Doctors tend to make a good amount of money. For instance, primary care physicians report earning about $265,000 a year while specialists make approximately $382,000 annually, according to a 2023 survey from Medscape.
But compared to other high-earners, doctors also have high amounts of student debt. Med school graduates owe about $200,000 to $215,000 in student debt, reports EducationData.org. In addition, physicians spend extra years in school, rather than building equity in their future, such as having a 401(k) or an IRA.
That’s why it makes sense to know how to save money on taxes as a doctor and learn about physician tax deductions.
Here are five easy ways doctors can save on taxes, plus tax deductions for doctors.
1. Contribute to multiple tax-advantaged retirement accounts. One way to save? Instead of only paying into one company-sponsored 401(k) or 403(b), spread your retirement savings across as many tax-advantaged accounts as you can. By having multiple accounts like this, you can substantially increase your savings each year.
2. Consider a 529 plan account to save for children’s college funds. A 529 account grows tax-free when used for qualifying educational expenses. You might even get a tax deduction on your state taxes the year you fund it. Check your local tax laws to find out more.
3. If you own a practice or you moonlight, consider deducting all business-related expenses. For physicians, owning a practice comes with a perk: tax deductions for doctors. Think advertising, license fees, exam fees, website fees, professional publications, dues, memberships, medical associations, and conferences. The general strategy is to deduct as much on Schedule C or your personal tax return as possible.
4. For investments, consider the tax benefits of long versus short term gains. Owning an investment for more than one year means any profit will qualify as a long-term gain. That makes sense. What’s important to consider is that long-term capital gains are typically taxed lower than short-term capital gains (which are taxed at your ordinary income rate). For those with portfolios to manage, this is one factor worth keeping in mind.
5. For charitable donations, don’t forget you can donate investments. Most people know that donating cash or used items qualifies as a tax deduction. But for physician tax deductions, it’s good to remember you can donate appreciated stocks and funds. In this case, you can gain a double tax benefit by getting a tax deduction for the gift—and avoiding the capital gain on the sale.
Another way to possibly save money is with student loan refinancing. When you refinance, you replace your existing student loans with a new loan, ideally with a lower interest rate and better terms.
Should you refinance your student loans? One very important thing to keep in mind is that refinancing federal student loans makes them ineligible for federal protections and programs, like income-driven repayment plans. If you think you may need these federal benefits, refinancing may not be right for you.
This student loan refinancing guide may be helpful as you weigh your options.
If you decide to explore refinancing, this student loan refinance calculator can help you figure out what you might save. For instance, a lower interest rate or a longer loan term may help lower your monthly payment. However, a longer loan term means you may end up paying more interest over the life of the loan.
SoFi offers loans with competitive fixed and variable rates, flexible terms, and no fees. And you can find out if you prequalify in two minutes.
With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.
SoFi Student Loan Refinance If you are looking to refinance federal student loans, please be aware that the White House has announced up to $20,000 of student loan forgiveness for Pell Grant recipients and $10,000 for qualifying borrowers whose student loans are federally held. Additionally, the federal student loan payment pause and interest holiday has been extended beyond December 31, 2022. Please carefully consider these changes before refinancing federally held loans with SoFi, since the amount or portion of your federal student debt that you refinance will no longer qualify for the federal loan payment suspension, interest waiver, or any other current or future benefits applicable to federal loans. If you qualify for federal student loan forgiveness and still wish to refinance, leave unrefinanced the amount you expect to be forgiven to receive your federal benefit.
CLICK HERE for more information.
Notice: SoFi refinance loans are private loans and do not have the same repayment options that the federal loan program offers such as Income-Driven Repayment plans, including Income-Contingent Repayment or PAYE. SoFi always recommends that you consult a qualified financial advisor to discuss what is best for your unique situation.
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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.
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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Massachusetts has the highest percentage of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher in the country — outside of Washington, D.C. — and it’s home to elite schools like Boston College, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Tufts University.
Massachusetts may have some of the most expensive colleges in the country. But the commonwealth offers more financial aid options than many other states, including valuable tuition waivers, grants and scholarships.
The cost of education in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts public higher education system consists of 15 community colleges, nine state universities and five University of Massachusetts campuses. Students can also attend more than 90 private schools within its borders.
Here’s how much you can expect to pay for a year of tuition, required fees and room and board as a full-time undergraduate student in Massachusetts, based on 2020-21 average rates as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics:
Public four-year school (in-state): $28,317, about $6,980 higher than the national average.
Private four-year school: $65,784, about $19,471 higher than the national average.
Community college (in-state): $5,529, about $2,028 higher than the national average.
Financial aid options in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, the cost of a public university for an in-state student is less than half the cost of attending a private school. But to qualify for the lower, in-state rate, you must be a qualifying resident.
To qualify for in-state rates in Massachusetts, you must live in the state for at least 12 months prior to enrollment. If you’re applying to a community college, you have to live in the state for six months before enrollment.
You may be asked for documentation or proof of residency. Eligible documents include:
Federal and state income tax returns.
Employment pay stubs.
A Massachusetts high school diploma.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students can qualify for in-state tuition if they meet the residency requirements. However, they aren’t eligible for other state-based aid, such as grants or scholarships.
Undocumented students without DACA status aren’t eligible for in-state tuition or state-based aid.
Residents may be able to use one or more of the following state financial aid programs to offset the cost of education:
529 plans.
Scholarships.
Tuition waivers.
Student loan repayment assistance.
529 plans
For families who want to help their children pay for school, a 529 plan can be an excellent tool.
Massachusetts has two options:
U.Fund College Investing Plan
U.Fund College Investing Plan is a 529 investment plan in Massachusetts run by Fidelity. It allows you to invest and potentially grow your contributions to pay for a child’s education. There is no minimum to get started, and contributions are deductible on your Massachusetts income tax return. You can deduct up to $1,000 each year if you’re single, or up to $2,000 if you’re married and file a joint return.
Massachusetts also operates the Baby Steps program for children born or adopted in the state. If you open a U.Fund College Investing Plan account within one year of your child’s birth or adoption, the state will deposit $50 into the 529 to jump-start your savings.
U.Plan Prepaid Tuition Program
U.Plan Prepaid Tuition Program is Massachusetts’s prepaid tuition plan. It allows you to buy college credits at today’s rates, and your child can redeem them at participating Massachusetts colleges and universities in the future.
This plan has another perk: if your child chooses a school that doesn’t participate in the U.Plan program, you can cash out the fund and receive all of the contributions plus interest based on the consumer price index. There are no federal or Massachusetts tax consequences to cashing out the account.
In-state tuition
Massachusetts has some top public colleges and universities, and they’re about half the cost of private schools. However, Massachusetts is also part of the New England Regional Student Program (RSP), which allows Massachusetts residents to enroll at out-of-state New England public colleges and universities at a discount.
More than 2,500 undergraduate and graduate programs are part of the network. Eligible institutions are in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Massachusetts grants
Grants, a form of gift aid, are typically issued based on financial need. Massachusetts offers seven state-operated grant programs.
Foster Child Grant Program
For current or former foster children, the Foster Child Grant Program provides up to $6,000 in annual grant funds. You must be between 18 and 25 at the start of study to qualify, and you can receive the award to attend a public or private school in Massachusetts for up to five consecutive years.
MASSGrant and MASSGrant Plus
The MASSGrant and MASSGrant Plus programs are for undergraduates with unmet financial need. Award amounts are based on the student’s household income but can cover the student’s remaining tuition and mandatory fees. However, these programs won’t pay for room and board. MASSGrant Plus may cover other expenses, such as textbooks or school-required fees.
Massachusetts Gilbert Matching Student Grant Program
The Massachusetts Gilbert Matching Student Grant Program provides funding to private schools to give grants to students. Eligible undergraduate students can receive from $200 to $2,500 per academic year, but the funds can only be used at participating private schools within the state.
Cash Grant Program
The Cash Grant Program is a complementary program to the Massachusetts Need-Based Tuition Waiver Program (see below). It provides students with grant money to pay for additional education-related expenses, such as mandatory school fees, at eligible public colleges and universities.
Part-Time Grant Program
Part-time students at public or private schools who are Massachusetts residents for at least one year prior to the start of study may qualify for the Part-Time Grant Program. Award amounts vary, but the minimum amount is $200.
Public Service Grant Program
For children or spouses of individuals killed or missing during their work as public duty servants in Massachusetts, the Public Service Grant Program covers up to the total cost of tuition at qualifying schools.
Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant Program
Residents employed for at least two years as paraprofessionals in Massachusetts who wish to become certified teachers can take advantage of the Paraprofessionals Teacher Preparation Grant Program. It provides up to $7,500 per academic year for programs leading to a Massachusetts teaching certification.
Massachusetts scholarships
Massachusetts has several scholarships for students who display exceptional academic achievements or who have overcome significant personal obstacles. Depending on the award, eligible students can receive scholarships that cover up to 100% of the tuition cost. There are seven state-operated scholarship programs:
Agnes M. Lindsay Scholarship Program
The Agnes M. Lindsay Scholarship Program is for students attending public universities in Massachusetts. Students must have a demonstrated financial need and be a permanent resident of a rural area with fewer than 15,000 inhabitants. Award amounts vary by year.
Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship Program
Students who qualify for the Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship Program will receive an award that covers up to half of their calculated financial need at any university in the continental U.S. The scholarship is for Massachusetts residents who have overcome difficult personal circumstances, such as poverty, abuse or illness. Students must be nominated in the 10th or 11th grade by a school or qualified community agency or organization.
Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program
To increase the number and quality of teachers and care providers, Massachusetts created the Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program. Students pursuing degrees in early childhood education or related fields at select universities may be eligible for up to $4,500 per semester. Awardees must commit to working in an eligible program for at least one year.
Massachusetts High Demand Scholarship Program
The Massachusetts High Demand Scholarship Program is for students pursuing degrees in high-demand disciplines that will help address the state’s workforce needs. Eligible students attending a Massachusetts public university can receive up to $6,500 per year. Students can apply by completing a separate application through the MASSAid portal.
John and Abigail Adams Scholarship
The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship provides students with a credit that can pay for up to eight semesters of undergraduate education at a state college or university. The scholarship is awarded based on the student’s performance on the 10th grade Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) test.
One Family Scholarship Program
Low-income, head-of-household parents who are at risk of homelessness or who have experienced homelessness within the past year may be eligible for the One Family Scholarship Program. Award amounts vary, but it can cover tuition and living expenses for eligible students pursuing a degree at a Massachusetts school.
Paul Tsongas Scholarship
The Paul Tsongas Scholarship is awarded to students with high scores on the SAT or ACT and a GPA of 3.75 or higher. Eligible students can qualify for a waiver of mandatory tuition and fees at a state university.
Tuition waivers in Massachusetts
In addition to scholarships and grants, Massachusetts operates several tuition waiver programs. Depending on the program, you could qualify for a full or partial waiver of your tuition costs.
Career Advancement Program Tuition Waiver
Public school teachers within the first three years of teaching may be eligible for the Career Advancement Program Tuition Waiver. It waives the cost of one graduate-level course per year for up to three years.
Categorical Tuition Waiver
Veterans, Native Americans, senior citizens (over 60), members of the U.S. armed forces, and clients of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission or the Commission for the Blind can qualify for the Categorical Tuition Waiver. It waives the full cost of tuition at public colleges and universities within the state.
Collaborative Teachers Tuition Waiver
The Collaborative Teachers Tuition Waiver encourages teachers to become mentors to full-time student teachers from public colleges and universities. The program waives the cost of one graduate-level course at a public school for each mentoring teacher.
Department of Children and Families (DCF) Foster Child Tuition Waiver and Fee Assistance Program
Graduate Tuition Waiver
To encourage students to enroll in graduate school, the state created the Graduate Tuition Waiver program. The waiver’s value varies by year, but it can be used for tuition at public schools like the University of Massachusetts.
High Technology Scholar/Intern Tuition Waiver
Incentive Program for Aspiring Teachers Tuition Waiver
MassTransfer Tuition Waiver Program
The MassTransfer Tuition Waiver Program is for students who earned an associate degree at a Massachusetts community college and are transferring to a participating public school. It waives the cost of tuition for up to two years.
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) Prepaid Tuition Waiver Program
Need-Based Tuition Waiver Program
Commonwealth September 11, 2001 Tragedy Tuition Waiver
Children or spouses of those who died or went missing due to terrorism on Sept. 11, 2001, can qualify for this waiver, which covers up to 100% of tuition at a state school.
Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery Tuition Waiver
UMass Exchange Tuition Waiver
The UMass Exchange Tuition Waiver allows University of Massachusetts students to attend partner institutions without a tuition charge. Eligibility varies by school.
Valedictorian Program Tuition Waiver
Students who were valedictorians of their Massachusetts high school may qualify for the Valedictorian Program Tuition Waiver. If eligible, the full cost of tuition at public schools is waived.
Washington Center Program Tuition Waiver
Through the Washington Center Program Tuition Waiver, students at Massachusetts public colleges and universities are placed in internships in government offices, communication organizations, law firms and professional associations. Students can also qualify for a waiver of mandatory school fees and receive a $2,000 housing scholarship.
MEFA was created by the Massachusetts state legislature to offer low-cost college financing to families. It issues student loans to college students nationwide, and it also offers student loan refinancing.
For undergraduate students, repayment terms are 10 or 15 years. All loans have a fixed interest rate starting at 4.89%, and there are no origination fees.
For graduate or professional students, the repayment term is 15 years. Rates are fixed and start at 5.74%.
Eligibility is based on your credit score, income and whether you have a co-signer.
Massachusetts No Interest Loan Program
While anyone can apply for a MEFA loan, the Massachusetts No Interest Loan Program is more limited. It is a state-funded loan program that issues loans with 0% interest and 10-year repayment terms. Eligible students can borrow from $1,000 to $4,000 per academic year, with a lifetime maximum of $20,000.
It’s only available to Massachusetts residents of at least one year who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Eligibility is based on financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Other financial aid programs in Massachusetts
Students can also qualify for up to $250 each semester to pay for other expenses, such as transportation or textbooks.
Student loan repayment programs in Massachusetts
The average student loan balance per borrower in Massachusetts is $33,710, according to a NerdWallet analysis of 2022 Federal Student Aid Office data. If you are a Massachusetts resident with outstanding student loans, you may be eligible for help with your debt through the following state loan repayment program:
Massachusetts Loan Repayment Program for Health Professionals
Primary health care professionals, in areas including dental, medical and mental health, who commit to work for at least two years full time (or the part-time equivalent) in an eligible facility in a high-need area can qualify for up to $50,000 in student loan repayment assistance.
How to apply for financial aid in Massachusetts
To apply for Massachusetts financial aid programs, complete these steps:
Submit the FAFSA. Many of the state’s programs are awarded based on your financial need. Your need is determined by the information you submit on the FAFSA, so submit it ahead of the May 1 state deadline for priority consideration.
Create a MASSAid account. You can create an account through the MASSAid portal.
Complete a separate application. Some programs have their own applications. For example, the Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship Program has a separate application through MASSAid for nominators to fill out. Review the award requirements and fill out any necessary forms to apply.
If you have questions about state-based aid or how to apply for different programs, contact Massachusetts’ Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) at 617-391-6070 or by visiting the OSFA website.
You just came into a cash windfall. You’re happy about this, but you aren’t exactly sure about what to do with it. Should you spend it? Save it? Invest it?
Depending on the amount of money you now have and your financial situation, the answers are going to differ. Here are some things you can do with a financial windfall to ensure that you are handling it in the smartest way possible.
What Is Considered a Windfall?
There is no one specific definition for what is a financial windfall. Typically, it means that you’ve received some unexpected money of a significant amount. For some people, a windfall could be a few hundred dollars; for others, it could be millions.
Whatever the amount, if it feels as if you have come into a considerable amount of money that you weren’t anticipating, it makes sense to develop a plan for how to use it.
3 Tips to Help You Make the Most of Your Money Windfall
If you are fortunate enough to have a windfall land in your lap, consider these points before you take action (whether spending, saving, investing, or donating). These steps can help you make the most of your money:
• Get professional advice: Depending on the size and source of your windfall, you might owe taxes on it and it might push you into a different tax bracket. Consulting with an accountant or financial planner may help you identify the implications.
• Go slow: Of course it’s exciting to have cash coming your way, but it’s wise to take some time and reflect on how the money would be best spent versus deciding “Dinner’s on me!” for you and your 10 best friends to celebrate. For instance, could your windfall lower or wipe out some debt? Could it be invested? Don’t let the adrenaline rush drive you to make too quick a decision. Take some time to clarify your goals.
• Think long-term: If you’ve received a sizable sum, it may be tempting to drop everything and quit your day job to travel or take on a passion project. Again, financial counseling could be wise before you do such things. What sounds like a major sum may not actually finance those things (or at least allow you to go all in on them), so look at the implications carefully before making a big life change.
Remember That Taxes May Be Due on Your Windfall
As briefly mentioned above, taxes may be due on your windfall. Talking with a certified public accountant or financial planner could be a wise move. Some food for thought:
• A large inheritance (more than $12.06 million as an individual in 2022) from a relative other than a spouse would trigger federal taxes owed.
• A gift of more than $16,000 will require you to pay federal taxes.
• A lottery win is taxed as ordinary income.
What to Do With a $500 Windfall
Let’s say the amount of money you received was $500. While it isn’t a ton of money, it still is significant enough that you should figure out what to do with it. Here are a few ideas for what to do with a small windfall.
1. Investing in Real Estate
Did you know that you can become a real estate investor with just $500? The real estate crowdfunding platform DiversyFund allows you to invest in real estate investment trusts (REITs) with a minimum of $500. Although there is risk involved in real estate investing and it might tie up your money before you see a return, this might be a good way to get your feet wet when it comes to real estate.
2. Meeting With a Financial Advisor
Hiring a financial advisor to help you learn how to plan for your financial future might be a good use of this money. Financial advisor charges vary: Some might charge hourly while others are commission-based. If this professional will be managing a portfolio for you, it is fairly common to be charged 1% of the portfolio value.
3. Buying a New Wardrobe
You could refresh your wardrobe with a little extra money. Wearing the right clothes could make you feel more comfortable and give you the confidence to go after your professional goals. Or you might splurge on some clothes you’ve been eying that give you a self-esteem boost.
4. Traveling Somewhere Cheap
You may be able to save on hotel rooms and plane tickets when sales are running. Or, you could always take a road trip somewhere locally for only $500. Since you’re on a tight budget, you may want to use credit card rewards to finance any additional cost of your trip.
5. Investing in a Certificate of Deposit
Another thing you can do with a $500 financial windfall is put it into a certificate of deposit, which is a savings account with a fixed interest rate as well as the maturity date. It’s a low-risk way to invest your money.
6. Getting Your Car Fixed
Have you been putting off car repairs because they’re too expensive? Now that you have $500, it might be time to put it towards your vehicle so it’s less likely to break down when you’re on the road.
7. Buying Renter’s Insurance
If you’re a renter, your personal property is not covered under your landlord’s homeowners insurance policy. Your renter’s insurance policy, typically costing less than $500 per year, will cover the cost of your belongings should anything happen, as well as offer liability coverage if anyone gets injured on your property. How much does renters insurance cost? Prices will vary depending on where you live and the value of what you have to insure, but nationally the average cost is typically between $126 and $252.
8. Purchasing a Life Insurance Policy
Life insurance is designed to protect your family in the event that you pass away. The average cost of a life insurance policy is $26/month, so you could pay for the whole year upfront with just $500. Typically, life insurance rates increase as you age and your risk of dying increases. So it’s likely to be less expensive to purchase life insurance while you’re young, rather than waiting until you feel like you can afford it.
9. Taking a Professional Development Class
While private colleges and universities may be pricier, you may be able to find a class online or at your local community college for less than $500. Finding something that is relevant to your career may even help you move up the ladder at your job.
What to Do With a $1,000 Windfall
Did you receive a $1,000 financial windfall? Here are some tips on what to do with windfall money of that amount.
10. Getting Started on Your Emergency Fund
Ideally, your emergency fund will be as robust as possible and include several months’ worth of expenses just in case you lose your job or otherwise face some financial hardships. However, if you don’t have anything saved up, then putting $1,000 into it is a great start. You will have a safety net at the very least.
11. Hiring an Estate Planning Lawyer
Another important thing you could do with a $1,000 cash windfall is meet with an estate planning lawyer to write your will, establish a trust, and determine your power of attorney. You may feel some peace knowing your family will be protected and your assets will go where you wish to distribute them.
12. Opening a 529 Plan
A 529 plan is a way to save for your child’s college education. With $1,000, you can get a nice head start on college savings and gain interest on your money at the same time. Plus, the money will be tax-deferred.
13. Doing Home Improvements
With $1,000, you could do some significant home improvements like replacing your curtains, put down a new kitchen floor, paint different rooms, or spruce up your backyard. If you do the work yourself, you may be able to stretch your financial windfall money even further.
14. Donating It
If there’s a nonprofit you always donate to, you could make a big difference by giving $1,000 to it. You could also write it off on your taxes if it’s a qualifying organization.
15. Opening a High-Yield Savings Account
A typical savings account tends to have low-interest rates. But a high-yield savings account could earn up to 25 times the interest of a regular savings account. Putting the $1,000 in your account and then setting up automatic transfers from your checking into your new savings account will help it continue to grow.
16. Opening an IRA
If you don’t have anything saved up for retirement and you suddenly get a $1,000 financial windfall, then it might be time to open up an IRA. It’s wise to speak with a financial advisor about the best type of account for your situation.
17. Investing in Your Side Hustle
To make money on your $1,000 financial windfall, you could start or invest in your own low-cost side hustle. For instance, perhaps you’re a freelance graphic designer on the side but you need to buy some software to be able to do more detailed work. Or maybe you need to purchase a domain name and hire a developer to create a business website. With this initial investment, you may be able to bring in much more money and improve your finances.
What to Do With a $5,000 Windfall
You just got a cash windfall of $5,000. Now what? Here are some ideas.
18. Saving Up for a Down Payment
In some instances, you could make a down payment on a home for only 3% to 5%. For instance, if you purchase a $100,000 home and you only need to put 5% down, you could use your financial windfall money as your $5,000 down payment.
19. Paying Off Credit Card Debt
The average American family has $7,951 worth of credit card debt. Even if you have more than that much debt, $5,000 could make a big difference.
20. Investing Via Robo-Advisors
Do you want to invest your $5,000 cash windfall, but you don’t know where to start? Robo advisors create a diversified investment portfolio based on your investment goals and the level of risk you’re willing to take.
21. Investing in Blue-Chip Stocks
If you’re willing to take some risk with investments, then blue-chip stocks could be good investments for you. These stocks are from well-established and financially stable companies that typically pay dividends to investors.
22. Investing in International Bonds
Bonds typically have a solid history of returns, although slightly lower than that of stocks. However, since US interest rates have been relatively low, it may be a good idea to look into international bonds for a better return rate. These can carry higher risk because of currency exchange rates, however, so it’s wise to choose carefully, based on the country where the bond is held. Having both stocks and bonds in a portfolio is a good way to achieve diversification in a balanced portfolio.
23. Taking a Luxurious Vacation
With $5,000, you and your family could potentially vacation in a luxury resort. By looking for all-inclusive experiences, you could do much more with your money. Check out sites like Expedia, Costco Travel, and Booking.com for deals.
What to Do With a $10,000+ Windfall
If you received a cash windfall of $10,000 or more (lucky you!), here are some things you could do with it.
24. Opening a Money Market Account
With $10,000 could enable you to invest in a money market account, which typically earns a higher interest rate than a regular savings account.
25. Paying Off Student Loan Debt
The average student loan debt is more than $32,000. If you have a $10,000 financial windfall, you could put a nice dent in your student loan payments.
26. Trying Peer-to-Peer Lending
You could lend your financial windfall money to someone who is looking for a loan and have the opportunity to earn a much higher interest rate than you might receive on other types of investments.
27. Making Mortgage Payments
You could make a large principal-only payment toward your mortgage loan with a $10,000 cash windfall. Using an amortization calculator on the remaining balance of a fixed-rate loan will show you how much sooner you could pay off the loan.
28. Going to College
While $10,000 won’t cover a bachelor’s degree unless you also get grants or scholarships, you may be able to earn your associate’s degree at your local community college with your financial windfall money. This may also cover several classes at a university that could lead to career advancement.
29. Starting Your Business
Let’s say you want to do more than start a side hustle, and you’re ready to open a small business. With $10,000, you can get the ball rolling on your business without the need to borrow money. It could be a good idea to talk to a successful business owner in your industry who has the experience and can give you some guidance on how best to allocate your money.
30. Putting it in Your 401(k)
If you have a 401(k) through your employer, you could put your $10,000 into it. If your employer matches your contributions, the money could go even further.
31. Moving to a Different Home
Moving can be expensive, and a $10,000 financial windfall could be useful when it comes to covering moving costs. A move may make sense if you can find a place that’s more convenient to your work, restaurants, and entertainment and/or gives you and your family more space or offers additional amenities.
The Takeaway
Receiving a financial windfall of any amount is probably best handled with careful thought. You might pay down debt, take a vacation, invest the funds, or pursue higher education…or even do a little of each. Sometimes, the best thing to do is to set it aside while you take your time to make a decision about how best to spend it.
Earning interest on the money during a “thinking it over” period can be a good thing, too. A SoFi Checking and Savings Account can be a good place to park your money; it will earn a competitive annual percentage yield (APY) and you won’t pay any account fees. Those two features can help you money grow.
Better banking is here with up to 4.30% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.
FAQ
What amount of money is considered a windfall?
The amount of money that is considered a windfall will vary depending on your circumstances. If you are just starting out or earning a lower income, $500 might be cause for celebration. Typically, a windfall is considered $1,000 or more, and in some cases, it could be a major sum of six figures or more.
What to do with a $50,000 windfall?
There are many ways to use a $50,000 windfall. You could pay off high-interest debt, pump up your retirement account or savings for your children’s education, or you might invest it, whether in the stock market or your own business.
What can you do with a $100K windfall?
With a $100,000 windfall, you might pay off high-cost debt, stash money for future educational costs for yourself or your child, save for retirement, or invest the money or buy real estate with it.
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SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 4.30% annual percentage yield (APY) interest on Savings account balances (including Vaults) and up to 1.20% APY on Checking account balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for these rates. Members without direct deposit will earn 1.20% APY on all account balances in Checking and Savings (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 6/9/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances. 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. 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.
A life insurance policy can provide your loved ones with a death benefit should something happen to you. Permanent life insurance can also accumulate a cash value that you can withdraw or borrow while you’re still living. For example, you might use whole or variable life insurance for college savings to pay tuition bills, room and board or other costs. Is using life insurance to pay for college a good idea? There are some pros and cons to consider. Talking to a financial advisor can help you decide on the best way to save for college costs.
Understanding Life Insurance and Cash Value
Life insurance comes in different varieties, but the two main categories are term and permanent life. Term life coverage insures you for a set time period. If you pass away during the term, the policy pays out a death benefit to your beneficiaries that they could use to pay for college or other expenses. If you outlive the term, the policy terminates and no benefit is paid out.
Permanent life insurance, on the other hand, covers you for the duration of your life as long as premiums are paid. Certain types of permanent life insurance can also include a cash value component. As you pay in premiums monthly or annually, part of that premium is deposited into an interest-bearing account. You can then withdraw cash value or take out a loan against it during your lifetime.
Term life, meanwhile, doesn’t build cash value. However, it’s generally less expensive than permanent life insurance coverage. If you’re specifically interested in accumulating cash value with life insurance, you might be able to do that with a permanent whole life, universal life or variable life policy. The main difference between them lies in how the cash value account earns interest.
Can You Use Life Insurance for College Savings?
Yes, if you have cash value in a life insurance policy, you could use it to pay college expenses. There are typically three ways to do that:
Take a loan against your cash value
Withdraw cash from the policy
Surrender the policy
When you get a loan from a life insurance policy, you’re borrowing a lump sum from the cash value. You may not need to pay anything back toward the loan while you’re still living. When you pass away, the remaining loan balance is deducted from the death benefit and any remaining amount is paid to your beneficiaries.
You might choose to withdraw cash instead if your policy doesn’t allow for loans. A withdrawal would allow you to get cash for college or other expenses. Again, the death benefit would be reduced when the time comes to pay out a claim.
The final option is to surrender the policy altogether in exchange for its cash value. If you surrender, the policy terminates and you’ll no longer have coverage. You might choose this option to use life insurance for college savings if you have another life insurance policy as a backup or if you believe you have sufficient assets that make coverage unnecessary.
How to Use Life Insurance for College Savings
If you’d like to tap into your life insurance policy to pay for college, the first step is making sure that you can actually do so. A quick call to your insurance company or a review of your policy documents should tell you whether you have a term life or permanent life insurance policy and if it’s permanent, where there’s a cash value component.
Assuming that your policy has some cash value, the next step is deciding how to go about withdrawing it. Your insurance agent should be able to walk you through the different options. You may also want to talk to your financial advisor to discuss whether it makes more sense to borrow from your policy, withdraw the cash value or surrender it altogether.
If you’re opting for a loan or cash value withdrawal, you’ll need to know how much cash value is available and what amount to withdraw for college costs. You can then make the request to the insurance company to get the cash. Life insurance loans don’t require all the usual hoops associated with personal loans or student loans, though there might be some paperwork you need to fill out.
Once everything is finalized, the life insurance company will cut a check to you for the cash value that you’re taking out. You can then deposit it to your bank and once it clears, use the money to pay for college expenses.
Should You Use Life Insurance to Pay for College?
Life insurance isn’t designed to be a college savings vehicle, per se. Its primary function is to help people leave a financial safety net behind for their loved ones should the worst happen. Life insurance beneficiaries can use the death benefit from a policy to cover a wide range of costs, including mortgage payments, everyday expenses, final expenses and credit card bills.
Education expenses can also be added to that list and there are a few good reasons to consider using life insurance for college savings. Here are some of the advantages of life insurance as a college savings tool.
It’s flexible since you can withdraw or borrow against your cash value and use it to pay education expenses at your own pace.
Life insurance policies and any loans you might take from them, typically don’t affect a student’s ability to qualify for financial aid.
You can continue accumulating interest until you’re ready to withdraw it and you’re not penalized if your child decides not to go to college.
Coverage is lifelong, which means you could use your cash value to fund college for your children, grandchildren or even great-grandchildren.
There are, however, some downsides to using life insurance for college savings in lieu of a tax-advantaged plan, such as a 529 account or even a Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA). Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind.
Cash value can take time to accumulate in a permanent life insurance policy and it’s possible that you won’t have enough to pay for college costs when the need arises.
A 529 college savings account may offer a higher rate of return, along with tax advantages.
Permanent life insurance can be more expensive than term life insurance when you factor in the premiums, upfront fees and recurring fees that you might pay.
Withdrawing or borrowing against cash value shrinks the death benefit that you’re able to leave behind for your loved ones.
A financial advisor might recommend incorporating life insurance into your college savings plan, but as just one piece, not the main focal point. For instance, you might set up a 529 for each of your children and contribute money to it each year that grows on a tax-deferred basis. When your child is ready to go to school, you can withdraw that money tax-free as long as it’s used for qualified higher education expenses.
If you pass away while your child is still in school, your life insurance policy can help to cover any remaining costs to help them finish their education. And if you have a 529 plan but your child doesn’t go to college, you could always transfer it to another beneficiary without a penalty.
The Bottom Line
Using life insurance for college savings is something you might consider if you have a permanent policy. It’s important to consider all the options for funding higher education, including a 529 plan or Coverdell account, to determine what best fits your needs. And if you don’t have a life insurance policy yet, you might want to get a rate quote to get an idea of how much you’ll pay for coverage.
Insurance Planning Tips
If you’re not sure where to get started with college planning, a financial advisor can help. An advisor can review your financial situation and your student’s estimated needs, then offer solutions for meeting them. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
When comparing life insurance policies, it’s important to consider not only what you’ll pay but how much cash value you might be able to accumulate. Whole life policies, universal life policies and variable life policies can all take very different approaches to growing your cash value.
Rebecca Lake, CEPF®
Rebecca Lake is a retirement, investing and estate planning expert who has been writing about personal finance for a decade. Her expertise in the finance niche also extends to home buying, credit cards, banking and small business. She’s worked directly with several major financial and insurance brands, including Citibank, Discover and AIG and her writing has appeared online at U.S. News and World Report, CreditCards.com and Investopedia. Rebecca is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and she also attended Charleston Southern University as a graduate student. Originally from central Virginia, she now lives on the North Carolina coast along with her two children.
It might sound easy enough to do, but many parents actually don’t know the best way to save money for kids or, at the very least, where to start.
I am not saying my ways are the best, but they certainly work for me and my little ones. Depending on your current financial situation, they might help you figure out the best way to save money for your kids.
Using these tips has helped me come up with a way to secure a better financial future for my kids without overstretching or causing unnecessary financial strain in the now.
Why Is It Important to Save Money for Our Kids?
Healthy savings will get them off on the right foot when they leave home to start a life of their own, increasing their potential for a successful future.
The money savings process provides a platform to impart financial literacy, teach financial responsibility from a tender age, and teach discipline when it comes to things like budgeting and delayed gratification.
The savings also functions as an emergency fund should anything happen to us or our kids while they are still growing up. You will enjoy the peace of mind of knowing they are cared for in the case of almost any eventuality. A will or inheritance fund ensures the savings will be spent wisely for the benefit of your kids.
Your Best Practice Guide to Saving Money for Kids
Here are some excellent tips on the best way to save money for kids.
Define Your Savings Goal
The ideal savings option will vary for different parents based on their financial goals and circumstances. Motivation ranges from emergency funds to specific stages of the child’s future, like higher education, buying their first car, or even jump-starting retirement savings. Define what you are saving for, set targets, and draw up a plan.
Set Up a Savings Account(s) for the Kid(s)
Approach your preferred financial institution and set up an account designed for the savings you settled on. Similar solutions are structured differently across each financial institution.
Budgeting
As parents, we budget all the time. Budgeting is a great way to improve money management, ensuring you always leave something for your kid’s savings account (and your own fun fund for date night or vacation). Many sources of funds can be included in the savings plan.
You can set it up so that an amount is transferred from your own bank account to the kid’s account. Some parents, myself included, also deposit their work bonuses in their kids’ savings accounts up to a predetermined date.
Alternatively, you can agree to collect all the money the children earn from chores, lawn mowing, babysitting, or other side jobs they do on their own and then set that money aside in their savings accounts after giving them a weekly stipend for their hard work, of course.
Financial Education
All this planning and investment can be undone if your kid grows up without the financial education to develop positive money habits. Involve them in your financial planning at a young age so they grasp the concept of money. Teach them your ways, one might say.
Financial literacy involves more than what children learn from listening and observation. It involves practicing positive money management habits like restrained spending, taming the urge for instant gratification and budgeting.
Add a checking account to their savings account so they get used to financial tools like a debit card for younger kids and banking apps for teens. Most of these allow the parents to keep an eye on the child’s spending habits, too, so we can easily reign things in if they start running wild.
What Is the Best Way to Save Money for a Child?
Now that you are familiar with the territory, let’s look at the options available as our kids outgrow the piggy bank we have been filling with spare change since they were babies.
College Savings Plans
College is quite expensive, and it pays to have a head start on your child’s college savings so there is adequate time to accumulate funds gradually. A good education increases your child’s earning potential and job security, leading them to financial success.
The 529 Investment Plan
A 529 Investment Plan is a tax-advantaged investment account designed to encourage saving toward future education expenses. It’s named after Section 529 of the Federal Tax Code and is sponsored by the state or a state agency.
Savings are tax-deferred, and you can withdraw the funds tax-free to pay for qualified education expenses like tuition, books, and accommodation. It lets you save for your child’s future attendance at designated colleges or universities at prevailing rates.
Custodial Accounts
A custodial account offers another opportunity to save on your child’s behalf or gift them when you get a bonus or any other windfall. One party, the custodian (typically the parent), controls the funds on behalf of the minor (the beneficiary), who will gain access to the account when they come of age (this ranges from 18 to 21, depending on the state).
As a custodian, you are free to spend the funds on anything, provided it is for the benefit of the minor. While they don’t come with the tax benefits of a 529 plan, they cover a wider scope of expenses. Once your child attains the required age, you will relinquish control of the account to them, and they can claim full use of the funds.
Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) Accounts and Uniform Gifts for Minors Act (UGMA)
UTMA and UGMA accounts are popular examples of custodial accounts. They are set up to hold gifts that a minor has received. Once the gift is granted or transferred to the account, it can’t be revoked and becomes the minor’s asset. It is held under their social security number and taxed as their income.
Custodial Brokerage Account
A custodial brokerage account refers to when the custodial account is used as an investment account to increase savings. Savings and gifts can be channeled to a mutual fund, invested in stocks or bonds, transferred to money market accounts or any other credible investment. You will manage these investments until your child comes of age. And then it is up to them to take over.
Creating a Trust Fund for Your Child
You can always get a lawyer, an accountant, or a team with both professions to set up a trust fund for your kid(s). Besides savings, the trust fund can incorporate assets you want to transfer to the kids as they age. The trust will dictate the process and ensure your assets are transferred to the right beneficiaries when the time comes.
How to Save Money for Kids in a Nutshell
There is no limit to the number of savings accounts you can have for your child. It is actually encouraged to spread your eggs in different baskets so that you can optimize them.
One might have competitive interest rates, while another allows you to invest in assets. You can also save for a particular item that requires a separate account without locking out subsequent gifts.
Just identify the combination that works for you and make sure you teach them about other aspects of financial health as they grow, and you can cross one more thing off your list of worries as a parent. Happy savings!
It might sound easy enough to do, but many parents actually don’t know the best way to save money for kids or, at the very least, where to start.
I am not saying my ways are the best, but they certainly work for me and my little ones. Depending on your current financial situation, they might help you figure out the best way to save money for your kids.
Using these tips has helped me come up with a way to secure a better financial future for my kids without overstretching or causing unnecessary financial strain in the now.
Why Is It Important to Save Money for Our Kids?
Healthy savings will get them off on the right foot when they leave home to start a life of their own, increasing their potential for a successful future.
The money savings process provides a platform to impart financial literacy, teach financial responsibility from a tender age, and teach discipline when it comes to things like budgeting and delayed gratification.
The savings also functions as an emergency fund should anything happen to us or our kids while they are still growing up. You will enjoy the peace of mind of knowing they are cared for in the case of almost any eventuality. A will or inheritance fund ensures the savings will be spent wisely for the benefit of your kids.
Your Best Practice Guide to Saving Money for Kids
Here are some excellent tips on the best way to save money for kids.
Define Your Savings Goal
The ideal savings option will vary for different parents based on their financial goals and circumstances. Motivation ranges from emergency funds to specific stages of the child’s future, like higher education, buying their first car, or even jump-starting retirement savings. Define what you are saving for, set targets, and draw up a plan.
Set Up a Savings Account(s) for the Kid(s)
Approach your preferred financial institution and set up an account designed for the savings you settled on. Similar solutions are structured differently across each financial institution.
Budgeting
As parents, we budget all the time. Budgeting is a great way to improve money management, ensuring you always leave something for your kid’s savings account (and your own fun fund for date night or vacation). Many sources of funds can be included in the savings plan.
You can set it up so that an amount is transferred from your own bank account to the kid’s account. Some parents, myself included, also deposit their work bonuses in their kids’ savings accounts up to a predetermined date.
Alternatively, you can agree to collect all the money the children earn from chores, lawn mowing, babysitting, or other side jobs they do on their own and then set that money aside in their savings accounts after giving them a weekly stipend for their hard work, of course.
Financial Education
All this planning and investment can be undone if your kid grows up without the financial education to develop positive money habits. Involve them in your financial planning at a young age so they grasp the concept of money. Teach them your ways, one might say.
Financial literacy involves more than what children learn from listening and observation. It involves practicing positive money management habits like restrained spending, taming the urge for instant gratification and budgeting.
Add a checking account to their savings account so they get used to financial tools like a debit card for younger kids and banking apps for teens. Most of these allow the parents to keep an eye on the child’s spending habits, too, so we can easily reign things in if they start running wild.
What Is the Best Way to Save Money for a Child?
Now that you are familiar with the territory, let’s look at the options available as our kids outgrow the piggy bank we have been filling with spare change since they were babies.
College Savings Plans
College is quite expensive, and it pays to have a head start on your child’s college savings so there is adequate time to accumulate funds gradually. A good education increases your child’s earning potential and job security, leading them to financial success.
The 529 Investment Plan
A 529 Investment Plan is a tax-advantaged investment account designed to encourage saving toward future education expenses. It’s named after Section 529 of the Federal Tax Code and is sponsored by the state or a state agency.
Savings are tax-deferred, and you can withdraw the funds tax-free to pay for qualified education expenses like tuition, books, and accommodation. It lets you save for your child’s future attendance at designated colleges or universities at prevailing rates.
Custodial Accounts
A custodial account offers another opportunity to save on your child’s behalf or gift them when you get a bonus or any other windfall. One party, the custodian (typically the parent), controls the funds on behalf of the minor (the beneficiary), who will gain access to the account when they come of age (this ranges from 18 to 21, depending on the state).
As a custodian, you are free to spend the funds on anything, provided it is for the benefit of the minor. While they don’t come with the tax benefits of a 529 plan, they cover a wider scope of expenses. Once your child attains the required age, you will relinquish control of the account to them, and they can claim full use of the funds.
Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) Accounts and Uniform Gifts for Minors Act (UGMA)
UTMA and UGMA accounts are popular examples of custodial accounts. They are set up to hold gifts that a minor has received. Once the gift is granted or transferred to the account, it can’t be revoked and becomes the minor’s asset. It is held under their social security number and taxed as their income.
Custodial Brokerage Account
A custodial brokerage account refers to when the custodial account is used as an investment account to increase savings. Savings and gifts can be channeled to a mutual fund, invested in stocks or bonds, transferred to money market accounts or any other credible investment. You will manage these investments until your child comes of age. And then it is up to them to take over.
Creating a Trust Fund for Your Child
You can always get a lawyer, an accountant, or a team with both professions to set up a trust fund for your kid(s). Besides savings, the trust fund can incorporate assets you want to transfer to the kids as they age. The trust will dictate the process and ensure your assets are transferred to the right beneficiaries when the time comes.
How to Save Money for Kids in a Nutshell
There is no limit to the number of savings accounts you can have for your child. It is actually encouraged to spread your eggs in different baskets so that you can optimize them.
One might have competitive interest rates, while another allows you to invest in assets. You can also save for a particular item that requires a separate account without locking out subsequent gifts.
Just identify the combination that works for you and make sure you teach them about other aspects of financial health as they grow, and you can cross one more thing off your list of worries as a parent. Happy savings!
When I first started getting into blogging several months ago (keep in mind that last summer I didn’t even know what a blog was….yes, I’m serious), I spoke to another Certified Financial Planner who had been blogging for about a year. He gave me some good tips and told me to have a successful blog that you have to network with other blogs. One of the blogs he told me to check out was Moolanomy. At first, I was like Moo-Law-Uh-What? But then I finally got to check out Pinyo’s blog and I was really impressed. He has tons of great information on personal finance and incorporates very useful and easy to read charts to illustrate his points effectively. Here’s our interview:
You stated that one of the reasons for starting Moolanomy was to build an alternative income stream to make up for your wife’s income. You even mentioned that one of your goals was to fund your child’s 529 plan. Have those goals grown as expected?
I see you’ve read my blog quite thoroughly — I am impressed. As for alternative income streams, I had a few web sites before Moolanomy and knew how much work it takes to run a successful web site. All I can say is the blog has done well beyond my original expectation. Before starting Moolanomy, we relied on part of my wife’s income to cover our expenses and planned savings. To accommodate her maternity leave, I would either have to (1) earn more, (2) spend less, or (3) save less. I certainly didn’t want to save less, and I was sure that we would be spending more after the baby is born. So the only option left was “earn more”. In retrospect, I am glad I started Moolanomy. This year, I believe that alternative income from all of my web businesses will be about 17% of my total income. By the way, my wife is back working so the extra income is really nice, especially in this economy.
As for 529 Plan, it was doing well until the stock market went south. However, I am currently sticking with my original plan to contribute $425 a month to the plan. Once I have a chance to re-evaluate our financial goals, I may be adjusting this number after the new year.
Do you ever foresee blogging being able to be a full time profession?
I am a strong believer of diversification, including income diversification. I don’t think I would quit my current job even if my blog income exceeds my salary. As much as I like blogging, it’s based on a technology that’s changing fast. Think about it. Where was blogging 5 years ago and where do you think it will be 5 years from now. Would you risk your career and marketability on something that could disappear tomorrow?
I enjoy the extra income and could probably blog full-time between jobs. However, I think I would soon find another job, or start some sort of business on top of blogging. So no, I don’t see it as full time profession for me.
Knowing what you know now about blogging, what are three tips you would give a new blogger that wants to become the next “Moolanomy”.
As mentioned earlier, making money blogging is conceptually “simple”, but it’s not “easy”. If I count all the hours I poured into Moolanomy, I think I am still making just above the minimum wage. However, once you get it going, the income is semi-passive and you’ll eventually recoup your investment. As for three specific tips:
Make sure you love the subject you’re blogging about. You’ll be writing a lot of articles about the subject, so don’t write about something that will turn blogging into another “job”.
Make a lot of friends. If you think networking is important for success in real life, it’s even more important for blogging.
Look at blogs you admire and ask the blogger specific questions. I think this is by far the best way to learn. Sure, there are a lot of information out there, but it’s confusing. However, a few good friends can bring you up to speed real quick.
With the creation of the M-Network, how has that helped you with growing your readership on your blog as well as increasing your knowledge in personal finance?
I think creating M-Network was one of the main contributors to my success with Moolanomy. Initially, we did a lot of linking back and forth among each other which really helped build our readers base. We don’t do that as much now, but we are still doing a lot of information sharing and work together on a few initiatives. For example, we recently released a free eBook called Money Saving Tips for the Holidays Guide eBook and we recently just released The 12 Days of Christmas – Personal Finance Style 2008 series. Other than that, the main benefits are the the teaching, ideas, leads, and intels that we offer each other. Also, it’s great to have a group of supportive people that you can bounce your ideas off, or help you get out of tight spots.
Lastly, we are planning to launch a network feature in 2009 that I am really excited about…stay tuned!
What’s your goals with “Moolanomy” in the next year?
Honestly, I have been slacking in this area. I haven’t set a goal for my blog for a while now, especially because I have been more focused on my job and family. I know that I want to keep blogging in 2009 for sure, but I may be slowing down my pace and supplement my content from other contributors. In fact, I just quietly added the Contribute feature to my blog.
I guess, the only SMART goal I have is to have 35% of my total income coming from Moolanomy in 2009.
Since your creation of “Moolanomy”, what has the been the most pleasant surprise and/or surprises?
I think the biggest surprise is that I can actually earn serious income with the blog. But I think the best thing about this experience is the opportunity to meet a lot of people and establishing a few good friendships along the way. Even if I stop blogging now, there would be a few people that stay on my list of friends into the foreseeable future. Additionally, I learned a lot about financial concepts and ideas over the year and a half blogging about finances. I guess you’ll can’t help but learn a few things by writing about a subject every day.
Thanks to Pinyo for taking time to answer my questions. If you haven’t checked out his blog yet, you must. Here are some of my favorite posts from his blog:
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Are you wondering how much money you should have saved by 25?
If so, this post is for you.
You need to learn how to save from a young age to be financially responsible and enjoy your life without stress.
In this post, I will outline the steps that I took to save a total of $25,000 by age 25. That ultimately led to becoming a millionaire well before most people earn that 7 figure status.
My goal is to help motivate and inspire you to save as much money as possible.
I believe that if everyone saves just 20% of their income each year, we could create massive waves of positive change across the world. So let’s get started!
How much money should you have saved by 25?
It’s never too late to start saving for your future.
By age 25, you should be working through paying off debt and starting to improve your savings rate.
Below are guidelines on how much money a 25-year old should have saved by the age of 25.
Save a Total of $20000
By 25, you should have saved $20000.
Given the average savings for this age is only $11,250 and the median savings is $3,240 (source), you will be ahead of the curve with those super savers in this age group. However, most twentysomethings fall in the middle of the bell curve and could barely afford a job loss or any major expense.
Save at Least 50% of your Annual Expenses
Another rule of thumb for a 25-year-old is to save 50% of your annual expenses.
Let’s say, you spend an average of $20000 a year on rent, food, insurance, discretionary spending, etc, then you would need to save at least $10000.
This method will make sure you have enough money saved based on your lifestyle.
How much money should you have saved by age 30 for retirement?
If you want to have a comfortable retirement, you should save as much money as you can by the age of 25 and 30.
Most people don’t save enough for retirement and twentysomething (age 20-29) only have average 401k balances of $10,500 (source).
That means at a retirement age of 65, your account balance would be $94,259 in a taxable 401k / IRA or $228,107 in a Roth 401k / Roth IRA. The assumptions include no additional contributions and an 8% rate of return.
To prepare for retirement, aim to save between $15000 and $20000 by age 25. To stay on track, use a benchmark to figure out how much you need to save each year and customize your target based on your individual circumstances.
If you’re not saving for retirement yet, start contributing to 401k plans and IRA accounts now so that you’ll have a solid foundation when it comes to savings.
Save at a Minimum of 10% of your Income
This needs to be non-negotiable at the age!
It is very easy to find ways to pay yourself first and save 10% of your income. While you may prefer to hit that happy hour or buy those designer shoes, you are better off trimming your spending and up your savings while you are young.
Then, each year increase your savings percentage by 1% until you reach the 20% threshold.
But, you don’t have to stop there! Many Gen Zs are wanting to explore why there are young and healthy and not be a slave to the workforce. That means you need to save more to make that happen.
What should your net worth be at 25?
Most people in their 20s are typically swaddled in debt, especially student loan debt.
Your goal is to have a positive net worth – even if by $100. That means your savings is greater than any debt you have.
Your goal is to double your liquid net worth quickly.
What is the average savings rate for people in their 20s?
Okay, let’s be real… okay?
Most young adults are spending more money than they are saving. That means each month their spending exceeds their income.
As such the statistics do not even include this age group.
how much should I have in savings at 25?
At 25, you should have about 3-6 months of living expenses saved up in the bank.
Additionally, it is important to start thinking about your long-term financial goals and make sure you are building a foundation that will support those goals.
What are the different savings goals that people in their 20s should have?
Saving for your future is important, and you need to make it a top priority.
There are many different savings benchmarks to choose from including:
Save an emergency fund of at least $2000.
Participate in one of our popular money saving challenges.
Start contributing to workplace retirement and save enough to get the company match.
Begin saving for those big purchases like a gently used car or downpayment for a house.
Set up a Roth IRA and start making contributions (even baby amounts count).
This will make sure you are on your way to becoming financially sound before you turn 30.
What are the list of ways to save money?
If you want to save money, there are a few things you can do.
Saving money in your 20s is the easiest age to save as you don’t have as many responsibilities and obligations as you will in the future.
Here is a list of the most common ways to save money:
1. Use Budget Percentages as a Guide
If you want to save money by 25, you’ll need to start by setting a budget and sticking to it. You can reach this goal by using different budgeting techniques, such as the 50/30/20 rule.
The 50/30/20 rule is a good place to start:
50% of your income going towards necessities (housing, food, utilities)
30% going towards discretionary expenses (groceries, entertainment, travel)
20% saved for emergencies
This will help you be consistent in your savings habits is key to saving money.
2. Track your spending
Tracking your spending is key to understanding where your money goes.
Save receipts from each purchase and go over them once a week to get a better understanding of your spending habits. This can help you see where you might be overspending and make improvements to your budgeting techniques.
Great apps to help you include Simplifi or Rocket Money.
2. Use AI Powered Savings Apps and put your savings on autopilot
With AI, you can save money by automating your savings process.
Setting up recurring transfers to automatically deposit money into your savings account means that you won’t have to worry about finances anymore.
The popular AI saving apps can also help you save for your retirement, as well as any financial goal you may have. Thus, reducing the amount of time spent on financial planning.
Top AI Savings Apps:
4. Use gamification to save
Gamification can help make saving fun and more likely to be kept up.
Gamification can help people save money by providing a tangible benefit to work towards and providing some valuable encouragement.
By using the method of gamification, you help others save money by motivating them to reach a goal while you work to complete the same goal.
For example, if you’re trying to save money for a trip, you could set up a game with friends (aka accountability partners) where you earn points every time you save money with the 100 envelope challenge. Those that save the goal amount get to go on the trip.
5. Collect your employer’s 401(k) match
If your employer matches your contributions to a 401(k) plan, it’s important to take advantage of the match.
A 401(k) match is a free money offer from your employer, so it’s worth maxing out your contributions in order to gain the most benefit.
Also as long as you meet the qualifications, you can also contribute post-tax dollars to a Roth IRA account. This is another great way to increase savings for retirement.
6. Delay buying a home
Buying a home is not easy, but it’s important to have goals and plan for what you want to achieve.
The down payment on a house is one of the most important factors when buying a home as such you may need to delay buying a home for as long as possible to save money.
Also, by delaying buying a home, you can save money by taking the time to research different neighborhoods, compare prices, and get pre-approved for a mortgage.
Not only will this save you money in the long run, but you will also have peace of mind knowing that your future home is exactly what you wanted.
7. Use Open banking to track your spending
If you’re interested in tracking your spending and saving money, you can use Open banking to do just that.
Open banking allows customers to access their bank account information and manage their finances through APIs.
This means you can see how much money you’ve spent and where your money is going, which can help you stay within your budget. Additionally, open banking tools can be used to better understand your bank’s products and services.
Many of the best budgeting apps, such as Quicken, allow you to utilize open banking data to help you organize and manage your money in one place.
8. Use credit cards sparingly
Even those Gen Z has the lowest credit card debt amount (source), it is still wise to make sure you are using credit cards appropriately.
Credit cards can be a great way to earn rewards or get cash back, but only if you use them sparingly and pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
It’s also important to check your credit report regularly to make sure there are no outstanding debts you didn’t know about.
9. Use a budget
If you want to save money, using a budget is a great way to accomplish it.
By tracking your expenses and setting limits on how much you can spend each month, you can make sure that you are always saving money.
A budget is a great way to save money because it allows you to choose where you actually want to spend your money rather than figuring out where you spent your money afterward. It also allows you to optimize your spending so that you don’t waste money on unnecessary things.
10. Invest for the long term
Investing for the long term can be a great way to save money as you let your money grow instead of having to create new streams of income.
You can buy stocks in companies or ETFs and hold onto them for a long time, adding money to your account regularly. This strategy can help you take advantage of market volatility and make money over the long term.
You also need to make sure you’re properly investing your money in order to reach your savings goals.
What is the best advice to save money by 25?
To save money by 25, individuals should aim to save 10% of their income.
It may be difficult to save more than 10% of one’s income, but it is possible.
Saving money is essential for financial security at any age, and you can start by being determined and making sure you’re saving at least 10% of your gross salary.
Simple Tips to Save Money by 25
You should focus on spending as little as possible to save money, and set a fixed budget rather than relate your expenses to your income.
Be consistent in your savings and avoid impulsiveness to save money.
Save up on transport or any other thing you might feel is a luxury rather than a necessity.
What is the average savings rate for people in their 20s?
The average savings rate for people in their 20s is $11,250, so it’s important to start saving as soon as possible.
The median savings is $3,240, so most people in their 20s have modest savings.
Savings Tools to Build Cash Fund Savings
There are many ways to save money, so find what works best for you.
People in their 20s have a lot of opportunities to save money, so don’t wait to start!
You want a savings plan that matches your long-term financial goals!
Pay yourself first
In order to have a successful future, it is important to start saving from a young age. There are a few different ways to save money, and one of the most important is to pay yourself first.
This means putting your own money into your bank account before spending it on anything else.
This will help you build a strong foundation for your future, and you will be able to save more money
Save Consistently
Set aside money regularly so you have a stash of cash to use when you need it.
That means each you save $100 or each paycheck you save $250.
Whatever the amount, do it consistently.
Trim Spending
If you want to save more money each month or year, try cutting back on unnecessary expenses.
Don’t rely on your income to directly influence your costs – track how much you’re spending each month and try not to exceed your allotted amounts for each category.
Do not overspend just because there’s more money in your checking account – create healthy financial habits that will last long-term.
Use Cash Windfalls Strategically
These cash windfalls could be from bonuses, inheritances, or even some left hand itching lottery luck!
You want to save those cash windfalls and make a plan on how you will spend them.
Additionally, you may be able to use the money to pay down debt or buy a home. This is an important lesson to learn if you have unexpected money coming your way—you don’t have to spend it all!
Save Increases in Income
Dedicate additional income to savings so that you’re really putting your money where your mouth is.
You can increase your savings by dedicating a percentage of your income to savings. Dedicate 10% of your income to savings, for example, and then an extra 1% to save search year.
Savings will grow along with your income, and you will have more money to use for other needs.
Make Saving a Habit
Your saving habits will change as you reach your 20s and into your 30s.
However, it’s important to keep track of your progress and make saving part of your regular routine. There are many different ways to save and reach your goals, so find what works best for you.
FAQs
If you have a low income, there are still ways that you can save money.
Try to focus on paying off high-interest debt first and then saving three months of living expenses.
Another way to save money is by reducing unnecessary expenses with a 30 day spending freeze.
The answer to this question depends on your individual situation and goals. However, we can offer some general advice on saving habits for a 25 year old should include:
First, it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. This will help you track how much money you are spending each month, and allow you to make better decisions about where to cut back. Add 1% to your monthly savings each month until you reach your goal of $20000 saved.
You also need to be mindful of how you spend your money. Try not to rely too heavily on credit cards or other forms of debt, which can quickly add up over time. Instead, try investing in stocks or bonds instead – these tend to provide more reliable returns over time and offer less risk than some other investments.
Finally, don’t forget about savings! Whether it’s into a high-yield savings account or an emergency fund earmarked for unexpected expenses, putting away some extra cash will help ensure that you have enough resources when necessary.
How much should I have in my emergency fund by 25?
By 25, you should have saved at least $1000.
However, 2% of your annual salary is a better threshold.
By age 25, most people should be saving at least 5% of their income and contributing an additional 1% every year.
If you can’t save enough money to contribute at the recommended rates, don’t worry – you can still save for retirement by gradually increasing your savings rate.
Saving money can be difficult, but it’s important to focus on not spending every penny you earn.
One way to do this is to set aside a certain amount of money each month that you will not spend.
Another way to save money is to find ways to reduce your monthly expenses. For example, you can cook at home more often instead of eating out, or you can carpool with friends to save on gas.
If you’re determined and have the skills, you can quickly learn how to make money online for beginners.
Side hustles are the name of the game right now.
Stick around Money Bliss – we have plenty of ways to help you earn extra money.
If you want to pay off your debts more quickly, you should start by saving money each month.
You can use your savings to pay down your debts faster if you focus on high-interest debt first.
If you have three months’ worth of living expenses saved up in case of emergencies, that would also be a good place to start. Check out the best debt apps to help you.
First, you need to make sure you are financially stable in other areas. You are fully funding your retirement accounts and Health Savings account, you have stable housing.
Then, you can consider saving for a child’s education through a 529 plan.
Saving for a child’s education can be difficult and expensive, but it’s important to start early if you have the extra income to support it.
To save money for a vacation, start by setting a specific amount you want to save each month. Then, calculate how much money you need to save by the date of your dream vacation.
Set a date by which you want to have traveled and begin backing out the math needed for that trip! As long as you continue saving 20% of your income each month and stay within budget, travel is always possible!
How to Save for a retirement
To save for retirement, you should start by investing 5-15% of your paychecks into a tax-advantaged account.
You should also plan your retirement based on your income, age, and desired lifestyle. You can save for retirement by consistently increasing how much you put in retirement accounts.
Don’t forget to include that employer match!
What should I do if I don’t have enough saved by 25?
Don’t get down on yourself!
Start now!
Waiting will only exacerbate things.
There are many different savings techniques to try, so it’s important to find one that works for you:
Start by putting away $50 every month and then add more funds as needed.
Pick one of our money saving challenges.
Use cash or debit cards instead of credit cards.
Even if you don’t have any big expenses planned in the near future, saving is still important for long-term financial stability. You’ll be on your way to having enough money when you’re older!
What are the consequences of not saving by 25?
You have nothing to show for your hard-earned income.
That is the cold and honest truth. But, you are only 25 years old, so you have plenty of time to change your ways.
If you’re not saving by 25, you may have to make some sacrifices in order to reach your financial goals. You may need to cut back on your spending, take on a second job, or make other changes to your lifestyle.
However, if you’re willing to make these sacrifices, you can still reach your goals.
Savings Steps for your Twenty-Something Self
When it comes to your twenties, there are a lot of things you want to do and accomplish.
One of the most important things on that list should be saving money.
After all, the earlier you start saving, the more time your money has to grow.
Starting to save money from a young age can lead to a larger nest egg over time. Plus, if you start early, you can take advantage of compound interest, which will help your money grow faster.
An individual’s earnings and spending patterns are still in flux during their twenties, so there are many opportunities to save.
Also, you need to remember there is more to life than just saving money–put other goals on your list (such as starting a business) and figure out how much you need to save each month in order to reach your targets.
Now, learn how much should I have saved by 30.
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Inside: Learn how to invest $100 and make $1000 a day using these proven strategies. Find out the best ways to invest 100 dollars. Many from the comfort of your own home.
One of the biggest mistakes that people make with money is not investing.
You see, if you invest $100 and earn 10% interest a year, in just 12 months your investment would be worth $120!
It takes money to make money.
We all have heard that before.
Many people want to make some extra money, and that is why they are turning their attention to investments. There are a lot of ways to invest your money safely, but most importantly it should be done with a goal and for the long term.
The article will help you to invest $100 now to start making $1000 a day. Will this happen overnight? Nope. That would be some get-rich-quick scheme.
You must be willing to invest the time, resources, and money to start making $1000 a day.
If you are looking to invest $100, this guide will help provide you with the knowledge and strategies to generate a constant stream of income of $1000 a day.
Is Investing $100 To Make $1,000 A Day Possible?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the success of any investment depends on a number of factors. But, yes, many people have found ways to invest $100 to make $1000 a day.
There are a few strategies that investors can use to increase their chances of reaching $1,000/day. That is the part that takes commitment.
Best Ways to Invest 100 Dollars
There are a lot of different things you can invest your $100 in. You could put it into stocks, bonds, or even real estate. Those are the most effective strategies with the least amount of time commitment.
However, there are other options as well, which we will go into detail shortly.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
What should I invest $100 in right now?
Whatever route you decide to take, remember that investing is a good way to learn and make money.
Not only will you likely see an increase in your overall wealth by investing your money, but you’ll also be happier because of the positive impact it has on your life!
How to Invest $100
You can take your $100 and invest it into the stock market or a savings account. Something that immediately starts paying you to make a return.
The other way is you could use that money to buy books and courses on how to make money with any of the ideas below.
Another option would be to invest in a service that others might not have thought of. This could be something like a start-up business or an online course that teaches you how to make money through investments.
There are plenty of ideas on how to invest $100 it just depends on your short-term and long-term goals.
In fact, learning how to make money online for beginners is a hot topic!
The step-by-step guide to making money with this simple trick
If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide on how to make money with this simple trick, look no further! In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the process.
The first step is to invest $100 per month in order to get started. By doing this, you’ll be setting yourself up for a lifetime of financial security.
In order to make money with this simple trick, you’ll need to follow these simple steps:
Decide How You Plan to Make $1000 a day
Invest in Learning How to Do It
Invest your $100
Stay Persistent
Start making profits!
Will everything work out as simply as that? No, but you have to commit to a plan in order for it to happen!
Once you’ve invested in your future, it’s time to learn how to be successful and start making some serious profits!
Invest $100 Make $1000 A Day – Strategies for Success
People have different strategies for success, and the best way to succeed is by figuring out what works for you.
A strategy that might work well for one person may not be suitable or acceptable in another’s situation.
In this article, we’ll explore a few different strategies for success and how they can help you make money from home or on the job. In fact, many of them I implement to make money.
Idea #1: Savings Account
The best way to start investing is to open a savings account. For every $100 you deposit in a savings account, you will earn about a small amount of interest. This may not seem like a lot, but it can add up over time.
In reality, investing $100 into a savings account is a habit that will continue to lead to saving higher amounts of money. While you may not be able to make $1000 a day off your first 100 dollars, your efforts will multiply as your saving percentage increases.
In addition, many banks offer special promotions for new customers, such as a $500 bonus for signing up.
To get the most out of your savings account, be sure to shop around and compare rates at different banks. CIT Bank offers some of the highest interest rates available, so be sure to check them out!
Idea #2: Retirement Accounts (401k or Roth IRA)
Investing in your 401(k) is a great way to secure your financial future. Not only do you get matched contributions from your employer, but the tax benefits make it easy for employees to invest. Contributions are tax-free until retirement, so it’s a good place to put money while you’re working a side hustle or contract gig.
A solo 401(k) is a great way to take advantage of these benefits if you don’t have an employer.
In addition, investing in a Roth IRA is a smart idea as well.
Idea #3: Invest in Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual tokens that use cryptography to secure their transactions and control the creation of new units. Cryptocurrencies are decentralized, meaning they are not subject to government or financial institution control. Bitcoin, the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, was created in 2009.
Cryptocurrencies have experienced a wild ride over the past year! In the past five years, bitcoin prices have swung from a high of $68,000 in November 2021 to the lowest dip of $3236 in December 2018 (source). Many experts believe that crypto will be adopted widely in the future, and some predict that one Bitcoin will be worth $200,000 or more.
Investors can purchase a range of cryptocurrencies through reputable platforms such as Coinbase and Bitstamp. The most common crypto are Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and USDC (a stablecoin pegged 1:1 with USD).
Idea #4: Invest In The Stock Exchange
Like an active trader – either as a day trader or swing trader.
When you invest in the stock market, this is a way to make money on your investments.
In fact, you can make money fast in stocks. But, you need to have a solid trading plan first.
My favorite course is Trade and Travel with Teri Ijeoma. In fact, check out my Trade and travel review and begin your journey to making $1000 a day.
Idea #5: Peer-to-Peer Lending
If you’re looking for a solid investment opportunity, peer-to-peer lending may be a good option for you.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending service that connects borrowers and investors. Because it’s a peer-to-peer platform, it can be more profitable for the investor.
Both Lending Club and Prosper are examples of investment platforms in this space.
Idea #6: Become an Entrepreneur
There are many options for entrepreneurs to make money. You can start a restaurant, retail store, or offer your services for a fee.
Another great way to make money is by investing in something you’re passionate about. For example, if you love cars, you could open a car detailing business. This requires some planning and dedication but can be very rewarding.
As an entrepreneur, your goal is to invest in ways that have the potential to turn over $1000 per day.
Idea # 7: Invest in Yourself
When you think about it, the best investment you can make is in yourself.
If you have 100 to invest, find what you are missing and fill it with new knowledge. Learning never stops – it’s a continuous process that will help you grow as an individual and stay ahead of the competition.
This is one area where you have the possibility to make well beyond just $1000 a day.
In fact, many of the best millionaire quotes focus on investing in yourself.
Idea #8: Invest Money in Index Funds
Outside of retirement accounts, many people overlook investing in the stock market as an individual.
Index funds have been a popular choice for investment managers for many years. They are a type of mutual fund that tracks the movements of an index, such as the S&P 500 Index. Because these types of funds follow an index, they provide diversification and typically come with lower fees than actively managed funds.
For these reasons, investors may want to consider using index funds when building their taxable investment portfolio.
Idea #9: Enroll in a Course or Certification
There are many different courses and certifications you can take to improve your skills.
This “new skill” could help you transition into a different career. A “certification” might help you get promoted in your current position, or it might allow you to begin working in a new field.
Either way, you are investing $100 or more today to make 10x your money in the future. Consider what skill can be useful in your professional or personal life and invest in a course.
Idea #10: Clear Your Debt
Paying off debt is a guaranteed return on investment.
This may seem a little backward but hear me out…
If you add an additional $100 to paying off your debt consistently, that means you are that much closer to freeing up a huge amount of debt payments to go somewhere else.
In this case, your overall debt payment can be invested in other ways and you will quickly improve your rate of return.
Idea #11: Work As A Sales Person
Commission payments are a large part of income for salespeople. In fact, US News reports that the average sales professionals earn an average salary of $73,500 in 2020.
This is a competitive field, but it can be very rewarding for those who are driven to succeed.
You probably will have to invest in a business degree to make this career field worth it.
Idea #12: Write A Book
Books are a great way to make money. They are one of the few investments that can be made with the intent to generate passive income. In other words, you put in some work at the beginning and then receive payments over an extended period of time without having to do anything else.
Writing a good book is an easy way to make money in 2023. As an independent self-publisher, if your book sells 100 copies per day at $10 each, you will make $1000 on every copy sold.
Publishing companies can help pay an advance for your work and handhold you throughout the process. You might need skills beyond writing if you want your book published at one of the larger publishing companies.
If you are serious about becoming an author, it is best to go through a publishing company and have them edit your work for you. This will ensure that your book is high quality and likely to sell more copies.
Remember: publishing a book is not cheap! It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but if done correctly it can be an excellent way to make 1000 dollars a day or more.
Idea #13: Become a Book Nerd to Build Skills
Investing in books is a way to improve your knowledge and increase productivity. It’s impossible to become an expert in every field, but it’s possible to become one by reading about them. Books can change the way you view life and give you fresh perspectives on how to handle finances, as well as other aspects of life.
An investment of $100 in 2023 would yield $1000 or more depending on the non-fiction niche books you choose.
So, what are you waiting for? Start reading!
Idea #14: Online Flipper
So you want to flip 100 bucks to 1000? Well, it’s not as hard as you might think. In fact, with a little bit of effort and some basic knowledge, you can turn that hundred into a thousand in no time at all! Here are a few tips to help get you started:
Find something to flip. This could be anything from furniture to clothes to electronics. Keep an eye out for items at local retailers that are on sale and look like they could be resold for more online.
Know your market. What is the average price for the item you’re looking to sell? Knowing this information ahead of time will help make sure that you don’t sell your product for too little (or worse, too much).
Have the proper tools ready before starting your flipping business. This includes having a good camera or phone with which to take pictures of your products, a computer or laptop with which to list them online, and PayPal or another payment processing system set up and ready to go.
Be prepared for some work! Flipping isn’t always easy–you may have to spend time researching what items are selling for how much online, traveling long distances to find good deals or dealing with frustrating customers.
A great way to get started is to learn more from the Flea Market Flippers! They are very successful and teach others how to flip items
If you’re willing to put in the effort, flipping can be a great way to make some extra money on the side.
Idea #15: Invest in Real Estate
There are a number of great reasons to invest in real estate in 2023. In fact, real estate is one of the best investments for making money.
To start investing today, set aside a few hundred dollars each month and invest in real estate over time. This will help you build your wealth slowly and steadily.
Ways to Invest in Real Estate:
Rental Properties: Investing in rental properties can prove profitable with monthly renters and appreciation from rental income or capital gains as a property is worth increasing over time. However, rental properties require more upfront money and more work to maintain than other types of real estate investments.
Flip Houses: Another option is buying properties at low prices, fixing them, and selling them for a quicker profit.
REITs: Real estate investment trusts are a great way to access real estate much like mutual funds. These are highly regulated. However, learn about the best paying jobs in REITs.
Crowdfunded Options: Crowdfunded real estate can be accessed by anyone with a little bit of money – you don’t need to be a millionaire to get started! The returns tend to be more significant than the stock market so it’s a good choice for beginners. Plus, EquityMultiple lets you invest in real estate without worrying about managing a property yourself. It’s possible to make $1000 per day through EquityMultiple, depending on the time frame and market conditions.
Between crowdfunded real estate, rental properties, and REITs – there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to investment vehicles. Each has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to do your research before settling on an option.
Overall, though, investing in real estate is a great way to grow your wealth and secure your financial future!
Idea #16: Get a New High Paying Job
There are many high paying jobs in the world, but the skill necessary to get one of those jobs is managing people. People who manage other people are able to get paid more because their skills are rare and in high demand.
Management positions are typically the highest paying, but there are also many other responsibilities as well. other lucrative options to consider.
This will help you find more money to invest on a regular basis and start making more money each day.
Idea #17: Affiliate Marketing / Influencer
Affiliate marketing is a great way to make money online. In fact, many affiliate marketers earn six figures or more per year. So what is it?
Affiliate marketing is the practice of advertising a company in exchange for payment. Affiliate marketers work with blogs to post about products and services, which makes them eligible for receiving payment when someone clicks on the link and purchases something from the company they’re advertising for.
It’s not likely that you’ll make this kind of money right away, but as your influence grows, you can certainly make some good cash through affiliate marketing programs.
The costs associated with getting started are relatively low–you can probably get started for less than $100–and it takes about the same amount of time to build up your blog’s audience and reader base from scratch. So if you’re looking for a solid way to generate some extra income online, give affiliate marketing a try!
Idea #18: Start Your Own Blog
With just $100, you can start your own blog and make money.
Blogging is a great way to make money and requires little in the way of cash or startup costs. In fact, many bloggers start their sites for free and then upgrade to more expensive hosting plans as their blogs grow in popularity. The cost of starting a blog is minimal and you’ll need to find your topic to write about first, but it’s possible over the course of years.
There are many different types of blogs that can be started with their own benefits – from personal finance advice to cooking tips – so finding the right one for you is essential.
To monetize your blog, consider offering services or digital products to consumers interested in what you have to say on the topic of your blog’s content. For example, if you’re a great cook, you could start a cooking blog and sell recipes through an online store; or if you’re an expert on personal finance, you could create e-courses teaching people how to save money and invest for their future.
Blogging is a long game; SEO traffic requires patience, but the payoff will be worth it in time. It can take anywhere from 6 months to over 18 months for bloggers to start seeing results. However, those who stick with it and reinvest their profits back into their sites can make $1,000/day from their blogs.
So what are you waiting for? Start blogging today!
Idea #19: Charity
Philanthropy is an excellent investment, so donating to charity is a wise choice.
Not only do you help others in need, but you may also be rewarded with tax breaks or other benefits.
Additionally, many charity works are good investments because of the promise of reward. For example, building a well in a developing country can provide access to clean water for years to come.
Look for ways to give where your donation can be matched.
Idea #20: Save For College
You can invest $100 and make $1000 a day by saving it.
One way to save for college is to invest in a 529 plan. A 529 plan allows you to save money for college tax-free. In addition, many states offer tax deductions or credits for contributions made to a 529 plan. Another benefit of a 529 plan is that the money invested grows tax-deferred. This means that you don’t pay taxes on the earnings from your investments until you withdraw them from the account.
Many parents find it difficult to save for college because they face high tuition costs and other expenses associated with sending their children to school. However, if they start early and contribute small amounts on a regular basis, they can accumulate enough savings overtime to cover most or all of their child’s education costs.
Idea #21: Use Gig Economy Apps to Earn Money Fast
Now, it’s easier than ever to find work. There are a number of apps and websites that can help you find short-term or long-term work. These include apps like:
These apps provide a new way for people to make money when they’re not working traditional jobs.
How can I invest $100 and make money everyday?
There are a variety of different ways that you can invest your money in order to make a profit.
The most hands off approach for many is investing in index funds. As a buy and hold strategy, you are likely to earn 6-8% plus on your investment.
As you hold onto the index fund for the long term, you are able to participate in any upside should the stock prices go up.
Invest $100 to Make $1000 a day is possible!
It’s true–you can make a lot of money by investing just a small amount at first. For example, if you invest $100, you could earn up to $1000 in profits! This is possible by following the strategies outlined in this article.
When you need to know how to make 2000 fast, this is how you do it!
Of course, it’s important to remember that investing isn’t limited to those who have a lot of money. In fact, anyone can benefit from this type of activity financially and make more money in the process.
So don’t be discouraged if you don’t have much saved up already. You can start by investing $100 into the stock market and then reinvesting your profits as soon as possible, in order to grow that initial investment. And who knows? With a little bit of hard work and patience, you could be making thousands of dollars per day before you know it!
This is how you can double $10k quickly.
Don’t delay in investing. You have to start at one point to start making money.
Then your next goal will be how to turn 10k into 100k.
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Do you receive a year-end bonus? Lucky you! While you may be tempted to go on a shopping spree or take your gang out to a great dinner, hold on a second. Yes, you can use some for fun, but you might also want to put some of a year-end bonus toward your financial goals.
Smart bonus money moves may include paying down debt, helping to fund a short-term savings goal (such as a downpayment on a house or establishing an emergency fund), as well as investing the money to potentially achieve long-term growth.
There’s no one right formula for spending (or not spending) a bonus: Each person’s financial situation and future goals are entirely unique.
But here are some ideas for using your bonus — or any other cash infusion, in fact — that can help improve your financial wellness today and tomorrow.
Allocating Some Money to Fun
You worked hard all year. So it’s totally understandable if you want to put some of your bonus money simply towards a few wants vs. just needs.
With any financial decision, it typically doesn’t have to be all or nothing, and that includes your work bonus. In fact, taking a balanced approach to your money might actually help you to maintain the stamina that financial goals often require.
Although the exact split is ultimately up to you, to avoid overspending, you might want to consider putting roughly 90% of your bonus towards your financial goals, and devoting about 10% to “fun money.”
If you’re getting a $5,000 bonus (after taxes), for example, that means you would have $500 to spend treating yourself. The other $4,500 would then go towards putting a big dent in your money goals.
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Chipping Away at Debt
If you have debt — whether from a student loan, car loan, or credit card debt — a bonus can be a great way to start whittling away at whatever balance you have to contend with, or even wiping it out completely.
Doing this can help you avoid throwing more money away just on interest charges, and if you manage to wipe out debt completely, you’ll have one less financial responsibility to stress about every month.
How much of your recent influx of cash should be directed toward debt reduction is entirely personal, and will depend on your situation.
Some financial planners recommend that people with high-interest debt consider putting around half of their annual bonuses toward paying down that debt. But this decision will depend on your individual circumstances.
Since credit card debt typically costs the most in interest, that can be a great place to start. Many credit cards charge close to 20% interest or higher. So if your goal is to ultimately build wealth, it may be smart to minimize credit card balances or, even better, pay them off completely.
It would be unreasonable to expect that you could out-invest what you are paying out in credit card interest. The same idea goes for any high-interest or emotionally stressful debt on your balance sheet.
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Saving for a Short-Term Goal
If you haven’t yet started, or haven’t quite finished, creating an emergency fund, getting a bonus is a great time to beef up that financial cushion.
While many people don’t like to think about the possibility of their car breaking down, a medical emergency, or job loss, should one of these unexpected events occur, it could quickly put you in a difficult financial situation.
Without back-up, you can risk landing in debt should you experience a financial set-back.
How much to sock away for a rainy day is highly personal. But a common rule of thumb is to create an emergency fund that has enough money to cover three to six months of living expenses. You may need more or less, depending on your situation.
If you already have a decent cash cushion, you may next want to think about what large purchases you are hoping to make in the not-too-distant future, say, less than five years.
This could be a downpayment on a home, a renovation project, taking a special family vacation, buying a new car, or any financial step that requires a large infusion of cash.
Then consider using at least some of your bonus check to jump start these savings goals, or add to previously established ones.
It’s a good idea to put money you are saving for a short-term goal (whether it’s a downpayment or an emergency fund) in an account that is safe, earns interest, and will allow you to access it when you need it.
Some options include a savings account at a bank, an online savings account, a checking and savings account, or a certificate of deposit (CD). Keep in mind, though, that with a CD, you typically need to leave the money untouched for a certain period of time.
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Invest for the Future
Bonus money can also help you start investing in longer term goals, such as retirement or paying for a child’s education. Using bonus money to buy investments can help you create additional wealth over time.
For example, a lump sum of cash can work wonders in boosting your retirement savings. Even if you’re technically on track for retirement, adding more money to your IRA or 401(k) today can leave you with a larger income stream when you’re older. If you’re already contributing to these accounts, be aware of the annual limits.
You can contribute to your retirement using your bonus in a couple of ways. Many companies will automatically deduct from your bonus for your 401(k) at the same rate as usual.
You can also ask your company in advance if you can have a special withholding for your bonus. You may be able to fill out a form (or go onto the company portal) to designate up to 100 percent of your bonus to your 401(k).
If you can’t direct that money to your 401(k), and you’re eligible for an IRA, consider maxing that out instead.
Either one can help get you closer to a great retirement–and may also help you save significantly on taxes in the short term.
People who have kids may want to consider putting some bonus money toward starting, or adding to, a college savings account, such as a 529 plan (which in some states can offer tax benefits).
For financial goals outside of retirement, you may want to look into opening a brokerage account.
This is an investment account that allows you to buy and sell investments like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. A taxable brokerage account does not offer the same tax incentives as a 401(k) or an IRA, but is much more flexible in terms of when the money can be accessed.
How much of your bonus you should put towards long-term investments is an individual decision that will depend on your current financial circumstances.
The Takeaway
No matter the size of your hard-earned bonus, it’s a good idea to think about how it can best serve you and your goals in both the short and long term. Some smart ways to use bonus money include getting ahead of high-interest debt, setting up or enlarging your emergency fund, saving up for a large purchase (such as a home), as well as beefing up retirement savings and other long-term investments.
You can mix and match smart spending and smart saving to fit your financial situation. One easy way to do this is to sign up for an online bank account from SoFi Checking and Savings. You’ll earn a competitive annual percentage yield, pay no account fees, and you’ll spend and save — all in one convenient place. Whether you’re saving for something specific or storing cash until you’re ready to invest, SoFi Checking and Savings can help you put that year-end bonus to good use.
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