In Defense of Registering for Cash

Yes, we know: some people clutch their pearls at the idea of registering for cold, hard cash. But these days, more and more couples are looking for ways to break that convention, and we say -- more power to them! There are plenty of reasons registering for cash is way more practical than registering for home goods. First of all, most modern couples live together before the big day, meaning they don't necessarily need items -- such as hand towels, a blender, or a spice rack -- to furnish their "first home together" as newlyweds did in decades past.

But even though today's couples (who are typically marrying in their late 20s and early 30s) usually live together before marriage, they aren't necessarily living in houses -- more often they're sharing an apartment. That means they don't have space for a 24-piece stemware set or that full collection of fine dinnerware. Registering for cash could help them buy their first home, purchase items they actually need (new car tires, for example), or pay for their dream honeymoon that might otherwise be out of reach. If you're looking to register for cash without simply asking for dollar bills, check out one of the clever sites below. (Just remember to read the fine print -- many of these sites take a percentage of the cash gifts your guests give!) 

Create your own cash fund for guests to contribute to, or choose from suggested funds like round trip airfare for your honeymoon, a kitchen remodel for your new home, or even photography services for your wedding. 

Register for your honeymoon, date nights, home fund, wedding fund, or your favorite charity through their "Experience Room." Their fees are also some of the lowest in the industry (2.65% + 45 cents) so you and your guests keep more. 

Uncomfortable with the idea of an alternative registry? Make a note on your wedding website indicating that you'd love to receive gift cards from different stores, such as Crate & Barrel, Macy's, or even Amazon.com, where you can purchase items as need arises. 

Today more couples are embracing the idea of using their cash registry as a platform for securing their financial future. One compelling approach is to allocate a portion of the wedding gifts towards a long-term savings account. By doing so, couples can embark on a journey of financial stability and create a solid foundation for their life together.

Pro tip: One excellent resource for this purpose is SoFi, a leading financial institution that offers a variety of innovative financial products. SoFi's long-term savings account, for instance, provides couples with a convenient and secure way to grow their savings over time. With competitive interest rates, low fees, and user-friendly tools, SoFi empowers couples to achieve their financial goals, whether it's saving for a down payment on a home, funding their dream vacation, or planning for retirement.

By utilizing their cash registry to set up a long-term savings account with SoFi, couples can turn their wedding gifts into a lasting investment in their future