There’s no getting around it: everything costs more these days. From groceries to gas to the latest must-have item, it sometimes feels like as soon as you step out the front door, someone’s already trying to take a bite out of your hard-earned cash.
On top of that, sudden swings in the market can make your savings feel uncertain. That’s why smart Americans over 50 are using these ingenious solutions to not only protect what they’ve built, but to give themselves more — more travel, more security, more freedom.
And if you’re under 50? Well, it’s never too early to start planning for retirement! These 6 simple moves can help you do exactly that.
1. Cancel your car insurance (the right way)
Don’t worry. No one’s suggesting you drive uninsured. But chances are, you could be paying way too much for coverage — and the savings from switching might surprise you.
With this quick online tool, you can compare top quotes in minutes. Here’s how it works:
- Answer a few simple questions about your car
- Review your free quotes
- Choose the one that works best for you before rates go up
And that’s it. Compare rates now and start saving today.
2. Save thousands by tackling debt smarter
Credit card debt has a way of piling up fast and once interest kicks in, it feels like you’ll never catch up. Add in medical bills or personal loans, and the stress can be overwhelming. It’s a situation millions of Americans face every year.
That’s where JG Wentworth Debt Relief comes in. Designed to settle your debt for less than you owe, their program works directly with creditors to establish one affordable monthly payment, giving people a clearer path forward. With 30+ years' experience in Financial Services and obligation free, many save thousands and become debt-free years sooner via JG Wentworth, keeping more money free for the future.
It’s quick, simple, and free to see if you’re eligible for JG Wentworth Debt Relief.
Of course, saving money isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s also about choosing the right places to grow what you already have:
3. Get a cash bonus and up to 3.10% APY¹ when switching to SoFi® Checking & Savings
Yes, you read that correctly. With SoFi® Checking & Savings, setting up direct deposit can unlock bonuses worth a few hundred dollars. Earn $50 or $400 with direct deposit, terms apply³. You also get access to one of the more competitive savings rates available to eligible members — up to 3.10% APY¹ on savings (and 0.50% on checking). That’s far above the national average.
No account fees, no minimums, no-fee overdraft coverage, and even early paycheck access — SoFi® makes switching banks worth it. Still, many people stick with their old bank, leaving money on the table. That’s why SoFi® gives you everything in one place to help you grow your money faster and manage it with ease.
*Annual Percentage Yield accurate as of 12/23/2025.
4. Your home could be the key to more money in your pocket
Planning a renovation? Looking to pay off high-interest debt? Or just want extra cash for life’s big milestones? If so, the equity in your home — the portion you truly own after paying down your mortgage — could be the key, and Point can help you access it.
You may be eligible if:
You’ve built up equity in your home
Your credit score is 500+ for a Home Equity Investment; 640+ for a Home Equity Line of Credit
You’d like to obtain funds without refinancing your mortgage
With support to help you take the next step, Point makes it simple to tap into your home’s value. Their online calculator shows how much equity you could access and what rates might be available — all without impacting your credit score. Clear terms, fast access, and in the case of an HEI, NO monthly payments.
Check your eligibility today and see what you might qualify for.
Home equity is one way to free up cash, but everyone’s financial situation looks a little different — saving smarter can also mean addressing challenges from other angles:
5. Protect your savings by tackling back taxes
IRS penalties and interest add up quickly, draining money that could be going toward your future. If you owe more than $12,000 in tax debt, waiting only makes the problem worse — but the right program can help reduce costs and make payments manageable.
Tax Hardship Center works directly with the IRS to cut penalties, negotiate balances, and set up affordable payment plans. With an A+ BBB rating, transparent pricing, and a 14-day money-back guarantee, they’ve already helped thousands of Americans protect more of their savings.
See if you qualify today and take the first step toward protecting your savings.
Getting tax relief is one way to protect your savings; another is making sure unexpected home repairs don’t catch you off guard:
6. Avoid unexpected home repair costs by planning ahead
A broken refrigerator, water heater, or air conditioner can set you back $1,500 or more in an instant. With a home warranty, the repair could cost as little as a $100 service fee instead — keeping hundreds of dollars in your savings account.
Choice Home Warranty has protected more than 2 million homes and handled over 8 million service requests nationwide. Backed by 25,000+ contractors and thousands of verified 5-star reviews, they’ve built a reputation for dependable coverage. Right now, new customers can get $75 off plus 1 month free.
See available plans today and find out how much you could save on your next big repair.
All in all, early retirement isn’t about one big move — it’s about making simple, everyday choices that protect your savings and help your money go further.
Disclaimer
SoFi Checking and Savings
1. Up to $400 Bonus Tiered Disclosure
New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at www.sofi.com/banking/checking-offer
2. APY disclosures
Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 5/28/26.. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
3. Fee Policy
We do not charge any account, service, or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge transaction fees for outgoing wire transfers, Instant Transfers, and global remittance transfers. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
4. Additional FDIC Insurance
SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
5. ATM Access
We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.
6. Early Access to Direct Deposit Funds
Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
7. Overdraft Coverage
Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other nondebit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.
8. 0.70% Savings APY Boost
Earn up to 3.80% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.10% APY) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking & Savings account with Eligible Direct Deposit by 12/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Additional FDIC Insurance - SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
