Online shopping has never been easier or more popular with consumers. The bargains are mind-boggling. The selection is vast. Shipping is often free and fast. And those dreaded returns are getting simpler all the time.

According to the 2017 Deloitte holiday retail survey , the Internet isn’t just for browsing anymore. In past surveys, Deloitte found consumers were going online to find deals and recommendations, but when it came time to actually making a purchase, shoppers still hit the stores.

Last year, survey respondents said they planned to spend 51% of their holiday gift-buying budget online, compared with 42% in-store. And the National Retail Federation reported a year over year increase in online “and other non-store” sales of 11.5% in 2017.

As student loan debt climbs to unheard-of heights ($1.5 trillion ), a study by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College shows that graduates with student debt are saving only half as much for retirement as students without debt.

On the other hand, companies can struggle to recruit and retain top talent—and that’s another big problem.

A private letter ruling from the IRS , though, has people all across the country—from consultants to lawyers to industry execs to government officials, all the way to Congress—buzzing about a solution with the potential to help solve both problems.

May and June may be known as graduation season, but this December some graduates will put on their caps and gowns and enter the job market before their other classmates. Amid the bustle of winter celebrations, however, many December grads are left wondering, “when do you have to pay back student loans?”

Filmmaker Tatia Pilieva Partners with SoFi to Capture Honest, Raw Personal Stories On Money, Debt and Relationships

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. – December 19, 2018 – SoFi today launched a campaign showcasing some of its members’ most intimate stories around their personal struggles with money. Produced in collaboration with director Tatia Pilieva, the filmmaker most notably known for her sensational short film ‘First Kiss,’ the video captures twelve SoFi members, strangers to each other, meeting for the first time to have open-ended, unfiltered conversations about their lives, their money, and their views for their futures.

The video, along with more about the members featured in the video, are now live at https://www.sofi.com/moneytalks/.

“I’ve always been interested in intimate human stories and social cinema. Working with real people is inspiring,” said filmmaker Tatia Pilieva of Pulse Films. “When SoFi approached me to direct this project I was thrilled at the opportunity to have an honest conversation about money.”

SoFi member Sophia, for instance, recalls on camera the moment where she considered “ending it all” because the burden of debt was too tough for her to bear. SoFi member Shana remembers her checking account reaching just ten dollars. Another member, Matthew, grapples with his fear and anxieties around his upcoming graduation, after which he will be responsible for over $400,000 in student loan debt.

“It’s powerful to see our members engage in such personal, raw and honest dialogue with each other,” said Joanne Bradford, Chief Marketing Officer at SoFi. “The journey to financial independence can sometimes feel lonely and isolating, and by sharing these conversations we want people to know that they’re not alone. We see our members share stories and ask each other for advice every day, and this initiative brings to light some of the most important issues they’re facing. No matter their circumstance, we’re here to help them get their money right.”

In addition to the main video, there will be featurettes that go deeper into conversations between members. Collectively, these stories showcase how people are often times more likely to share personal details with complete strangers than those who are close to them. The campaign will be featured across SoFi’s social channels, with the company encouraging viewers to join the conversation and share their personal money stories using the hashtag #MoneyTalks.

These members are not alone in their stories. This year, student loan and credit card debt have reached epic proportions and set new records in the U.S, surpassing over $1.5 trillion and $1 trillion respectively. The burden of debt has both emotional and physical implications for many – in fact, a SoFi survey revealed that over 50% of respondents with student loan debt dealt with anxiety and depression as a result.

About SoFi

SoFi helps people achieve financial independence to realize their ambitions. Our products for borrowing, saving, spending, investing, and protecting give our more than half a million members fast access to tools to get their money right. SoFi membership comes with the key essentials for getting ahead, including career advisors and connection to a thriving community of like-minded, ambitious people. For more information, visit SoFi.com.

Contact

PR@SoFi.com