SoFi Blog

Tips and news—
for your financial moves.

The Secret to Leveling Up Your Investment Strategy in 2024

The world of investing is vast, and, at times, complicated.

Part of leveling up your investing game is understanding what’s out there, and how it may fit with your portfolio, and risk tolerance. Or not! That’s right, investing is just as much about knowing what isn’t right for you.

One investment type that may leave you intimidated is options. So let’s break it down: An option is a financial instrument tied to an underlying asset. They are a type of derivative, named for their relation to their underlying assets that determine their value.

In practice it may look like this: Instead of buying a stock outright, an options contract allows the buyer to potentially profit from price changes in that stock without actually owning it.

You can also use options to protect existing positions you have. For example, if you own a stock that has risen in value, and want to protect your gains, you may buy an option to sell it at a specific price. That way, if the value of your stock falls further, you have locked in a sale price ahead of time.

That’s pretty nifty, but options also come with more risk than more “regular” investments, as they can result in steep losses. Learn more about options trading for beginners here.

Why do People Trade Options?

Watch the video, where financial educator Ro$$ Mac shares 4 reasons why investors might consider trading options. Whether investors are looking for flexibility or income, he breaks down why options may help as part of an overall investing and financial strategy.

Interested in options? SoFi’s trading platform offers access to options from the mobile app or the web. Head to your SoFi Invest account to get started.


Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.
The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. These links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this content.
Communication of SoFi Wealth LLC an SEC Registered Investment Adviser
SoFi isn’t recommending and is not affiliated with the brands or companies displayed. Brands displayed neither endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks and service marks referenced are property of their respective owners.

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INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA(www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org).
Automated investing is offered through SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser.
​​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. Information related to lending products contained herein should not be construed as an offer to sell, solicitation to buy or a pre-qualification of any loan product offered by SoFi Lending Corp and/or its affiliates.
SoFi doesn’t provide tax or legal advice. Individual circumstances are unique. Consult with a qualified tax advisor or attorney about your specific needs.

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

Only offers made via ACH are eligible for the match. ACATs, wires, and rollovers are not included. Offer ends 12/31/23.

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PSLF Resource Hub


Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Welcome to your
PSLF resource hub.

You’re in the right place to learn more about Public
Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
, where you can
find out if you qualify for student debt forgiveness. Plus,
this hub has all the tools you may find useful to navigate the
program.

To qualify for the PSLF program, all of
the following must be true:

You’re employed full time (30 hours per week or more) by a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government, or a not-for-profit organization (federal service includes U.S. military service).

Have Direct Loans (or you consolidated other federal student loans into a Direct Loan).

You’re repaying your loans under an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan.

You’ve made at least 120 qualifying payments.

You’ve checked here to make sure you qualify.

Common jobs that qualify for the
PSLF program.

Doctors and nurses

Veterinarians

Teachers, college faculty, and staff

Government employees and social workers

PSLF facts.

There’s a lot to know about the PSLF program, like which federal repayment 
programs qualify—and which don’t. Plus, you’ll want to learn how to enroll, 
submit forms, and maintain your eligibility. Let’s dig in.

  • Student loan payments resuming

    All about the PSLF program

    All about the PSLF program:


    • Are you a non-profit or government employee?
    If yes, you could be eligible for the PSLF Program, which forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans if you meet specific criteria. Find out if you qualify. Read more.

    • Student Loan Forgiveness 101.
    While the Supreme Court decided against Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan, PSLF is still a major option—and other options also exist. Learn more

    • Get help navigating your student debt.

    We can help you manage your debt and make your repayment plan as simple and as smooth as possible. Learn more.


  • Student loan forgiveness:

    Which federal programs qualify

    Which federal programs qualify:


    • Some federal repayment programs qualify for PSLF—and some don’t.

    Find out whether your particular federal repayment program qualifies for PSLF and which other federal programs that are eligible…or not. Plus, get even more answers about student debt repayment. Learn more.

    • Quiz: Still paying off your loans but thinking of making a repayment switch?
    You can take this quiz to get a better understanding of your options and see example scenarios that could be similar to yours. Read more.


  • Interest rates and inflation:

    How to enroll or maintain eligibility

    How to enroll or maintain eligibility:


    • The five important steps for enrolling in the PSLF program.

    There are very important steps in this process—make sure you know exactly what they are and what you need to do. Learn more.

    • You can get help enrolling.

    The Department of Education is here for you. Their online PSLF tool can help you get a clearer picture of where you stand, while also helping you manage the entire PSLF enrollment process. Get started.

    • What if you refinance? Can you still qualify for PSLF?

    There are some pros and cons to refinancing or enrolling in PSLF. You may want to leave public service or pay off your loans sooner. But valuable “forgiveness” may be off the table depending on what you decide. Read more.


Your one-stop shop for all things student loans.

Get important student loan info—all in one place. Watch helpful webinars, download our comprehensive guide, or connect with a student debt specialist who can help you manage your loans.


Learn more

Have more questions?
Our team can help you find your way. 

  • SoFi at Work Overview Support

    For questions about your financial well-being benefits, our support team is ready to help. Just email us at [email protected] or call 833-277-SOFI.


    Visit portal

  • SoFi Student Loan Specialist

    Our specialists can help you manage the complexities of debt, identify ways to help you lower your monthly payments—and much more. Call 888-594-2936 or schedule a call below.


    Schedule now

  • SoFi at Work Financial Planners

    Our financial planners provide advice based on your unique needs and financial goals, including paying back student loans—and more.


    Schedule now

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