It’s the summer of Barbie. The movie release date is set for July 21, but the celebration of the iconic doll is going all season with pop-up exhibitions and hotel promotions.
If you want to travel to your own Barbie dream world, here are the best Barbie-inspired trips you can take this summer:
1. World of Barbie: Santa Monica, California
The World of Barbie in Santa Monica, California, is a temporary exhibition that takes people into Barbie’s world, including a real-life version of her Dreamhouse, camper van, space shuttle and TV studio. There’s also a gallery portion with vintage Barbie dolls and cars on display.
The exhibit is mainly a giant photo opportunity, with some interactive activities for kids, like a ball pit, and even a salon with real stylists on certain days. If you want a unique souvenir, consider building your own custom Barbie set from scratch for an additional fee.
Ticket prices run from $35 to $50 per adult and $25 to $32 per child. The exhibit is open through early September.
2. Malibu Barbie Cafe: Chicago and New York
Barbie apparently eats rainbow pancakes, beach burgers and candied bacon at the Malibu Barbie Cafe. The Barbie-inspired restaurant is operating in Chicago and New York with a menu by Chef Becky Brown, who was a semifinalist on MasterChef.
And there’s more to do at the Barbie restaurant than just eat. At the Chicago location, there’s a roller skating rink. Both sites have a gift shop, plus plenty of Instagram-worthy sets designed for you to have your own Barbie-inspired photo shoot.
Both restaurant locations are temporary, with tickets available through mid-September.
3. The Barbie room at The Curtis Hotel: Denver
You can book a Barbie-themed hotel room at The Curtis Hotel in downtown Denver. Though the hotel has a boutique feel, it’s actually part of the DoubleTree by Hilton brand.
This hotel has standard rooms as well as themed rooms, including one dedicated to Barbie. The themed rooms typically cost about $50 to $60 more per night than standard rooms, according to hotel spokesperson Tamara Atkin.
The Barbie room is decorated with images of the iconic dolls and has a salon chair inside. And unlike the other temporary offerings, The Curtis Hotel’s Barbie room is a permanent fixture. Though, for a limited time, guests also receive a complimentary makeup case and a voucher for a martini from the hotel bar when they book.
4. The Don CeSar: St. Pete Beach, Florida
This beachfront resort isn’t officially considered a Barbie hotel, but the Don CeSar is known as the “Pink Palace.” It exudes historical charm with a famous pink exterior.
Ron Sandel, general manager of HotelTonight, said in an email that the hotel has seen a 30% increase in bookings this year versus last.
“With Barbie mania in full effect this summer, we’re not surprised to see HotelTonight users book the pink-walled hotel,” he said. “In addition to being steps away from one of the best beaches in the country, we love Don CeSar for its 1950s-style ice cream parlor.”
5. The Ken Dreamhouse on Airbnb: Malibu, California
Only a handful of lucky people will get a chance to stay in what might be the ultimate Airbnb: Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse. The oceanfront mansion includes a disco dance floor and infinity pool.
Airbnb has run promotions for the glitzy house before, and this time, the vacation rental is decked out in honor of Barbie’s beau, Ken. It’s available to book for just two nights this summer, July 21 and July 22.
Anyone can request to book the Malibu Dreamhouse for a one-night stay for up to two guests each. While Airbnb says the bookings aren’t a contest, stays are free of charge, aside from taxes and fees. The booking window opens Monday, July 17, at 10 a.m. PT, so be ready to click.
(Top photo courtesy of World of Barbie)
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
For many of us, the idea of making $60,000 a year is nothing short of a dream. But what does that really mean? How much is that an hour before taxes? And after taxes? What kind of lifestyle could you afford with this income?
These are all questions we’ll explore in this article as we take a look at the average hourly wage and how it affects your annual income and after-tax income. We’ll also make necessary calculations to figure out how much you can expect to make after taxes each year, along with strategies for budgeting and saving to make the most out of your money. So if you’re curious about how far $60,000 can stretch in today’s economy, keep reading.
Table of Contents
$60000 a Year Is How Much an Hour?
Assuming you’re working a standard 40-hour week, you’d be raking in a cool $28.80 per hour.
When working 40 hours per week for 52 weeks a year, you’ll clock in 2,080 hours of work.
Divide that $60,000 salary by the 2,080 hours, and there’s your savvy $28.80 per hour rate.
That’s quite the step up from the federal minimum wage, isn’t it? Of course, your exact hourly rate could vary based on your work hours, but one thing’s for sure, you’ll be making a pretty penny.
But what if you work more or less than the standard work week?
Well, the lowest you could go while still making $60,000 a year is $6.8 per hour—albeit by working every waking (and non-waking) hour of the year, which is, let’s face it, impossible.
On the flip side, working less could bump your hourly wage up to a whopping $57.6. To earn this average wage, you would need to work 20 hours a week, which adds up to a total of 1,040 hours. However, this depends on your work schedule and other factors, such as other obligations you may have.
Earnings Disclaimer
It’s important to note that your earnings will remain constant even if you work fewer hours. Therefore, it’s essential to maximize your productivity during your designated work hours.
How Does 60K a Year Compare?
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of your $60,000 salary and see how it measures up. In 2023, the United States national median income is $80,893 – a sweet 3.4% jump from 2022. So, with your $60,000 paycheck, you’re actually earning 25% less than the average Joe. Fear not, though! Remember that median household income represents families, not solo earners.
If your household has more than one income earner and rakes in a collective $80,000, congrats! Your clan is pretty close to the median income party in the good ol’ US of A.
Is $28.80 a Good Hourly Rate?
Now, let’s shift gears and approach this with a more analytical lens. Earning $28.80 per hour results in an after-tax income of approximately $46,000 annually, placing an individual or a small family above the 2023 federal poverty threshold.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that one’s location and the cost of living therein play a significant role in defining a viable salary. For urban dwellers, particularly in places like New York City, the cost of living tends to be higher than the national average.
Consequently, researching the regional costs and evaluating whether a $60,000 salary truly qualifies as a “livable wage” becomes a necessary and prudent step to take.
Is $60K a Year Worth Your Time?
While it might not make you a millionaire in NYC, this annual income can comfortably provide for a solid life in cities like Sioux Falls. All it takes is a knack for smart budgeting and cost-effective living arrangements to thrive on a 60K salary truly.
For singles enjoying solo living, $60,000 can be quite a generous budget.
However, if you have a family to provide for, you might place a higher importance on your time since you have to make sure your family’s needs are met. In the end, it is your decision whether earning $60,000 annually is worth the time you put in.
The key to thriving on this income is a spoonful of discipline in handling finances, carefully saving for retirement, and investing in experiences that enrich your life.
Remember: time is a finite resource – every hour spent on the job is an hour you won’t get back.
So find joy in what you do and make each moment count. Whether you’re a wide-eyed student trading monetary gains for the experience or a devoted family person, always remember that the optimal balance involves valuing both time and money.
How to Make More While Working Less?
Who wouldn’t want to make more money while cutting down on working hours? Guess what – it’s entirely achievable! To unlock this seemingly elusive treasure, you need to utilize your time efficiently and tap into your skills to their maximum potential. Ready to work smarter, not harder? Let’s dive in.
Obtain a High-Paying Position
As there is always room for growth, consider seeking a position offering an increased annual salary. The key to locating these jobs lies in networking within your industry and researching online job postings. An alternative approach is to employ the services of a career coach in discovering opportunities that provide better rewards for your efforts.
All of this can be improved if you focus on achieving high income skills . This includes mastering a particular trade, obtaining a higher degree of education, or investing in yourself so that your salary is more than what you currently make.
Boost Your Earnings with Passive Income
One clever way to maximize your earnings is by reinvesting a part of your salary (from that median wage of $60,000 a year) into opportunities that create passive income. This way, you can watch your bank account grow as you snooze or enjoy that long-awaited vacation without the nagging worry of federal tax.
Excited yet? Take a look at these passive income generators:
Rental properties for a steady income stream
Peer-to-peer lending, becoming the bank and collecting interest
Dividend stocks, reaping the rewards of business growth
Climb Corporate Ladder
Efficient and diligent work within your current job may open the doors for a promotion, increasing your annual earnings beyond median pay and widening your professional responsibilities.
Before taking any major steps, consult with your supervisor to gain insight into the available growth options within the company that may ultimately enhance your yearly salary.
Make Bank with Freelancing
Want more control over your schedule and your finances? Try freelancing! This side hustle lets you make some extra moolah while flexing your skills and giving you the freedom to manage your own hours. Trust us; your work-life balance will thank you.
Intrigued? Check out these freelancing side hustle gigs:
Editing, polishing ideas to perfection
Web design, making the virtual world your oyster
Graphic design, letting your creativity rake in the bucks
Bookkeeping, because everyone needs a numbers wizard
Writing, because the content is king
Remember, nearly anything you do at your 9-to-5 can also be turned into a lucrative freelance service. So go ahead, give it a shot, and earn more on your own terms.
How Does a $60,000 Annual Salary Break Down?
Biweekly Pay Breakdown
Crunching the numbers for a $ 60,000-a-year salary reveals some exciting insights about your earnings every two weeks. Picture yourself working a full-time job, clocking in 40 hours each week with no overtime. Divide that annual salary of $60,000 by the 26 bi-weekly pay periods, and you’re looking at a cool $2,307.7 in your paycheck.
But hold your horses.
Remember the saying, “Nothing’s certain but death and taxes?”
Well, your take-home pay usually ends up lesser than your biweekly paycheck, all thanks to taxes and other deductions such as income taxes, pre-tax deductions (retirement accounts, health savings bank accounts, etc.), FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes, state and local taxes, other miscellaneous deductions required by your employer, and health insurance premiums.
Monthly Pay
Now, what if you’re paid monthly? The anticipation of receiving your paycheck might be a tad longer, but imagine the thrill of seeing higher numbers! On a $60,000 annual salary, you’ll bag a monthly paycheck of a whopping $5,000 before taxes and deductions.
You may get paid time off and federal government holidays, depending on your company. For the average person, this means you’re effectively making more money per hour than your hourly rate implies.
How Much is $28.80 an Hour Annually?
Picture this: you make $28.80 an hour, which translates to roughly $59,904 annually. Not only are you ahead of the curve, but you’ll also be earning more than the national average of $58,563 per year, or $28.16 hourly, according to ZipRecruiter.
However, this number can fluctuate based on the total number of hours you work weekly. For instance, working 50 hours a week would increase your annual earnings to $74,880, while a 60-hour workweek would result in an impressive $89,856.
On the other hand, if you work less than 40 hours a week, your salary tapers off accordingly. A 30-hour workweek corresponds to $44,928 a year, while 20 hours of weekly commitment amounts to $29,952 per annum. Thus, it’s crucial to understand the expected work hours when considering a job that pays $28.8 an hour.
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to make the most out of your earnings and work smarter to increase your salary. Whether it’s freelancing, negotiating a higher wage, or taking on more responsibilities, there are numerous ways to increase your annual salary and take charge.
How Does Vacation Impact My Annual Salary?
Vacation offers necessary respite and rejuvenation, but it may come at the cost of impacting one’s annual salary. It is crucial to examine the effects of taking time off on one’s finances.
Paid vacation days are part of most employment contracts and would not result in a salary reduction. Conversely, for employees who must take unpaid vacation days, their annual salary may be affected.
For instance, an individual earning $60,000 annually would receive $2,307.60 bi-weekly. Should they opt for two weeks of unpaid vacation, it would reduce their annual earnings by the same amount. Furthermore, being absent from work may result in missed opportunities for raises or promotions.
Therefore, the importance of considering how vacation impacts one’s annual salary cannot be understated. A balance between taking time off and focusing on career growth should be achieved to ensure financial stability.
Notice
Please note that the salary examples provided are only meant to give you a general idea. Your actual salary will depend on your additional skills, experience, qualifications, and the number of hours you plan to work.
How Much Is $60 000 a Year After Taxes?
Tax implications on a $60,000 salary should be considered thoughtfully, and the actual take-home pay depends on various factors, including your residence. Here, we provide general calculations for residents of tax-free states (for, e.g., Florida) and states with taxes (for, e.g., New York).
For an individual living in Florida, the tax breakdown is as follows:
Annual pre-tax income:
$60,000
Deductions:
$5,968 federal income tax $3,300 FICA taxes
After-tax take-home income:
$50,732
On the other hand, a New York resident’s tax obligations would be:
Annual pre-tax income:
$60,000
Deductions:
$5,968 federal income tax, $3,300 FICA taxes $2,864 New York state tax
After-tax take-home income:
$47,868
Notice the significant difference in after-tax income due to state taxes. It’s essential to bear this in mind when calculating the final earnings from your annual salary.
State By State $60,000 a Year Salary After Taxes in 2023
Just like the federal government, each state and territory has its own tax brackets that are calculated in a similar way.
However, since each state or territory can establish its own marginal tax rates and laws regarding taxable items, the amount of taxes you pay on a $60,000 salary may differ depending on where you live. The following table shows your after-tax salary for the 2023 tax year on a $60,000 salary:
State
Average Income
Alabama
$46,607.00
Alaska
$49,442.00
Arizona
$48,061.71
Arkansas
$46,263.80
California
$47,483.87
Colorado
$47,301.23
Connecticut
$46,592.00
Delaware
$46,678.88
District of Columbia
$46,783.75
Florida
$50,732.00
Georgia
$46,429.00
Hawaii
$45,419.90
Idaho
$46,841.29
Illinois
$46,472.00
Indiana
$47,504.00
Iowa
$46,378.56
Kansas
$46,679.00
Kentucky
$46,580.50
Louisiana
$47,473.25
Maine
$46,484.63
Maryland
$46,756.13
Massachusetts
$46,442.00
Michigan
$46,892.00
Minnesota
$46,646.36
Mississippi
$46,857.00
Missouri
$47,090.06
Montana
$46,289.03
Nebraska
$46,792.90
Nevada
$49,442.00
New Hampshire
$49,442.00
New Jersey
$47,619.50
New Mexico
$47,416.05
New York
$47,868.09
North Carolina
$47,084.23
North Dakota
$48,863.12
Ohio
$48,401.64
Oklahoma
$47,082.13
Oregon
$44,660.75
Pennsylvania
$47,600.00
Rhode Island
$47,540.75
South Carolina
$46,693.40
South Dakota
$49,442.00
Tennessee
$49,442.00
Texas
$49,442.00
Utah
$46,510.46
Vermont
$47,231.98
Virginia
$46,508.25
Washington
$49,442.00
West Virginia
$46,667.00
Wisconsin
$47,194.39
Wyoming
$49,442.00
Source: Worlds Salaries
What Types of Jobs Pay $60,000 Per Year?
There are a variety of jobs that pay $60,000 per Year. Here are some examples:
Cargo pilot
Makeup artist
Real estate agent
Dental hygienist
Instrument technician
Insurance agent
Power plant operator
HVAC supervisor
Yoga Instructor
Nuclear medicine technologist
Railroad conductor
Web developer
Sales representative
Claims adjuster
Electrical foreman
Truck driver
Boilermaker
Occupational therapy assistant
MRI technician
Solar installer
Aircraft Mechanic
Physical therapist assistant
Radiation therapist
Nuclear technician
Owner-operator driver
There are numerous job opportunities available that offer an annual salary of $60,000, as shown in the provided list. You have several options to choose from if you desire a salary of this amount. However, note that the list is not exhaustive but gives a fair indication of the job positions that provide this salary.
How To Budget $60,000 a Year?
Cut Unnecessary Monthly Expenses
Regardless of an individual’s yearly income, living within one’s means should be a priority. Analyzing and adjusting budgets is an effective way to achieve this goal. Identifying and eliminating non-essential expenses can help allocate funds toward debt reduction or savings.
Potential areas for adjustments include:
Gym memberships
Entertainment expenses
Subscription services (magazines, music, etc.)
Frequency of dining out
Cable TV subscriptions
Clothing purchases
Travel expenditures
There could be more that can be reduced or eliminated to ensure proper budgeting of $60,000 a year.
Save for Retirement Early
The earliest you start saving for retirement, the better. Consider starting an IRA or contributing to a 401(k), especially while your income is still relatively high and you can benefit from the employer match. If your employer offers a 401(k) plan, setting aside just 10% of your annual salary (or $6,000 if you make $60,000 a year) can go a long way toward reaching retirement goals.
Avoid High Car Payments
Owning a set of wheels doesn’t have to equate to draining your wallet. Did you know the average monthly loan payment for a new car in the U.S. is almost $600, which represents more than 10% of a $60,000 annual income?
Keep in mind this figure doesn’t even include insurance, fuel, or maintenance costs. Try out these savvy strategies to stay car payment-free:
Opt for a pre-owned vehicle
Select a smaller, more economical car
Purchase a used car with cash
Avoid Credit Card Debt
Using credit cards to fund your lifestyle is a common mistake that can easily lead to debt. A way to avoid credit card debt is by limiting your credit card usage to expenses that you can pay off fully every month. If you can’t afford to pay your credit card bill each month fully, it’s crucial to reassess your spending habits.
Sample Budget For Individuals Earning $60,000 Per Year
If you want to understand better living on a $60,000 salary, consider comparing it to your monthly expenses. As an example, here’s a budget for someone earning $60k per year, which may be helpful.
Category
Monthly Amount
House Rent
$2,200
Utilities (electricity, water, etc.)
$200
Internet/Cable
$100
Transportation
$300
Insurance (car, health, etc.)
$400
Groceries
$400
Dining Out
$200
Entertainment
$100
Clothing
$200
Personal Care
$200
Emergency Fund
$200
Retirement Savings
$500
Total
$5,000
Note: This budget prioritizes basic expenses and avoids debt.
Final Thoughts on a 60K a Year Salary
Yearly salaries can be quite the conversation starter. They’re different everywhere you go, and they’re unique to each individual and profession. A 60K salary might be considered modest in certain corners of the world, while in other places, it’s a pretty sweet deal.
Just imagine living in the bustling metropolis of New York City – you’d need almost twice that amount to make ends meet! But set foot in rural Mississippi, and you’ll find that life on a 60K income can be quite lavish. To live your best life on a $60,000 salary, you only need a bit of financial savvy:
Live beneath your means.
Keep an eye on your expenditures.
Always invest in yourself and your future.
So, what do you think – could you make it on 60K a year? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
People inherit less than you might expect. In fact, most people think they’ll inherit far more than they really will.
If you do inherit money, it most likely won’t be subject to federal estate taxes. In 2023, those apply only to estates worth more than $12.92 million. But very few households have that level of wealth and most people inherit nothing at all. Here’s what the inheritance landscape looks like, according to the Federal Reserve’s most recent Survey of Consumer Finances from 2016 to 2019. If you need help with your estate plan or have received an inheritance, consider working with a financial advisor.
Why the Average Inheritance is Misleading
On average, American households inherit $46,200, according to the Federal Reserve data. But this figure is inflated by top-tier wealth and belies the fact that many households inherit no money at all.
Of those that do receive a bequest, most receive a small fraction of the average. The top 1% and 10% of households by wealth receive so much that their estates pull the average up. This creates the impression that many, if not most, households receive a comfortable nest egg. Very few actually do.
While less than a third of all households inherit any money, between 70% and 80% of households receive no inheritance at all.
Average Inheritance By Wealth Level
A consistent reality with inheritance is that almost all households who receive an inheritance expect more than they get. This may have to do with the prominence of estate taxes in the national debate, which creates the impression that inheritance and estates are a matter for ordinary Americans. Here’s a look at how much households with varying levels of wealth inherit.
Top 1%
Average inheritance: $719,000 Expected inheritance: $941,100
Measured by wealth, the top 1% of households receive overwhelmingly more than any other group measured. This is what causes such dramatically skewed data when it comes to measuring averages. This group receives more than four times as much as the next wealthiest cohort.
Next 9%
Average inheritance: $174,200 Expected inheritance: $266,600
The average inheritance for the remainder of the top 10% of households is significantly less than those at the very top but still considerable: $174,200. Then again, these households end up inheriting 35% less money than they expect to receive.
Next 40%
Average inheritance: $45,900 Expected inheritance: $60,100
On average, the next 40% of households receive an inheritance that’s closest to the national average. These households are also the most realistic in their expectations. All other cohorts expect vastly larger inheritances than they will receive. This swath of the population overestimates its inheritances by a relatively modest amount.
Bottom 50%
Average inheritance: $9,700 Expected inheritance: $29,400
A national average of $46,200 does nothing to communicate the fact that about half of all households who do receive an inheritance will get less than $10,000. In fact, this cohort expects to receive nearly three times what they will actually get.
The bottom half of households is the cohort that’s also least likely to receive any inheritance at all. With lower rates of college education and lower earnings, these households should not expect to share wealth among generations.
Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Inheritance?
Chances are that you won’t have to pay any taxes on money or property you inherit. In 2023, the federal estate tax only applies to estates that transfer more than $12.92 million to beneficiaries. Keep in mind that it’s the responsibility of the decedent estate’s to pay this tax, not the person or entity that receives an inheritance.
The tax is only applied to property that exceeds the $12.92 million threshold. So if an estate is worth $13 million, only $800,000 would be subject to the federal estate tax in 2023.
Some states also charge their own estate taxes on top of the federal levy. However, a few states also tax those who receive inheritances. These levies are known as inheritance taxes and the following states have them:
Kentucky
Maryland
Nebraska
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
Iowa*
* Iowa is phasing out its inheritance tax by 2025
Bottom Line
While the average inheritance is $46,200, only a small percentage of households end up actually inheriting money. For households that do receive inheritances, the size of those windfalls can vary greatly for those in the top 1% of households compared to those in the bottom half.
Estate Planning Tips
Many people want to make sure they leave something behind for the next generation. If that’s you, make sure to avoid these five common estate planning mistakes.
A financial advisor with estate planning expertise can help guide you through the sometimes complicated process of building an estate plan. 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.
Eric Reed
Eric Reed is a freelance journalist who specializes in economics, policy and global issues, with substantial coverage of finance and personal finance. He has contributed to outlets including The Street, CNBC, Glassdoor and Consumer Reports. Eric’s work focuses on the human impact of abstract issues, emphasizing analytical journalism that helps readers more fully understand their world and their money. He has reported from more than a dozen countries, with datelines that include Sao Paolo, Brazil; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; and Athens, Greece. A former attorney, before becoming a journalist Eric worked in securities litigation and white collar criminal defense with a pro bono specialty in human trafficking issues. He graduated from the University of Michigan Law School and can be found any given Saturday in the fall cheering on his Wolverines.
Your employer technically will always know when you borrow money from your 401(k). One of the tricky parts about managing a 401(k) loan is that, even though this money belongs to you, your employer can set terms and conditions around taking the loan. The employer may even disallow loans completely. Here’s how 401(k) loans work and what you should keep in mind if you’re thinking about taking one. A financial advisor can help guide you through the process of taking a 401(k) loan or recommend alternatives.
What Is a 401(k) Loan?
A 401(k) is a tax-advantaged retirement account that your employer provides. Money is deducted from your paycheck and saved in the account on a pretax basis. This lets you invest a full dollar for every dollar you earn, unlike the rest of your income on which you pay taxes and only keep a portion of those earnings.
This tax-advantaged status means that you ordinarily cannot sell assets and withdraw money from your 401(k) until you near retirement age or meet the qualifying criteria for a hardship withdrawal. If you do, the IRS will require you to pay the taxes you would have paid on the income you invested along with a 10% early withdrawal penalty.
If your 401(k) provider allows it, you can borrow money from the account with a 401(k) loan. Unlike a hardship withdrawal, you must repay this money back into the portfolio. If you make regular payments and repay the money on time, often within five years, you do not have to pay any taxes or penalties on the loan. But if you fail to repay the loan on time, the IRS will consider it an early distribution and you’ll owe taxes and penalties on the money you borrowed.
A 401(k) loan can be a good way to solve pressing financial problems, such as unexpected job loss or a sudden emergency. While it’s sometimes referred to as an interest-free loan from yourself, this is not accurate. When you take money from your 401(k) you lose out on any growth that this money would have had during the loan period. This is a real loss, one that grows the longer you take to put the money back in.
Your Employer and a 401(k) Loan
The rules governing 401(k) loans aren’t universal – they can vary from plan to plan, employer to employer. Unlike hardship withdrawals, which are generally defined and governed by the IRS, the terms of 401(k) loans are set by your employer when the program is established.
This means that your employer can decide:
If their 401(k) program will allow loans at all;
If their 401(k) program will allow loans freely, or only under certain conditions;
If there are conditions, what those conditions are;
The maximum amount of a loan (up to 50% of the account’s value);
Some repayment terms
As part of running and managing the 401(k) program, your employer will have an officer or agent who monitors all contributions, withdrawals and other aspects of the plan. This person is known as the “record keeper.” He or she may be an employee of the company or work for an external firm that the company hires to run the 401(k) program on its behalf.
On an institutional level, your employer has access to these records. This means that every withdrawal from an employee 401(k), including loans and hardship withdrawals, can be known by certain company employees.
However, it’s important to note that this does not mean your immediate supervisor or any specific colleagues will have access to this information. The details of a 401(k) plan are generally considered confidential financial information, so it’s likely that your company will have rules around who can see those records. The smaller your firm, the more likely it is that a close colleague will have access to 401(k) records. At a larger company, though, it’s likely that only finance or human resources personnel, along with upper management, will have the right to see those records.
In either case, the answer is the same though. Yes, your employer as an institution will know if you take out a loan from your 401(k) portfolio. However, that information is not necessarily available to any specific colleague.
Bottom Line
Your employer sets the rules for taking loans out of its 401(k) program, which means that as an institution certain employees will have the ability to know every withdrawal and loan that someone makes. However, that does not mean that any individual manager or coworker will have access to this information.
Retirement Savings Tips
Keep the IRS contribution limits in mind each year and max out your retirement accounts when you can. If you have a 401(k), 403(b) or 457 plan, you can contribute up to $22,500 to your account in 2023, plus another $7,500 if you’re 50 or older. You can save another $6,500 in an IRA ($7,500 if you’re 50 or older).
A financial advisor can help you build a comprehensive retirement plan. 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.
Eric Reed
Eric Reed is a freelance journalist who specializes in economics, policy and global issues, with substantial coverage of finance and personal finance. He has contributed to outlets including The Street, CNBC, Glassdoor and Consumer Reports. Eric’s work focuses on the human impact of abstract issues, emphasizing analytical journalism that helps readers more fully understand their world and their money. He has reported from more than a dozen countries, with datelines that include Sao Paolo, Brazil; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; and Athens, Greece. A former attorney, before becoming a journalist Eric worked in securities litigation and white collar criminal defense with a pro bono specialty in human trafficking issues. He graduated from the University of Michigan Law School and can be found any given Saturday in the fall cheering on his Wolverines.
It’s a big day at Get Rich Slowly HQ. Later this morning, I’ll speak with my book editor for the first time. This project is about to devour large chunks of my life. Fortunately, the new Staff Writers will pick up the slack. (Actually, to be fair, I think they’ll more than pull their own weight.) Here, then, is the first contribution from Adam Baker, Get Rich Slowly’s first-ever Staff Writer!
Receiving a “mini-windfall” of unexpected income is an awesome feeling! However, I have a confession to make. Courtney and I are terrible at handling how we spend these pleasant surprises. More times than not, we find it insanely easy to justify squandering this unexpected money on impulse purchases, even when the rest of our budget is working well.
For the most part, we’ve slain the “justification” monster in our budgeting life. We’ve desperately attempted to eliminate the “I deserve this…” mentality. However, when it comes to “mini-windfalls”, somehow we seem to always break down.
I’m referring to the $40 in the birthday card from a relative. Or the extra $125 you made selling some stuff at the neighbors garage sale last Saturday. Even miscellaneous income from side jobs would fall into this category if not included in your normal budget.
You can see this phenomenon amplified during two specific times of the year in early February and late April. Why? Those are the peak times for income tax refunds. While preparing taxes this year,I listened to countless people tell me what they would be doing with their “unexpected” money. We aren’t the only ones who are quick to justify non-budgeted impulse purchases with windfalls of this sort.
Income is Income is Income…
If we are being blunt, it shouldn’t matter if the money comes in the form of a bi-weekly corporate paycheck, a quirky birthday card, or a instant tax refund chain. Once the money is in our hands or hits our bank accounts, it all spends the exact same.
As a kid, I remember watching my father mix all of the food on his plate together before eating it. In response to my stares, he would always repeat, “It all ends up in the same place, anyway.”
While you can’t really argue with that logic, many would be quick to point out that they enjoy the different contrasting tastes. They enjoy the process of selecting what the next bite will be. They don’t want to just combine everything together.
While some may be able to effectively treat all income equally, most of us have some sort of internal struggle. It seems like no matter what the amount of the unexpected income, I can always match it up to something I’ve been wanting forever. It’s a nasty financial habit. One that I’ve honed with many years of practice.
Striving for Conscious Spending
Let me be clear. It’s perfectly fine to spend on wants. It’s a great idea to “blow” money from time to time. But if we aren’t conscious about how we handle this process, it can spiral out of control.
Courtney and I realized that we needed to establish parameters on how to deal with this sort of income before it actually arrived. We weren’t against allocating a portion of it to indulge our wants, but we did want control over the situation.
If we were going to “blow” money, I at least wanted a say in it. We no longer had interest in letting our whims have free rein over this portion of our income.
Two Strategies to Buck the “Justification” Habit
As I pointed out above, ideally we could just treat all income equally. We’d budget it all the same and allocate the “unexpected” in the same fashion as our normal paycheck. In practice, however, many of us still find ourselves compelled to splurge.
Here are two simple strategies that have helped us reestablish control:
Choose one specific, tangible goal to “catch” all extra income. The key is to select a specific goal ahead of time. For example, many choose to immediately throw any non-budgeted income at their debt. Once they’ve established what order they will pay off their debt, they simply apply all extra money as soon as it appears. This can also work for other goals, such as paying cash for your dream car or saving for a down payment on a house. My experience has been that if you pick a compelling goal, you’ll be inspired to find even more ways to increase your “unexpected” income. A worthy side benefit of this tactic.
Allocate a pre-determined percentage to “blow” money. This system is commonly used with larger windfalls (inheritance, sales of major assets, etc…), but can be applied to the smaller ones, as well. For example, you may choose to allocate 50% (with smaller windfalls) of any non-budgeted income to be spent as “blow” money, while they other 50% is either funneled into the normal budget or put towards a specific goal (as above). This tactic also can motivate you to find more ways of generating income. After all, the more side income you bring in the higher the percentage you get to apply towards personal wants.
Keep in mind, that neither of these tactics is going to completely solve the issue. I’m not a big fan of outsourcing responsibility onto a system of some kind. However, experimenting with these two techniques has helped me maintain control over an area that is a reoccurring weakness.
Once again, it’s all about consciousness. I feel empowered when I consciously choose how I treat all income that comes into our life. Even if I choose to spend it in the same way, I like knowing I’m in control.
How do you handle unexpected income in your life? Do you lump it all together or have you designed a specific system to handle it? What techniques do you use maintain control?
Major players in the household lending market are Bank of America Corporation, JPMorgan Chase and Co., Pentagon Federal Credit Union, Discover Bank, Member FDIC, LoanDepot, Spring EQ, A and A Dukaan Financial Services Private Limited, ABC Finance Limited, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Barclays PLC.
New York, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report “Household Lending Global Market Report 2023” – https://www.reportlinker.com/p04590164/?utm_source=GNW , Citizens Commerce Bancshares Inc., Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Flagstar Bancorp Inc., HSBC Holdings PLC., Morgan Stanley, Navy Federal Credit Union, Roostify, and Royal Bank of Canada.
The global household lending market is expected to grow from $4,048.14 billion in 2022 to $4,520.83 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7%. The Russia-Ukraine war disrupted the chances of global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, at least in the short term. The war between these two countries has led to economic sanctions on multiple countries, a surge in commodity prices, and supply chain disruptions, causing inflation across goods and services and affecting many markets across the globe. The household lending market is expected to reach $6,798.66 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of 10.7%.
The household lending market includes revenues earned by entities by providing conventional loans, secured and unsecured loans, and open-end and closed-end loans to borrowers for household lending.The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering.
Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.
Household lending refers the act of loaning money to purchase a home or household.The debtor pays back the borrowed funds and interest according to the loan repayment plan.
Household lending can aid in raising the budget for a home purchase using the loan amount provided.
North America was the largest region in the household lending market in 2022. The regions covered in the household lending market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.
The main types of household lending are fixed-rate loans and home equity lines of credit, which are provided by banks, online lenders, credit unions, and others.A fixed-rate loan is one in which the interest rate is fixed throughout the loan or only a portion of it.
Various sources included are mortgage and credit unions, commercial banks, and others. The main types of interest rate are fixed-rate mortgage loans and adjustable-rate mortgage loans.
The huge spike in housing costs is expected to propel the growth of the household lending market in the coming future.Housing costs is rent and mortgage costs (principal repayment and mortgage interest); or a measure that is more inclusive and takes into account the costs of obligatory services and charges, routine maintenance and repairs, taxes, and utility bills.
The increased housing costs limit an individual’s capacity to buy a house by full cash payment and motivate them to apply for a loan.So, the increasing housing costs is boosting the household lending market.
For instance, in November 2022, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, a US-based autonomous federal body established as the Federal Housing Finance Board’s regulatory substitute, in the United States between the third quarters of 2021 and 2022, the price of homes increased by 12.4%. In contrast to the second quarter of 2022, home prices increased by 0.1 percent. Therefore, the huge spike in housing costs is driving the household lending market.
Technological advancements are the key trends gaining popularity in the household lending market.Major companies operating in the household lending market are focused on developing innovative technologies to strengthen their position in the market.
For instance, in October 2021, Roostify, a US-based developer of a digital lending platform for home loans, launched the ’first of many’ APIs (application programming interface) on its existing lending platform developed to automate data extraction from documents and document validation in the financing process.Roostify Document Intelligence (RDI) Service, the company’s newest technology, will employ AI (artificial intelligence) to identify, validate, and extract data from documents connected to mortgages.
Users can receive automatic feedback from the technology when they upload documents that are wrong or ineligible, and errors can be flagged before it cause a data input problem. As an API, this one may be integrated into any step of the lending process and serve a wide range of use cases that can take advantage of the automated identification and extraction of data from the mortgage document collection.
In March 2023, Barclays PLC, a UK-based multinational bank, acquired Kensington Mortgage Company Limited for an undisclosed amount.Through the acquisition, Barclays enhanced its current mortgage product portfolio by integrating a better-specialized mortgage lender with a solid reputation in the UK market, further strengthening its product capabilities, and aligning with Barclays’ strategic aim of delivering next-generation, digital consumer financial services.
Kensington Mortgage Company Limited is a UK-based mortgage lender for first-time purchasers, self-employed people, contractors, and others.
The countries covered in the household lending market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
The household lending market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides household lending market statistics, including household lending industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a household lending market share, detailed household lending market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the household lending industry. This household lending market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p04590164/?utm_source=GNW
About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need – instantly, in one place.
Employer-sponsored 401(k) plans are a popular way for workers to save for retirement, but they’re not the only way. If you’re self-employed or your employer doesn’t offer a 401(k), there are retirement savings vehicles out there that will work for you. Let’s take a look at both solo 401(k) plans and IRAs. If you’d like personalized advice about planning for retirement, consider working with a financial advisor.
What Is a 401(k)?
A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement account that offers tax benefits. A traditional 401(k) will be withdrawn from your paycheck pretax and will only be taxed when you withdraw from it in retirement. A Roth 401(k) is similar, but the money that goes into it is already taxed, so it won’t be taxed when you withdraw from it in retirement. You can withdraw from your 401(k) penalty-free beginning at age 59 ½.
Once you deposit money into a 401(k), it’s invested according to your choices—you’ll be presented with investment options when you complete the paperwork. That money will grow not just through contributions, but through interest and earnings on those investments.
These plans were specifically created to incentivize workers to save for retirement. If you contribute to a traditional 401(k), your taxable income is reduced due to the 401(k) withholdings. If you’re contributing 6% of your income to a 401(k), you don’t owe taxes on that 6% of your income. With a Roth 401(k), instead of saving on taxes in the year, you contribute money to your 401(k) and you’ll enjoy the savings when you withdraw it in retirement.
Can You Open a 401(k) Plan Without an Employer?
As a 401(k) plan is an employer-sponsored retirement account, there’s an option for a self-employed person with no employees to open one with themselves as the sponsor. This is called a solo or one-participant 401(k) plan.
A solo 401(k) works exactly like a traditional 401(k) plan you would get with an employer—you’re just the employer and the account holder. Just like a 401(k) plan with an employer, there are contribution limits, but they’re much higher because you are serving as both employee and employer. We’ll cover those contribution limits later.
If you’re not a self-employed person, your best option is likely an individual retirement account (IRA). Whether you opt for a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA, both are tax-advantaged savings vehicles that will help you prepare for the future and have similar benefits to 401(k) plans.
Some traditional IRAs will also allow you to deposit pretax income and only pay taxes upon withdrawal in retirement. IRAs offer a great deal of freedom because, outside of income thresholds, they are not related to your employment status and you can open one anytime. Roth IRAs are funded with taxed income, but withdrawals aren’t taxed unless you withdraw before the age of 59 1/2.
You’ll need an employer identification number (EIN) to open a solo 401(k), but you can easily find a provider for the retirement accounts mentioned. Compare reviews and choose one with the benefits and features that work for you.
How Much You Can Contribute to Your Retirement Account
Understand how much you can contribute to your retirement accounts, without an HR department to help you, you could run into trouble. The IRS sets contribution limits that often change. Here are the limits for 2023:
Solo 401(k): Solo 401(k) limits are a bit more complicated because you are serving as both the employee and employer. These are divided into elective deferrals, of up to $22,500—or $30,000 if you’re 50 or older—and employer nonelective contributions of up to 25% of compensation as defined by your plan. Total contributions cannot exceed $66,000. The IRS recommends using the worksheets in Chapter 5 of Publication 560, Retirement Plans for Small Business to figure out your allowable contribution rate and tax deduction for your 401(k) plan contributions.
Traditional and Roth IRAs: Both types of IRAs have the same annual contribution limit of $6,500—$7,500 if you’re 50 or older—or your taxable compensation for the year if it’s less than those numbers
The Bottom Line
While your options are a little different without an employer-sponsored 401(k), there are fantastic retirement savings options available for self-employed workers or those that don’t have plans available through their employer.
Do some research to see which one is right for you, then open a retirement account to prepare for the future while unlocking tax savings.
Retirement Planning Tips
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.
Use SmartAsset’s free retirement calculator to see if you’re on track to meet your retirement goals.
Whether you are a freelancer, side hustler, or run a full-time business, opening a separate business bank account should be your first move after starting your business.
A business bank account helps you keep your business finances and personal income and expenses separate. Having a business bank account for all your business finances makes it easy to run records and track your costs and deductions at tax time.
Business checking accounts can also help business owners establish credit, which they can use for net terms with suppliers or to take out business loans or business credit cards.
But which business checking account is best? And can you find good options with free business checking accounts?
12 Best Free Business Checking Accounts
We’ve done the legwork for you, compiling a list of the 12 best free business checking accounts available in the U.S. today.
1. Bluevine: Best Free Business Checking Account Overall
Bluevine offers one of the most comprehensive and best free business checking accounts you’ll find. It has no monthly maintenance fees, no overdraft fees, and an annual percentage yield APY of 2% on up to $250,000 of your balance if you meet monthly activity goals. To qualify, simply make $500 in debit card purchases with your Bluevine business debit or receive $2,500 per month in customer payments to your account.
Bluevine offers features that make it great for a team, including the ability to open multiple sub-accounts and even have separate logins for employees or contractors, like accountants and virtual assistants.
While some free business checking accounts have transaction limits, your Bluevine business checking account does not. Funds are backed by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC. Coastal Community Bank provides business banking services for Bluevine customers.
2. Capital One Business Bank Account: Best for Local Branches
If you’re looking for personalized service at local branches, consider Capital One business checking. Capital One offers two tiers of checking accounts: Basic and Enhanced. Both accounts offer unlimited digital transactions, free overdraft coverage, access to Capital One’s mobile app, no ATM fees at 70,000 Capital One, Allpoint, and MoneyPass ATMs, and low monthly fees that are easily waived when you meet minimum balance requirements.
Capital One Enhanced business checking is designed for larger businesses who can meet $25,000 average daily balance requirements needed to waive the $35 monthly service fee. Enjoy free incoming wire transfers, five free outgoing wire transfers monthly, and a remote scanner for mobile check deposits.
3. GO2bank: Best for Online Banking
GO2bank is a complete mobile banking solution with digital banking services provided by Green Dot Bank. The bank offers many features in its online business checking account that will appeal to business owners and their employees, including co-branded debit cards, optional overdraft protection, and a co-branded app for businesses. You can also get a secured business credit card through GO2bank.
Waive the monthly fees with qualifying direct deposits, and receive ACH payments up to two days early. You can also purchase eGift cards for yourself or as employee incentives and earn up to 7% cash back.
4. Found: Best for Freelancers
Hailed as the debit card for the self-employed, we rate Found as the best free business account for freelancers. It has no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum deposit or minimum balance requirements, and no credit check to open your account.
Found has a few features that can help you streamline your business. By evaluating your income and expenses, Found can calculate your tax bill, categorize tax write-offs, and even auto-save the correct amount from each deposit to cover your quarterly taxes. You can also send invoices from the app.
Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Deposits are FDIC insured through Piermont Bank.
5. First Citizens Bank Basic Business Checking: Best for Checking Account Choices:
Most business checking accounts have one option for a business owner. First Citizens has four choices to help you choose the right business checking account with the features you need. The basic business checking account offers 100 transactions with no monthly fee, and has a minimum opening deposit of $100.
Business Banking I is free with a merchant account or a minimum daily balance of $25,000. It offers processing of up to $250 transactions per month, plus $10,000 in cash processing, including cash deposits. Business Banking II has similar features with 500 free transactions and $15,000 in cash processing, including cash deposits. There is a $50 monthly fee unless you have a merchant account or an average daily ledger balance of $50,000.
Business Banking III is best for larger enterprises who want choices and do a high volume of business. Process up to 750 transactions free each month, with $20,000 in cash deposits. You’ll need a merchant account or $75,000 in your average daily ledger balance to avoid the monthly maintenance fee.
Business Banking I, II, and III accounts also let you customize your plan with additional discounted services.
6. Novo Business Checking Account: Best for E-commerce and App Integrations
Novo is not a bank, it’s a financial technology company with deposits backed by Middlesex Federal Savings, Member FDIC. Novo is one of the most tech-forward financial institutions on our list, offering easy integration with apps like Shopify, Wise, Stripe, Square, and Quickbooks.
The Novo Business Checking account has no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, no cash deposit fees, and ATM fee reimbursement for out-of-network ATM use. Account holders can also get discounts on popular business software and services, including LegalZoom, Constant Contact, and Stripe.
7. Mercury Banking For Start-ups: Best for Start-ups
Bootstrapped and venture-backed startups of every size have unique needs in a business checking account. A Mercury free business checking account helps your money stretch further with no monthly fee, no minimum balance requirements, and no minimum deposit to open. You can earn 5.11% annual percentage yield APY with mutual funds invested through Mercury Treasury if you have an account balance of $250,000 or more.
Mercury free business checking offers unlimited free transactions, including no cash deposit fees, for businesses who process less than $200,000 per month. The account offers team management tools, debit cards for multiple employees, and capabilities to open multiple checking and savings accounts to manage cash flow.
Plus, your Mercury account is backed by up to $5 million worth of FDIC insurance through partner banks. Banking services are provided by Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust, Members FDIC and deposits are held in various partner banks.
8. U.S. Bank Silver Business Checking: Best for Sign-up Bonus
If you’re looking to earn free cash to boost your business, consider a U.S. Bank Silver Business checking account with a $100 minimum deposit before June 30, 2023. You can earn a $500 bonus when you make new deposits of at least $5,000 and maintain a minimum balance of at least $5,000 until 60 days after the account opening. Increase that to $15,000 in new money deposits and maintain that balance for 60 days and earn $750 deposited into your new business checking account.
U.S. Bank offers tons of benefits for business owners, including no transaction fees for up to 125 transactions each month, 25 free cash transactions (or up to $2,500 in free cash deposits, whichever comes first), no monthly maintenance fee, and 50% off on your first check order, up to $50.
Larger businesses may prefer a Gold Business Checking Account, with no transaction fees for up to 300 transactions per month. It also has a waivable $20 monthly fee.
There is also a Platinum Checking Account Package with 500 free transactions and a $30 monthly fee. This fee is waived by meeting monthly minimum balance requirements.
9. Chase Business Complete Banking: Best for Payment Processing
For those who want to avoid online only banks and are looking for a big bank with international recognition and branches and ATMs across the U.S., Chase Business Complete Banking offers a solid solution. It comes with many ways to waive the monthly service fee.
Chase also makes it easy to accept credit and debit card payments without using a third-party payment processor. Chase QuickAccept is a built-in feature as part of Chase Business Complete Banking. You don’t need to apply for a separate merchant account, and the transaction fees are competitive with other credit card processing companies.
QuickAccept also allows you to access money faster with same-day deposits with no added fees. If you need a merchant payment processing provider that works in synch with your bank account, Chase Business Complete Banking could be the best choice for you.
Right now through August 3, 2023, businesses can earn a bonus up to $500 when they open a Chase Business Complete Checking account and meet requirements, which including total deposits of $15,000 or more. Deposit just $2,000 or more and snag an easy $300 for your new business checking account.
10. Huntington Business Checking 100 (Midwest): Best for Community Banking
Huntington National Bank, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, since 1866, offers three business checking accounts, including a business interest checking account, Unlimited Plus Business Checking.
The top-tier account includes unlimited transactions, plus cash deposits of up to $25,000. Waive the $40 monthly fee with up to $50,000 in total deposit relationship balances across business accounts. Designed for larger businesses, the Unlimited Plus Business Checking allows you to choose two bonus services such as a fraud tool, waived returned deposited items fees on up to 25 items per month, or two free incoming domestic wires monthly.
The Unlimited Business Checking account offers similar features, with unlimited transactions, free cash deposits on up to $10,000 per month, and a choice of one bonus service. Waive the $20 monthly fee by maintaining a minimum balance of at least $10,000. A Business Checking 100 account offers up to 100 transactions per month, and up to $5,000 in cash transactions with no monthly fee.
Huntington is devoted to the local communities it serves and spotlights small business owners on its website. It also specializes in SBA loans and offers a linked business money market account to earn interest on savings with no monthly maintenance fee if you maintain an average daily balance of $10,000+.
11. Relay Business Checking: Best for Money Management
Relay online banking offers up to 20 primary business checking accounts for members of your team or for different business expenses, plus 50 virtual or physical Visa debit cards. Designed to assist with cash flow and money management, your Relay online banking account allows automated transfers into the various checking accounts based on percentage of income or flat-rate dollar figures.
Your Relay online and mobile banking account also includes up to two business savings accounts with APYs of 1% to 3%. Best of all, unlike many free business checking accounts that are only free if you meet transaction or balance requirements, Relay has no monthly maintenance fee, no transaction fees, no overdraft fees, no ATM fees, and no minimum balance requirements.
12. Axos Basic Business Checking Account: Best for No Fees
Axos Bank has been voted best online bank by Money Magazine and its business offering stands out for small business owners as a straightforward business checking account with no transaction fees, no monthly maintenance fee, and no minimum opening deposit. You also don’t have to worry about balance requirements or ATM fees. You’ll even receive unlimited reimbursements for using out-of-network ATMs within the U.S.
You will need to maintain a minimum balance of at least $5,000 for the first five statement cycles to earn a $100 account opening bonus. You will receive $25 into your business account each month you maintain the minimum requirements. However, if you close the account within 120 days, you might have to pay a $100 early closure fee.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Free Business Checking Account
The best free business checking account for your business depends on the volume of cash deposits, number of transactions, the size of your company and your general banking needs.
It’s important for a business of any size, including a sole proprietor or 1099 contractor, to open a business checking account to keep business funds separate from your personal checking account and other personal finances. This is especially important at tax time.
Many of the business bank accounts on our list of best free business checking accounts make it easy for you to track your business finances. They offer end-of-month or quarterly reports or integrate with QuickBooks or other accounting software to make money management easy. This, along with costs, quality of customer service, mobile apps, and more should factor into your decision when you choose a small business checking account.
Monthly Maintenance Fee
Account fees have long been a fact of life for individuals and business owners, but they no longer have to be with so many free checking accounts available today. Some of the banks on this list, including Axos and Relay, offer no monthly fee of any kind. Others make it easy to waive the monthly fee by meeting balance requirements.
See if there are any balance requirements, direct deposit requirements, or minimum debit card purchases to avoid the monthly service fee, and if you will be able to meet those minimums easily each month.
Easy-to-use Online and Mobile Banking
Even basic business checking today should have a robust app and mobile banking solutions, including mobile check deposits, capability to turn your debit cards on or off, and to monitor spending in a user-friendly app.
You may think online-only banks have better mobile capabilities, but that’s not always the case. All the best business checking accounts on our list have intuitive, user-friendly mobile apps.
Low Minimum Opening Deposit Requirements
Most of the free checking accounts on our list have low minimum opening deposit requirements. Some may have higher minimums to earn a bonus on your business checking account. Make sure to read the fine print and know the minimum deposit requirements if you want to earn that sign-up bonus.
Reasonable Fees
While it’s possible to find a business checking account with no monthly service fee, your bank may have some fees. Read the fine print so you know exactly what you’re getting for your money. It should be easy to avoid ATM fees, overdraft fees, and even monthly fees.
However, you may have to pay for wire transfers, out-of-network ATMs, and other transactions. Unlike personal accounts, it’s common for business bank accounts to have fees if you deposit cash. Sometimes, a certain number of cash transactions is included in your monthly fee.
Customer Service
It’s important to research the bank’s customer service before you commit to a business checking account. Online only banks, especially, may have limited ways to reach customer support. Find out if they offer 24/7 service. Many people prefer online banking for the convenience and low account fees. But if you experience a problem, you want to make sure you can get help promptly.
Positive Customer Reviews
When you’re looking for the best business checking account, it pays to research the opinions of other business owners like you. Customer reviews can give you a feel for the level of customer service, ATM fees, monthly fees, fraud protection, and more.
Practical Transaction and Cash Deposit Limits
Many of the best business checking accounts offer unlimited transactions and reasonable monthly limits to deposit cash. Many banks offer different tiers of business checking accounts, so you can pay a set monthly fee for the level of service you need.
Linked Business Savings Account or Business Interest Checking Account
If you want to earn interest on your cash reserves, look for a checking account that pays interest or for a bank with a high interest savings account. Pay attention to account fees, withdrawal limits, and
Consider the Need for a Bank With Physical Locations
Online banking offers lower monthly fees and convenience. But if your business needs to deposit cash regularly or you just want personalized service and relationship banking, you might prefer a bank account at a financial institution with brick-and-mortar locations.
Questions to Ask Before Deciding on a Business Checking Account
When you’re shopping around for a free business checking account, consider your needs, the number of transactions you conduct daily, your account balance, and whether you prefer a traditional bank or are willing to consider online only banks for your business checking needs. Ask yourself the following questions so you can compare your options.
Will you be making regular cash deposits?
Many business checking accounts charge a fee if you want to deposit cash. Sometimes, a number of cash deposits will be included in your monthly fee. Make sure to pick an account with the capabilities you need.
Do you prefer a bank or credit union?
You might prefer the personalized service of a credit union instead of choosing a large bank or an online bank. When you’re evaluating credit unions, compare all the features and fees the same as you would evaluate business bank accounts.
Do you need to process customer transactions?
Banks like Chase offer credit card processing as an add-on feature to their services. If you are using an online bank, you might want one that integrates with Stripe, Square, or other payment processors. The capability to process customer transactions is one element that sets a business bank apart from a personal checking account.
Do you want to earn interest on your balance?
Several banks on our list offer high yield savings accounts, which is a benefit for small businesses, start-ups, and any business that wants to earn free money from their balance. You might also consider an interest earning business checking account like Bluevine, which pays interest on your checking account balance.
Business Checking vs. Money Market Account
A money market account is a special savings account designed to hold money that you may need to access in the short term. Some money market accounts offer higher APYs than other savings accounts. A money market account often has limits on the number of fee-free withdrawals per month.
Most business owners will want to open a free business checking account and link it to a money market account to earn interest on cash reserves.
What You Need to Open a Small Business Checking Account
You may not need an Employer Identification Number or Tax ID number to open a business checking account. If you have one, you should open the account using that number instead of your Social Security number to help keep your business and personal funds separate.
But if you are a freelancer and file taxes as a sole proprietor/self-employed, you can open your business checking account with your SSN. However, if your business has a DBA (doing business as) you will need a certificate or paperwork showing that name.
Likewise, if you are an LLC, you’ll need your business registration along with your EIN. If you have a partnership, you’ll need your partnership agreement and paperwork showing the business name.
Beyond that, you can open a business checking account with your business address, a phone number, email address and the minimum deposit (if required). Visit a branch for personalized service or open your free business checking account online.
FAQs
See what people are asking about free business checking accounts.
Do you need to pay account or transaction fees?
Some business checking accounts have monthly fees that you can waive by meeting specific requirements. You may also pay ATM fees, fees for cash deposits, and fees for wire transfers or international transactions.
Read the fine print or speak to a personal banker to choose the account that’s right for you.
Can you open a business checking account with no credit check?
Most banks and credit unions will allow you to open a business checking account with no credit check. By maintaining a positive balance in your account, you can build your business credit. A credit check may be required for business loans, lines of credit, or “net” terms with vendors.
What are the most important features of business checking accounts?
Most business owners are looking for business checking with no ATM fees and no monthly fee or easy ways to waive the monthly fee. Beyond that, consider the type and number of transactions you complete monthly, whether you need payment processing capabilities, and if you want a linked savings account to earn interest.
What banks offer free business checking accounts?
Many online and traditional banks offer free business checking or easy ways to waive the monthly fee. The list above describes 12 of our favorite options in free business checking.
The pandemic-driven shift to remote and hybrid work has decreased demand for office space and will steadily lower its value. That has huge implications not just for building owners but also for cities that rely on property tax revenue and the economic vibrancy that office workers generate.
A recent Boston Consulting Group survey found that many office buildings are at risk of becoming “zombies,” with low usage, high vacancy and quickly diminishing financial viability. The problem is particularly acute in Los Angeles and San Francisco, where weekday office building use has fallen to around 40%. As a result, in both cities, public transit revenue has plummeted by 80% or more, and office property values and tax revenues may drop by as much as half, according to our analysis of public data.
Rising interest rates are compounding the financial pressure for building owners, whose rental income stands to drop 35% to 45% as corporate leases expire in both San Francisco and Los Angeles. Higher borrowing costs coupled with lower valuations could leave some owners owing more than their buildings are worth, leading in turn to a wave of defaults that suddenly make lenders the owners and managers of these buildings. In February, a fund managed by Brookfield Properties defaulted on $784 million in loans on two well-known office skyscrapers in downtown L.A., which was seen by some as a turning point for the U.S. office market.
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We define zombie buildings as those that are at least half-empty. Many buildings are already at that mark, and 60% of office leases nationwide are set to expire over the next three years.
A vicious circle is emerging: Lower office building use leads to less spending at surrounding businesses and, as leases turn over, less rent revenue. This leaves less money available for building improvements, which further decreases property values and resources for maintenance and upgrades. As vacancies persist, businesses that cater to office workers close or relocate, creating more vacancies and often causing public-safety problems that cities struggle to address with diminished tax revenues.
Dealing with these new workplace and financial realities will require property owners, city leaders and lenders to take action to break the cycle and reimagine downtowns.
Cities need to take several steps over the next few years to revitalize downtown areas and reinvent or enhance them as destinations for living, working and playing:
Establish a baseline: Cities should assess office buildings for their likelihood of low occupancy and default and estimate the resulting budget shortfalls from lower tax revenue.
Encourage use: Cities should evaluate land-use rules to ensure that they don’t impede downtown revitalization; invest in public spaces and keep them safe, with a special focus on transit; and encourage government workers to return to office buildings to boost the vitality of downtown corridors.
Support new uses: Zoning and development regulations should be revised to allow for more downtown housing, hotels and retail and office space. Incentives such as tax breaks and subsidies can boost conversions to residential use, affordable housing and energy-efficient retrofits.
Replace lost revenue: City leaders can delay property reappraisals; make better use of public spaces for art, music and theater programming to draw people downtown to spend time and money; and find new sources of revenue such as tourism and arts and culture districts.
Property owners, for their part, need to evaluate their commercial real estate portfolios and decide how to revive or relinquish zombie buildings based on their characteristics, neighborhoods, markets, finances, and city taxes and incentives. Commercial office properties will fall into one of five categories: continued high occupancy and profitability; viable as office space with a moderate decline in income; appropriate for conversion to housing, hotel or other uses; suitable for redevelopment with public support; or unsuitable for reuse or subsidized redevelopment and therefore subject to default.
Making these decisions will be difficult but necessary. The pandemic created a permanent change in workplace behavior, so even a national economic rebound or a pause in interest rate hikes will not solve the problem for many buildings. Our analysis suggests that a third or more of current U.S. office space won’t be needed.
Lenders, meanwhile, should work closely with property owners and city governments to try to prevent a wave of building defaults that could force them to become the owners and managers of zombie buildings, setting off a spiral of declining property values. They will need to manage risk, restructure loans near or in default and develop markets where they can sell those loans. At the same time, they’ll have to evaluate and finance reuse and redevelopment projects as downtown districts take on new functions.
The U.S. office market faces dramatic upheaval over the next three years, forcing the nation to deal with moribund office buildings in very stressed urban neighborhoods. Given the stakes, cities, owners and lenders must begin to rethink how we use commercial buildings after the pandemic and what we want downtown.
Santiago Ferrer is Boston Consulting Group’s North America lead for cities, real estate and infrastructure development.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits may be taxable if half of SSDI income plus any additional income exceeds $25,000 for single filers and $32,000 for joint filers
. The amount you pay depends on your total income and tax bracket. You may also owe state taxes.
How to calculate whether your SSDI benefits are taxable
To find out whether your SSDI is taxable, add the following two figures:
If the total exceeds the limits listed below, your benefits could be taxable.
If your tax status is:
Then your benefits may be taxable if half your benefits plus your other income exceeds:
Single, head of household, or a qualifying surviving spouse
Married filing jointly
Married filing separately and you lived apart from your spouse for the entire year
Married filing separately and you lived with your spouse at any time during the tax year
What is the tax on SSDI benefits?
Generally, as your total income increases, the percentage of your Social Security income that’s subject to federal taxes will increase as well
. The maximum percentage of Social Security income that’s subject to tax is 85%.
The amount of tax you’ll owe on that portion of your Social Security income depends on your tax bracket. Your income from all taxable sources and any tax deductions you qualify for determine which tax bracket you’re in.
Depending on where you live, you might also owe state taxes on your benefits. Tax rates and potential exclusions or deductions for Social Security income vary from state to state. Some states don’t have income taxes.
Taxes on SSDI back payments
The Social Security Administration (SSA) takes months to process SSDI applications
. The minimum waiting period is generally five months. If the SSA denies your application, you may appeal; an eventual approval can stretch your waiting period to more than a year.
In all of these instances, the SSA may send you a payment that covers the time it was processing your application. That lump sum amount is taxable.
A large payment could trigger an unexpectedly large tax bill. You pay taxes on the back payment for the tax year in which you receive it, even if a portion of the payment was for a previous tax year
.
Although you can’t amend a prior year’s tax return for this, the Internal Revenue Service gives you the option to calculate what you would have owed if the back payments occurred in the prior tax year. If that results in a lower tax bill, you can pay that lower amount instead.