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Q: How Much Does Coding Bootcamp Cost?

The coding Bootcamp cost varies depending on the program. The average is $13,584, but they can range from $7,800 to $21,000.

Jun

2023

How to Pay for Coding Bootcamps

By Kylie Ora Lobell | Building Your Career, Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for software developers is going to increase by 25% from 2021 to 2031. This represents a significantly higher projected growth than the average for all occupations. Median annual pay for software developers was $120,730 in May 2021 (the most recent government statistic available.)

But how do you pay for the training? These programs can be pricey, and not all students have enough cash on hand to cover the cost. Fortunately, there are ways to make coding bootcamp more affordable. Read on for a closer look at how these programs work, including average costs and payment options.

What Do Students Learn in Coding Bootcamp?

Students will learn a variety of programming languages, rather than focusing on just one, to be equipped for a dynamic job market. When students graduate, they may have a portfolio, a website, profiles on programming websites, as well as interviewing and job hunting skills.

These programs teach frameworks and programming languages like JavaScript, CSS, HTML, Ruby on Rails, Python on Django, and PHP. According to a Course Report study, 79% of Bootcamp graduates find jobs as programmers.

Coding bootcamps are intensive programs that teach skills like data science, cybersecurity, full-stack web development, and technical sales, among others. Typically, the average Bootcamp is around 14 weeks long but can range anywhere from six to 28 weeks. Courses are offered online or in-person and at dedicated coding Bootcamp facilities or at universities a Bootcamp program might partner with.

How Much Does Coding Bootcamp Cost?

The coding bootcamp cost varies depending on the program. While the average full-time coding bootcamp in the US costs $13,584, bootcamp tuition can range from $7,800 to $21,000. It’s a good idea to ask about costs for the programs you are interested in so you’ll have adequate information to compare programs. The cost of coding bootcamp might seem high, but paying for a college degree can be a much costlier investment.

If the cost seems out of reach, looking into free coding bootcamps might be an alternative. Some free programs are open to anyone, while others require passing one or more tests. There are also free coding programs targeted to women, girls, and residents of underserved neighborhoods. Some of the free programs offer just basic instruction in coding, while others are more comprehensive.

Recommended: Are Coding Bootcamps Worth the Money?

Paying for Coding Bootcamp

There are a variety of options to pay for coding Bootcamp.

Loans

One option might be taking out a coding bootcamp loan. Some coding bootcamps partner with lenders that offer various terms and interest rates depending on a variety of the student’s financial factors. Bootcamps might also offer their own financing, or students might choose to apply for a loan through a bank or credit union. It’s important, however, to read the fine print of any loan agreement to be sure you’re aware of any fees, such as an origination fee or early repayment fee, that could add to the cost of the financing.

Alternative Ways to Pay Tuition

Coding Bootcamps may also offer an income sharing agreement (ISA) or deferred tuition. Students who choose an ISA agree to pay a percentage of their income to the school for a certain period of time after they graduate and find a job. With deferred tuition, students will either pay no upfront tuition or they’ll pay a small deposit, and then begin paying tuition once they graduate and secure a job.

The terms of each ISA or deferred tuition program differ by program. For instance, The Grace Hopper Program does not require students to pay tuition if they are unable to secure a job within one year of graduating. GeneralAssembly does not require students to pay tuition if they don’t secure a job that pays $40,000 within eight years of graduating.

Recommended: Ways to Pay for Your Child’s Tuition

Employer Funded

If students are already working, they might consider asking their employer to fund part of or all of their boot camp education. By demonstrating to their employer that by increasing their skill set they’ll be able to contribute more to the company and boost their productivity, their employer might be willing to pay for some of the program cost.

Recommended: How Does Tuition Reimbursement Work?

Military Benefits

US military veterans may be able to pay for their coding Bootcamp using their GI Bill benefits. Another funding source for veterans to look into is the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) program . This educational assistance program funds education for qualified veterans in computer software and programming training, and data processing, information science, and media applications programs. Benefits include housing costs incurred during the training program as well as tuition for full-time students.

Paying Out-of-Pocket

Using personal savings to pay for a coding bootcamp program is an option some students might have. While it may be difficult to part with the money, the return might be worth it. The median starting salary for a coding bootcamp grad is between $77,030 and $120,730.

Recommended: Jobs that Pay for Your College Degree

Coding Bootcamp Scholarships

Students seeking scholarship funds won’t have far to look. Like scholarships for any other education program, these are available to students who meet a variety of qualifications, for instance, residence in certain geographic locations, students of diverse genders and cultural backgrounds, veterans, and military spouses, among many others.

Some scholarships might be need-based, while others will be based on merit. The amount of tuition and other costs that are covered will vary by scholarship.

Types of Jobs for Coders

After graduating from coding bootcamp, students will be qualified to work in a variety of jobs, including:

•   Software engineer: working with Ruby, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
•   Data scientist: discovering insights from massive amounts of data.
•   Back-end web developer: using PHP, Sql, Ruby, Python, or Java.
•   Front-end web developer: utilizing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to design websites.
•   Full-stack developer: troubleshooting website design on the front and back end.
•   Mobile developer: building mobile apps.

There are many options, and students can look for a job that best suits their skills.

The Takeaway

If you want to be a part of the growing technology field, a coding bootcamp might be a route you can take. While the cost can be a deterrent, there are a number of ways to make the tuition more manageable, including scholarships, deferred tuition programs, tuition financing, and/or an employer-based tuition reimbursement plan.

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

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

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Jun

2023

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Can Student Loans Be Refinanced?

By Sarah Brooks | Debt Payoff, Student Loans, student_loan | No Comments

Yes, student loans can be refinanced if you’re looking to combine multiple loans into one, lower your interest rate, or lower your monthly payment. You can refinance both federal and private student loans, but refinancing federal loans with a private lender will remove access to federal protections and benefits.

Here’s a detailed look at student loan refinancing so you can decide if it’s the right decision for you.

How to Refinance Student Loans

When you refinance your student loans, you’re essentially taking out a new loan and using it to pay off your existing student loans. Refinancing may allow you to secure a lower interest rate or reduce your monthly payments.

Student loan refinancing may also allow you to change your repayment term. If you took out a private student loan to pay for your education, the repayment terms were set when you borrowed the loan.

If you borrowed federal loans, there are student loan repayment plans you can choose from, including the Standard 10-year Repayment plan or one of four income-driven repayment plans. If you refinance, you can choose a shorter or longer repayment term, but you will lose access to the federal repayment options.

A shorter repayment term will mean that your monthly payments will increase, but that you’ll most likely pay less in interest over the life of your loan. In contrast, a longer repayment term will mean that your monthly payments will decrease, but you might pay more in interest overall.

Can I Refinance Student Loans?

Yes, you can technically refinance your student loans at any time. However, while in school, federal loans (and most private loans) do not require you to make payments. Unless you’re able to start making payments and can lock in a lower rate with a refinance, it may make sense to wait until you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment.

When you refinance student loans with a private lender, the lender is going to look at your credit profile and debt-to-income ratio to qualify you and determine your interest rate. It may make sense to build your credit and have a stable job prior to applying for a refinance. You can also choose to refinance your loans with a cosigner to secure a better interest rate.

Is It Worth It to Refinance Your Loans?

You might be wondering if it’s worth it to refinance your student loans. The answer to that will depend on your personal financial situation, but using a student loan refinance calculator can help you see if and how much you could save by refinancing.

Depending on how much you have in student debt, reducing your rate by just a few percentage points could save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan if you keep your loan term the same. If you’re hoping to lower your monthly payment, you most likely will have to extend your loan term, which could result in paying more in interest overall.

Also note that refinancing federal student loans with a private lender removes federal student loan benefits and protections, such as income-driven repayment plans, deferment, and student loan forbearance.

What Types of Student Loans Can Be Refinanced?

Both federal and private student loans can be refinanced with a private lender. All types of loans can be refinanced, including Direct Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, Direct Consolidation Loans, and private student loans.

If you want to combine federal loans only into one loan with one monthly, you could consider a student loan consolidation. A student loan consolidation won’t save you money in interest, as it’s the weighted average of the loans you’re consolidating rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of a percent, but it could lower your payment if you extend your loan term.

Consolidating your federal loans allows you to keep access to federal benefits and protections. If you’re using them now or plan to in the future, this could be an excellent option to simplify your loan repayment.

If you don’t plan on using federal benefits and want to reduce your monthly payment or lower your interest rate, a student loan refinance could be the right choice for you.

What to Look for in a Student Loan Refinance Company

When it comes to refinancing student loans, consider finding a lender that doesn’t charge origination fees or prepayment penalties. Usually, you’ll have the choice between a fixed or variable rate loan.

Other things to look for in a student loan refinance company include excellent customer service ratings, an easy online application process, and possible member benefits, such as career coaching, financial advice, and rate discounts on loans.

Refinancing Student Loans With SoFi

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

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

FAQ

Is it legal to refinance student loans?

Yes, it is legal to refinance student loans. You can refinance both federal and private student loans with a private lender. You may be interested in refinancing if you’re wanting to lower your monthly payment or lower your interest rate. Keep in mind that refinancing federal loans will eliminate federal protections and benefits.

What happens when you refinance a student loan?

When you refinance your student loans, you pay off one or more of your existing student loans and have a new loan with a new interest rate, new terms, and a new monthly payment. You will then make your monthly payment to your new lender until it is paid off or you refinance it again with another company.

Why would you refinance student loans?

You may choose to refinance your student loans to lower your monthly payment, lower your interest rate, extend or shorten your loan term, and/or simplify your repayments.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.

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.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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

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

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Jun

2023

What Is a Charitable Gift Annuity and How Does it Work?

By Jamie Cattanach | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off

Funding your retirement is crucial—and donating money to worthy causes is a pretty great financial goal, too. When used correctly, a charitable gift annuity can help you accomplish both of those objectives at the same time.

What Is a Charitable Gift Annuity?

A charitable gift annuity allows a donor to make a contribution to a charity in exchange for a fixed monthly income for both the donor and an optional additional beneficiary later in life. This stream of payments can be a steady source of income in retirement, and is guaranteed through the annuity until all listed beneficiaries die.

However, there are important tax considerations to think through before purchasing a charitable gift annuity—or any annuity, for that matter. In this article, we’ll dive into the details on how charitable annuities work, what makes them different from other kinds of annuities, and how to determine whether or not one is right for you.

Understanding the Concept of Annuities

To fully understand charitable gift annuities, it’s important to have a background on annuities in general.

An annuity is a type of financial product used to create an income stream during retirement. It’s a contract—generally between the beneficiary and an insurance company or bank—that guarantees the buyer a set monthly payment in exchange for money the buyer pays in ahead of time.

Recommended: What is an Annuity, Exactly?

Depending on the type of annuity, the beneficiary might pay for it over time or in a lump sum. Sometimes, payments into the annuity can be made directly from an existing retirement account like an IRA or 401(k). Then, the annuity provider invests the money and makes payments back to the buyer once the retirement period starts. Payments might last for a set amount of time, like 10 years, or for the rest of the beneficiary’s life.

For the provider, an annuity is basically a wager against the buyer’s life expectancy. If the buyer passes away before the retirement savings they’ve paid into the annuity—along with any interest it’s earned in the meantime—has been paid back to them entirely, the annuity provider gets to keep the change.

With a charitable gift annuity, however, it works a little bit differently.

How Does a Charitable Gift Annuity Work?

With a charitable gift annuity, the contract is drawn up not between the buyer and an insurance company or bank (as with a standard annuity), but between a donor and a qualified charity. The donor makes a gift to the charity, some of which is used immediately for whatever needs the organization supports. However, part of the money is set aside in a reserve account, where it’s invested and will grow. Money from the reserve account—both principal and interest—are used to pay out the monthly stipend the beneficiary or beneficiaries receive.

Charitable annuity payments are made to the donor and beneficiary until both have passed away—at which point, the extra money is kept by the charity and used for charitable purposes.

In this way, the buyer of a charitable gift annuity can make a gift to a cause they support even after they’re gone, all while helping themselves create a secure and reliable retirement income in the meantime.

What are the Benefits of Charitable Gift Annuities?

Along with helping donors support a charity of their choosing both in and after life, charitable annuities have some other features that can make them attractive retirement vehicles for some people.

Non-Cash Donations

Many charitable gift annuities allow donors to contribute non-cash donations, including fixed income securities and investments—but also tangible items like art and real estate. Having this option means that donors might save money on taxes down the line. Annuity income is generally taxed as normal income at both the federal and state levels, but by donating physical securities, buyers of charitable gift annuities might pay less in capital gains taxes. (That said, regular income tax will still apply on any and all income received through the annuity.)

Payment Flexibility

Another nice thing about charitable gift annuities is the flexibility buyers have in receiving the payments when there are more than one beneficiary. Payments can either be structured to go to both beneficiaries at once, or to only kick in for the second beneficiary after the death of the first. In any case, any leftover funds will be donated to the charity when all beneficiaries have passed away.

Alternatives to Charitable Gift Annuities

Although charitable gift annuities can be a valuable tool, they may not be the right choice for every investor for a variety of reasons, including:

•   Gift annuities tend to have lower rates than most commercial annuity types, so they might not maximize your retirement income.
•   If you don’t have physical assets to donate, there may be more efficient ways to invest your cash.
•   Income streams from any type of annuity are usually still subject to federal and state income tax, unless they’ve been purchased using a Roth IRA or Roth 401(k), whose funds have already been taxed.

For investors who’d like more control over their investments, and fewer restrictions around when and how they can access the money, there are other places to put your retirement money.

One likely option is to take advantage of an employer-sponsored retirement account like a 401(k) at work. And almost anyone can bolster their retirement savings by investing in an IRA. Those under set income limits can invest in a Roth IRA, which will allow them to take tax-free distributions once they reach retirement age.

Even if you choose an alternative retirement option, you can continue to make donating to charities part of your financial lifestyle. It may even be possible to set aside money for charitable giving while on a tight budget.

The Takeaway

A charitable gift annuity is an annuity in which a donor contributes money to a charity, with the promise of getting regular payments in return later in life—for themselves and an optional beneficiary. Part of the initial payment, as well as any leftover funds, are donated to the participating charity after all the beneficiaries have died, making it a good way to secure retirement income while being charitable at the same time.

While a charitable annuity may be attractive to some investors, other types of retirement savings may allow an individual more nuanced control of their investments and more flexibility in the size and frequency of their withdrawals upon retirement.

There are many ways to invest for retirement, including opening a traditional, Roth, or SEP IRA with a SoFi Invest® online investing account. Members can choose between an active or automated account, and get access to a broad range of investment options, member services, and a robust suite of planning and investment tools.

Find out how to plan for retirement with SoFi Invest.

SoFi Invest®
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

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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Jun

2023

Lessons From the Dotcom Bubble

By Kim Franke-Folstad | Financial Independence, invest, Terminology | Comments Off

If you’ve been watching this year’s tech stock rollercoaster with an odd sense of déjà vu, you’re not alone.

Members of the market-watching media have noted the strong parallels between today’s tech sector and what went down when the dot-com bubble burst back in 2000. And those similarities—rising stock valuations, an increase in initial public offerings (IPOs), and a focus on buzz over basics—have some experts pondering if history is repeating.

If you—or your parents, or your grandparents—were affected by the 2000 dot-com crash, you may be wondering if there’s something you can do to help protect your portfolio this time around.

Here are five lessons from the dot-com bubble and the financial crisis that followed.

What Caused the Dotcom Bubble, and Why Did It Burst?

Back in the mid-1990s, investors fell in love with all things internet-related. Dot-com and other tech stocks soared. The number of tech IPOs spiked. One company, theGlobe.com Inc., rose 606% in its first day of trading in November 1998.

Venture capitalists poured money into tech and internet start-ups. And enthusiastic investors—often drawn by the hype instead of the fundamentals—kept buying shares in companies with significant challenges, trusting they’d make it big later.

But that didn’t happen. Many of those exciting new companies with optimistically valued stocks weren’t turning a profit. And as companies ran through their money, and fresh sources of capital dried up, the buzz turned to disillusionment. Insiders and more-informed investors started selling positions. And average investors, many of whom got in later than the smart money, suffered losses.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq index had climbed from under 1,000 to above 5,000 between 1995 to 2000. The gauge however slid from a peak of 5,048.62 on March 10, 2000, to 1,139.90 on Oct. 4, 2002. Many wildly popular dotcom companies (including Kozmo.com, eToys.com, and Excite) went bust. Equities entered a bear market. And the Nasdaq didn’t return to its peak until 2015.

What Can Investors Today Learn from the Past?

Every investment carries some risk—and volatility for stocks is generally known to be higher than for other asset classes, such as bonds or CDs. But there are strategies that can help investors manage that risk. Here are some lessons:

1. Diversification Matters

One of the most established strategies for protecting a portfolio is to diversify into different market sectors and asset classes. In other words, don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

It may be tempting to go all-in on the latest hot stock, or to invest in a sector you’re intrigued by or think you know something about. But if that stock or sector tanks, as tech did in 2000, you could lose big.

Allocating across assets may reduce your vulnerability because your money is distributed across areas that aren’t likely to react in the same way to the same event.

Diversifying your portfolio won’t necessarily ensure a profit or guarantee against loss. And you might not be able to brag about your big score. Over time though, and with a steady influx of money into your account, you’ll likely have the opportunity to grow your portfolio while experiencing fewer gut-wrenching bumps along the way.

2. Ignoring Investing Basics Can Have Consequences

Even as the stock market began its meltdown in 2000, individual investors—caught up in the rush to riches—continued to dump money into equity funds. And many failed to do their homework and research the stocks they were buying.

Prices didn’t always reflect underlying business performance. Most of the new public companies weren’t profitable, but investors ignored poor fundamentals and increasing warnings about overvalued prices. In a December 1996 speech, then Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan warned that “irrational exuberance” could “unduly escalate asset values.” Still, the behavior continued for years.

When Greenspan eventually tightened up U.S. monetary policy in the spring of 2000, the reaction was swift. Without the capital they needed to continue to grow, companies began to fail. The bubble popped and a bear market followed.

From 1999 to 2000, shares of Priceline Inc., the name-your-own-price travel booking site, plunged 98%. Just a couple months after its IPO in 2000, the sassy sock puppet from Pets.com was silenced when the company folded and sold its assets. Even Amazon.com’s shares suffered, losing 90% of their value from 1999 to 2001.

And it wasn’t just day traders who were losing money. A Vanguard study showed that by the end of 2002, 70% of 401(k)s had lost at least one-fifth of their value, and 45% had lost more than one-fifth.

Valuing a Stock

There are many different ways to analyze a stock you’re interested in—with technical, quantitative, and qualitative analysis, and by asking questions about red flags. It can help in determining whether a company is undervalued or overvalued.

Even if you’re familiar with what a company does, and the products and services it offers, it can help to look deeper. If you don’t have the time to do your due diligence—to look at price-to-earnings ratios, business models, and industry trends—you may want to work with a professional who can help you understand the pros and cons of investing in certain businesses.

3. Momentum Is Tricky

Momentum trading when done correctly can be profitable in a relatively short amount of time—and successful momentum traders can turn out profits on a weekly or daily basis. But it can take discipline to get in, get your profit and get out.

Tech stocks rallied in the late 1990s because the internet was new and everybody wanted a piece of the next big thing. But when the reality set in that some of those dot-com darlings weren’t going to make it, and others would take years to turn a profit, the momentum faded. Investors who got in late or held on too long—out of greed or panic or stubbornness—came up empty-handed.

Identifying a potential bubble is tough enough, and it’s only the first step in avoiding the fallout should it eventually burst. Determining when that will happen can be far more challenging. If day-trading strategies and short-term investing are your thing, you may want to pay attention to the trends and your own gut, and get out when they tell you it’s time.

4. History May Repeat, But It Doesn’t Clone

Sure, there are similarities between what’s happening with today’s tech sector and the dot-com bubble that popped in 2000. But the situations are not exactly the same.

For one thing, investors today may have a better grip on what the Internet is, and how long it can take to develop a new idea or company. Some stock valuations today are, indeed, stretched but not as stretched as they were during the dot-com bubble.

And though a strong recovery from the Covid-19 recession could prompt the Fed to cool things down in the future, Fed Chair Jerome Powell has said the central bank is in no hurry to raise benchmark short-term interest rates or to begin reducing its $120 billion in monthly bond payments used to stimulate the economy.

So though it can be useful to look at past events for investing insight, it’s also important to look at stock prices in the context of the current economy.

5. You Can’t Always Predict a Downturn, But You Can Prepare

The dot-com stock-market crash hit some investors hard—so hard that many gave up on the stock market completely.

That’s not uncommon. Investors’ decisions are often driven by emotion over logic. But the result was that those angry and fearful investors lost out on an 11-year bull market. You don’t have to look at every asset bubble or market downturn as a signal to run for the hills. Also, if the market decline is followed by a rally, you could miss out.

One strategy—along with diversifying your portfolio—may be to keep a small percentage of cash in your investment or savings account. That way you’ll have protected at least a portion of your money, and you’ll be set up to take advantage of any new opportunities and bargains that might emerge if the stock market does go south.

Investors should also really look at a company’s fundamentals as well. Does a business make sense? Does it seem like they can grow their sales and keep costs low? Who are the competitors? Do you trust the CEO and management? After deep research into these topics, if the company is still attractive to you, then it could make sense to hang on to at least some of the shares.

If you’re a long-term investor who’s purchased shares in strong, healthy companies, those stocks could very well rebound. But this is an incredibly difficult process that even seasoned investors can get wrong.

The Takeaway

Asset bubbles like the dot-com bubble can have different causes, but the thing they tend to have in common is that investors’ extreme enthusiasm leads them to throw caution to the wind.

In the late-‘90s and early-2000s, that “irrational exuberance” led investors to buy overpriced shares in internet companies with the expectation that they couldn’t lose. And when they did lose, the dot-com craze turned into a dot-com crash. Investors who thought they had a piece of the next big thing lost money instead.

Could it happen again? Unfortunately, there’s really no way to know when an asset bubble will burst or how severe the fallout might be. But a diversified portfolio can offer some protection. So can paying attention to investing basics and doing your homework before putting money into a certain stock. And it never hurts to ask for help.

With a SoFi Invest online brokerage account, investors can diversify their portfolio by putting money into stocks, ETFs or partial stocks called Fractional Shares. Do-it-yourself investors can trade on the Active Investing platform. Investors who prefer a more hands-off approach can have their portfolio managed for them with Automated Investing. And members can rely on SoFi’s educational resources and professional advisors for help.

Check out SoFi Invest today.

SoFi Invest®
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

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.

Investment Risk: Diversification can help reduce some investment risk. It cannot guarantee profit, or fully protect in a down market.

Stock Bits
Stock Bits is a brand name of the fractional trading program offered by SoFi Securities LLC. When making a fractional trade, you are granting SoFi Securities discretion to determine the time and price of the trade. Fractional trades will be executed in our next trading window, which may be several hours or days after placing an order. The execution price may be higher or lower than it was at the time the order was placed.

SOIN0523089

Jun

2023

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How to Find the Right Fixed Index Annuity Rate for Your Needs

By Rebecca Lake | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off

Annuities are a type of insurance contract that investors can use to fund their retirement or meet other financial goals. When someone purchases an annuity, they pay premiums to the annuity issuer. The annuity company then makes payments back to the annuitant as agreed in the annuity contract.

Those payments can start almost immediately or be deferred to a future date. Payments can be made monthly, annually, or in a single lump-sum. Earnings from the annuity are typically tax-deferred and withdrawals are taxable as ordinary income.

Generally, annuities are indexed, fixed, or variable. With a fixed annuity, you’re guaranteed to earn a minimum rate of return, making them relatively safe investments. Variable annuity returns hinge on how underlying annuity investments, such as mutual funds, perform which can make them riskier. Indexed annuities strike a middle ground in terms of their risk/reward profile.

Annuities can provide a steady stream of income in retirement, something that might feature in many people’s investment goals. What’s important to keep in mind, however, is that rates of return generated can vary from one annuity to the next. It’s helpful to understand how to compare index annuity rates side by side to find the best one for your needs.

What Is an Indexed Annuity?

An indexed annuity, or fixed index annuity, is a specific type of annuity product that can yield a minimum guaranteed rate of return along with a rate of return that’s linked to a stock market index. For example, the annuity’s performance may be based on the performance of the S&P 500 Composite Price Index. This is a market capitalization-weighted index that represents 500 of the largest publicly traded U.S. companies.

This type of annuity may be suitable to investors who seek upside potential with built-in downside protection, while enjoying the benefits of tax-deferred growth. Indexed annuities may also be favorable among investors who lean toward a passive versus active investing strategy.

What Are Fixed Index Annuity Rates?

Fixed index annuity rates are the guaranteed minimum rate of return on an annuity. Rather than tracking with interest rates, the fixed index annuity rate is benchmarked against a particular index.

How Fixed Indexed Annuities Work

Fixed index annuities have two phases: the accumulation phase and the income phase.

Once you purchase a fixed indexed annuity, the accumulation phase begins. This is the period during which your annuity earns interest on a tax-deferred basis. The amount of money you have in the annuity, also referred to as the contract value, can fluctuate over time based on how the underlying index that the annuity tracks is performing.

Annuity returns are typically recalculated every 12 months, though the annuity contract should spell out how and when return calculations occur. It’s important to keep in mind that the contract may specify a cap rate, which represents the maximum positive rate of return an indexed annuity can earn.

The income or annuity phase is when payments are made back to you from the contract. These payments can be made periodically or be delivered in a single lump sum. Additionally, they can last for a specified time frame or for the duration of your natural life. If you’re married, indexed annuity payments can also continue to be paid to your spouse after you pass away. The annuity contract will detail the payment schedule.

For example, in the accumulation phase, an annuity might pay out a minimum of 3% with a 7% rate cap (even if the index is tracking at 11%). In the income phase, the fixed index annuity might be paid monthly starting at a predetermined date, and pay out across the lifetime of you and/or your spouse.

How Are Fixed Index Annuity Rates Set?

Broadly speaking, index annuity rates are tied to the index they track. So again, this could be an index like the S&P 500 Composite Price Index or the Nasdaq 100.

With a fixed index annuity, the annuity company guarantees a minimum interest rate alongside the interest rate generated by the underlying index.

When setting fixed index annuity rates, annuity contract providers typically use several factors to determine how much of a return is credited to the contract owner. The actual rate of return realized from an indexed annuity can depend on:

•  Cap rate
•  Participation rate
•  Margin/spread fees
•  Riders

Here’s more on how each one affects fixed index annuity rates.

Cap Rate

Cap rate represents the upper limit on returns that an annuity can earn over time. So for instance, an indexed annuity that has a 3.5% cap rate would limit the returns credited to the annuity owner to that amount—even when the underlying index produces a higher rate of return. Generally, cap rates fall somewhere between 3 and 7% per year.

Participation Rate

If the index an annuity tracks goes up, the participation rate determines how much of that gain is credited to an annuity owner. For instance, if the index increases by 10% and the participation rate is 80%, an 8% return would be credited.

Margin/Spread Fees

Also referred to as an administrative fee, this fee can deduct a set percentage from index gains. An indexed annuity that realizes a 10% gain and has a 3% spread fee, for example, would yield a net credited return of 7%.

Riders

Riders can be used to enhance fixed indexed annuity benefits. For instance, you might choose to add a rider that would guarantee lifetime income payments to your spouse if you’re married. Expanding the annuity’s coverage can result in added premium costs, which may reduce credited returns.

What Is a Good Fixed Index Annuity Rate?

A “good” fixed index annuity rate is one that results in a rate of return that aligns with your objectives and needs. Index annuity rates can also vary based on the length of the contract term. Cost is also an important consideration, as indexed annuities can charge a variety of fees, including administrative fees and surrender charges, which may apply if you decide to cancel an annuity contract.

The top index annuities are the ones that offer the best combination of high rates and low fees. It’s also important to consider an annuity company’s ratings before purchasing an indexed annuity. Annuity Advantage can offer insight into how financially healthy an annuity provider is and how likely they are to be able to make annuity payments back to you when the time comes.

Is an Indexed Annuity Right for You?

Fixed index annuities can offer the potential to earn higher rates of return compared to traditional fixed annuities. At the same time, they may be less risky than a variable annuity product since they track an index rather than investing in the market directly.

Investment risk management is an important part of any strategy for growing wealth, even when you’re starting from scratch with building an investment portfolio. Indexed annuities aim to help with balancing that risk while creating an ongoing stream of income to rely on in retirement.

That said, it’s also important to consider how fixed index annuity rates compare to the rate of return one could earn by investing in the market directly. For example, you may see better returns by investing in individual stocks. That does involve taking more risk but individuals with a longer timeline until retirement generally have a broader window to recover from market downturns.

The Takeaway

A fixed index annuity offers investors a minimum guaranteed rate of return along with a rate of return that’s linked to a stock market index. While fixed indexed annuities do offer some advantages, they may not suit every investor and it’s important to research index annuity rates to find the right one.

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