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Apache is functioning normally

December 8, 2023 by Brett Tams

Inside: Balancing a shoestring budget is possible and provides great rewards. With savings and budget strategies, you will find genius tips to manage your finances smartly!

With the rise of economic inflation, a growing number of people are finding the need for shoestring budgets to effectively navigate through their expenses.

Whether it’s planning for a low-cost holiday, initiating a frugal home makeover, or launching a start-up business with minimalist funds, the concept of a shoestring budget comes into play.

Moreover, it’s not only limited to low-income families but also extends to larger households and entrepreneurs that need to strategically lessen costs to achieve their goals. This is how many people reach financial independence sooner.

Then, let’s talk about a shoestring budget – an effective tool used to stretch finite resources, manage money wisely, and achieve financial goals, all while minimizing expenses.

If you’re familiar with the feeling of every dollar in your wallet counting, then this blog post is for you.

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.

What is a Shoestring Budget?

A ‘shoestring budget’ means to accomplish a task or a project within a very limited or bare minimum budget. The shoestring budget work strategy involves curbing discretionary spending dramatically to take care of high-priority expenses.

Understood across various contexts like travel, events, and lifestyle, the term implies an approach of resourcefulness and discovery of low-cost alternatives to achieve desired results.

Not exclusive to households with low incomes, working with a shoestring budget expresses the art of making what’s deemed impossible possible, navigating time constraints, and maximizing minimal available funds.

Shoestring Budget Idiom Definition

According to Merriam-Webster, the official definition of a shoestring budget is: ¹

“involving a relatively small amount of money for planned spending.”

‘Shoestring Budget’ Origin

The phrase ‘shoestring budget’ has an intriguing origin story that dates back to the 1800s in the United States. Fact-checks reveal that this term is indeed a reference to the precarious nature of a thin and weak shoestring, metaphorically implying a scarce and strained budget.²

Several theories have been proposed regarding its original use.

One theory suggests that the term ‘shoestring gambler,’ meaning someone gambling with a limited budget, might be the precursor to the idiom.
Another theory, based on British history, suggests that prisoners would lower a shoestring out of their cell to collect small donations from passersby, symbolizing the idea of managing with few resources.

Despite the debates around the phrase’s exact origins, it is undisputed that it signifies a tight budget situation.

How to live on a shoestring budget?

Living on a shoestring budget can be challenging but doable with a bit of dedication and planning.

Start by reviewing your regular expenses per month.
Cut down on unnecessary expenses as much as possible.
Monitor your small, daily expenses as they can add up significantly over time.
Refinance any existing debt to reduce interest payments.
Renegotiate contracts with utility providers, subscription services (consider uninstalling unused ones), or insurance for better rates.
Shop at thrift stores or choosing used items over brand new can also help you save.

The key to surviving a shoestring budget is self-control and determination to avoid impulsive spending.

Your goal is to prioritize essential needs over wants – a no spend challenge will help you with this. Remember, regular tracking and analysis of your personal site usage can provide valuable insights to manage your budget better.

How to travel on a shoestring budget?

Embarking on an adventure while on a shoestring budget requires creativity and pre-planning.

Be flexible with your travel dates, destinations, and mode of transport to take advantage of the best deals available.
Consider options such as budget airlines, off-peak travel times, and less touristy locations.
Staying in budget accommodations, or even trying out housesitting, can significantly cut down your lodging costs.
Eating at local fresh markets rather than restaurants will not only save you money but also provide a more authentic experience.
Plan your daily activities; consider free local events, parks, and attractions.
Always carry a water bottle to avoid buying expensive drinks.

With careful planning, traveling on a shoestring budget can make your journey all the more rewarding and memorable.

How to Save Money on a shoestring budget?

Saving money while on a shoestring budget might appear challenging, but it’s not impossible. Begin by monitoring your expenditures and identifying areas where you can potentially save money. Also, consider substituting costly activities with more affordable or free ones.

Every small action counts when you’re on a shoestring budget, and these savings accumulate over time. Remember, consistent small savings can make a significant difference in the long run.

Starting a business on a shoestring budget

Starting a business on a shoestring budget requires careful financial planning and innovative thinking. Indeed, it may sound challenging, but numerous shoestring startups have surged to success by optimizing their business budgets. It is all about crafting a solid business plan that clearly delineates your budget and the efficient utilization of each dollar.

Maintain focus on essential expenses only. These expenses might include mandatory licenses, essential software for business operations, or even crucial industry-specific tools. Leverage your personal and professional networks for free advice and resources.

Also, make the most of free or low-cost online marketing strategies as these can be vital to shoestring business budgets. You can use effective strategies, like using different social media platforms for marketing or creating a blog, to broaden the reach of your business.

Remember, having the capital to start is important but it’s secondary to a truly novel idea, intense hard work, and a strategic approach. So, let your creativity thrive and work passionately towards growing your business.

Shoestring Budget Examples

Shoestring Vacation
Wedding or Honeymoon
Home Improvement
Business on a Shoestring Startups
Savings Goals
Financing your Next Car

A shoestring budget is not always related to bigger projects. It can also refer to the scenario where the money required for daily expenses, buying an item, or completing a project isn’t enough. Here, the person has to be creative and find ways to stretch the money to make ends meet.

Practical Tips for Surviving on a Shoestring Budget

In this section, we will present practical advice for managing a shoestring budget, derived from case studies of my readers and my own personal experience who have thrived despite financial limitations.

Whether you are budgeting on a low income or looking to reach FI number faster, this guide has you covered.

1. Starting with a Budget: Your First Step

Before you embark on your journey of living on a shoestring budget, the first step is to define a realistic budget.

Understand your total earnings and list all your monthly expenses.
Identify which expenses are necessary (rent, utilities, groceries) and which are discretionary (eating out, entertainment).
Now create a spending plan such that it covers all necessities, allocates some amount towards savings, and leaves a little for leisure.

A well-defined budget will be your roadmap to financial management success.

Remember, the goal is to live within your means but also to ensure you aren’t depriving yourself.

2. Make Saving Automatic

A proven way to save money on a shoestring budget is to make saving automatic.

In such a method, you can set up an automatic transfer when you get paid. Another idea is to use Acorns, which rounds up purchases made with your debit card to the nearest dollar and deposits the change daily into your savings account.

Essentially, you’re saving without even noticing it! These little amounts add up over a period and can really bolster your savings.

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3. Cut Back on Expenses

One of the most effective ways to operate within a shoestring budget is by reducing expenses. These can be small lifestyle changes, like cutting back on takeaways and preparing meals at home, walking or cycling instead of driving short distances or canceling unused subscriptions.

Specifically, you are looking to cut back your flexible expenses the most.

4. Look for Ways to Make Extra Money

Alongside cutting back on expenses, we continually stress the importance of finding ways to supplement your income. This could be from a side hustle, passive income, part-time job, or even a pay raise.

This additional income can help ease pressure on your shoestring budget. Also, it might provide an opportunity to explore new interests or passions. By diversifying your income streams, you make your financial situation more secure and flexible in unexpected circumstances.

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5. Utilize Free Resources

When it comes to saving money on a shoestring budget, the key is to utilize free resources and focus on essentials before spending money.

Thankfully, there are many vital ways to do this:

Find free things to do without spending money.
Use your local Buy Nothing group to find items before spending your hard-earned cash.
Learn and enhance your skills through free or low-cost online platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and YouTube.

Leveraging such resources can have a significant impact on your budget, leading to substantial savings for other meaningful expenses.

6. Look for Deals and Coupons

Another wise strategy when operating on a shoestring budget is seeking out deals and using coupons whenever possible. This game-changing approach can be applied to your grocery budget, dining, clothing purchases, and even travel.

Search for coupons in newspapers, magazines, or on coupon websites. Perhaps, subscribe to newsletters from your favorite retailers, a move that will provide straightforward access to information about sales and discount codes. Be mindful while shopping online or in stores, and always remember to rein in impulses, checking for any available discounts before purchasing.

Moreover, take advantage of holiday sales or Amazon Prime Day for larger purchases. Taking a little extra time to hunt for the best deals can significantly cut down your expenses and help you stick to your shoestring budget.

7. Utilize Household Resources

Leveraging what you already have in your household is another fantastic way to save money.

For instance, before running to the grocery store, take stock of what’s in your pantry and design meals around these items.
Also, consider repurposing and upcycling household items. An old ladder can turn into a chic bookshelf; jars can be used for storage.
Optimizing utility usage by switching off lights when not in use and limiting water usage can also reduce bills.

Start treating everything in your house as a resource with a specific purpose and value, including leftover food, old clothes, and used furniture. Every household item utilized efficiently can add up to visible savings over time.

8. Get Rid of Unnecessary Expenses

Perhaps the most crucial aspect of managing a shoestring budget is identifying and eliminating unnecessary expenses. These could include subscriptions to magazines or online services that you hardly use, dining out frequently, or buying expensive coffee daily.

Analyze where your money is going every month. You’d be surprised how the smallest changes can have a big impact on your budget. Eliminating even a few unnecessary monthly expenses can add up to substantial yearly savings.

Remember, the key is not to deprive yourself of everything but to find that balance between living comfortably and within your means.

9. Reduce Your Monthly Rent or Mortgage Payment

Want to slash a significant expense of your shoestring budget by considering ways to reduce your rent or mortgage payments? Could you move to a more affordable area or a smaller property?

For homeowners, look at refinancing your mortgage or negotiate better terms, resulting in lower monthly payments. Always remember to check if any fees would apply before proceeding with refinancing.
If relocation isn’t an option, consider renting out a spare room in your home or offering it on a vacation rental site.
If you are a renter, look at becoming a permanent housesitter.

Lowering these substantial expenses can make a huge difference in your budget, allowing you to allocate funds to other pressing areas, save, or even invest in building wealth.

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10. Be Creative When Paying Bills

When managing a shoestring budget, it can be helpful to get creative with the way you pay your bills. Sometimes, splitting payments between paychecks or paying on certain days can make managing your budget easier.

You could also consider bill negotiation services or check if you qualify for reduced rates based on your income. If meeting all payments becomes too strenuous, communicate with your service providers about it. They may have hardship programs or payment plans to assist during tough financial periods.

Remember, the key is to avoid late fees or penalties that could further strain your budget.

11. Leverage Technology to Save Time and Money

Make the most of technology to manage your shoestring budget. There are numerous mobile apps and online resources to help you track your expenditures, save money, pay bills, and even invest.

Budgeting apps can help you keep track of your income and expenditure, warn you when you’re nearing your limit, and provide valuable insight into your spending habits. Digital wallets can help you make secure transactions without the fear of losing cash.

Moreover, there are apps and websites to compare prices of different products, get the best deal alerts, apply instant coupons, or even earn cashback like Rakuten.

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Birds-eye view of your complete financial picture.
Conveniently download your spending activities, and automatically categorize them (Quicken connects to over 14,000 financial institutions).
Track investments with it’s features like portfolio analytics, retirement goals, and market comparison.

Cons:

Little complex to use at first, the learning curve is moderate.
Yearly subscription-based model to use the platform.

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12. Participate in a Mini Savings Challenge

As a fun and effective way to boost your savings, consider embarking on a mini savings challenge! These challenges break the intimidating concept of saving into manageable, small steps. They can vary based on duration and the amount you’re aiming to save.

For example, in a 52-week challenge, you save $1 in the first week, $2 in the second, and so on, until you’re saving $52 in the 52nd week. By the end of the year, you’ll have saved $1,378!

Not only does it make saving fun, but it also allows you to develop a consistent saving habit, crucial when budgeting on a shoestring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you’re fortunate enough to have a budget that’s more than a shoestring, the principles discussed still apply. Having more resources doesn’t mean you should ignore opportunities to save and invest wisely.

So, whether your budget is minimal or ample, consider adopting these healthy financial habits to achieve your financial goals. Make sure to sock away any extra money into a savings or investment account so you aren’t tempted to spend it.

Starting to invest on a small budget involves several key strategies. You must pay yourself first each and every time you are paid.

Set up an auto savings plan through a high interest savings account to make sure you start earning interest.
Contribute enough to your 401(k) to take full advantage of your employer’s match, if available, and consider mutual funds with an initial investment as low as $500.
Pick one solid company wherein you believe data and financials are stable enough to invest in, and buy 1 share.

If you receive a work or tax refund bonus, allocate it towards your investments instead of immediate spending.

Key Takeaways: Managing Money Well on a Tight Budget

Managing finances on a shoestring budget can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies in place, it can become a way to achieve financial health.

This is something I did when I was a stay-at-home mom looking for ways to make money.

In the grand scheme of things, managing a shoestring budget is less about the money and more about your mindset. Yes, limited resources can present challenges, but your attitude and creativity can make a difference.

Embracing frugality, taking control of your financial choices, and building resourceful strategies can turn your constraints into opportunities.

Money comes and goes, but the ability to manage it effectively is a life skill that will always be beneficial. The real wealth lies in your ability to live within your means and make the most of what you have – turning your shoestring budget into a stepping stone towards financial independence and stability.

Remember, every journey starts small.

Day by day, these tips can help you improve your financial stability and achieve your goals, regardless of your budget size.

Source

Merriam-Webster. “on a small/tight/shoestring budget.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20a%20small%2Ftight%2Fshoestring%20budget. Accessed December 5, 2023.
Grammarist. “Shoestring Budget – A Creative Expression for Limited Money.” https://grammarist.com/idiom/on-a-shoestring-and-shoestring-budget/. Accessed December 5, 2023.

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

December 6, 2023 by Brett Tams

Combined into a series of federal, state and local laws, your specific renter’s rights get dictated by where you live. They’re in place to prevent things like housing discrimination and rent gouging. These basic rights ensure you have a safe, clean place to live as well as detailed courses of action when things are going wrong.

Landlord-tenant law helps you live peacefully in your rental. Do you know your tenant’s rights?

Fair housing

Before even taking a tour of a potential apartment, it’s your right to have fair access to housing. This means your rental application will not get rejected based on:

Race
Color
Religion
Age
Sex
National origin
Family status
Mental or physical disabilities

Your renter’s rights in this case receive protection at the federal level by the Fair Housing Act. State and local laws may reinforce the Fair Housing Act and even add more categories to this list to ensure everyone has equal access to apply for housing.

Not only can your rental application not get refused based on these factors, but, if you have a disability, landlord-tenant law requires they make reasonable accommodations for you to access the apartment. This could mean installing ramps or making a unit on a lower floor available.

Legal documentation

Another piece to your renter’s rights is the lease. It’s the responsibility of the property manager to give you a legal rental contract to sign that abides by all laws.

In addition to specifics about the property, and breakdowns for processes like requesting repairs, using common areas and more, a lease must clearly indicate the leasing period and your monthly rent. It should also have your name, and any roommates, on the document.

The lease should also include a series of general disclosures. The law requires these, although it varies by state which specific ones must get listed. A few common disclosures you may see in your lease if they’re applicable to the rental unit, include:

Notice of mold
Lead-based paint disclosure
Notice of sex offenders, recent deaths and any potential health or safety hazards

Living space

A variety of rules govern your living space when you’re a renter. This ensures you have somewhere to live that’s actually livable. Tenants’ rights, when it comes to your actual apartment get pretty involved, so make sure you know the highlights.

Habitable housing

It’s not enough for a property manager to provide you with an apartment; the apartment must be safe for you to live in it. This means more than a lack of dangerous conditions. Your renter’s rights entitle you to a home with usable utilities, including heat, electricity and water.

This area of your renter’s rights also means you have a home that’s safe and livable in other ways. Specifics within these guidelines require an apartment to have functioning locks on doors and windows, smoke detectors and a dedicated way to escape in case of fire.

Repairs

This area of landlord-tenant law requires action on both sides. To ensure you have a habitable home, it’s up to you to report any maintenance issues using the process that’s outlined in your lease. Find out the best way to report issues like this to your landlord (such as through email or an online portal).

On the management side, their responsibility is to complete repairs in a timely manner. Your lease will define what this means, but different repairs rank higher in priority. For example, failure to repair a heater in winter can quickly lead to an uninhabitable living space for safety reasons, whereas a garbage broken disposal doesn’t create that serious of an impact.

If your property manager fails to make repairs in a timely manner, you have additional rights. Check with state and local laws about what’s within your rights.

Privacy

Although you’re only renting a home, and someone else owns it, your rights as a tenant mean a certain level of privacy. Once your rental agreement is in place, a property manager cannot come into your home without proper notice.

Notice is also required for more than just repairs. If you’re getting ready to move, and the property manager wants to start showing your unit to prospective tenants, for example, they must give you notice each time.

Security deposit refund

Each state usually handles security deposits differently as far as how much you’re required to put down. It’s normal for you to pay a security deposit though since that protects the property manager from having to pay out-of-pocket for any damages you may cause while living in your rental.

As far a payment goes, some states set caps on how much a property manager can ask for. They also can’t impose a higher deposit for your rental, when compared to other units in the building, without a specific reason, like having a pet.

It’s also within your renter’s rights to get the security deposit back, in a timely manner, if it’s not covering any damages. Most state laws set the time frame at 30 days, and you’ll not only receive your security deposit back but any interest that accrued as well.

If any of your deposit is withheld, you can ask for written documentation of the damages it’s paying for, and the property manager must comply.

Eviction

The situations where your property manager has the right to evict needs clear stating within your lease. Make sure to review them before you sign it.

Standard landlord-tenant law states that you can get evicted if you break your lease in specific ways, such as:

Failing to pay rent
Allowing prohibited animals to live with you
Having roommates that aren’t on your lease
Committing a crime on the premises

As a renter, your tenant rights enable you to address evictable issues within a specified time frame before an eviction can take place. You will receive notice of a pending eviction from your property manager. If you fail to fix the issue, they can then file an eviction with the courts resulting in legal removal from your rental.

State-specific renter’s rights

Although you’ll find many standard regulations associated with renting if you move between states, expect additional laws everywhere you go. Since renter’s rights get regulated on both the state and local level, if you’re relocating to a different part of the country — familiarize yourself with local tenant laws.

Some unique landlord-tenant laws include:

In Hawaii, security deposits with no deductions must get returned within 14 days
A property manager must give 48 hours notice before entering your apartment in Delaware
West Virginia has no minimum notice required for a rent increase on month-to-month rentals
In North Carolina, two month’s rent is the required minimum for a security deposit on a one-year lease
A lease can get terminated once rent is only five days late in Arkansas

As you can see, some states have pretty extreme rules. Being aware of them can help you maintain a positive relationship with your property manager while also protecting your own rights as a renter.

Know your renter’s rights

No matter how great, or rocky, your relationship is with a property manager, you should always follow the law as it pertains to your situation. This not only protects you, but it ensures your property manager gets held accountable when anything isn’t up to par.

Familiarize yourself with state and local landlord-tenant laws, read your lease thoroughly before signing and do your research when faced with a potential issue. Protect yourself by knowing your tenant’s rights.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice. Readers are encouraged to seek professional legal or financial advice as they may deem it necessary.

Lesly Gregory has over 15 years of marketing experience, ranging from community management to blogging to creating marketing collateral for a variety of industries. A graduate of Boston University, Lesly holds a B.S. in Journalism. She currently lives in Atlanta with her husband, two young children, three cats and assorted fish.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

November 30, 2023 by Brett Tams

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 remote 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:

Search for jobs through Amazon Mturk and click on a job that interests you.
Accept the tasks and follow the instructions for the job.
Submit your work once the job is completed.
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:

FlexJobs
UpWork
Fiverr
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

Apache is functioning normally

November 30, 2023 by Brett Tams

For many frequent flyers in 2023, functional Wi-Fi has become a critical in-flight amenity. Many travelers demand access to the cloud while they’re, well, in the clouds.

But sometimes, the Wi-Fi is no good. It takes three tries to reload a page, or the connection cuts out right when you’ve found what you were looking for.

That’s frustrating enough for passengers on airlines like JetBlue that offer complimentary Wi-Fi, or for those who get free in-flight Wi-Fi through their airline elite status or an airline-branded credit card. But it’s most brutal for the people who pay specifically for in-flight Wi-Fi yet receive a service that hardly serves them at all.

I had a faulty Wi-Fi connection on a United Airlines flight in September from San Francisco to Orlando. On U.S. domestic flights, United sells Wi-Fi service for either $8 or 800 miles for MileagePlus members and $10 for everyone else. I opted to fork over 800 miles (NerdWallet values 800 miles at $9.60) for what’s officially labeled as “In-flight Wi-Fi Premium Full Flight.”

What I got wasn’t premium, nor did it last the full flight.

And it didn’t affect just me. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot announced that the internet wasn’t working and that the crew would reset the system. Even after the reset, the service kept cutting out intermittently throughout the five-and-a-half-hour flight. When it did work, the speed was slower than 1990s dial-up. Simply checking emails became an exercise in frustration.

Can you get a refund for bad Wi-Fi?

I contacted United customer service through the airline’s website to request a refund. I sent a brief email outlining my experience, including a screenshot of the poor connection, plus my flight number and date.

Within a day, a United customer service representative responded, and my miles were redeposited in my MileagePlus account within 48 hours.

Poor onboard Wi-Fi aside, my experience with United was pretty easy, and the airline hardly masks your ability to request a refund. United’s FAQ page even includes a link to a refund form (it’s the same page you’d use to request any sort of United refund).

United says that it monitors flights for low connectivity and that if it can tell you were on an affected flight, it will automatically refund you the next day. That didn’t happen in my case — probably because I booked my flight through a travel portal rather than directly with the airline — but United explicitly recommends that you request a refund if you don’t get one automatically.

But that doesn’t mean every airline will treat you the same.

Some airline customer service departments might be slower to respond. Some might try to offer you compensation in the form of miles, even if you purchased Wi-Fi in cash. Some might completely ghost you.

Making your case

To better your odds of getting a refund for bad in-flight Wi-Fi:

Provide documentation: Take screenshots of the poor connection quality or keep a log of the times when you tried to connect to the Wi-Fi and the specific errors you encountered. Include that information when you contact the airline.
Be specific: Provide as much detail as possible, including the flight you were on and the date.
Be polite and professional: Even if you’re frustrated, maintain a courteous tone when communicating with customer service. The customer service employee didn’t break the Wi-Fi.
Advocate for yourself: While you should be courteous, be explicit about what you want (assuming it’s a reasonable request). If you want a $8 refund for your $8 internet, state that. If the airline tries to offer you, say, 800 miles but you’d rather have the cash, be firm in how you want the refund.
Be patient: The airline may need to investigate your claim before issuing a refund. From there, it can take some time for the payment to process.

Also, be realistic about how good the Wi-Fi will be before purchasing. Most airlines are upfront about the fact that streaming video or downloading large files probably won’t work. Alaska Airlines says internet service slows during torrential rains, while the aircraft is banking or if there’s snow or ice on top of the plane. It also says to expect spotty service in certain places, such as north of the Arctic Circle.

In most cases, buying Wi-Fi doesn’t have to be a gamble. If the connection is bad, a refund might be easy to claim. Then again, you’ll need a good Wi-Fi signal to request it.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

November 30, 2023 by Brett Tams

(U.S. Senate) — Following efforts from U.S. Senator Jon Tester demanding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) take immediate action to protect thousands of veterans and servicemembers using VA home loans facing foreclosure through no fault of their own, VA is stopping foreclosures for six months to ensure these veterans and servicemembers can stay in their homes.

“I’m encouraged to see VA answering my call to quickly address this crisis facing our men and women who risked their lives serving this country and were facing foreclosure through no fault of their own,” said Tester, Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “This pause will help ensure our veterans, servicemembers, and their families can remain in their homes and get their payments back on track while VA works on a long-term solution. While this is a good start, the Department still has work to do and I’ll keep holding it accountable in delivering for our men and women using their earned VA home loan benefit.”

Veterans and servicemembers with VA home loans who faced financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic used forbearance to pause their mortgage payments without penalty and remain in their homes. While VA previously offered solutions to help borrowers exit forbearance and get back on track with their payments, some of those authorities expired when the pandemic ended and left veterans with fewer options to bring their mortgages current. These limited options have left thousands of veterans and servicemembers who took forbearance vulnerable to losing their homes.

To ensure these veterans and servicemembers can stay in their homes, VA is pausing foreclosures of VA home loans through May 31, 2024. It is also extending the COVID-19 Refund Modification program through May 31, 2024 to allow veterans to access a zero-interest, deferred-payment loan from the Department to cover missed payments and modify their existing VA loan to achieve affordable monthly payments for the duration of this extension.

This move follows efforts from Tester last week pushing the Department to take immediate action to address this looming crisis facing thousands of veterans and servicemembers who used their VA home loan guarantee benefits and are now at-risk of losing their homes through no fault of their own. In a letter to VA Secretary McDonough, Tester urged VA to swiftly take action to ensure veterans and servicemembers don’t lose their homes and are afforded the same protections as those with other federally-backed loans.

In addition to pausing foreclosures and extending the COVID-19 Refund Modification program, VA is continuing its efforts to launch the Department’s newest home retention option, the VA Servicing Purchase Program. This new loss mitigation solution will help more veterans lower their payments and remain in their homes.

If you are a veteran who is struggling to make your VA home loan payment, visit www.va.gov/housing-assistance or call 877-827-3702 for assistance.

Source: veterans.senate.gov

Apache is functioning normally

November 26, 2023 by Brett Tams

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it is pausing foreclosures on VA-backed loans and extending pandemic protections for veterans facing difficulties paying their mortgages.

Officials said Friday that the department will contact mortgage services to pause VA foreclosures and extend the COVID-19 Refund Modification program through May 31, 2024, to ensure that veterans are able to stay in their homes.

The move follows a report Nov. 11 by National Public Radio that found veterans who used the mortgage forbearance program authorized by Congress early in the pandemic were at risk of losing their homes after the VA ended a Partial Claim Payment program that would have allowed them to defer their missed payments to the back of their loan period.

Read Next: US Military Says National Security Depends on ‘Forever Chemicals’

Instead, when the program ended, they received bills from their mortgage companies for the total payments missed, meaning they faced paying large sums to keep their existing low-interest mortgages or refinancing under today’s rates, which are double what they were in January 2022.

According to the NPR report, roughly 6,000 VA homeowners are in the foreclosure process. Another 34,000 are delinquent.

The VA has called for mortgage services to pause foreclosures and will “work with servicers on workable home retention solutions for veterans,” according to a department statement.

The extension of the COVID-19 Refund Modification program will allow veterans to obtain zero-interest, deferred-payment loans from the VA to cover missed payments and modify their existing VA-guaranteed loans to create an affordable monthly payment structure.

VA officials said they are establishing a VA Servicing Purchase program that will allow the department to purchase defaulted VA loans from mortgage companies, modify them, and then put them in the VA’s direct loan portfolio.

“This will empower us to work with veterans experiencing severe financial hardship to adjust their loans — and their monthly payments — so they can keep their homes,” VA officials said in the statement.

The majority of loans described as “VA home loans” are actually VA-backed loans, in which the department guarantees a portion of the loan, ensuring that if a veteran homeowner goes into foreclosure, the lender will recoup some or all of its losses.

The benefits for veterans include better loan terms, such as a more favorable interest rate or smaller to no down payment. According to the department, nearly 90% of all VA-backed home loans are made without a down payment.

Following the NPR report, Senate Democrats Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Tim Kaine of Virginia, Jack Reed of Rhode Island, and Jon Tester of Montana wrote to VA Secretary Denis McDonough calling for a pause and urging him to extend the COVID-era refund program.

“With each additional day that passes, risks mount for borrowers who are facing foreclosure while they wait for a solution from VA. Without this pause, thousands of veterans and service members could needlessly lose their homes,” the senators wrote. “This was never the intent of Congress.”

Tester, who serves as chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, released a statement Monday praising the VA for its fast response.

“I’m encouraged to see VA answering my call to quickly address this crisis facing our men and women who risked their lives serving this country and were facing foreclosure through no fault of their own,” Tester wrote in a statement. “This pause will help ensure our veterans, service members, and their families can remain in their homes and get their payments back on track while VA works on a long-term solution.”

VA officials said any veteran struggling with making their mortgage payments should check out the department’s housing assistance website or call 877-827-3702.

– Patricia Kime can be reached at [email protected]

Related: The VA Is Offering Two New Mortgage Relief Programs for Those Impacted by COVID

Story Continues

Source: military.com

Apache is functioning normally

November 25, 2023 by Brett Tams

Many frequent travelers carry tales of delayed flights and disappointing hotel rooms. Yet Airbnb “horror stories” are a genre all their own.

Videos with the tag #AirbnbHorrorStory have more than 63 million views on TikTok, featuring guests venting about unclean properties and last-minute cancellations leaving them stranded. The website Airbnbhell features hundreds of similar accounts, where things do not go as expected for short-term renters.

While many of these stories offer little more than schadenfreude, others can act as instructive lessons for travelers looking to avoid similar pitfalls. While there’s no way to avoid short-term rental surprises outright, many guests who have experienced them say there were warning signs they wished they had watched out for.

Look for reviews

Jack Epner, a marketing consultant and digital nomad, has lived out of Airbnbs for more than four years. Of the many difficult stays in that time, one rental — a house in Ecuador — stands out.

“It wasn’t clean, distinctly not clean,” Epner says. “We’re talking black mold all over the kitchen, hair all over the bedding. I ended up with bed bugs.”

Beyond that, Epner says the host’s friends would use the front lawn as a parking lot, and the host entered the (private) property unannounced several times.

After messaging several Airbnb customer service teams, Epner was eventually able to receive a refund. Yet the stay was so difficult, that it forced a recalibration of how much emphasis he now places on guest reviews.

The home had only one review, from a local, Epner says. And while he would usually look for more reviews before booking, the lack of availability at the time made him willing to take the risk. He says that’s a risk he won’t repeat.

“I do avoid places without reviews now,” Epner says. “If there’s really only one review, I’ll be wary; I would like to see two to three minimum. The more reviews the better.”

Have a backup plan

When Agnes Groonwald saw an Airbnb listing in Crestone, Colorado, it looked too interesting to pass up.

“The place was intriguing. It looked like a spaceship buried in the ground,” Groonwald says.

Groonwald, a nomad and creator of the blog Travel on the Reg, says the listing’s uniqueness wasn’t totally convincing. Yet, with no other listings available nearby, it seemed like the best choice.

Upon check-in, she noticed another group was already there: a family of mice.

“As soon as we arrived, we saw a little critter in the kitchen sink,” Groonwald says. “This was an infestation; this was the real deal.”

Groonwald, too, was able to receive a refund for the booking but couldn’t find alternative lodging nearby at such short notice. That meant cohabitating with mice for several days.

“We would wake to the pitter-patter of little feet in the middle of the night,” Groonwald recalls, saying that the experience taught her two lessons.

First, don’t be drawn in by quirky photos. Staying in an unusual home, such as a spaceship, might sound fun, but it can mean dealing with equally unusual problems.

“Sometimes boring is better,” Groonwald suggests.

Second, make sure there’s a backup plan in place in case of deal-breaking problems. That doesn’t mean you have to book another rental, but just make sure there’s another lodging option available on the same dates in case something goes wrong with your Airbnb.

Communicate beforehand

Gabrielle Dahms, a realtor based in California, says she has always had good Airbnb experiences. Then, she checked into a five-day Airbnb rental in San Rafael, California, and discovered an unexpected hazard: synthetic fragrance dispensers.

“Anytime anyone made a movement, these things dispensed fragrance,” Dahms laments. “Within two hours, my sinuses were completely swelled up.”

Dahms complained to the host and Airbnb customer service, which resulted in receiving a one-star guest review. It has since soured her on the entire platform.

According to Epner, these problems of mismatched expectations between guests and hosts can be addressed by communicating with the host ahead of time.

“Anytime there’s the potential to not be on the same page, I think it’s helpful to connect before booking,” Epner says.

He learned this lesson after staying with a host who wanted to be friends with guests, rather than respect privacy. He now messages hosts with a few questions before booking, to gauge their communication style.

“Do they treat it as a dumb question, or are they polite?” Epner says. “Anything I can do to get the sense of the host before booking, I’ll do that.”

This article was written by NerdWallet and was originally published by The Associated Press.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

November 24, 2023 by Brett Tams

Do you want to become a proofreader? If so, you may be interested in learning about the most popular proofreading course out there – Proofread Anywhere. In this Proofread Anywhere Review, I will help you learn everything that you can about this course so that you can decide if you should take it or not….

Do you want to become a proofreader? If so, you may be interested in learning about the most popular proofreading course out there – Proofread Anywhere.

In this Proofread Anywhere Review, I will help you learn everything that you can about this course so that you can decide if you should take it or not.

Proofreading is an in-demand job where you only need a laptop or tablet, an internet connection, and the skills to get started.

It’s a job where you can work at home or while traveling, and you get to choose your hours.

Learning how to proofread is a valuable skill that can open doors to a successful work-from-home career. Due to the increasing demand for online content, now is a great time to improve your proofreading abilities.

One popular way for improving your skills and starting a proofreading career is by taking the Proofread Anywhere course. In this article, we’ll talk about Proofread Anywhere, looking at what’s in the course, how it’s organized, the support available, and feedback from actual students.

If you’re looking for a quick Proofread Anywhere Review – Yes, I highly recommend taking this course if you are interested in learning how to become a proofreader. This course teaches you everything you need to know – from how to proofread and find mistakes all the way to finding proofreading jobs and building a successful career. The course is continually updated and it comes with lifetime access, which is amazing as well.

10

This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.

Key Takeaways

Proofread Anywhere is a comprehensive course that teaches the skills needed to make money proofreading.
The course has an in-depth curriculum and a supportive community to help you succeed.
Many real students have shared positive reviews of their experiences with Proofread Anywhere.
Proofread Anywhere costs $697.

Proofread Anywhere Review

The below Proofread Anywhere Review will mainly be about their General Proofreading course – General Proofreading: Theory and Practice™ (GPTP).

What is proofreading?

Proofreading is the process of reviewing and checking a written document to find and correct errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting.

As a proofreader, your job is to make sure a piece of text is clear, concise, and free from mistakes, making it easier for the reader to understand and enjoy.

If you often find yourself catching typos on restaurant menus, in books, on TV, or elsewhere, then this may be a great job to look into.

Recommended reading: 16 Best Ways To Get Paid To Read Books

What is General Proofreading?

General Proofreading is the core course sold by Proofread Anywhere. It focuses on teaching the theory and practice of proofreading various types of documents, from books and blog posts to academic papers.

General proofreaders are in demand across many different industries and can be hired by individuals or organizations. This versatility is what makes general proofreading a valuable skill applicable to a wide range of jobs.

The course aims to equip people with the skills and knowledge needed to start a freelance proofreading career.

What is Proofread Anywhere?

Proofread Anywhere is a company that has online, self-paced courses all about how to become a proofreader and how to start a proofreading business.

The goal is to teach you the skills to start a successful freelance proofreading business from your own home. The courses are made easy to understand, and you don’t need any prior proofreading experience (they will teach you the skills that you need in the course!).

When you enroll in a Proofread Anywhere course, you’ll have access to important resources like course materials and a helpful student Facebook group.

The company was started by Caitlyn Pyle, and Proofread Anywhere teaches people the ins and outs of the proofreading business while offering valuable resources and a supportive community. The goal is to give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to start a rewarding and flexible career as a professional proofreader.

The General Proofreading: Theory and Practice^TM course comes with:

80+ lessons in 10+ modules
Bonus resource guides for all types of service-provider markets
40+ real-life example proofreading jobs
8 grammar-specific worksheets and workbook
Pep talk videos from the course creator
100-question in-depth vocabulary quiz
3 case studies
New and updated lessons

And more.

Who is Caitlin Pyle?

Caitlin Pyle is the founder of Proofread Anywhere. She’s an experienced proofreader who turned her skills into a successful freelance business.

Caitlin became a proofreader back in 2012 and made a great income with it. She was so passionate about proofreading that she started Proofread Anywhere as a blog back in 2014. It has since grown significantly!

She created Proofread Anywhere to share her expertise and help others find flexible, rewarding work-from-home opportunities. By providing accessible, high-quality training, Caitlin has already helped numerous students realize their freelance proofreading dreams.

You can read an interview that I did with Caitlin Pyle at How To Become A Proofreader And Work From Anywhere.

How much money do proofreaders make?

The amount of money you can make as a proofreader depends on things like your experience, speed, niche, and how much work you’re able to take on.

Proofreaders typically charge anywhere from $25 to $50 per hour, with some proofreaders earning even more. You can work part-time, work full-time, be self-employed, or be an employee for a business. So, the amount of money you can make will depend on that as well.

As you improve your proofreading skills and build your reputation in the industry, you can increase your rates and possibly earn a comfortable income working from home.

Many people and companies hire proofreaders and this can be a great way to grow your income and work from home.

Is Proofread Anywhere worth it?

If you are thinking about taking the Proofread Anywhere course, you’re probably wondering if it’s worth the time and money. I completely get it – you don’t want to waste your time or money after all.

I think that Proofread Anywhere is worth it, and I know several proofreaders who have gone through the course and now proofread.

Here are some reasons why taking the Proofread Anywhere course may be a great choice for you:

1. Helpful and educational lessons – Proofread Anywhere has two different courses: General Proofreading: Theory and Practice™ and Transcript Proofreading: Theory and Practice™. Both courses were created to give people the knowledge and skills they need in each of these proofreading areas. You will learn everything you need to know from start to finish, which is great!

2. Self-paced learning – You don’t have to worry about keeping up with a strict schedule, as the Proofread Anywhere courses are self-paced, which means that you can learn at your own comfort and convenience. This can be great if you have a busy lifestyle or if you simply prefer learning at your own pace. You can take the lessons at night, during the day, while watching your child, and so on.

3. Access to resources and support – Students of Proofread Anywhere receive resources like reference materials, quizzes, and practice worksheets (and these are amazing and so helpful!). There’s also a private Facebook group for students to share experiences, ask questions, find jobs, and more, which is very helpful.

4. Positive reviews – There are many positive reviews of Proofread Anywhere, and many students have said that the courses helped them improve their proofreading skills and even launch successful careers in the field.

5. Opportunities for growth – Completing a course from Proofread Anywhere not only improves your proofreading skills but can also open up new job opportunities. The skills you learn from these courses can be applied to many career paths, such as freelance proofreading, editing jobs, and more.

So, taking a Proofread Anywhere course can be a worthwhile decision for you if you’re looking to improve your proofreading skills and explore new career opportunities in this field.

How much does Proofread Anywhere cost?

Proofread Anywhere has two offerings – Ignite and Ignite Plus for the General Proofreading: Theory and Practice^TM course.

The Ignite package for Proofread Anywhere costs $697 and comes with lifetime access. This course teaches you how to become a proofreader and comes with all of the modules, a job board listing, bonuses, and more.

Ignite Plus costs $797 and includes everything in the Ignite package, plus a hand-graded exam (that will evaluate your aptitude and competence), certificate of completion, listing in the Self-Publishing School Preferred Outsourcer Rolodex, and membership in a separate marketing mastermind group for Proofread Anywhere general proofreaders.

Proofread Anywhere refund policy

Proofread Anywhere’s refund policy is 14 days long. If you are less than satisfied with your purchase, you can ask for a refund for any reason within 14 days of your purchase.

Pros and cons of Proofread Anywhere

Here are the pros and cons of the Proofread Anywhere General Proofreading Course:

Pros:

Thorough course content that covers proofreading basics and advanced techniques
Clear, easy-to-understand lessons designed for students with different levels of experience
Practical exercises and real-world examples that help you build your skills
Access to an online community where you can ask questions and receive support from fellow students and course instructors

Cons:

Some students may find the course price to be a little high, especially if they are just starting their proofreading career.
There might be a learning curve for those who are completely new to proofreading so that they can spot mistakes in content.

Proofread Anywhere has thorough courses for people interested in starting a proofreading career. The material is easy to understand, making it great for beginners to learn and grow their skills.

Proofread Anywhere course structure

The Proofread Anywhere course is organized and easy to follow, making it perfect for beginners looking to improve their proofreading skills.

Below, you will learn what is included in the Proofread Anywhere course as well as what you will learn.

This section will give you an overview of the course structure and a breakdown of the modules and lessons included.

Proofread Anywhere modules breakdown

The primary course offered by Proofread Anywhere is the General Proofreading: Theory and Practice^TMcourse.

This self-paced course comprises several modules, each containing lessons and video materials to help you grasp the concepts effectively. You’ll be able to learn at your own pace and make sure you thoroughly understand each topic before moving on to the next.

Module 1: Introduction To General Proofreading – In this module, you will learn what proofreading is, the skills that are needed, and an overview of what a proofreader does.
Module 2: Get into the Right Mindset – Here, you’ll learn about how to get into the success mindset, the different types of markets you can specialize in as a proofreader, and common terms used in the industry.
Module 3: Proofreading Basics – This module goes over the most common errors that you need to look for. There are also practice worksheets to test yourself.
Module 4: Proofreading Methods and Practice – This module will teach you the different types of proofreading methods.
Module 5: Turning Proofreading into a Business – This module is everything you need to know about how to turn your proofreading skills into a business. You’ll learn how to create a resume and website, how to set your rates, how to build your experience, and more.
Module 6: How To Find Clients – Here in this module, you will learn how to find clients.
Module 7: Your Workflow Once You Get the Job – This module teaches you all about your workflow once you have secured a proofreading job. From how to send the bill to sending over your completed work, this is a very helpful set of lessons.
Module 8: Getting the Most Out of the Freelancing Life – This lesson shows you how to structure your day, how to build confidence, and how to stay organized and productive as a freelance proofreader.
Module 9: Wrap-up Lesson – This is the final module in the Proofread Anywhere course, and it is a wrap-up of everything that you’ve learned.

Within the modules, you will also learn:

Grammar Refresher – This section covers grammar basics, including common myths and mistakes, parts of speech, pronouns, contractions, possessives, and verb forms. This equips you with the essential knowledge to become a professional proofreader.
Sentence Structure – In this crucial module, you’ll grasp sentence structure, subjects, predicates, sentence fragments, run-on sentences, subject-verb agreement, order of adjectives, adverbial clause vs. participial clause, and “which” vs. “that,” along with dangling modifiers. Strengthen your understanding and abilities with the comprehensive practice worksheets.
Spelling and Word Use for Proofreaders – You’ll be taught about different error types, typical typos, frequently misused words, handling numbers, American and British spelling differences, and capitalization – all important aspects for a proofreader. You’ll also get to practice with detailed worksheets and check your answers using provided keys.
Punctuation Principles – You’ll learn about common punctuation errors, including when and how to use apostrophes, hyphens and compound words, en dashes vs. em dashes, commas and semicolons, as well as quotation marks and italics. This section also covers American and British punctuation distinctions and includes a vocabulary quiz.

The course includes practice exercises in each module. These are meant to help you use your proofreading skills in real-world situations. The exercises range in difficulty, allowing you to progress and become more confident. By completing these exercises, you’ll get practical experience that will ready you for your future proofreading career.

Proofread Anywhere bonuses

There are also many bonuses offered in Proofread Anywhere’s General Proofreading course, such as:

“Look Better in Writing™ Handbook of Commonly Misused (and Abused!) Words” – This is a 57-page guide on words and terms that are easily mixed up and confused.
“The Ultimate Freelancer Tax Guide” – This is a 19-chapter guide all about accounting, tax preparation, deductions, and more.
“The Mindset Mastery Guide” – This is a guide on how to get over your fear of becoming a freelancer, how to see success, and more.
“5 Mindset Shifts for Goal-Crushing Confidence” – This is a resource that will teach you how to become more confident.

Proofread Anywhere support and community

When taking a course, it’s always nice to know what the community is like.

Facebook groups

As a Proofread Anywhere student, you will have access to a Facebook group dedicated to providing you a supportive and friendly community. These groups are designed for students to share their experiences, ask questions, and engage with others who are proofreaders.

Customer support

In addition to the Facebook group, Proofread Anywhere has great customer support to address any concerns or issues you might be facing. You can reach out to their team when you need help.

By participating in the community and utilizing the available support channels, you are not only reinforcing your learning journey but also building a strong network of fellow proofreaders. This will help you stay connected, motivated, and successful in your proofreading career.

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Proofread Anywhere real reviews

Looking for real Proofread Anywhere reviews?

My proofreader’s real review of Proofread Anywhere

I have a proofreader for this website, Making Sense of Cents. Jill Klein has been proofreading for several years, and she personally took a Proofread Anywhere course back in 2016. I asked her two questions:

1. Do you think that Proofread Anywhere helped you become a proofreader?

“As a kid, I was a word nerd who won lots of spelling bees. Little did I know that this would lead to building a proofreading business later in my life.

But it wouldn’t have happened without Proofread Anywhere.

I had a good foundation, and then PA came along and helped me build up my business by adding walls, bricks, windows, a roof, and more. Through the PA course, I was able to improve my skills and expand my knowledge.

I am constantly learning new things about running an editing business, and the learning journey all began with Proofread Anywhere.”

2. Would you recommend the course?

“I always recommend Proofread Anywhere to anyone who asks!

Even now, seven years later, I remember the high quality of the instruction. It was a very good curriculum with top-notch teaching.

The course I took was Transcript Proofreading, and it has served me well in my nonfiction niche of proofreading content like web copy, advertising materials, and book manuscripts.

Plus, the PA Certificate of Completion provided credibility to clients who asked to see training documentation.”

Testimonials

Many students who have enrolled in and graduated from the Proofread Anywhere course find it well worth the money. They like the easy-to-follow course structure, self-paced learning, and lifetime course access. Most of the online testimonials are positive experiences with the course.

Proofread Anywhere Trustpilot reviews

Proofread Anywhere has excellent reviews on Trustpilot, with a 4.6-star rating out of 61 total reviews. The majority of customers have given the course a 5-star rating, while only 5% of Proofread Anywhere reviews are negative.

You can find the Proofread Anywhere reviews on Trustpilot here.

Proofread Anywhere Better Business Bureau

Proofread Anywhere is not listed on the BBB. This isn’t a bad thing, though, as most businesses aren’t listed on the BBB anyway.

Proofread Anywhere negative reviews

As with any product or service, there are bound to be some negative reviews. A very small percentage of customers have rated Proofread Anywhere with 1-star reviews. However, it’s important to remember that the majority of students are happy with the course, and the overall rating remains high. So, when looking for a proofreading course, Proofread Anywhere could be the right choice for you.

Transcript Proofreading course

Proofread Anywhere has another popular course – their Transcript Proofreading course.

Proofread Anywhere’s Transcript Proofreading course is a great course to take if you want to go into transcript proofreading.

Transcript proofreading is when you are proofreading for court reporters in the legal industry.

Here’s what’s in this course:

The Nuts & Bolts of Transcript Proofreading
Transcript Formatting, Moving Parts, and Processes
How to Use Technology and AI Tools to Proofread Transcripts
Practice With Real-Life Transcripts to Develop Your Skills
Effective Client Communication and Accounting
How to Find Clients

And more!

There is a free training workshop you can take on how to become a transcript proofreader here.

Recommended reading: How To Become a Court Transcript Proofreader

Frequently Asked Questions About Proofread Anywhere

Below are common questions about Proofread Anywhere.

Is proofreading a legit business?

Yes, proofreading is a legitimate business. Many people and companies rely on professional proofreaders to make sure their written content is free of errors and ready for publication. Proofreaders work with a variety of content such as books, articles, and websites. By taking courses like Proofread Anywhere, you can improve your skills and increase your chances of success in the proofreading industry.

Is Proofread Anywhere real? Is Proofread Anywhere a scam?

Proofread Anywhere is a real and legitimate online platform selling courses to improve your proofreading skills and establish a proofreading business. It was created by Caitlin Pyle, an experienced proofreader and entrepreneur. The overwhelmingly positive online reviews and the large student Facebook group show the program’s quality and legitimacy.

What does the Proofread Anywhere course offer?

Proofread Anywhere has comprehensive online courses that train you in the art of proofreading. The courses not only give you necessary proofreading skills but also guide you on how to set up a freelance proofreading business.

How long does it take to complete the Proofread Anywhere course?

The average time to complete the Proofread Anywhere General Proofreading course is under one month.

The time it takes to complete the Proofread Anywhere course will vary, though, depending on your individual learning pace and time commitment. The course is self-paced, so you can go as fast or slow as you would like. Some students may finish the course faster, while others may take more time to digest the material and practice the techniques.

Remember, you have lifetime access to the course as well!

Can you really make money proofreading? How much money can you make after taking Proofread Anywhere?

Yes, you can make money as a proofreader. However, like any freelancing work, your income will depend on various factors such as your experience, expertise, and the demand for your services. After completing the Proofread Anywhere course and gaining some experience in the field, you can potentially earn a steady income from proofreading work. The exact amount will depend on your personal success in finding clients and projects.

What kind of support can I expect after completing the Proofread Anywhere course?

After completing the course, students have access to several support resources, such as an online community for help and networking as well as finding proofreading job leads. Also, there is lifetime access to course updates.

Is there a Proofread Anywhere coupon code?

There might be Proofread Anywhere coupon codes or discounts available at certain periods. To get the latest information on promotions, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the official Proofread Anywhere website and their social media channels. Also, if you sign up for the free training workshop, there is a very good chance that you will get a discount as well (highly recommend doing this as the free training is very helpful).

What is transcript proofreading?

Transcript proofreading is the process of reviewing and correcting written transcripts, which are records of spoken events such as interviews, speeches, or legal proceedings. A transcript proofreader checks accuracy and consistency, correcting errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting. This specialized skill set usually requires extra training, and Proofread Anywhere offers a course focused specifically on transcript proofreading called Transcript Proofreading: Theory and Practice™, to help you develop these skills.

Proofread Anywhere Review – Summary

I hope you enjoyed this Proofread Anywhere review.

Proofread Anywhere is a very helpful online course designed to train you in the art of proofreading so you can transform this skill into a full-time or side income. Whether you want to make extra income or start a full-time business, this course aims to equip you with every necessary skill for spotting errors in documents and providing quality feedback.

Here’s a quick Proofread Anywhere review:

This is an in-depth course covering all aspects of how to become a proofreader.
There is a supportive community and there are resources for continuous learning.
The course helps in improving proofreading skills, in case you are new.
There are lots of practice questions so that you can spot mistakes once you start proofreading.

The course is extremely helpful and I think it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to become a proofreader.

Don’t forget, there is a free workshop where you can learn how to become a proofreader. You can sign up for free here.

What other questions do you have for my Proofread Anywhere Review? Are you interested in becoming a proofreader?

10

This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.

Apache is functioning normally

November 20, 2023 by Brett Tams

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is pausing foreclosures on homes financed with VA loans for six months to help military borrowers in danger of losing their homes, a department spokesperson said in a statement to HousingWire on Monday.

The Veterans Assistance Partial Claim Payment program — which began July 2021 — allowed military borrowers to skip six or 12 mortgage payments during the COVID-19 pandemic if they had a financial hardship. VA borrowers would resume making the regular payments when they were back on their feet and the missed payments would be moved to the end of the loan term.

The VA, however, ended the program in October 2022 despite the mortgage industry urging the department to delay its expiration, forcing borrowers to pay back payments quickly or refinance at higher interest rates.

The department said it will push all mortgage servicers to pause foreclosures of VA-guaranteed loans through May 31, 2024, according to the statement.

The VA’s decision to reverse course comes on the heels of an investigative NPR article reporting that thousands of VA loan borrowers risk losing their homes after the VA ended the assistance program.

About 6,000 borrowers with VA loans who had COVID-19-related forbearances are in the foreclosure process and 34,000 more are delinquent, according to NPR’s article citing data from ICE Mortgage Technology.

The COVID-19 Refund Modification program – intended for borrowers who have not been able to financially recover from the pandemic back to their previous income level – was set to expire at the end of 2023, but is now extended through May 31.

The modification program allows military borrowers to obtain a zero-interest, deferred-payment loan from the VA to cover missed payments and modify their existing VA loan to achieve affordable monthly payments for the duration of the extension, the statement said.

The department plans to launch a new VA Servicing Purchase (VASP) program to allow the VA to purchase defaulted VA loans from mortgage servicers. This will allow federal officials to modify the loans and place them in the VA-owned portfolio as direct loans.

The National Consumer Law Center applauded the VA’s decision saying the foreclosure pause will give VA borrowers a much-needed opportunity to access the VASP program.

“The foreclosure pause is badly needed as veteran borrowers have had no meaningful alternatives to foreclosure for over a year,” said Steve Sharpe, senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center.

Last week, a group of Democrat U.S. Senators – Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Jon Tester of Montana, Jack Reed of Rhode Island and Tim Kaine of Virginia – wrote a letter urging VA Secretary Denis McDonough to protect military borrowers from foreclosure.

“VA previously offered solutions to help borrowers exit forbearance and get back on track with their payments. But for more than a year, veterans have not had a viable option to bring their mortgages current, leaving them vulnerable to losing their homes,” the letter read.

“In the meantime, tens of thousands of veterans and service members are left with no viable options to get back on track with payments and save their homes. Stories from across the country show that this is already having severe consequences for veterans and their families.”

Over the past year, the department said it helped more than 145,000 military borrowers and their families keep their homes and avoid foreclosure.

Apache is functioning normally

November 18, 2023 by Brett Tams

In an effort to keep more veterans and servicemembers in their homes, the VA has paused foreclosures for the next six months.

The move was made following an investigation and a series of new stories alleging that tens of thousands of VA loan holders were at risk of foreclosure.

It all stems from the end of COVID-19 related forbearance, which expired in October and left homeowners with large bills for missed payments.

While there is a plan in place to help these borrowers transition back to making normal payments, it will apparently take 4-5 months to implement.

As a result, the VA has called on loans servicers to enact a foreclosure moratorium until the changes can be made.

No Foreclosures for VA Loan Borrowers Through May 31st, 2024

While the VA works to implement new loss mitigation procedures, they are asking loan servicers to pause foreclosures for military servicemembers and veterans.

There are an estimated 147,000 veteran homeowners behind on their mortgage payments at this time.

This means no foreclosures should be processed between now and May 31st, 2024.

The move comes after an NPR investigation found that the Department of Veterans Affairs ended its Partial Claim Payment program and loan servicers began asking for lump sum payments.

But this isn’t how it was supposed to work. Borrowers were told that missed mortgage payments would simply be tacked on to the back of their mortgages.

The Veterans Assistance Partial Claim Payment (VAPCP) program would allow them to simply resume payments and worry about the missed ones later.

And when it came time to sell their home or refinance the mortgage, these arrearages would be
cured via the payoff.

Instead, loan servicers have apparently been requiring borrowers to make up the shortfall, which clearly many at-risk homeowners just don’t have.

One couple was told they’d need to come up with $22,000, or be forced to sell the home or face foreclosure.

This prompted a call from several senators asking the VA to enact a foreclosure moratorium until a new loss mitigation solution could be rolled out.

Veterans Assistance Servicing Purchase (VASP) Program Coming Soon

The VAPCP program expired in October 2022, putting many VA loan holders at risk of foreclosure.

This came just months after the COVID-19 Refund Modification wound down in July.

This meant borrowers unable to resolve their delinquency and resume regular payments were between a rock and a hard place.

Compounding the issue is a loan modification typically results in the mortgage being brought to current market interest rates.

However, most of these borrowers hold record low mortgage rates, with the average interest rate in a Ginnie Mae security reportedly a low 3.25%

This means it would make little sense to modify the loan to say a 7% mortgage rate, as this would put even more strain on at-risk borrowers.

That’s why the VA is working on a new loss mitigation tool called the Veterans Assistance Servicing Purchase (VASP) program.

The details are still evolving, but my understanding is it would allow borrowers to keep their low-rate mortgages and receive payment assistance.

Crucially, it wouldn’t require homeowners to make lump sum payments on the arrearages to qualify for assistance.

The FHA is working on a similar loan modification program known as the Payment Supplement Partial Claim.

It would cure arrearages and temporarily reduce the principal amount of the borrower’s monthly mortgage payments for three to five years.

Ultimately, it would be silly to take away these borrowers 2-3% mortgage rates. And requiring a large lump sum payment also makes no sense.

The hope is these changes can come fast enough to avoid unnecessary foreclosures as borrowers continue to get back on their feet post-pandemic.

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com