| |  | | March 20, 2026 | | | | | | | | A Hidden Corner of Finance Could Become Everyone's Problem | | | By Debra Cope
War. Oil. Artificial intelligence. You don't need a finance degree to get how these things could hit your budget, your job, or your investments. But another risk is quietly building in a corner of finance many know little about: the private credit market. It sounds technical, but it's important to understand. More companies are struggling to repay behind-the-scenes loans, and if the cracks widen, there could be a domino effect across the financial system. | | | | | | | | | | Credit Card Debt Is Expensive. What Are the Alternatives? | | | By Lindsay VanSomeren
It's hard to imagine a world without credit cards. We love them for plenty of reasons, including the convenience, the grace period, and perks like cash back and travel points.
But using them to borrow money regularly is a different story. As unsecured, open-ended loans, credit cards charge high interest rates, and even the interest accrues interest. That makes them an expensive way to pay for things we can't afford outright. Worse, carrying credit card debt can sabotage financial goals, like paying for college, buying a house, or saving for retirement.
Fortunately, plastic isn't the only way to borrow money. | | | | | | | | | | 👀 Our Biggest Rate Drop Ever | | | Don't let borrowing money be more expensive than it needs to be. For a limited time, SoFi is taking 0.50%1 off interest rates on personal loans, home equity loans, private student loans, and student loan refinancing.
So not only would you have a smaller monthly payment, but you'd pay less interest over the life of the loan.
The best part? You can stack this rate drop onto other SoFi discounts. Offer ends 3/23/26 (11:59 PM PT). | | | | | | | | | | 🏆 SoFi Ranks #1 in DIY Investor Satisfaction | You are SoFi's top priority. Which is why we're so proud to share that SoFi was just ranked the #1 DIY investing platform in J.D. Power's 2026 U.S. Investor Satisfaction Study.2
J.D. Power surveyed over 12,000 investors, and SoFi ranked #1 in DIY Investor Satisfaction, topping the list of 14 major DIY investing platforms — including Fidelity, Vanguard, and Robinhood.
SoFi won overall and swept the top spot in these four key areas:
✅ Digital channels: An easy-to-use, mobile first experience.
✅ Value for fees paid: Keeping more of your money where it belongs.
✅ Ease of doing business: Built for every experience level.
✅ Product fit: Products and services that actually meet your needs. |
"This sweep reflects a platform that's working across the board for real investors." — Ryan Burke, GM of Invest at SoFi
Thank you for the validation. We're honored to be the platform you trust to help you get your money right. | | | | | | |   | | The Fed's New Outlook: Certain There's More Uncertainty | The Federal Reserve did not change its benchmark interest rate Wednesday — no news there. And if you were hoping for any definitive statement on whether the Iran war changes the expectations for the year, sorry, all we got was a simple statement that it raises uncertainty.
The one place where we got some clearer messaging was in the updated Summary of Economic Projections. The Fed's projection for real GDP growth has gotten progressively stronger since September, and that's a clear positive sign that it views the economy as healthy and resilient. | | | | | | | | | | | Informed investment decisions start with informed investors. Here's what's making headlines:
🚖 Uber (UBER) will invest up to $1.25 billion in electric vehicle maker Rivian Automotive (RIVN) as part of a deal to deploy up to 50,000 robotaxis in multiple countries. Collaborations like this are becoming more common as companies look to capitalize on what some expect to be a multitrillion-dollar market for autonomous taxis. (CNBC)
🗨️ In a major strategy shift, OpenAI executives are finalizing plans to cut back on side quests that have put the ChatGPT maker on the defensive. The goal is to refocus the company around coding and business users. (The Wall Street Journal)
💊 Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) won FDA approval for a first-of-its-kind psoriasis pill that could rival injectable alternatives. Icotyde is designed to mimic the effects of top-selling psoriasis treatments, including AbbVie's (ABBV) Skyrizi and J&J's own Tremfya, but without the need for needles. (Stat News) | | | | | | |  | | Diesel surged past $5 a gallon this week — and it's what moves the economy. (NBC News) | | | | | | | | | | | Intel, insights, and inspo for your money. | | On the Money cuts through the noise of day‑to‑day financial news to bring you a more thoughtful point of view on what's important in this moment — and how it impacts your bottom line. We value your trust above all. | | | | | | | | | | Did you find today's newsletter valuable? | | | | |
| | | 1Borrow Better Week Rate Drop: Additional terms and conditions apply. Limited time 0.50% rate drop for new Personal Loan, Student Loan Refinancing, Private Student Loan, and Home Equity Loan applications started between 3/17/26 — 3/23/26 and is subject to lender approval. Promotion does not include Home Loan purchase, refinance, or HELOC applications. To receive the discount, you must start a loan application with SoFi between 3/17/26 and 3/23/26 at 11:59PM PST and meet SoFi's underwriting criteria.
Personal Loans: Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. To qualify, a borrower must be a U.S. citizen or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and meet SoFi's underwriting requirements. SoFi Personal Loans can be used for any lawful personal, family, or household purposes and may not be used for post-secondary education expenses. Minimum loan amount is $5,000. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. The average of SoFi Personal Loans funded in 2024 was around $33K. Information current as of 3/17/26. SoFi Personal Loans originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). See SoFi.com/legal for state-specific license details.
Private Student Loans: Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
Terms and Conditions Apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi's underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Not all repayment options may be available for all loans. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is current as of 3/17/26 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).
Student Loan Refinancing: Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY TERMS AND DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME. To qualify for refinancing, you must fulfill all SoFi eligibility requirements. SoFi only refinances student loans totaling at least $5,000 that you used to fund tuition at an eligible Title IV accredited school where you were enrolled at least 50% time. Loans currently being used to fund education for actively enrolled students are not eligible for refinancing. For more detail, see SoFi.com/eligibility. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. You may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you refinance.
Notice: SoFi Refinance Student Loans are private loans. When you refinance federal loans with a SoFi loan, YOU FORFEIT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL FEDERAL LOAN BENEFITS, including all flexible federal repayment and forgiveness options that are or may become available to federal student loan borrowers including, but not limited to: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, extended repayment plans, PAYE or SAVE. Information current as of 3/17/26 and subject to change. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).
Home Equity Loans: SoFi Bank, N.A. NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC), offers loans directly or we may assist you in obtaining a loan from Spring EQ, a state licensed lender, NMLS #1464945.
All loan terms, fees, and rates may vary based upon your individual financial and personal circumstances and state.
You should consider and discuss with your loan officer whether a Cash Out Refinance, Home Equity Loan or a Home Equity Line of Credit is appropriate. Please note that the SoFi member discount does not apply to Home Equity Loans or Lines of Credit not originated by SoFi Bank. Terms and conditions will apply. Before you apply, please note that not all products are offered in all states, and all loans are subject to eligibility restrictions and limitations, including requirements related to loan applicant's credit, income, property, and a minimum loan amount. Lowest rates are reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Products, rates, benefits, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria. Information current as of 3/17/26.
In the event SoFi serves as broker to Spring EQ for your loan, SoFi will be paid a fee. Equal Housing Lender.
2 For J.D. Power 2026 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards. Award issued 3/18/2026. Study is independently conducted, and participating firms do not pay to participate; however, use of award and promotional materials is subject to a license fee. | | INVESTMENTS AND DIGITAL ASSETS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED ‑ ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED ‑ MAY LOSE VALUE | | SoFi Checking and Savings accounts are offered by SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.
SoFi Credit Cards are issued by SoFi Bank, N.A. pursuant to license by Mastercard® International Incorporated.
Sofi Crypto products and services are offered by SoFi Bank, N.A.
Loans originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Equal Housing Lender.
Brokerage products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.
Advisory services are offered through SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information as of March 2026 and is subject to change. Screen images simulated. [3740456]
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.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
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