank will offer a higher interest rate compared with a traditional savings account. But the chief appeal for retirement-focused investors is that CDs can provide a steady rate of return, versus other securities in a portfolio which may entail more risk.

You may be able to find variable-rate and promotional-rate CDs as well.

Recommended: How Investment Risk Factors into a Portfolio

IRA Basics

An IRA or individual retirement account is a tax-advantaged account designed for retirement planning. There are different IRA types to choose from, such as a traditional IRA, Roth IRA, or SEP IRA. By contributing to this type of account, you can have your money grow tax-free or tax-deferred, depending on the type of IRA you open.

Think of an IRA as a box in which you place your retirement investments. With an IRA, investors have the flexibility to invest in a variety of securities for their portfolio.

For this reason, it might make sense for some investors to include CDs as part of their asset allocation within the IRA.

Pros and Cons of IRA CDs

IRA CDs have unique characteristics that can benefit account holders as they think about how to handle their retirement funds. The upsides include:

•   Compared to investing in the stock market where investment returns can be volatile and unpredictable, IRA CDs are low-risk cash investments.

•   CDs guarantee a fixed return.

•   With an IRA CD, there are similar tax benefits that come with a traditional IRA. Investors can enjoy tax benefits such as growing your account with pretax dollars while having your earnings accumulate tax-deferred until you reach retirement.

There are some cons associated with IRA CDs to keep in mind:

•   With an IRA CD, you have to keep your money locked away for a period of time that varies depending on the maturity date you choose. During this time, you cannot access your funds in the event you need capital.

•   If you decide to withdraw cash prior to the IRA CD’s maturity, you will incur early withdrawal penalties. After age 59 ½ there is no penalty for withdrawing cash.

•   While putting your retirement funds in an IRA CD is a safer and lower-risk option than investing in the stock market, the returns can be quite low. If you are in retirement and are concerned about the stock market’s volatility, an IRA CD could be a safer option than other securities. But if you are many years away from retirement, an IRA CD may not yield enough returns to outpace inflation over time.

Pros of IRA CDs	Cons of IRA CDs
Low-risk investment	Money is locked away until maturity
Guaranteed return	Penalty for early withdrawal
Tax-deferred growth	Returns can be low vs. other retirement savings options

Who Should and Should Not Invest in an IRA CD?

IRA CDs are a safe way to invest money for retirement. However, they are best suited for pre-retirees who are looking for low-risk investments as they approach retirement age.

If you are many years away from retirement, an IRA CD is probably not the best option for you because they are low-risk and low-return retirement saving vehicles. In order to see growth on your investments you may need to take on some risk.

If you decide an IRA CD is the right option for you, you also must determine if you are comfortable with keeping your money stowed away for a period of time. Account holders can choose the length of maturity that best suits them.

How to Open an IRA CD

The first step is to open an IRA at a bank, brokerage, or other financial institution. Decide if a traditional, SEP, or Roth IRA is right for you. You can set up the IRA in-person or online. Once you open an IRA account, you can buy the CD.

Choose the CD that fits your minimum account requirements and length of maturity preference. Typically, the shorter the CD maturity, the lower the minimum to open the account. When considering maturity, you also should compare rates. Often, the longer the maturity, the higher the rate of return.

The Takeaway

If you’re looking to add diversification to the cash or fixed-income part of your portfolio, you might want to consider opening an IRA CD — which simply means funding a CD account within a traditional, Roth, or SEP IRA. Bear in mind that CDs typically offer very low interest rates, though, and your money might see more growth if you chose other securities, such as bonds or bond funds.

If you’re thinking about how to earn a steady rate of return on your savings, consider an account with SoFi.

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 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

What is the difference between an IRA CD and a regular CD?

A standard CD is a separate account you open at a bank or credit union. An IRA CD is where the CD is funded within the IRA itself.

Can you withdraw from an IRA CD?

With a regular CD, you withdraw the funds penalty-free when the CD matures. With an IRA CD, however, you can withdraw the funds penalty free starting at age 59½, per the rules and restrictions of the IRA.

What happens when an IRA CD matures?

Once your IRA CD matures, you’ll receive the principal plus interest. Then you can either leave the IRA CD as is or renew it. You cannot withdraw the funds from an IRA CD until age 59 ½, as noted above.

Are IRA CDs safe?

Yes, IRA CDs are considered low-risk. If you open an IRA CD with a federally insured institution, your funds can be covered up to $250,000 per depositor, per account ownership category, per insured institution.

Who offers IRA CDs?

IRA CDs can typically be found at traditional and online-only banks as well as credit unions and brokerage firms.

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

As an alternative to direct deposit, 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.

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

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

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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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