Campaigns

Apache is functioning normally

Today, I have a fun guest post from my friend Cody Berman. Cody is a digital nomad who quit his corporate job to pursue entrepreneurship full-time. He started selling digital products in 2018 and became hooked after earning $700+ in one week. He now helps other entrepreneurs and creators monetize their businesses through digital products….

Today, I have a fun guest post from my friend Cody Berman. Cody is a digital nomad who quit his corporate job to pursue entrepreneurship full-time. He started selling digital products in 2018 and became hooked after earning $700+ in one week. He now helps other entrepreneurs and creators monetize their businesses through digital products. He’s been featured here on Making Sense of Cents before and you can find that article here – How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy.

—

I used to be a chronic side hustler. At one point I had 20+ income streams. Sounds great, right? Except it wasn’t.

I was all over the place, trying every side hustle imaginable – delivering UberEats, editing podcasts, building websites, selling discs, running affiliate campaigns, writing articles, buffing boats, you name it. But most of the time, I felt like I was stuck trading my time for money.

Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.

Don’t get me wrong, the money was great for some of these side hustles, but if I didn’t work I didn’t get paid. At one point, I made $500 for writing a single blog article! But once the article was delivered and the invoice was paid, I had to hunt for my next gig and turn in the work to make my next dollar.

At one point, I co-founded a disc golf manufacturing business. I thought that this business was going to be my golden ticket. For those who don’t know, disc golf is similar to ball golf, except instead of hitting a ball into a hole with a club, you are throwing a plastic “disc” into a basket. Our company manufactured those discs.

We started scaling pretty quickly and within two years we were selling our products in all 50 states and 20+ countries. On paper, everything looked amazing. But behind the scenes, we constantly had product issues, shipping delays, mismanaged inventory, and everything that else could possibly go wrong with a physical product business.

I was feeling tired and burnt out and looking for something new.

Fast forward to early 2019 and my friend Julie, another side hustler, told me that she had been selling printables on Etsy. She had spent about 60 hours creating a bunch of digital products (a.k.a. printables) and had made over $5,000 so far. The words “so far” were the ones that got me hooked.

Unlike my my physical products business where each unit had to be manufactured, quality tested, packaged, and shipped, these “digital products” sounded different. By the way Julie was describing it, I could create a digital product once and keep making money from it without much additional effort. This sounded ten times better than all of the side hustles I had tried (and way more passive).

The only problem was that I didn’t really have any clue what a “printable” was… and I had never even been on Etsy. And at this point, you might be thinking the same thing.

What exactly are printables? Basically, they’re digital files that customers can download and print at home. Think cards, planners, calendars, games, gift tags – the possibilities are endless!

The best part? Once you’ve created a printable, you can sell it an unlimited number of times without ever having to worry about restocking inventory or shipping costs.

Now back to my story. Even though I didn’t really know how to create printables, or what printables to sell, or anything about graphic design for that matter, I decided to give it a shot. If Julie could do it, I could do it, right?

Wrong.

My first ~20 printables were absolutely terrible, but I listed them on Etsy anyway. You’ll never guess what happened next. I got a whopping… zero sales.

OK, maybe you did guess that.

Between my zero graphic design skills, lack of product research, and unfamiliarity with the Etsy platform, I definitely wasn’t setting any sales records.

One of the printables I have made

But after some trial and error – well, a lot of trial and error – I managed to come up with some pretty decent-looking printables. I focused on creating seasonal products, a strategy I often recommend to beginners. And let me tell you, it paid off big time.

In December and January, I created dozens of Valentine’s Day printables since I had heard that it was one of the biggest holidays on Etsy. Some of my designs included Valentine’s cards, love coupons, editable love notes, custom photo cards, and more.

And finally, after months of crickets, it seemed like the algorithm was working in my favor, with tons of people searching for Valentine’s gifts and cards for their loved ones. The real excitement started on February 9th, just five days before the big holiday.

I remember that week vividly because while all this was happening, I was actually skiing in Lake Tahoe. And on February 9th, when I checked my phone in the ski lodge at lunch, I had made over $100… that day.

The entire week continued to be extremely profitable and I ended the week with $718 in sales from just a handful of products that took me a couple of hours to create. It was the first time I experienced true passive income. The only part that wasn’t passive was answering the occasional customer question, which took less than five minutes per day from my phone.

That experience was a game-changer for me. It was the moment I realized the true potential of selling digital products on Etsy. And I owe a big thank you to Julie, who introduced me to this side hustle and helped me see that I could create products that continued to make money long after I’d created them.

Let me be clear – building a successful Etsy shop isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. There’s work involved in getting your shop up and running, from creating high-quality designs to optimizing your listings and promoting your products. But trust me when I say that the effort is worth it.

Once your Etsy shop is up and running, it can become a passive income machine. Your printables can sell for years and years after you list them. That next Valentine’s Day, I was in Aruba for a wedding event, and the same exact designs that earned me $718 in Lake Tahoe, earned me hundreds again that next year. 

These Valentine’s Day printables have been sitting in my Etsy shop for years at this point, and they continue to make sales every single year. Compared to selling physical products, delivering UberEats on a bike, editing podcasts, or writing blog posts, this side hustle is so much more passive.

If you want to learn more, I recommend signing up for the Free Training Workshop: Earn Money Selling Printables. This free workshop will teach you how to get started selling printables. You will learn different ideas for printables to sell, how to get started on Etsy, and how to actually make sales.

Are you interested in selling printables online? What questions do you have?

Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.

Recommended reading: Gold City Ventures Review: E-Printables Course Review

Source: makingsenseofcents.com

Apache is functioning normally

Atlanta is a city that is known for its buzzing energy, southern charm, and a stellar music scene, Atlanta is a city where everyone can find their niche and fit in. Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Sweet Auburn, indulging in the food, or taking in the natural beauty of Georgia, Atlanta is a city that welcomes all with open arms.

This article will guide you through ten of the top things that make Atlanta such a desirable place to call home, shedding light on the things locals love about the city.

1. The Birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr.

Atlanta is famously known as the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Visitors can explore the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, which includes his childhood home, the church where he and his father pastored, and his final resting place. This area serves not only as a historical site but also as a source of inspiration, reflecting on the powerful impact of King’s life and teachings on the fight for racial equality in America.

2. CNN Center

The CNN Center is the global headquarters of the Cable News Network, offering visitors a unique look behind the scenes of one of the world’s largest news organizations. Through studio tours, guests can witness the live production of news broadcasts, learn about the history of news media, and even try their hand at being a news anchor. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the inner workings of journalism and broadcast media.

3. Trap Music Museum

Known as “the world’s first hip hop museum,” the Trap Music Museum offers an immersive experience into the world of trap music through art installations, memorabilia, and one-of-a-kind exhibits that depict the history, evolution, and cultural significance of trap music. The museum has sections dedicated to influential trap artists and producers, showcasing their contributions to this relatively new but extremely popular genre.

4. World of Coca-Cola

Atlanta is the birthplace of Coca-Cola, the world’s most famous soft drink. The World of Coca-Cola museum offers a rare experience into the brand’s history, featuring a variety of exhibits that showcase the drink’s secret formula, its global impact, and its memorable advertising campaigns. Visitors can also taste over 100 different beverages from around the globe, making it a fun and fizzy adventure for all ages.

5. The Varsity

The Varsity is an iconic fast-food restaurant located in the heart of Midtown and is famed for being the world’s largest drive-in. Opened in 1928, it has become a landmark and a beloved institution in the city, serving classic American fare like hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, and its famous frosted orange milkshake. The impact of The Varsity on Atlanta goes beyond its menu; it is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, drawing people from all walks of life, including students, tourists, and celebrities.

6. Georgia Aquarium

Home to tens of thousands of animals, including 500 species from around the world and more than 60 habitats, the Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world. It provides a breathtaking look into the underwater world, featuring massive tanks, interactive exhibits, and educational programs. Highlights include the Ocean Voyager exhibit, where visitors can walk through an acrylic tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and other massive sea creatures. It’s an aquatic experience like no other.

7. Atlanta Botanical Garden

Situated in the Ansley Park area, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a serene oasis that showcases a spectacular collection of plants and flowers from around the world. With its stunning landscapes, seasonal exhibits, and the Canopy Walk, a 600-foot-long skywalk that allows visitors to explore the treetops of the Storza Woods, the garden is a tranquil retreat from the city surrounding it.

8. The Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a comprehensive revitalization effort that transforms the city’s former railway corridors into a network of public parks, multi-use trails, and transit options. It connects neighborhoods, supports sustainable growth, and provides a unique space for outdoor activities, art installations, and community events. The BeltLine is not only a place to get your steps in but also a living example of Atlanta’s commitment to urban renewal and green space.

9. Centennial Olympic Park

Built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, Centennial Olympic Park is now a hub of activity for those in downtown Atlanta. This 21-acre park serves as a legacy of the games, offering visitors interactive fountains, walking paths, and a calendar filled with concerts and festivals. It’s a place where locals and tourists alike come to relax, play, and celebrate the city’s spirit of unity and achievement. 

10. The High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art is one of the top spots to see the works of famous artists in the Southeast, housing an impressive collection of classic and contemporary pieces. Its many exhibits span various mediums and cultures, from Renaissance paintings to modern sculpture and from African art to works by Southern artists. The museum’s striking architecture, designed by Richard Meier and Renzo Piano, provides the perfect backdrop for its extensive collections. The High Museum of Art is not just a place to check out some art; it’s a place to experience the power of creativity and inspiration in its purest form.

Apache is functioning normally

Pre-Qual, TPO, Lead Gen Tools; STRATMOR on Vendor Relationships; Disaster News; HECM, Ginnie, FHA News

<meta name="smartbanner:author" content="We now have a native iPhone
and Android app.
Download the NEW APP”>


This website requires Javascrip to run properly.

Pre-Qual, TPO, Lead Gen Tools; STRATMOR on Vendor Relationships; Disaster News; HECM, Ginnie, FHA News

By:
Rob Chrisman

Wed, Feb 28 2024, 11:09 AM

At the TMBA’s Secondary Conference in Houston a topic is obviously interest rates and the economy… And the fact that the nation’s interest payment expense now exceeds our defense expense! It’s also a fact that Texas’ business climate is very friendly for companies. The #1 state in the nation for residential lending, California, not so much. Overheard here in the hallway: “California is a blue state wrapped up in red tape.” That said, permit process aside, California gets a lot of flak for its high cost of living, but that is for income tax rather than property tax, as exhibited in “Property Taxes by State in 2024” comparing home and vehicle taxes across the nation. Californians pay the 34th highest annual taxes on homes priced at state median value. New Jersey, Illinois, and Connecticut have the highest annual taxes on homes. Each year, the average American household spends $2,869 on real-estate property taxes plus another $448 for residents of the 26 states with vehicle property taxes. (Found here after 8:30AM ET, this week’s podcast is brought to you by nCino, makers of the nCino Mortgage Suite for the modern mortgage lender. nCino Mortgage Suite’s three core products – nCino Mortgage, nCino Incentive Compensation, and nCino Mortgage Analytics – unite the people, systems, and stages of the mortgage process. Interview with SoFi’s Liz Young on the need for Treasury auctions and how supply and demand at those auctions impacts consumer interest rates.)

Lender and Broker Services, Products, and Software

“If you’re heading to ICE Experience, there’s never been a better time to catch up with the Optimal Blue team. Our PPE clients are actively upgrading to the Encompass Partner Connect integration and enjoying new features and benefits. On average, loan officers experience a 60% reduction in the time it takes to request a lock and see it auto-confirmed within Encompass through this upgraded integration. This means users can continue with disclosures and other loan-processing activities faster, which shortens turnaround times and increases efficiencies. If you’re an existing Optimal Blue client and interested in hearing about the other benefits of upgrading, or if you’d like to further discuss your business strategy, consider scheduling a meeting with the Optimal Blue team at our private poolside cabana. We will also be set up at the Optimal Blue booth throughout the event and ready to chat at your leisure. See you in Vegas!”

Compliance Experts Report on 2024 Mortgage Servicing Outlook! Watch the 30-minute webinar that recently launched with ACES’ EVP of Compliance, Amanda Phillips and Reid Herlihy of Ballard Spahr as they discuss the most recent mortgage servicing news, CFPB Supervisory Highlights, and expectations and predictions for 2024 and beyond. Watch the recording.

Guaranteed Rate has chosen Evocalize to enhance the digital marketing capabilities of its mortgage loan officers. Evocalize, renowned for powering leading mortgage and real estate industry tech platforms, is partnering with Guaranteed Rate to revolutionize lead generation and referral partner engagement. Through Evocalize, loan officers can execute targeted digital marketing campaigns across various platforms including Google, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Gmail, and YouTube instantaneously. This collaboration empowers loan officers to leverage local data for lead generation amidst changing regulatory landscapes. Evocalize will leverage real-time data and machine learning algorithms to optimize ad management. Guaranteed Rate anticipates significant benefits from this partnership, including enhanced lead generation, reduced marketing costs, and streamlined compliance efforts, ultimately improving the overall customer experience. Learn more here.

“Welcome to the new AFR Wholesale® (AFR)! Change can be good. Our team has been relentlessly pursuing better execution. This exercise has led to great program enhancements, operational improvements and of course, better pricing. Non-Delegated and Wholesale clients have commented on our aggressive pricing across all programs. Notably our new expanded note rate adjusters in conventional and government. We’ve also revised pricing for our Down Payment Assistance Program going into purchase season. AFR is dedicated to offering not only competitive rates but also a customer-centric approach, ensuring that you and your borrowers have the tools and options needed for a beneficial experience. Delegated Correspondents have also seen sharper pricing and incredible turn times (under 48 hours). Ensure you’re leveraging all AFR benefits by reaching out to our Account Executives, 1-800-375-6071, or explore our enhancements through our Quick Pricer tool. Not a client? Partner with AFR today!”

When Al Gore invented the internet, he envisioned a world where borrowers and Realtors could stand in a home, pull out their phones, and update pre-approval letters on demand. Make him proud and check out QuickQual by LenderLogix.

STRATMOR on Lender-Vendor Communication

We in the industry know that there is often a massive disconnect between mortgage lenders and their technology partners, so why isn’t “business relationship therapist” a thing? In STRATMOR Group’s February Insights Report, Senior Advisor Sue Woodard takes on the role of “therapist” to help both lenders and vendors unpack the key areas of disconnect. If you need guidance in breaking down these communication barriers, contact STRATMOR and don’t miss “Step into Our Office: Couples Therapy for Mortgage Lenders and Tech Vendors” for suggestions for both parties and to learn how STRATMOR is already working with technology providers to hear, understand and better respond to the needs of the lending community.

Disaster News

Given that 20-25 percent of the nation’s mortgages come from California, exposed to earthquakes, fires, and flooding, seeing a disaster declared there is worth noting for lenders and servicers alike. FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of California to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding, January 21-23, 2024. The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in San Diego County.

“Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App.”

But up in Washington we have wildfires: FEMA DR-4759-WA.

On 2/19/2024, with DR-4758, Release Number HQ-24-024, FEMA declared federal disaster aid with individual assistance has been made available to San Diego County California affected by severe storms and flooding from 1/21/2024 to 1/23/2024. See AmeriHome Mortgage Disaster Announcement 20240206-CL for inspection requirements.

On 2/15/2024, with DR-4759, Release Number HQ-25-025, FEMA declared federal disaster aid with individual assistance has been made available to a county affected by wildfires from 8/18/2023 to 8/25/2023. See AmeriHome Mortgage Disaster Announcement 20240208-CL for inspection requirements.

FHA, VA, Ginnie Mae, HECM, and USDA Developments

Ginnie Mae’s mortgage-backed securities (MBS) portfolio outstanding grew to $2.53 trillion in January, including $28.1 billion of total MBS issuance, leading to $10.8 billion of net growth. January’s new MBS issuance supports financing for more than 91,000 households, including more than 46,000 first-time homebuyers. Approximately 77.6 percent of the January MBS issuance reflects new mortgages that support home purchases, because refinance activity remained low due to higher interest rates.

The January issuance includes $27.4 billion of Ginnie Mae II MBS and more than $674 million of Ginnie Mae I MBS, including nearly $558 million in loans for multifamily housing. For the 2024 calendar year to date, Ginnie Mae supported the pooling and securitization of more than 46,000 first-time homebuyer loans. For more information on monthly MBS issuance, unpaid principal balance (UPB), real estate investment conduit (REMIC) monthly issuance, and global market analysis, visit Ginnie Mae Disclosure.

In USDA news, an Unnumbered Letter (UL) dated February 13, 2024, has been issued which increases the appraisal fee to $775 and the conditional commitment fee to $850 under the rural development direct programs. The fee increases are effective March 14, 2024. The increased fees reflect market research for origination appraisals in rural areas and incorporates the average cost of appraisals under the programs’ nationwide contract with the Appraisal Management Companies.

With the current market trends of rising interest rates, the Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP) Rural Development announced a Stand-Alone MRA ratio waiver; to remove the 55 percent and 31 percent limitations from the requirements in the regulation for the Stand-Alone MRA.

FHA published Frequently Asked Questions, FHA (FAQs), that address inquiries received from stakeholders regarding its final rule, Changes in Branch Office Registration Requirements published in the Federal Register on February 2, 2024. This regulation eliminated the current requirement for lenders and mortgagees to register branch offices where they originate FHA Title I or Title II loans. This new rule, which becomes effective on March 4, 20 is not applicable for those institutions whose fiscal year ended on December 31, 2023, and are required to recertify by March 31, 2024. Recertification fees for those lenders will be calculated based on the number of registered branches as of the last business day of their fiscal year-end certification period. Refer to the rule and accompanying FHA INFO 2024-01 dated February 2, 2024, for information on the rule.

Effectively immediately, AmeriHome is removing the existing $100,000 maximum cash-to-borrower overlay on VA Cash-Out Refinance transactions, to align with VA guidelines. For additional information, see Product Announcement 20240207-CL.

Big news for the “Empire State” of New York! Plaza Home Mortgage excitedly shared that borrowers can now utilize a reverse mortgage for purchasing a home. This is a great option for “buying up” or keeping key cash liquidity vs paying all cash. Plus, FHA now allows borrower concessions up to 6% of the Principal Limit. So, what does that mean for your borrower? When discussing the HECM product, these interested party contributions [or concessions] may include REALTORS®, builders, developers, lenders, and others with an interest in the transaction. Now, interested parties may contribute up to 6% of the sales price toward the borrower’s origination fees, closing costs, prepaid items, and more.

Weary about adding reverse mortgages into your business plan? Although there are lower LTVs caused by the higher rates, keep in mind that the acceleration of equity often offsets all of that. While your senior borrowers may get 47 percent instead of 57 percent LTV, their house may have appreciated $150K or more. Contact Plaza Home Mortgage for more information.

Pennymac Announcement 24-07 provides updates to Government LLPAs effective for all Best-Efforts Commitments taken on or after Friday, February 09, 2024.

The Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP) announced upcoming revisions to technical Handbook 1-3555, Chapter 12, Property and Appraisal Requirements. Changes are expected to be implemented on April 1, 2024. View USDA Rural Development Bulletin for more information.

Per Pennymac Announcement 24-13, Government LLPAs were updated, effective for all Best-Efforts Commitments taken on or after Friday, February 23, 2024, as follows: Improve values on the ‘Government FICO Price Adjustments’ LLPA Grid.

Capital Markets

There are competing narratives emerging around the strength of the U.S. economy. Weaker consumer spending of late calls into question whether the economy can avoid a recession, consumer confidence has fallen and remains shaky, economic activity pulled back in January as storms and cold weather disrupted day-to-day activity, and markets received a disappointing Durable Orders report yesterday. However, employment has remained resilient, homebuilder confidence has improved, and Treasury auctions this week have not indicated any sort of flight to quality. On balance, the data suggests that the economy should pick up as the weather improves.

Home prices continue to hold steady as demand greatly exceeds supply. The FHFA Housing Price Index rose 0.1 percent month-over-month in December after increasing a revised 0.4 percent in November, while the S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index was up 6.1 percent in December after being up 5.4 percent in November. However, local markets are seeing some price easing. Supply and demand may be a greater determinant: Despite high rates, home prices rose 5.1 percent in January, year over year, and while still painfully low, inventory is up 3.1 percent year over year and new listings rose year over year for the fourth straight month.

Today’s economic calendar kicked off with mortgage applications from MBA decreasing 5.6 percent from one week earlier. Later today brings the second look at Q4 GDP and January advanced indicators: the goods trade deficit, retail inventories, and wholesale inventories. Three Fed speakers are currently scheduled: Atlanta President Bostic, Boston President Collins, and New York President Williams. We begin the day (an early travel day for me) with Agency MBS prices, the 10-year yielding 4.28 after closing yesterday at 4.32 percent, and the 2-year at 4.67.

Jobs and Transitions

Looking to expand in CA or NV? Licensing in both states is now taking nearly a year. Opportunity for immediate licensing in either or both states. New established small Mini-Corr/Broker shop located in Northern NV for sale. The operation was established by an industry veteran with two immediate family members. Some circumstances with the family have changed and the principal believes it would be better to continue forward becoming a part of a larger entity. The company is licensed in NV, CO, TX, FL, and CA; banking license should be completed within 6 – 8 weeks. If interested, please contact Chrisman LLC’s Anjelica Nixt to forward your note to the owner.

Movement is providing its loan officers, and the agents they work with, a unique way to highlight their impact. Powered by the company’s new proprietary sales and marketing tool MORE, every Movement LO and the agents they closed loans with in 2023 recently received a personalized “Highlight Reel,” featuring an email, web page, and social media content showcasing the work they did together last year and how that work impacted their respective communities. Movement has also released its annual Impact Report, which also looks back on the previous 12 months. Check out all the ways Movement helps its loan officers stand out with unique storytelling, content, technology, and yes, MORE, at MovementLO.com.

New American Funding is pleased to announce the addition of industry leader Mosi Gatling as SVP Strategic Growth and Expansion. Gatling is renowned for her expertise in serving previously underserved communities and her commitment to increasing Black homeownership in the U.S. and will help to reshape the industry’s approach towards minority communities and effect positive change across the mortgage industry.

 Download our mobile app to get alerts for Rob Chrisman’s Commentary.

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

Apache is functioning normally

Inside: Explore top high income skills that don’t require a degree. From AI to Cybersecurity to copywriting, learn how to earn big and without a traditional education.

In today’s rapidly changing economy, traditional educational paths such as acquiring a master’s degree are no longer the sole route to a lucrative career.

In my own journey, I discovered that mastering certain high-income skills (stock trading) can lead to financial success that outpaces even those with advanced degrees. This revelation underscores the value of investing time and effort into developing marketable abilities that align with industry demands.

These high-paying skills, often honed through online platforms, specialized training, and real-world experience, provide a level of flexibility. Plus an earning potential that can exceed the prospects of conventional academic education.

As such, they represent a powerful, alternate paradigm for career advancement and personal growth that you may want to check out.

Quick Answer

Typically, these are based on online jobs that include expertise in certain fields. These roles leverage the digital space to generate significant income and careers are in demand into the foreseeable future.

You can learn and develop these skills through online educational platforms, which can open up a plethora of high-paying job opportunities without the need for traditional college credentials.

High Income Skills for Tech and Digital Domination

In case you haven’t heard, AI and the tech world are the focus of most high paying jobs.

In fact, Microsoft, Google, and Apple recently stated they will take certification over a college degree.1

Now, let’s explore the various high-income skills that are currently shaping the technology sector and will move to making over six figures.

AI and machine learning

AI and machine learning are not just buzzwords! These fields represent some of the most lucrative areas in tech. As businesses seek ways to make sense of big data, professionals who can design intelligent systems and algorithms are in high regard.

The beauty is that many resources exist to self-educate in this domain, such as online courses, bootcamps, and certifications, making the path accessible for those without a formal business degree.

Best for: This field is ideal for individuals who have a strong aptitude for mathematics, statistics, and programming, and who are passionate about tech and innovation.

Mastering SEO

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has become a coveted skill in the arsenal of every digital strategist. Why is it so invaluable? Because it acts as the linchpin for visibility in the digital space.

SEO isn’t just about playing with keywords; it’s about understanding the user’s intent, the algorithms of search engines, and the technical makeup of websites to ensure they’re discoverable.

Mastering SEO involves a cocktail of abilities: from understanding meta tags and crafting content that resonates with both humans and search engines, to building a robust backlink portfolio.

Best for: SEO is suited for those who enjoy both the analytical and creative sides of digital marketing and are interested in a dynamic, ever-evolving field.

Cybersecurity

In the digital age, cybersecurity is not just important—it’s essential. Protecting sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of computer systems against threats can be the difference between a thriving business and one that’s exposed to potentially catastrophic breaches.

Notably, cybersecurity proficiency can often be achieved through specialized certifications, bootcamps, or practical experience rather than a traditional degree. Those who commit to ongoing education and remain vigilant of the industry’s pulse become indispensable assets in any organization.

Best for: Perfect for individuals who have a knack for problem-solving, are detail-oriented, and enjoy learning about technology’s cutting edge.

Software Development

As the pillars of our increasingly digital world, software developers write the code that powers everything from mobile applications to global banking systems. The lure of software development as a high-paying skill is evident.

It’s foundational to virtually every industry, offers diverse opportunities for specialization, and provides the satisfaction of building something tangible.

With abundant online resources like coding bootcamps and tutorials, passionate learners can bypass the traditional degree route and directly jump into this lucrative and fulfilling career.

Best for: Individuals who are logical, detail-oriented, and have a strong interest in technology and its potential applications will find a career in software development both rewarding and profitable.

Mobile app development

Mobile App Development is your ticket into the heart of the booming app economy. As smartphone ubiquity grows, so does the need for innovative apps that simplify life—whether that’s for banking, shopping, or entertainment.

Given the high demand for mobile experiences, companies are willing to pay top dollar for developers who can craft intuitive and effective mobile applications. The best part is that this skill can be honed through free courses or even app-building software for those with limited coding knowledge.

Best for: Perfect for those who are not only passionate about coding but also keen on understanding and improving how users interact with technology.

Blockchain Expertise

The field of blockchain has transcended its association purely with cryptocurrencies to become a high-value asset in various sectors. Businesses seek talented individuals who can leverage this technology for secure, decentralized solutions.

Unlike many traditional roles, the burgeoning blockchain field offers the chance for self-taught experts to demonstrate their value based on their skills, portfolio, and understanding of blockchain’s practical applications.

Best for: Blockchain expertise is a high-income skill ideal for individuals who have a strong foundation in technology and an interest in how it can be used to innovate traditional business practices.

Creativity Pays Off with These High Income Skills

Graphic Design

Embarking on a career in graphic design could very well be your gateway to a creatively fulfilling and financially rewarding job market. By marrying aesthetics with functionality, you bring concepts to life, whether it’s through website visuals, logos, or digital media.

The journey to mastering graphic design can be self-directed—you can learn the principles online, through software tutorials, and practice them into existence.

Best for: Individuals with a flair for the arts who enjoy thinking creatively to solve visual challenges and like the aspect of using technology.

Video Production & Editing

In a content-driven era, where video is king, mastery in this field could land you lucrative gigs across various platforms and industries.

Whether it’s for digital marketing, entertainment, or online education, the demand is high, and the barrier to entry is lower than ever—thanks to a plethora of self-teaching resources and accessible technology.

Best for: Those who have a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating engaging, high-quality video content that tells a story.

Professional Photography

Photography captures more than images; it encapsulates emotions, stories, and moments. With the advent of high-quality smartphone cameras and affordable DSLRs, the skill of professional photography is more accessible than ever.

Whether for stock photography, events, or branding, your keen eye for composition and lighting can open doors to a rewarding career without the need for a degree.

Best for: Individuals with a passion for visual arts, a creative mindset, and a strong sense of detail are often the best fit for a high-income career in professional photography.

Copywriting

The pen (or keyboard) can indeed be mightier than the sword in today’s digital-driven world through copywriting.

Articulating compelling narratives that resonate with audiences can catapult brands to new heights, making this skill a valuable asset. The best part? You can cultivate your copywriting prowess from anywhere, thanks to online courses, ebooks, and practice platforms.

All you need is a sharp mind, a clear writing style, and a grasp of persuasive techniques.

Best for: Copywriting is a top choice for those who love writing and are curious about a multitude of topics, with an interest in marketing principles and audience engagement.

Voiceover Artistry or Podcast Production

Unlock the power of your voice and make money – a skill set that’s becoming increasingly profitable. Whether you’re voicing animated characters or hosting a thought-provoking podcast series, the audio medium is a bustling marketplace.

Podcasting, it’s about creating a compelling narrative that listeners can’t resist. While for voiceovers, it’s about bringing scripts to life. Both can be learned through online tutorials, training programs, and practice.

Best for: Individuals with a strong, versatile voice and passion for storytelling will find voiceover work and podcast production both lucrative and rewarding, even without formal training.

Marketing High Income Skills Know-How

Content Creation

Content Creation has become the cornerstone of the digital marketing world, attracting not just audiences but also significant revenue streams. As a content creator, you can weave words, videos, or images to capture attention, inspire, and inform—whether it’s through social media, websites, or other digital platforms.

My path to becoming a content creator was primarily through hands-on experience as well as through consistent practice and staying up-to-date knowledge of digital trends.

Best for: Content Creation is especially suited for those with a creative mindset, who enjoy storytelling and are adept at using digital tools to craft content for an online audience.

Social Media Marketing

This is a brilliant intersection of creativity, strategy, and communication. As a social media marketer, you’ll help brands navigate the bustling social landscape, where billions of users engage daily.

You’ll be tasked with crafting campaigns, analyzing data, and connecting with audiences in a way that drives not just likes, but also leads and loyalty—all of which you can master through free online resources and real-world practice.

Best for: Those who enjoy fast-paced, dynamic environments and have a knack for engaging with people and understanding modern communicative trends.

Affiliate Marketing

Becoming an influencer and tapping into the world of affiliate marketing seems so easy but truly it is a strategy where your persuasion skills can translate into earnings—all without a formal degree.

By promoting products or services via unique affiliate links, you earn commissions on sales. Flourishing in this domain stems from understanding your audience and aligning the products you endorse with their interests.

Best for: Those who have a passion for sales and marketing, are comfortable with self-promotion, and are interested in monetizing their digital presence.

Sales Strategies

The key to unlocking staggering profit margins and business growth is sales and this doesn’t require formal education. This high-income skill revolves around understanding consumer psychology, building relationships, and convincingly presenting products or services.

Many times, those in sales have a knack for the industry. Whether refining your approach through online courses, books, or hands-on experience, excellence in sales comes down to a blend of empathy, insight, and adaptability.

Best for: Excellent fit for outgoing individuals who thrive in competitive environments and derive satisfaction from meeting and exceeding targets.

High Income Skills That Work With People

Language translation and interpretation

This is not only about converting words from one language to another; it’s about bridging cultural divides and facilitating communication. With the globalization of business and the rise of remote work, fluent speakers in multiple languages can capitalize on a multitude of high-paying roles.

And the best part? You can often get started with just bilingual proficiency, some formal certification, and a deep understanding of cultural nuances.

Best for: Ideal for multilingual individuals passionate about language and communication, with a desire to facilitate dialogue in an increasingly connected world.

Freelance consulting in various niches

These are seasoned professionals with an avenue to monetize their wealth of experience and expertise. This thriving field allows you to empower clients with your knowledge, whether it’s in marketing, finance, HR, or any other domain.

What’s more, you can kickstart this lucrative journey with minimal prerequisites—a strong track record, a portfolio of successful projects, and perhaps some industry-recognized certifications.

Best for: Experts in their respective fields who are adept at problem-solving, enjoy sharing their insights and are looking for flexible, high-income opportunities.

Coaching

This is a skill that transforms lives and careers, catapulting you into roles where you guide and motivate others to achieve their personal and professional goals.

As a coach, whether it’s in life, business, career transition, or personal development, you can create a substantial income stream. What’s particularly enticing about coaching as a high-income skill is that it often requires no formal degree—many coaches are self-taught, certified through various programs, and most importantly, driven by a passion to help others succeed.

Best for: Coaching is perfect for individuals with a strong desire to help others, who can cultivate trust, and who possess both the self-discipline and initiative to build their own coaching business.

Public Speaking

Often touted as a soft skill, public speaking has immense potential as a high-paying expertise. The ability to captivate, engage, and influence an audience is invaluable in various professional settings—from corporate presentations to motivational speaking circuits.

The good news is that you can develop this skill through local workshops, online courses, and ample practice. Perhaps even more compelling, is how public speaking bolsters other aspects of personal development, such as confidence and clarity of thought.

Best for: Individuals who enjoy expressing their ideas, exhibit strong interpersonal abilities and derive satisfaction from influencing and inspiring others.

Real Estate

A dynamic field where you can significantly profit from the buying, selling, and leasing of property.

With the right approach and knowledge, personalized by your unique sales flair, you can achieve notable success without the prerequisites of a higher degree. It’s all about your ability to network, negotiate, and understand market trends, guided by state-specific licensing requirements.

Best for: Suited to go-getters with an entrepreneurial spirit, a passion for property, and the perseverance to cultivate a strong portfolio of clients and sales.

High Income Skills for Introverts

Stock Trading

My personal gateway to the exhilarating world of finance, where the potential for high earnings exists for those with the knack and nerve for it.

This high-stress skill—often considered one of the most lucrative skills without a degree—entails buying and selling stocks or options to capitalize on daily market fluctuations. While challenging, with diligent self-education, a cool head for numbers, and a calculated risk approach, you can make stock trading a profitable venture.

Best for: Stock Trading is particularly fitting for those who exhibit patience, enjoy learning about economics and finance, and can handle significant levels of stress without clouding their judgment. Highly recommended to take an investing course.

UX/UI Design

Focusing on crafting meaningful interactions between users and products, UX/UI designers are the architects behind the intuitive use of websites and applications.

The plethora of free resources and communities available online means you can build a portfolio and learn this sought-after skill without a degree.

Best for: Creative minds who have an affinity for technology and user psychology and who enjoy the iterative process of improving product usability and appeal.

Web development and coding

Building and maintaining the structural foundation of websites offers a variety of high-income opportunities without necessarily requiring a four-year degree. Armed with the knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which can be self-taught through platforms like Codecademy, you can create and innovate on the internet’s exciting canvas.

Best for: Analytical thinkers who also appreciate creative expression, and those willing to evolve with the digital landscape constantly.

Data Analysis

Transforming raw numbers into actionable insights, data analysts contribute significantly to strategic decision-making. Fascinatingly, this skill is achievable without a degree, thanks to a plethora of online tools and courses in Excel, SQL, and Python that are freely available.

With a logical mindset and an eagerness to decipher data stories, you could secure a high-income position in businesses of all stripes, from tech startups to major corporations.

Best for: Suitable for those who enjoy crunching numbers, identifying patterns, and have a deep curiosity about how information can influence business strategies.

Bookkeeping

A critical yet often understated skill that plays a foundational role in businesses both big and small. As a bookkeeper, you steward financial accuracy, track transactions, and ensure the book balance.

What may come as a surprise is that modern bookkeeping doesn’t always require a degree—there are online courses that can pave the way for a high-income career for detail-oriented and number-savvy individuals.

Best for: Those who appreciate routine, enjoy working with numbers and take satisfaction in playing a key support role in a business’s financial health.

Must Need High Income Soft Skills

In today’s competitive job market, possessing high-income soft skills can significantly enhance your career trajectory and boost your earning potential.

These soft skills not only complement your technical abilities but also ensure you are a valuable asset to any team, fostering seamless collaboration and leadership. As the workplace evolves, employers increasingly seek candidates who exhibit a rich blend of interpersonal and strategic skills that drive business success.

  • Problem-solving skills for critical situations are invaluable, and the best news? Whether it’s through active listening, analytical reasoning, assessing risks, or critical thinking, being adept at navigating complex problems can set you apart in the workforce.
  • Communication skills in professional environments are the linchpin of a thriving career. Being able to articulate your thoughts and listen to others effectively means smoother collaborations and clearer negotiations.
  • Time Management for efficient productivity is a transformative skill that can make or break professional success. Mastering time management means accomplishing more in less time, leading to greater productivity without the need for a formal degree.
  • Leadership and Team Management capabilities signal an upgrade in your professional toolkit. Great leaders can marshal a group towards common goals, fostering teamwork, and eliciting the strengths of each member.
  • Negotiation Skills for Maximizing Value are a powerhouse in the world of commerce, crucial for deal-making and advancing business interests. Learning the art of negotiation is possible without formal education; it’s about understanding human psychology, effective communication techniques, and strategic planning.
  • Creative Thinking for Innovative Solutions is a valued asset in any business context, prized for driving forward unique and effective problem-solving. This type of thinking allows you to step outside traditional boundaries and generate fresh ideas.
  • Stepping into the entrepreneurial arena can be your ticket to independence and potential high earnings. Entrepreneurs are the trailblazers of the business world, initiating new ventures, and driving economic growth. While there’s no fixed educational path to entrepreneurship, the journey is fueled by a diverse skill set including innovation, perseverance, management, and the ability to pivot strategies as needed.

FAQs

A skill is considered ‘high-paying’ in 2024 if it is in high demand, offers significant value to employers or clients, and requires a level of expertise that’s not easily found.

These skills typically address current market needs, technological advancements, or specialized knowledge that can drive revenue, increase efficiency, or create competitive advantages. Essentially, the rarer and more necessary the skill, the higher the potential earning power becomes.

Yes, self-taught skills can compete with a traditional degree, especially in industries that prioritize practical experience and proven ability over formal education.

Personally, I can attest to this as I learned many of these high income skills long after I completed my degree.

In fields like technology, digital marketing, or creative arts, a portfolio showcasing your work often carries more weight than a degree. Furthermore, many companies adopt skills-based hiring practices, valuing competency and initiative as key indicators of a candidate’s potential.

Which High Paid Skill to Learn Will You Focus on?

In conclusion, acquiring high-income skills is a powerful strategy for advancing your career and unlocking new professional opportunities or even side hustles. In fact, many are ways to make money online.

This is a simple way to increase the amount of money you make each month.

By embracing continuous learning to hone these in-demand abilities, you can significantly enhance your earning potential and job market desirability.

Investing in the development of high-income skills will pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future. Just like finding a low stress jobs that pay well without a degree.

Don’t just read. Now, is the time to take action!

Source

  1. Business Insider. “Microsoft doesn’t require a college degree for entry-level jobs.” https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-execs-no-college-degree-for-entry-level-positions-2020-2#ping-look-who-leads-microsofts-cybersecurity-detection-and-response-team-added-that-candidates-who-apply-to-jobs-without-a-college-degree-already-signal-a-level-of-determination-that-she-respects-3. Accessed February 18, 2024.

Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!

Did the post resonate with you?

More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!

Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.

Source: moneybliss.org

Apache is functioning normally

Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler sat down with Matt VanFossen, CEO of Absolute Home Mortgage and Mortgage Automation Technologies, to talk about his unique view of the housing ecosystem and how it influences how he builds technology. Van Fossen not only heads a mortgage lender and a tech company, but is the president of the Mortgage Bankers Association of New Jersey and a board member of the Community Home Lenders of America.

Sarah Wheeler: You wear a lot of hats. How do all those different roles influence the technology you build?

Matt VanFossen: We build technology not only to sell but that we want to use. That culture resonates throughout our company and into our product lines. A differentiating factor of our tech is that lots of point of sale systems are built to faciitate loan officers with the business they already have. While we do that, we’re also focused on driving new business — from new clients but also from the relationships they already have.

We are focused on compliance and data capture at the top of the funnel, so we look at: how do we introduce loan officers not only to new technology, but to new business opportunities?

SW: What does that look like in very practical terms?

MVF: We realized that we needed to focus on the real estate agents our loan officers work with. Over the past 10 years, loan officers have become accustomed to forwarding their application right to the referral and taking the app, but what about their real estate agent counter-parties? Right now LOs have to go and remind agents and constantly be in front of them asking about referrals.

But a real estate agent has a limited amount of resources for elevating their referral. They might be driving down the road when they get a call or text message. Then they have to take whatever information they got and manually enter into their CMS. So we recoded the point of sale system so we can partner with agents on software. Now they have their own online application, but it’s not an application for a mortgage — it’s an application to buy or sell a house.

And now, anytime the agent uses those workflows, the loan officers are privy to that information. LOs can easily go in and see if they need to be preapproved and do that from their phone. So we reverse-engineered a lot of what we’ve built for loan officers and applied it to agents.

We basically created a massive collaboration system. From the first point of contact the customer has with the agent, they are being introduced to a digital ecosphere and they can remain in sthe ame portal all the way through the transaction. It’s the same portal to sign docs, eClose, get servicing information, even post-closing information. And if they ever need to apply for a new mortgage or refinance, they’re still living inside that port. So we’re keeping our customer from the first point of interaction all the way till the end of the real estate transaction and for the remainder of their lives inside of a single ecosphere.

SW: What was the “aha” moment that led to this development?

MVF: I hang out with a lot of LOs and agents, just in a social context, so the aha moment came when I was on a trip with friends. One is an agent and the other is an LO, and they both had to step away from the table like four different times, and I realized that the agent was getting new client referrals and had to pass that back to their team manually. I had completely missed this — that real estate agents don’t have an online application. An LO can text the link to their application portal, but not the agent. I realized we’ve been focusing for a decade on how to streamline this process for LOs but had abandoned our counterparties.

Because of my positions at a tech company, a mortgage company and in regulatory compliance, I have a view into all three points of this triangle — and I have developers that can go build it! Sitting on top of all three at the same time, I can see how they are all intimately intertwined, and I can test it with my own lender. I’m a user of this tech so I’m the mad scientist that’s experimenting on himself! I can jump in and code something, call an agent to have them come in and see it, then use with my own clients first. Then we can think about the enterprise version. It’s almost farm-to-table programming.

SW: So does that mean you only build versus buy?

MVF: No, because there are differet platforms that have some amazing features. We will build over buy in certain things but you can’t take over everything. We have some fabulous vendor tech partners in this industry. We’re focused on point of sale because it gives us control over the loan officer and agent and client experience, so we want to be in the driver’s seat for that.

But even with that mini-POS for agents, it’s not a full-blown CRM and they still need to use their CRM vendors, who will be better at journey campaigns, for example. And we work with awesome loan origination systems like Encompass to maintain compliance and a database. We can’t conquer every avenue so for us it’s about strategy and where we can get the biggest lift with our own tech and then shop the marketplace for strategic partners.

SW: What keeps you up at night? Security?

MVF: I am constantly thinking about this and how I’m not only responsible for cybersecurity for my various companies but also now my point of sale. But we’re very unique and the architecture we built for it was not possible more than a year ago. So rather than having two databases — one POS database where people apply online and then that application goes into another database where you hold that PII inside of it, and you synch those through an API — we don’t do it that way. We have single source of truth.

When an application comes in, or any of the Realtor referrals come in, they all get logged immediately into ICE’s Encompass. We don’t have a database — it all instantaneously, through an encrypted API transaction, as soon as the application hits it goes into Encompass. So there’s only one place and location and all of the loan data resides in that. So we are now more secure than ever because ICE has phenomenal information security. So what we do is put a customization layer on top of it. It’s a highly configurable, easy-to-use user interface that shares a database, rather than maintaining two databases. And that solves a lot of cybersecurity issues.

The other thing that keeps me up is mortgage rates and when we’ll see quantitative easing. What the industry really needs is to get some tailwind into the market.

When you look at the three things I’m involved in — I’m running a lender, I’m running a FinTech and I’m in advocacy. What solves all of that is a little bit lower interest rates. That will strengthen the housing market and make sure that independent mortgage bankers have stability in extremely volatile times. That ensures the tech company will continue to innovate, and all of those things together is going to help consumers, especially low to moderate income consumers.

Source: housingwire.com

Apache is functioning normally

Content is based on in-depth research & analysis. Opinions are our own. We may earn a commission when you click or make a purchase from links on our site. Learn more.
Home » Make Money » Systeme.io Review

  • Written By:

  • Updated: January 8, 2024
  • 5 Min Read
  • Advertising Disclosure

    Advertising Disclosure

    GoodFinancialCents® has an advertising relationship with the companies included on this page. All of our content is based on objective analysis, and the opinions are our own. For more information, please check out our full disclaimer and complete list of partners.


Quality Verified

GoodFinancialCents® partners with outside experts to ensure we are providing accurate financial content.

These reviewers are industry leaders and professional writers who regularly contribute to reputable publications such as the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

Our expert reviewers review our articles and recommend changes to ensure we are upholding our high standards for accuracy and professionalism.

Our expert reviewers hold advanced degrees and certifications and have years of experience with personal finances, retirement planning and investments.


Why You Can Trust GoodFinancialCents®

GoodFinancialCents® partners with outside experts to ensure we are providing accurate financial content.

These reviewers are industry leaders and professional writers who regularly contribute to reputable publications such as the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

Our expert reviewers review our articles and recommend changes to ensure we are upholding our high standards for accuracy and professionalism.

Our expert reviewers hold advanced degrees and certifications and have years of experience with personal finances, retirement planning and investments.

Systeme.io has emerged as a versatile tool in the digital marketing landscape, often met with initial skepticism due to its bold claim of being an all-encompassing, free platform. This skepticism is not uncommon; many assume that a free, all-in-one software solution might compromise on quality.

However, as experienced firsthand, Systeme.io defies these expectations, offering robust functionality that genuinely surprises new users.

The platform serves a multifaceted purpose, aiming to simplify the digital marketing process. It’s designed for entrepreneurs and businesses seeking an integrated solution for email marketing, sales funnels, website building, and more. The importance of such a tool lies in its ability to streamline various marketing tasks, which are often scattered across different platforms, into one cohesive system.

How Systeme.io Works

The user interface of Systeme.io is a standout feature, characterized by its user-friendly design. This ease of use is particularly appealing to those who are new to digital marketing tools. The interface is intuitive, making navigation and operation straightforward, which is a stark contrast to the often complex dashboards of similar tools.

At the core of Systeme.io are several key features that make it a comprehensive digital marketing solution. These include email marketing capabilities, sales funnel creation tools, a website builder, options for hosting membership sites, and affiliate program management.

Each of these features is designed to work seamlessly with the others, providing a unified experience. For instance, the email marketing service is notably efficient, rivaling established providers like ConvertKit, AWeber, and MailChimp, especially with its free subscription model that remains functional up to a certain point.

Features of Systeme.io

Email Marketing: Systeme.io’s email marketing tool is not just about sending emails. It allows you to segment your audience, create personalized email campaigns, and track the performance with detailed analytics. For instance, you can segment your audience based on their behavior, like those who clicked a specific link in your last email. This level of customization ensures that your messages are targeted and effective.

Sales Funnel Builder: The sales funnel builder is a standout feature. It’s not just about creating a sequence of pages; it’s about guiding your potential customers on a journey. You can set up a funnel that starts with a landing page, leads to a product page, and ends with a thank you page, all while tracking user behavior. The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to design each step, and you can add elements like pop-ups or forms to capture leads.

Blogging and SEO: Systeme.io’s blogging platform is straightforward yet powerful. You can create SEO-friendly blog posts with ease, thanks to features like customizable URLs, meta tags, and integration with Google Analytics. This ensures that your content is not only engaging but also ranks well in search engine results.

Automation and Workflow: Automation in Systeme.io is about saving time and creating efficient processes. For example, you can set up an automation rule to send a welcome email to new subscribers or trigger a specific action when someone purchases a product. This feature simplifies complex marketing tasks, making it easier to manage large-scale campaigns.

Affiliate Program Management: With Systeme.io, you can run your own affiliate program. This means you can recruit affiliates, track their performance, and manage payouts all within the same platform. It’s an excellent way for businesses to expand their reach without a significant increase in marketing spend.

Feature Description
Email Marketing Advanced segmentation, personalized campaigns, performance tracking
Sales Funnel Builder Drag-and-drop interface, user journey mapping, lead capture elements
Blogging and SEO SEO-friendly tools, customizable URLs, Google Analytics integration
Automation and Workflow Time-saving automation rules, efficient process management
Affiliate Program Management In-platform affiliate recruitment, performance tracking, payout management

Benefits of Systeme.io

One of the most significant benefits of Systeme.io is its cost-effectiveness. The platform offers a surprising amount of functionality without any initial investment, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs and small businesses with limited budgets. This aspect was particularly striking, as it’s rare to find a platform that provides such a wide range of features for free.

Another major advantage is the all-in-one nature of Systeme.io. It eliminates the need for multiple subscriptions to different services, consolidating essential marketing tools into one platform. This not only simplifies the management of digital marketing activities but also ensures better integration and efficiency. The platform’s ease of use is a testament to its well-thought-out design, catering to users who may not have extensive experience in digital marketing.

Drawbacks of Systeme.io

Despite its many strengths, Systeme.io is not without its limitations. One notable drawback is the limited customization options. While it offers a range of templates and a user-friendly interface, users who desire more advanced customization may find the platform somewhat restrictive compared to more specialized software.

Scalability can also be a concern with Systeme.io. As businesses grow, their needs become more complex, and the platform may not be able to keep pace with these evolving requirements. This is particularly relevant for larger businesses or those with highly specialized needs. Additionally, while Systeme.io integrates well within its ecosystem, it may have limitations when it comes to integrating with external tools and services.

Systeme.io Pricing Structure

The pricing structure of Systeme.io is one of its most appealing aspects. The platform operates on a freemium model, offering significant functionality without any cost for up to 2000 contacts or email subscribers and three sales funnels. This approach allows users to thoroughly test and experience the platform before committing financially.

When compared to competitors, Systeme.io’s pricing is highly competitive. For instance, platforms like ClickFunnels offer powerful functionality but at a higher cost, typically starting at around $100 per month after a free trial. This can be a significant investment, especially for new entrepreneurs or small businesses. In contrast, Systeme.io’s paid plans, which provide access to a broader range of features, are more affordable, starting at less than $30 a month.

Comparative Analysis with Other Tools

To provide a broader perspective, let’s compare Systeme.io with other popular tools in the market:

Feature/System Systeme.io ClickFunnels HubSpot Kartra
Email Marketing Advanced segmentation and automation Basic email functionalities Comprehensive email tools with CRM integration Advanced automation and lead scoring
Sales Funnel Builder Intuitive drag-and-drop builder Highly customizable funnels More focused on inbound marketing Similar to ClickFunnels with added features
Blogging and SEO Basic but effective SEO tools Not a primary feature Advanced SEO and content strategy tools Limited blogging capabilities
Automation and Workflow Simple automation rules Complex automation capabilities Extensive automation with CRM integration Advanced automation but steeper learning curve
Affiliate Program Management Integrated affiliate management Available but less intuitive Not a core feature Robust affiliate management system
Pricing (Starting Plan) Free plan available $97/month $45/month $99/month

This comparison shows that while Systeme.io offers a comprehensive suite of tools at an affordable price, platforms like HubSpot and Kartra provide more advanced features in certain areas but at a higher cost. ClickFunnels, on the other hand, is more expensive but offers highly customizable funnel-building capabilities.

User Reviews and Testimonials

User reviews and testimonials play a crucial role in understanding the real-world effectiveness of Systeme.io. Many users have shared success stories, highlighting how the platform has helped them streamline their marketing efforts and grow their businesses. These positive experiences often emphasize the platform’s ease of use, comprehensive feature set, and excellent value for money.

However, it’s also important to consider critiques and common issues raised by users. Some have pointed out the limitations in customization and scalability, as mentioned earlier. These critiques are valuable for potential users to set realistic expectations and for the platform’s developers to identify areas for improvement.

Systeme.io for Different Business Sizes

Systeme.io’s suitability for small businesses is one of its key strengths. Its simple interface, combined with a comprehensive set of tools, makes it an ideal choice for small enterprises looking to establish or expand their online presence without a significant investment in multiple tools or platforms.

For medium to large enterprises, the relevance of Systeme.io can vary. While it offers a solid foundation for digital marketing, larger businesses with more complex needs might find the platform somewhat limiting. However, for businesses at the cusp of growth, Systeme.io can be an excellent tool to start with, providing a cost-effective solution for scaling up their marketing efforts.

Final Verdict on Systeme.io

The overall assessment of Systeme.io is overwhelmingly positive, especially when considering its target audience of small businesses and entrepreneurs. The platform offers a remarkable range of features at an unbeatable price point, making it an excellent choice for those starting their digital marketing journey or looking to consolidate their marketing tools.

The recommendation for specific user groups would vary based on their size, needs, and experience in digital marketing. For beginners and small businesses, Systeme.io is an excellent choice, offering everything needed to get started with digital marketing. For more established businesses or those with very specific needs, it might serve as a stepping stone before moving on to more specialized or advanced platforms.

About the Author

Jeff Rose, CFP® is a Certified Financial Planner™, founder of Good Financial Cents, and author of the personal finance book Soldier of Finance. He was a financial planner for 16+ years having founded, Alliance Wealth Management, a SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm, before selling it to focus on his passion – educating the masses on the importance of financial freedom through this blog, his podcast, and YouTube channel.

Jeff holds a Bachelors in Science in Finance and minor in Accounting from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. In addition to his CFP® designation, he also earned the marks of AAMS® – Accredited Asset Management Specialist – and CRPC® – Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor.

While a practicing financial advisor, Jeff was named to Investopedia’s distinguished list of Top 100 advisors (as high as #6) multiple times and CNBC’s Digital Advisory Council.

Jeff is an Iraqi combat veteran and served 9 years in the Army National Guard. His work is regularly featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Inc.com and Entrepreneur.

You Might Also Enjoy


Get the book →

© 2023 Good Financial Cents®. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer

All written content on this site is for information purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of AWM, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources and no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation.

All third party trademarks, including logos and icons, referenced in this website, are the property of their respective owners. Unless otherwise indicated, the use of third party trademarks herein does not imply or indicate any relationship, sponsorship, or endorsement between Good Financial Cents® and the owners of those trademarks. Any reference in this website to third party trademarks is to identify the corresponding third party goods and/or services.


Source: goodfinancialcents.com

Apache is functioning normally

With its four largest firms all at least 100 years old, the title insurance industry has a bit of a reputation for being antiquated and technology averse.

“I always joke that we work in an industry that literally researches the past, and because of that, sometimes, I feel like our marketing, sales, and technology live there too,” Sam Trimble, vice president of strategic growth and development at Fidelity National Financial, said.

The title industry has worked hard over the last few years to shed that reputation. It has begun to adopt and integrate more and more technology into the title search and production process. While progress has been made, many in the industry see artificial intelligence (AI) as a way to really catapult the 19th century business into the 21st century and beyond.

“There are tons of operational opportunities using artificial intelligence and large language models and generative AI in title,” Trimble said.

While many in the industry have already explored using generative AI to create marketing collateral and campaigns, Trimble said he and others in the industry are excited about how AI can help with the day-to-day operations of a title company.

According to the State of the Title Industry Report from solutions firm Proplogix, 26% of respondents are looking into or already using AI in their closing workflows.  

“When I was a title agent in Texas, there was a team of people opening new orders, verifying information, and sending out documentation that was needed for buyers and sellers,” Trimble said. “Not only did it take a lot of time, but it cost a lot of money. Now a process that could have taken a couple of hours, takes a couple of minutes and it is significantly more accurate without room for human error. It really is limitless.”

Charlotte Brown, the vice president of product at Qualia, shares Trimble’s outlook.

“We’ve seen that generative AI is most effective for tasks that are time consuming to start but easy to double check,” Brown said. “Data extraction from documents is a great application of generative AI. For example, when a title company receives a Purchase & Sale contract via email, AI can help grab key information and queue up a transaction with pre-populated data for review.”

However, Brown said that generative AI tools are still in the early stages of development and their outputs should be double checked for errors, stressing that “accuracy matters in underwriting.”

Additionally, the title industry has long struggled with a talent crunch and an aging workforce (over 40% of State of the Title Industry report respondents were over the age of 55), and some industry professionals believe that AI could help alleviate some of the pain this has created.

“The unsung heroes of title are examiners, processors and receptionists,” Trimble said. “Their jobs are hard and tedious, and AI could help free up some of the time they spend on things like data entry to do tasks better suited for humans.”

Hoyt Mann, the president and co-founder of Alanna.ai, likes to think of AI as an “army of interns.”

“Something we say a lot is let robots do what robots do and let humans do what humans do. If you had this army of interns, you would have them do things like order entry that doesn’t take a lot of industry knowledge to do, so why not allow AI to do it,” Mann said. “It frees up humans to create and continue to establish relationships and deal with the human part of the business, which is so important to smaller title companies. A small company that is able to leverage AI can have a similar type of capabilities as a bigger company.”

While many in title are optimistic about the advances AI could help the industry make, there are certainly some concerns.

“There is a lot of excitement about what you can do with data. I can take my title plant that has 10,000 or 100,000 documents and put it in ChatGPT and create a narrative or summary — there are great potential use cases in our industry,” Genady Vishnevetsky, the chief information security officer at Stewart Title, said. “But one must understand what the implications are — are you doing this in a controlled environment or using a service? Be aware of the data fed to the AI platform and input becomes a property of the service.”

For Vishnevetsky, the biggest concern is data safety.

“Since ChatGPT came out in November of 2022, we saw an evolution and an explosion of anything from the browser plugins that have ChatGPT or AI in them, but the majority of these are third-party services. There are literally dozens of these .Ai domains registered every single day and you really don’t know anything behind them,” Vishnevetsky said. “You might be able to feed information to these services and get results that seem plausible to you, but you really don’t know or understand what is does with your data — is it safe or not safe?”

Vishnevetsky also noted that the constant evolution of large language models means that it may give different answers to the same query depending on the information it has available, creating potential inconsistencies.

While this is of concern to CertifID CEO Tyler Adams, his main source of unease is how fraudsters may utilize AI to make fraud attempts harder to catch.

“A couple of years ago we were able to warn people to look for misspellings or bad grammar in emails and with AI that has just disappeared,” Adams said. “The precision with which emails are getting crafted by criminals is really scary and it is not allowing for business owners to look for what had been standard red flags.”  

For Vishnevetsky the application of voice cloning by fraudsters is an even greater source of concern.

“AI allows us to process massive amounts of data and now with just a few seconds of audio and tuning software you can almost get it perfect and that is terrifying,” Vishnevetsky said. “Everything else can be spoofed — your email address, the caller ID of a mobile or a desk phone, but now the voice is also able to be spoofed. So now if you imagine all of this together, I can make a phone call to the CFO posing as the CEO of a company, and my caller ID appears as the CEO and I’m leaving a voicemail in their voice telling them to wire money to the account I’ll send them in an email — it seems very credible.”

Although AI may make fraud attempts harder to detect, Adams is excited about the ways AI could be utilized to help fight these AI powered fraud attempts.

“We are utilizing it to enhance our fraud models,” Adams said. “We collect all these data points to better understand if something is a risky transaction or if somebody has infiltrated a particular deal. Our ability to synthesize this information in real time and evaluate all of those signals becomes a lot better with AI.”

Adams said they are still in the early stages of this, but he is very hopeful that utilizing AI in this way will help keep even more transactions safe from fraud in the future.

Despite the potential data security risks and its usage by bad actors, industry professionals believe AI is here to stay in title.

“I think the amount we use AI might fluctuate but it is definitely here to stay,” Bill Svoboda, the president and co-founder of Close Simple, said.

Svoboda said all of the industry professionals he talks to are already using AI to help with things like proofreading emails, if not finding other ways to integrate AI into other aspects of their business, like creating marketing collateral or streamlining backend operations.

“Our lives can’t go backwards,” Svoboda said. “How much a business leans into AI for things like automations — that is going to be the difference maker. If a company can provide a better customer experience by using AI to free up people to be there for their clients, they are already thinking about how they are going to do that.”

Or as Diane Tomb, the president of the American Land Title Association put it, in a Proplogix report: “No one is going to lose their job to AI, but they are going to lose their job to the people who know how to use AI.”

Source: housingwire.com

Apache is functioning normally

TPO, Subservicing, Marketing, CRA Products; Training and Webinars; Podcast Interview with Dr. Elliot Eisenberg

<meta name="smartbanner:author" content="We now have a native iPhone
and Android app.
Download the NEW APP”>


This website requires Javascrip to run properly.

TPO, Subservicing, Marketing, CRA Products; Training and Webinars; Podcast Interview with Dr. Elliot Eisenberg

By:
Rob Chrisman

Mon, Dec 4 2023, 10:43 AM

“People would learn more from their mistakes if they weren’t so busy denying them.” Here’s a little trivia for the compliance folks in the coffee room: The CFPB handles 20,000 consumer complaints per week, and given that financing a home, and then servicing the loan, is the largest financial transaction most individuals go through, you gotta figure a chunk of the 20,000 involve mortgages. While we’re on the CFPB, Director Chopra addressed issues related to refinancing in a hearing on Capitol Hill last Thursday. But the headlines have been grabbed by interest rate improvements in our free market economy, and the economics calendar this week will be highlighted by the U.S. jobs report on Friday, arriving just five days before the Federal Reserve’s December 13 meeting. (Expect payrolls growth will rise to 200K in November from 150k job additions in October, and the unemployment rate to stay steady at 3.9 percent.) Today’s podcast can be found here, and this week’s is sponsored by nCino, makers of the nCino Mortgage Suite for the modern mortgage lender. nCino Mortgage Suite’s three core products, nCino Mortgage, nCino Incentive Compensation, and nCino Mortgage Analytics, unite the people, systems, and stages of the mortgage process. Today’s has a wide-ranging interview with economist Elliot Eisenberg on government spending, the Fed’s balance sheet, and “Eisenbergian Economics.”

Lender and Broker Products, and Services

Servicing transfers are complicated, so it is critically important that you nail down the prep work beforehand. If you don’t, and the servicing transfer goes awry, it’s not only servicers who suffer, their customers do, too. The professional services team at ICE Mortgage Technology break down exactly what’s on the line, and what happens when poorly handled servicing transfers leave customers in a lurch. Read its new blog here to learn just how “high stakes” loan transfers can be, and the steps servicers can take to avoid borrower confusion, retention concerns, and even reputational risk, before they become a problem.

Exclusive data: Maxwell Q3 2023 Mortgage Lending Report reveals trends in interest rates, loan volume, and borrower demographics. Q3 brought continued challenges for home buyers and lenders. Despite 11 Fed rate hikes over the past year and a half, interest rates averaged 7.2 percent in Q3, the highest Maxwell data has recorded within the current market cycle. Still, Maxwell’s new report, which derives insights across more than 300 lenders and $290B in loan volume, shows signs of stabilization in Q3. Motivated borrower groups found creative paths to homeownership despite adversity, flocking to remaining pockets of affordability (hint: West Virginia). For insightful market data along with actionable advice from Maxwell experts on how to form a strong 2024 strategy, click here to get your free copy of Maxwell’s Q3 2023 Mortgage Lending Report.

Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Final Rule: Preparing Your Bank for CRA Modernization! After years of discussions and false starts, the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and OCC issued their final rule modernizing the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) in October. The almost 1,500-page final rule will take effect on April 1st, 2024. This means banks must comply with all the rule’s provisions by January 1, 2026 (aside from certain requirements taking effect January 1, 2027). How will CRA modernization impact your bank? What do regulators hope to achieve? What are they looking for from banks? What should your bank do to prepare? In this new article, experts from Ncontracts discuss this and more, plus offer insights on how the right resources can ease these regulatory burdens. Read the full article for more information.

Variety is the spice of life, which is why ICE maintains an ever-growing library of multimedia marketing content with its Surefire℠ CRM and Mortgage Marketing Engine. Intelligently automated Blueprints for Success give lenders a leg up with effective marketing workflows without the hassles of A/B testing and complex configuration. Whether a lender launches our Blueprints for Success out-of-the-box or configures them to meet unique goals, these automated campaigns help nurture relationships, improve pull-through and power sales across the entire homeownership lifecycle. Explore how Surefire can power your sales strategy in 2024 and schedule a demo with the ICE team today.

Delinquencies have remained statistically low, but recent market data indicates an uptick in early-stage delinquencies, unemployment, and more Americans relying on credit to make ends meet, so that rate may continue to rise. Computershare Loan Services (CLS) is a highly rated subservicer that can take the heavy lifting of managing high-risk loans off your shoulders. All its services (originations fulfillment, co-issue MSR acquisition, subservicing, and its mortgage cooperative) help keep lenders one step ahead. In this industry, you deserve a partner that has it all. Contact CLS to find out how they can help you reach your goals, in any market.

Broker and Correspondent Programs

Give Your Pipeline a Boost this December with LoanStream’s Winter Specials on Non-QM and Prime! Purchase, Rate/Term & Refi Cash-Out on both. Non-QM, 50bps >65% to <= 75% LTV & 720+ FICO, 75bps >55% to <= 65% LTV & 720+ FICO, 100bps <= 55% LTV & 720+ FICO. These are only here for a limited time so take advantage and Contact your Account Executive for details. For loans locked 12/1/2023 through 12/31/2023. Restrictions apply. Interested in getting approved? Visit our Get Approved page now: Get Approved LoanStream Wholesale – Wholesale Mortgage Lending.

With the holiday season underway, Rocket Pro TPO is kicking off its December to Remember campaign by introducing a series of exciting and valuable wins throughout the month of December to celebrate and support Rocket Pro’s broker partners. On Friday, the first win was introduced: a 25 bps LLPA on 30-year fixed rate conforming VA loans that will be available all month. Check out this video message from EVP Mike Fawaz. And, today, Rocket Pro’s highly popular Fast 15 Loan Guarantee is back now through January 31st! This special offer for brokers guarantees that all eligible loans will be clear to close in 15 business days or they will pay your client $2,500. For correspondent partners, they guarantee that eligible loans will be clear to close in 15 business days, or they will waive the $999 acquisition fee. Requirements and rules apply. Partners are encouraged to watch their inboxes and Rocket Pro TPO’s social media channels for more wins to come. Interested in learning more about a Broker or Non-Delegated Correspondent partnership? Contact Rocket Pro TPO to learn more.

Events, Training, and Webinars in December

TOP CEOs DISCUSS WINNING STRATEGIES FOR THE 2024-25 MORTGAGE CYCLE. Tomorrow, 12/5, at 2 PM ET, tune into HousingWire as Sagent CEO Dan Sogorka digs into this topic with industry leader Mark O’Donovan (Chase), moderated by Julian Hebron of The Basis Point. These 3 mortgage experts will uncover how lenders can thrive through 2025 and beyond, discussing vital topics such as navigating homebuyer affordability, lender priorities, FHFA, CFPB insights, and more. Don’t miss this powerhouse session! Register here to refine your strategies for the upcoming year or catch the recording if you can’t attend live.

A good place for longer term conference planning is to start is here, and click on “events” for conferences in the future.

Tomorrow, 12/5, is the next Mortgages with Millennials with Kristin Messerli and Robbie Chrisman. Tune in every Tuesday at 1PM ET to the weekly video show designed to empower mortgage professionals to tap into the millennial market. This show demystifies the psychology of first-time homebuyers and offers strategies to win more market share with a key segment of the market. Sign up for a weekly reminder with the link to join and a sneak peek into the next episode. This week’s guest is Kayla Gatmaitan, and education-focused LO for first time homebuyers.

If business is slow and you’re looking for new opportunities, register for MBA Eastern Pennsylvania’s upcoming free session with Freddie Mac on Tuesday, December 5 at 11:00 a.m. One of the challenges homebuyers face in today’s market is saving for the down payment. In this session, the benefits and differences between two low down-payment offerings, Home Possible® and HomeOne® will be explored. Additionally, the session will cover Freddie Mac BorrowSmart AccessSM, a program that offers up to $3,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to help your clients reach homeownership.

The title industry faces many challenges going into 2024 and October Research wants to help you prepare your business. Orrick Partner Sherry-Maria Safchuk and CATIC SVP and National Agency Manager Kyle Rank will share their expertise and address critical issues such as consumer protection, cybersecurity trends, remote online notarizations, updates on the 1033 rule and more on the latest Industry and Regulatory Outlook webinar Dec. 5th. Stay ahead of the competition and start the new year strong. Register today at DoddFrankUpdate.com.

2023 Financial Institutions Professionals Webinar Series, presented by the Bonadio Group, December 5th, 6th, and 7th at 8:00 PST. During this complimentary event, industry experts will discuss emerging issues, impacts, insights, & more. Create your own personal agenda by choosing from several sessions, each designed as a roadmap to help you navigate what’s to come in the ever-changing financial services landscape. Each session offers 1 (one) credit of CPE.

Wednesday the 6th, looking for more in-depth commentary on weekly mortgage news? Register here for “Mortgage Matters: The Weekly Roundup” presented by Lenders One. Every Wednesday at 2:00 PM EST/11:00 AM PT is a dive into a range of mortgage-related topics, including market trends, interest rate fluctuations, innovative mortgage products, and industry advancements. Listen to a unique mix of age perspective, expertise, and charisma to the screen, ensuring that the information is not only educational but also entertaining. This week’s guest is Mark Jones, President of Union Home Mortgage and Chairman of the MBA.

Join MBA St. Louis at St. Charles Realtors, Wednesday, December 6th, 8:00 am – 10:30 am, and test your knowledge on Conventional Loans. This engaging and interactive course led by Trainer MaryKay Scully, Enact MI’s Director of Customer Education will review the key areas of Credit, Income, Collateral, Liabilities, Assets, HomeReady and Home Possible. It will inform and engage participants. Assessing knowledge, while reviewing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines, as well as Desktop Underwriter and Loan Product Adviser. Cost: $20 (covers light snacks and room rental).

Freddie Mac added enhancements to its HFA Advantage® mortgage offering, providing a competitive solution for housing professionals to consider for first-time and repeat homebuyers. In a free webinar, Thursday, December 7th, 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET, you’ll learn more about HFA Advantage’s features and benefits, eligibility and homebuyer education requirements and new product enhancements.

With a residential real estate market that continues to change and evolve, WMBA has gathered industry professionals that offer different perspectives to give real insight into “Build for Rent” model, an increasing popular approach to residential new construction being built and held as rental properties. Join WMBA for the Income Property Luncheons on Thursday, December 7th, In Person Attendees: 11:30-1:00pm, Virtual Attendees: 12:00pm-1:00pm.

Join Angel Oak Mortgage on Thursday, December 7 at 10:00 PST for a webinar detailing its Investor Cash Flow (DSCR) programs and cover the top 20 broker questions. Learn how easily these loans close and help add to the bottom line.

Success leaves clues. Not surprisingly, many of the traits shared by high achievers are common sense in theory, but not necessarily common practice (otherwise, everyone would be a high achiever, right?). Discover the keys to having your best year ever, the most important (yet often missing) part of the formula for success and disciplines you often don’t think about. Join Hannah J. Barton and Blaine Rada, CSP, to discover these habits and incorporate them into your own life. TMBA Webinar, Habits of High Achievers, Thursday, December 7 at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm.

Join LSEG Academy session Central Bank & Bond market outlook – Insight from IFR Markets,

Thursday, December 7th | 8:00 PST., as industry experts examine recent benchmark interest rate increases and likely changes to the direction of central banks’ monetary policies. They will also look at the commentary and insight provided by IFR Markets and showcase how benchmark rates have been impacting the bond and rates markets utilizing LSEG Workspace tools. The discussion will include expectations for interest rate moves in 2024 and provide an opportunity to ask questions to industry experts.

Friday, December 8, is the next episode of The Mortgage Collaborative’s Rundown covering current events in the mortgage market for 30-45 minutes starting at noon PT, 3PM ET, in “The Rundown”. Listen to Rich Kuegler with Stewart Title!

Capital Markets

As mortgage rates dropped for the fifth consecutive week last week, Federal Reserve Chair Powell said that any speculation of potential rate cuts is still “premature.” Yes, inflation is easing, and the U.S. economy is cooling with Fed policy now well into restrictive territory. The full effect of higher rates is still working its way through the economy and the central bank has noted progress against inflation over the past six months. The hiking cycle is likely over, but the Fed is reluctant to admit as much or discuss any sort of rate cuts.

Economic data over the last week continued to show the U.S. economy is still expanding while inflation trends lower. Real GDP was revised up to 5.2 percent in the second update from 4.9 percent in the advance update. Consumer spending on services increased 0.2 percent in October and spending on nondurable goods increased 0.3 percent. The October PCE deflator was unchanged in October and showed prices were 3.0 percent higher than twelve months ago; the lowest annual reading since March 2021. While prices are still rising faster than the Fed’s preferred rate, the pace continues to slow and bodes well for a soft landing for the U.S. economy.

This can also be seen in housing prices which rose 0.7 percent in September and 3.9 percent from one year ago, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Index. While elevated mortgage rates helped the slowdown, limited available for sale inventory has kept prices from outright declines. As a result of the continued progress on inflation and recent Fed comments around being well into restrictive territory, the markets expect the Fed is done hiking and will begin to cut rates in 2024.

This week’s economic calendar contains several higher tiered releases including the November payrolls report and preliminary December consumer sentiment on Friday. Between now and then, we will receive ISM Services for November, some labor market indicators, wholesale trade, and consumer credit. The week kicks off with just factory orders for October, due out later this morning. We begin Monday with Agency MBS prices roughly unchanged from Friday evening, the 10-year yielding 4.25 after closing last week at 4.23 percent, and the 2-year at 4.61.

 Download our mobile app to get alerts for Rob Chrisman’s Commentary.

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

Apache is functioning normally

Representative Maxine Waters, a Democrat from California, held a town hall meeting on Saturday at Inglewood High School where she pointedly asked executives from City National Bank, PNC Financial Services and Wells Fargo & Co., if they would each open a branch in her district. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg

David Paul Morris/Bloomberg

LOS ANGELES – Rep. Maxine Waters held a town hall meeting on Saturday where she pointedly asked executives from City National Bank, PNC Financial Services and Wells Fargo & Co., if they would each open a branch in her district. She said she wanted to hold the banks accountable for promises made in recent merger agreements or consent orders.

The town hall meeting at Inglewood High School got fiery at times as Waters pressed the three bank executives to answer questions from constituents in her 43rd congressional district in South Los Angeles. Waters, the ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee, said she invited all the top banks to attend but was turned down by Bank of America, Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase and U.S. Bancorp. 

Next week, the Senate Banking Committee plans to hold an annual oversight hearing with executives from the nation’s top banks. Waters said she was disappointed that Republicans in the House would not hold a similar hearing. Her town hall, she said, would try to fill in the gap. 

When Jeffrey Martinez, executive vice president and head of branch banking at PNC Bank, described how the Pittsburgh bank was upholding its pledge to invest an eye-popping $88 billion in local communities over four years as part of its 2020 acquisition of BBVA, Waters asked specifically if PNC was coming to her neighborhood. 

“When are you going to open up a branch in my district?” Waters said. “We have a problem with branch banking not being available to us in all of our communities in the way they should be. We call them banking deserts.”

Martinez responded: “That’s a great question, it’s an important one and one of the things we’ve slated even though we’re new to California.” 

“We would like to help you find a location,” Waters said, to thunderous applause and laughter from the crowd of about 300.  “I’m so looking forward to establishing” a branch here, she added.

Waters then described how City National Bank in Los Angeles had agreed in January to pay $31 million to settle redlining allegations brought by the Justice Department. As part of the agreement, City National has promised to open one branch in a majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhood in L.A. County. 

“Can you discuss where you might be opening the branch?” Waters asked. “Where are you with all of this?”

David Cameron, City National’s executive vice president of personal and business banking responded, “That is a great question,” drawing laughter from the audience. 

“I don’t have any announcement on where we’re going to put that branch.”

To which Waters replied: “Oh, we’ll help you,” to further applause from the audience.  

City National plans “to go above and beyond,” the agreement to invest at least $29.5 million in a loan subsidy fund for residents of majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Los Angeles County, Cameron said. The bank has hired more than 20 loan officers to support the initiative to provide grants of up to $15,000 each to first-time homebuyers.

Waters also questioned why City National did not have a mortgage loan officer at a local branch on Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles. 

“You’ve done well at that branch, are you going to expand that branch and put a loan officer there?” Waters said. “Can you do these things?”

Waters skillfully thanked each of the bankers for showing up to the town hall meeting, while also hitting them hard on consent orders.  

“I really thank you for coming today. I know that you know we have a lot of questions for you, based on the fines that you received and all of that,” she told Cameron, and then asked the audience to give him a round of applause. 

She also asked Colleen Canny, Wells Fargo’s executive vice president and national head of branch banking, why the San Francisco bank has been closing so many branches, which Waters estimated at 2,000 branch closings over many years. She cited the Wells Fargo 2016 fake accounts scandal that led the Federal Reserve to impose an asset cap on the bank.

“First tell us, why did you close those branches?” Waters asked.

Canny said that customer transactions through branches have fallen 50% over the past three years as more banking is done online, through mobile apps or ATMs. 

“We still think branches are important and we continue to look at our branch footprint to ensure we have the proper coverage,” Canny said. 

Waters lamented that banks are closing branches in inner cities where seniors who may not necessarily use a cell phone to bank still prefer to go to a branch in person. 

“I want to tell you something that is a cultural discovery for everybody,” Waters told the bankers and the audience. “We like to go to a teller as we put our money across the counter. We like this kind of interaction with the people that we do service with and this is the kind of cultural consideration that the bank should take into account.”

At the town hall, which lasted for four hours, constituents asked a wide range of questions including why there were long lines at their local branches and why they were not able to get small business loans or even speak directly to the same banker on each visit. CFPB Director Rohit Chopra, who spoke after the bankers, answered a range of questions on reverse mortgages, digital redlining and junk fees.

Waters also lambasted the banking industry generally for Republican-led efforts in the House, which voted on Friday to nullify the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s small-business data-collection rule. Despite the bill’s passage in a 221-202 vote, President Joe Biden has vowed to veto the bill and uphold the rule. 

The head organizer for Rise Economy, the consumer group formerly known as the California Community Reinvestment Coalition, asked the bankers generally why they did not support the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 

“Your industry trade groups are attacking the CFPB, they’re attacking fundamental consumer protections … and very basic data on small business lending that we fought hard for for nearly 10 years,” said Jyotswaroop Kaur Bawa, chief of organizing and campaigns at Rise Economy. “We want you to tell us specifically how many Black and Hispanic-owned businesses you make loans to and at what rate—that’s what the fight is about.”

The small-business lending rule is expected to be used by the CFPB to identify discrimination, though the bureau exempted more than 2,000 community banks and small businesses from the rule. The coalition sued the CFPB in 2019 for taking so long to issue the rule, which Dodd-Frank’s Section 1071 mandated. 

The 1071 rule was about wealth-building and closing the wealth gap, Waters said. 

“The Senate Republicans put up a great fight against getting the rule, the data that we needed to determine why we can’t get small business loans — they fought us very hard, and they said they represented the banks,” Waters said. “Republicans won on trying to kill that rule that would give us information that would show that Blacks, Latinos, women and LGBTQ would not be getting small business [loans.]”

Water did commend one bank: First Citizens BancShares, which acquired the failed Silicon Valley Bank and last month announced an agreement to invest more than $6.5 billion in California and Massachusetts communities through an updated community benefits plan. The agreement, Waters said, paved the way for a branch to be opened in Watts.

Waters characteristically played to the audience by rattling off the various programs created after the pandemic including loans that banks delivered via the Paycheck Protection Program. 

“You’re wondering, if there’s all this money around, why haven’t we been able to get some of it,” Waters said.

Source: nationalmortgagenews.com

Apache is functioning normally

Do you want to learn how to find data entry jobs from home? Here’s how you can make money doing data entry at home. If you’re looking for a data entry position, I have all the details for you here. Whether you want to be a full-time or part-time employee, work remotely, or become a freelancer,…

Do you want to learn how to find data entry jobs from home? Here’s how you can make money doing data entry at home.

If you’re looking for a data entry position, I have all the details for you here. Whether you want to be a full-time or part-time employee, work remotely, or become a freelancer, there are many different kinds of data entry jobs that you may be interested in.

In this article, you’ll learn:

  • What are data entry jobs
  • How much a data entry clerk makes
  • Where to find data entry jobs

And more!

Recommended reading: 21 Best Entry Level Work From Home Jobs

What Are Data Entry Jobs?

Data entry jobs are run by data entry clerks, who have many tasks including typing and data transcription. You can find these types of jobs in many different fields, including healthcare, finance, research, and administration. 

Data entry is exactly what you’ll be doing – you will be entering data on a computer system.

Data entry jobs include work tasks such as:

  • Typing data into computer systems
  • Updating data into databases
  • Managing data

These jobs require accuracy and being able to handle all kinds of information involving text and numbers. 

Other tasks for data entry freelance jobs may include:

  • Typing
  • ​Listening to audio files and transcribing them into written documents
  • Data transcription
  • Legal transcription
  • Data validation (for example, you may be comparing the data to what you have to make sure it was input correctly)
  • Data organization
  • Customer service

Your tasks will mainly depend on the job description, as they can vary from company to company.

Recommended reading: 18 Best Online Transcription Jobs For Beginners To Make $2,000 Monthly

Who is a good fit for this job?

Being a data entry clerk requires:

  • Attention to detail and data management
  • Fast typing speed
  • Communication skills
  • Ability to work efficiently 
  • Accurate with data
  • Proficiency with certain data entry software (such as spreadsheets, Google Sheets, Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or Microsoft Office)
  • The ability to handle sensitive information

​Basic computer skills are extremely helpful with data entry work, as everything will be done with a computer (or laptop).

Many people who work in ​online data entry jobs like how this field typically works alone from home and ​r​emote data entry jobs are a possibility as well.

Plus, you can typically get started in this career field not needing many years of experience, as there are many entry level data entry jobs that you can start with no experience. Data entry jobs usually require a ​high school diploma or equivalent.

How Much Money Can You Make From Data Entry?

The amount of money you make depends on many things including your location, experience, the industry you work in, and how hard the data entry tasks you are being paid to do. Your pay can also depend on your shift (are you working Monday through Friday at a company, or in your spare time at home?), your work location (companies in certain places tend to pay more), your typing speed (the faster you can type, the more you can get done!), and more.

The average data entry salary in the United States is between $25,000-$45,000 per year, with the average hourly rate being about $18 per hour. Some ​data entry positions pay less and some pay more, of course.

There are benefits of working this type of job as well, such as being able to find flexible jobs where you can work from home, or even while traveling.

15 Best Places To Find Data Entry Jobs From Home

Here are the 15 best places to find data entry jobs from home.

1. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is an online job search platform that lists remote and flexible job opportunities. Every job listed on FlexJobs has been found and checked to make sure it’s not junk, an ad, or a scam. This is why FlexJobs requires people to pay for a subscription to use their site too.

Listings on FlexJobs include positions for remote work, flexible schedules, part-time work, and even freelance opportunities. 

To use FlexJobs, you need a paid account to apply for jobs. In the FlexJobs search bar, search for “data entry” and many positions will come up in this field showing you what qualifications are needed, if it’s 100% remote, and what the tasks include.

I did a quick search on FlexJobs, and I found remote data entry jobs, part-time data entry jobs, freelance data entry jobs, and entry-level data entry jobs. There were many companies that were looking to hire for this position within just the last few days, and from many different fields.

Note: Even though there is a cost to use FlexJobs, if you don’t successfully find a job on FlexJobs, you can ask for a refund.

2. Upwork

UpWork is one of the largest freelancing platforms that connects freelancers with clients who need various types of services, such as data entry. UpWork has thousands of jobs available at any time and makes it very easy to search for data entry jobs.

As a freelancer on UpWork, a 10% fee is taken out of any earnings made from UpWork jobs. This is an important thing to think about before finding jobs on UpWork as this fee can add up quickly.

When I searched on Upwork, I found 2,197 Data Entry Specialist jobs posted. Some of the companies hiring for data entry positions on Upwork included Microsoft, Airbnb, Nasdaq, and more.

3. Amazon MTurk

Amazon MTurk is a platform operated by Amazon that connects people and businesses who need help with tasks like data entry. It is a crowdsourcing marketplace where companies can outsource their jobs.

MTurk has jobs not only in data entry, but image or video tagging, content moderation, transcription, and more.

This is how MTurk works:

  1. Search for jobs through Amazon Mturk and click on a job that interests you.
  2. Accept the tasks and follow the instructions for the job. 
  3. Submit your work once the job is completed.
  4. Once the company or individual approves your work, your earnings are available.

4. Microworkers

Microworkers is an online platform that connects people to businesses to do small and quick tasks, referred to as “micro-jobs”. These tasks can range from data entry, data validation, website testing, and more. 

Freelancers using Microworkers to find jobs so that they can work as little or as much as they want. Your potential for earning is whatever you want it to be, because you can accept as many jobs as you’re able to complete.

To find jobs on Microworkers, click on the “jobs” tab and browse through hundreds of listed tasks. Each task will show different instructions and the time you have to complete the job. The job will also show how much you will earn for finishing the tasks.

5. Clickworker

Clickworker connects businesses with freelancers who are in charge of completing small, quick assignments.

Besides data entry, you can also earn money with Clickworker by answering surveys, doing research, translating, and more.

As a Clickworker, you will get a list of available assignments that you can choose from. The tasks available to you will depend on your skills, education, past work assignments, and any qualification tests you pass.

6. SigTrack

SigTrack is a site dedicated to data entry jobs. Jobs on SigTrack primarily focus on collecting and verifying voter signatures for political campaigns, initiatives, and petitions.

There is plenty of work available on SigTrack with the average hourly rate going from $11-$12 per hour.

You cannot reside in California or Massachusetts to work for SigTrack.

7. Fiverr

Fiverr is an online job marketplace that allows freelancers to list their digital services, including data entry, graphic design, writing, web development, and a lot more.

Companies or small businesses looking for freelancers search Fiverr for help on their projects.

It’s important to note that Fiverr does take a 20% cut of your earnings, so keep that in mind if you search for a job here.

I found 69,727 jobs related to data entry on this site, so competition can be pretty tough. You will have to find a way to stand out if you want to post a listing on Fiverr.

8. Axion Data Entry Services

Axion Data Entry Services is a company that does data entry and data processing for businesses, such as for managing and digitizing their data.

As an employee of the Axion Data Entry Services team, you’ll be evaluated for accuracy and your attention to detail, and you are paid at a flat rate per entry or for each document you enter.

The more skills and qualifications you have, the more you will earn at Axion Data Entry Services.

9.  DionData Solutions

DionData Solutions connects data entry specialists to businesses and organizations. DionData Solutions works for clients who need help in managing and digitizing large volumes of data accurately and efficiently. 

At DionDate Solutions, data entry specialists work on:

  • Medical claims
  • Mailing lists
  • Surveys
  • Subscription fulfillments
  • Enrollment forms
  • Warranty cards
  • Product registration cards
  • Inventories

And more.

10. Capital Typing

Capital Typing is a company that sells services such as data entry, transcription, virtual assistance services, and other admin support roles.

Capital Typing specializes in on-demand and long-term outsourcing solutions to help companies streamline their operations.

Due to the type of business they run, they are in need of data entry workers.

11. We Work Remotely

We Work Remotely is a job board that focuses primarily on remote jobs. This platform is home to the largest remote work opportunity in the world with over 4.5 million visitors. 

Many companies hire workers from this site, such as Google, Amazon, and more. So, there are many big companies that list jobs here.

This online platform allows companies to hire remote workers for all kinds of jobs including data entry. Jobs posted include information such as what the company is looking for, what the ideal candidate has as far as qualifications go, salary and benefits, and the steps to apply.

12. Virtual Vocations

Virtual Vocations is a job platform that lists remote and telecommute job opportunities.

This platform is designed to help remote workers find legit online jobs, making it as easy as possible to get started working from home.

Jobs listed on Virtual Vocations list key responsibilities for the job, and required qualifications. 

When I looked, Virtual Vocations currently has 7 jobs related to data entry listed.

13. Scribie

Scribie is a transcription and audio captioning service that provides services to businesses and individuals. Scribie specializes in converting audio and video files into written text. 

To apply as a Scribie transcriptionist you need to:

  • Sign up as a Transcriber
  • Connect your PayPal account
  • Take a transcription test

Scribie pays $5-$20 per audio hour (Scribie claims that a person can make around $800 a month by working 8 hours each day.). The pay is a little on the lower end, but Scribie does give you automated transcripts, which can save you around 60% of the typing effort.

You’ll simply listen to the audio clips that they give you, compare them to the automated transcription (such as applying context, identifying mistakes, and correcting the automated transcript that they give you). Then, you can get paid.

14. GoTranscript

GoTranscript is a platform that connects businesses with professional data entry specialists. Data entry specialists on GoTranscript work on documents related to the medical, legal, and academic fields.

With a 98% customer satisfaction rate, GoTranscript relies on hiring the best data entry specialists.

They pay up to $0.60 per audio or video minute, with an average earnings of around $150 per month.

15. Working Solutions

Working Solutions is a site that works with independent contractors on jobs related to industries like health and insurance, senior living, fitness, hospitality, and education.

Working Solutions independent contractors’ tasks include things like handling customer care calls, emails, and video chats. 

You can often find data entry jobs on this site.

Frequently Asked Questions About Data Entry Jobs

Below are answers to common questions about data entry jobs from home.

Is work-at-home data entry legitimate? Can you really make money doing data entry at home?

Work at home data-entry jobs are legit and can be found quite easily online.

Here are some tips to help you find a legit work at home data entry job.

  • Use FlexJobs – Since FlexJobs job listings are all curated and checked for accuracy, you’ll have more peace of mind. Companies listing jobs on FlexJobs include Apple, Salesforce, United Healthcare, Dell, Capital One, and many more.
  • Be cautious – If a job posting makes exaggerated claims about high earnings with little to no effort, it’s likely a red flag. Legit data entry jobs give fair compensation (above minimum wage) for the data entry tasks performed. But, a legitimate company won’t ever pay $10,000 a week or something high like that.
  • Research the company – You should look for an official website for the company, a physical address, any information you can find on the Better Business Bureau, and even a contact phone number. Scammers generally use generic email addresses and websites that lack information. 
  • Don’t pay thousands to become a data entry clerk – Some companies may ask you to have a data entry certificate. If they ask for this, make sure they aren’t charging you an arm and a leg for it.

Unfortunately, with many work from home careers, there are a lot of scams. But, that doesn’t mean that data entry isn’t real.

There are many places to find the ​best data entry jobs. But, you still have to be smart!

Which site is best for data entry jobs?

The best sites for data entry freelance jobs include:

  1. FlexJobs
  2. UpWork
  3. Fiverr
  4. We Work Remotely

Job listing sites like the platforms above often are great places to start if you are looking for entry level data entry jobs from home.

Is data entry a hard job to do? Can a beginner do data entry?

Data entry is often an entry-level job and is relatively easy to get started with. If you don’t have trouble with typing accurately and inputting data, then you most likely won’t have a problem with finding work at home data entry jobs.

For most new jobs in data entry, you will want to make sure you include a relevant cover letter and resume. Even if you are brand new to work-from-home data entry jobs, you can still tailor these documents to the company and position so that you can get the job.

Can I do data entry with my phone?

Okay, so I hear this question all the time. And, I get it – being able to work from your phone would be great.

Depending on the job, you can possibly do data entry from your smartphone, but it won’t be nearly as efficient and easy as doing this kind of work on a computer.

The small screen size on your phone makes data entry more challenging, and your typing will be much slower compared to working on a laptop. Plus, some software may not be available on your phone.

If you want to make the most money with stay at home data entry jobs, then it’s probably best to get a laptop or a computer.

Data Entry Jobs From Home – Summary

I hope you enjoyed today’s article on how to find online data entry jobs from home.

Data entry jobs are great for people completely new to this field as you don’t need prior experience to become a data entry specialist.

Plus, with the average salary from $25,000-$45,000, finding a ​data entry position is a good career path to get started with if you want to work from home and possibly have a flexible schedule.

What’s your best place to find work from home data entry jobs?

Recommended reading:

Source: makingsenseofcents.com