Arizona’s largest airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, is located about four miles from downtown Phoenix. A focus city for both American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, Phoenix Airport is the 10th busiest airport in the United States by aircraft movements.
If you have a trip to or from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport in the near future, this guide, which includes information on how to get to the airport by public transport, terminal details and what lounges are available, is for you.
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport quick facts
Airport code: PHX.
Address: 3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd.
Number of runways: Three.
Number of terminals: Two — Terminal 3 and Terminal 4.
Transport between terminals: PHX Sky Train.
Daily flights served: 1,200.
Daily passenger count: 125,000.
Phoenix Airport map
For PHX Sky Harbor terminals and an interactive map, visit this page.
Airlines with service to Phoenix airport
Nearly two dozen airlines, both U.S.-based and international, operate flights to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Depending on the carrier you’re flying, you’ll be departing from one of the terminals below.
Terminal 3 airlines
Advanced Air.
Air Canada.
Alaska Airlines.
Allegiant Air.
Breeze Airways.
Contour Airlines.
Delta Air Lines.
Denver Air Connection.
Frontier Airlines.
Hawaiian Airlines.
JetBlue Airways.
Southern Airways Express.
Spirit Airlines.
Sun Country Airlines.
United Airlines.
Terminal 4 airlines
American Airlines.
British Airways.
Condor Airlines.
Southwest Airlines.
TSA PreCheck lines at Phoenix airport
Both terminals have TSA PreCheck lines, so if you’re a member of the Trusted Traveler Programs, you can use the following checkpoints to breeze through security:
Terminal 3
North checkpoint.
Terminal 4
Checkpoint A.
Checkpoint B.
Checkpoint C.
Checkpoint D.
Getting to and from Phoenix airport
Bus
Two bus lines serve Phoenix Airport: Route 13 and Route 44. Route 13 stops near the airport’s operations building, west of Terminal 3, and at 24th Street PHX Sky Train Station. Route 44 stops at the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station.
Train
Take the free Sky Train to the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station and head to the Valley Metro Rail platform. You can use the light rail to reach Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa.
Ride-hailing apps
Both Lyft and Uber operate in the Phoenix metro area, meaning you can request a ride to and from the airport.
Rental car companies at Phoenix airport
If you need to rent or drop off a vehicle, you can take the PHX Sky Train between the rental car center and the terminals.
The following car rental companies have offices at the car rental center at Phoenix Airport:
Phoenix airport car rental options
Enterprise.
NÜ Car Rentals.
Phoenix airport lounges
Terminal 3
Location: Near Gate F8.
Hours: 4:45 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Location: At the intersection of E and F gates, mezzanine level, next to Passage by Hudson.
Hours: 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: Near Gate E3.
Hours: 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Terminal 4
Location: Above Gates A7 and A9.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Location: Between Gates A19 and A21.
Hours: 4 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admirals Club, Concourse B
Location: Above Gates B5 and B7.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner
Location: Across from Gate B22.
Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: Across from Gate B22, on the upper level.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
USO Lounge
Location: Level 2, East End, near B and C elevators (pre-security).
Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Restaurants at Phoenix airport
If you don’t have lounge access, you can grab a bite at many restaurants available at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The eateries include national chains as well as some local establishments.
Terminal 3 restaurants
Ajo Al’s Mexican Cafe.
Giant Coffee.
Humble Torta & Taco.
Panera Bread.
Peet’s Coffee.
PHX Beer Co.
SanTan Brewing Company.
Shake Shack.
Starbucks.
The Roadie.
The Tavern.
Terminal 4 restaurants
Barrio Cafe.
Blanco Tacos & Tequila.
Cartel Roasting Co.
Chelsea’s Kitchen.
Cheuvront Restaurant & Wine Bar.
Cowboy Ciao.
Deluxburger Express.
Dilly’s Deli.
Dunkin’.
Fazoli’s.
Focaccia Fiorentina.
Four Peaks Brewing Company.
Humble Pie.
La Grande Orange.
La Madeleine.
Los Taquitos.
Matt’s Big Breakfast.
McDonald’s.
O.H.S.O. Brewery.
Olive & Ivy.
Panda Express.
Peet’s Coffee.
Pei Wei Asian Kitchen.
Sir Veza’s Taco Garage.
Starbucks.
Sweet Republic.
Tammie Coe To Go.
Wendy’s.
Wildflower Bread Company.
Zinburger.
Zinc Brasserie.
Shops at Phoenix Airport
A slew of retail shops is available for passengers looking for last-minute items in between flights. Among the traditional travel swag, you’ll also find some merchandise showcasing the spirit of the American Southwest.
Terminal 3 shops
Best Of The Valley Market.
Discover Arizona.
Indigenous Mosaic.
InMotion Entertainment.
Ironwood by Hudson.
Johnston & Murphy.
Passage by Hudson.
Phoenix Public Market.
Stellar News + Market.
Tech On The Go.
Travel Outfitters.
Terminal 4 shops
Arizona Highways.
AZCentral.com.
Brooks Brothers.
Bunky Boutique.
Cactus Candy.
CASA Airport.
CNBC 12 News.
Connections.
Earth Spirit.
Hudson News.
Indigenous.
InMotion Entertainment.
Johnston & Murphy.
Lucky Break.
Phoenix Duty Free
Roosevelt Row.
Sonora Southwest Living.
Sunglass Hut.
TripAdvisor.
Uno de 50.
Uptown Phoenix.
Frequently asked questions
Does Phoenix Airport have Clear lanes?
Yes, Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 both have Clear lanes for Clear Plus members and enrollment options for passengers interested in joining the program. North checkpoint as well as Checkpoints A, B, C and D all have Clear lanes.
What terminal is Southwest at PHX?
Southwest Airlines is located in Terminal 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
Where is the Delta terminal at Sky Harbor Airport?
Delta flights depart from Terminal 3 at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
What terminal is United at Phoenix Airport?
The Sky Harbor United terminal is Terminal 3.
What airlines are based at Phoenix Airport?
American Airlines and Southwest Airlines have operational hubs at Phoenix Airport.
How do I reserve parking at PHX Sky Harbor?
It’s possible to reserve a long-term parking spot at Phoenix Airport. To make a reservation, select the date and time of your entry and exit from the lot, select the preferred parking facility, fill out your information and provide payment details.
You can make a parking reservation as early as six months and as late as two hours before departure. The maximum number of days available for parking pre-booking is 60.
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:
Young professionals are becoming a major part of the workforce. Ranging in age from early-20s to mid-30s, young professionals are typically classified as working in a professional or white-collar field. However, as new careers emerge, the very definition and work of a young professional are changing and evolving on a daily basis.
It’s an exciting time for a young person in the workforce, with plenty of innovative opportunities, new directions and forward-thinking workplaces. To start their work lives off on the right foot, young professionals want to situate themselves in a good city with ample work opportunities in various fields.
But it’s not all about work. Young people want to have fun, as well! That’s why it’s imperative that a city wanting to cater to young professionals has a happening social scene. This can include everything from great restaurants to sports, live music and entertainment. A vibrant cultural scene gives young professionals a chance to let their hair down after work and connect with others in their community.
From a thriving jobs market to great after-work hours fun, these are the best cities for young professionals.
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These are the 10 best cities for young professionals
To be a good place for young professionals, a city needs to have a diverse job market. But it isn’t enough to have plenty of companies and job openings. You need chances for advancement within fields and companies. Plus, you need plenty of fun things to do outside of work that appeal to a hip, youthful crowd. These 10 cities rank highest as the best cities for young professionals in America.
10. Boston, MA
Massachusetts’ capital city is one of the best cities on the East Coast for young people to live and work. With thriving industries in IT, tech, finance, insurance and healthcare, young professionals working or hoping to work in these fields have tons of options. It’s an especially good location for the healthcare field, as Boston is home to some of the best hospitals nationally and around the world.
Another big plus: Boston is the home of Harvard, MIT and other top universities. This gives young professionals the chance to pursue advanced degrees in their field or change career paths.
Boston’s city life is one of the most diverse and vibrant on the East Coast. The city is full of history, which you can experience in its architecture and museums. But it’s also fully in the present and looking to the future in giving its residents a good quality of life. In 2017, Boston was named one of the most innovative cities in the world, which is felt everywhere from its work and educational institutions to its urban planning and cultural offerings.
It’s also an extremely health-conscious city, with tons of parks, bike paths and pedestrian-friendly areas. It boasts of a renowned art, theater and live music scene, as well as great dining and nightlife. Neighborhoods like South End and Allston/Brighton offer affordable, trendy places to live.
9. Madison, WI
Once overlooked as young professionals flocked to major coastal metropolises, Midwestern cities like Madison are showing that they have a lot to offer ambitious young people. The University of Wisconsin-Madison has highly regarded tech and IT programs, fueling a citywide industry.
Alongside education, young professionals here have their choice of many interesting, cutting-edge industries like healthcare, energy, aerospace and agriculture. Madison’s proximity to Chicago and Milwaukee also allows young professionals to make connections and network with companies in larger cities while enjoying Madison’s more relaxed and affordable quality of life.
Outside of work, Madison bustles with the energy of a college town. Sports are huge here (Go Badgers!), with football, basketball, hockey and baseball. Be sure to watch all those games while enjoying a cold, locally-made beer. Alongside its love of brats and cheese curds, Madison is known for its craft brews.
To burn off all those good eats, hit the paths of Madison’s many parks, especially the scenic ones along the shores of Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. For the more artistically inclined, you can find live music, museums and art exhibitions in abundance.
8. Atlanta, GA
Pursuing a career in Atlanta is bound to set young professionals up for success in life. The city positively crackles with expectation and energy. People living here are all about big ideas and big dreams, setting the stage for innovation and collaboration. Healthcare and finance are major industries here. But it’s also a great spot for young professionals looking to break into communications, media, film and entertainment.
The young workforce can take advantage of local groups like the Young Professionals of Atlanta for guidance, networking and giving back to the community. The Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is a major hub, also allows for easy work travel.
Beyond that, Atlanta just knows how to have a good time. There’s always something going on, from a concert to a new restaurant to try. So, there’s always an incentive to go out. Live music is king here. Atlanta’s dominance in the hip hop, live music and entertainment scenes is undeniable. It has great sports teams like the Falcons, Hawks and World Champion Braves.
From southern comfort food like fried chicken and barbecue, Atlanta is all about the good eats. With its lush parks set against towering skyscrapers, it’s a great city to explore on foot. Finally, neighborhoods like Cabbagetown and Old Fourth Ward have affordable living close to work in the downtown area.
7. Austin, TX
Austin’s cultural scene is enough of a draw to get young people to move there. The city has seen tremendous growth over the past decade and for good reason. Austin is a town for creatives, from its live music to visual art to multi-discipline experimentation. Local museums, the University of Texas at Austin and the famous SXSW Festival foster a highly creative environment. And let us not forget how good the tacos are.
But it’s not all play, no work. By many metrics, Austin is one of the best cities for young professionals to learn skills, gain experience and develop their careers. It’s fast becoming a major center for tech, advanced manufacturing, digital media, start-ups and space technology. Even Tesla is transplanting its headquarters to Austin.
But for a town that’s so tech-focused, it’s still affordable with a rent-to-income ratio of about 10 percent. Young professionals can expect to earn high incomes here but will be shelling out less of their money for rent and cost of living. Austin’s population growth has been a cause for concern for its affordability, but there’s no denying it’s a great place to live as a young professional.
6. Minneapolis, MN
Alongside Madison, Minneapolis is another Midwestern city showing its chops. With a diverse job market, young professionals are here not only for work but also for the low cost of living and cultural landscape. The live music and nightlife scenes rival those of major coastal cities. And sports lovers enjoy games cheering on the Vikings and other local teams like the Minnesota Twins.
Healthcare, banking, finance, data centers and biosciences are just some of the fields young professionals can work in here. Young people hoping to go into the medical field should definitely have Minneapolis on their radar. Nearby Rochester is home to the internationally-renowned Mayo Center.
You can pursue higher education at local universities like the University of Minnesota. From top-tier career opportunities to a vibrant social scene, Minneapolis has everything young professionals need to launch their careers while enjoying their youth.
5. Washington, D.C.
If you’re a young professional looking to get into politics, there’s nowhere better than the nation’s capital. From internships to working in the offices of congresspeople, opportunities abound. And as politics revolve around connecting with people, networking is practically an art form here. At power lunches and events, young professionals can make valuable connections to parlay into prized job positions. But politics isn’t the only game in this town. Healthcare, communications, higher education and tech also have strong footholds here.
Apart from work, Washington, D.C., is a hit among young people for its nightlife, dining, arts and culture. Good public transit also allows for easy connection between neighborhoods and business districts. With D.C. having a high cost of living, this gives young professionals the chance to live more affordably outside the city center.
4. Denver, CO
The Mile High City also ranks very high on our list of the best cities for young professionals. For outdoor lovers, there’s nowhere better. The Rocky Mountains are right next door, with hiking, climbing and skiing. But there’s plenty of fun in town, as well, from dining to craft brews to cheering on the Denver Broncos. The nightlife here is hot.
When not out climbing peaks, young professionals can climb the ranks at work. Top industries in Denver include telecommunications, healthcare, financial services, IT and aerospace. Hip neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Highland are centrally located, with easy access to downtown for work. An average commute of 25 minutes also means that living outside the city center isn’t a deal-breaker.
3. San Francisco, CA
The City by the Bay is a great place for young professionals to put down roots. This is especially true if they’re in the fields of tech, IT, software, digital and social media, international business and biotech. Thanks to its proximity to the tech hub of San Jose, San Francisco has become an outpost for innovative, forward-thinking young professionals all working on the next big thing.
It’s no secret that affordability is not San Francisco’s strongest suit. However, due to the in-demand careers and work opportunities present in the area, the median household income is $112,449. So, even with the high cost of living, it’s still possible to earn enough to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. And most locals will say the high rents are the price you pay for living in such a dynamic place. With historic neighborhoods, parks, a robust performing arts scene and a food scene spanning cuisines from around the world, San Francisco is a great place for young professionals with active social lives.
2. Charleston, SC
The city of Charleston is known for its historic architecture, Southern cuisine and abundant history. But it’s fast getting a reputation as a great hub for young professionals. The city is home to major industries like aerospace, tech, defense and life sciences.
Housing here is also very affordable for renters. In popular neighborhoods like Harleston Village, North Charleston and James Island, the average rent is around $900 to $1,100. You can find higher education opportunities at the College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina.
Charleston also boasts of a very lively social scene. That classic southern hospitality makes it a great place to go out and meet people. Young people living here have tons of activities to choose from in their free time. Charleston has a much-lauded dining scene, with tons of restaurants and cuisines to try.
The city also has a growing nightlife scene that will greatly appeal to the young crowd. Arts and culture lovers can get their fill at Charleston’s many museums and galleries. Live music is also getting a foothold here, offering something for the late-night crowd besides dancing and bars.
1. Seattle, WA
It’s called the Emerald City, but it’s taking home the gold as the best city for young professionals. Seattle is one of the West Coast’s top cities for industry and business. But it also provides unbeatable access to the great outdoors, art, culture, dining and live music. While Seattle is an expensive city, it has plenty of affordable neighborhoods that young professionals can call home.
Seattle is famously home to multiple Fortune 500 companies. Just to name a few, there’s Amazon, Starbucks and Microsoft. Many other household name companies are also based here, giving young professionals plenty of highly sought-after jobs to go after. The aerospace industry, tech and IT are also big players.
Beyond the competitive job market, young professionals in Seattle enjoy taking advantage of the city’s multicultural food scene, live music, theater and art. Heading out into the forests, waterways and mountains of Washington state is another popular way people living here unwind.
The top 50 cities for young professionals
Do the cities in the top 10 not have the right opportunities or connections you’re looking for? Craving a different type of scene? Don’t worry, there are plenty more options for great cities for young professionals.
The worst cities for young professionals
Not every city has the right tools for the job as one of the best cities for young professionals. Plenty of cities fall short due to factors like bad income-to-rent ratio, high rental rates and high unemployment rates among young people. These are the worst cities you can live in as a young professional.
Young professionals can have it all in these cities
Young people launching their careers want good opportunities. But they also want to enjoy the trappings of youth, like going out to parties or concerts. These cities provide the best of both worlds for young professionals.
Methodology
Cities were ranked based on a weighted scoring system using four broad categories: Demographics, Housing Costs to Income, Recreation and Community and Economics. Each category was weighted to account for 25 percent of the final score. Among the categories, features were weighted as follows:
Demographics: 25 points
Percent of the population age 25-34: 12.5 points
Percent of population with a bachelors degree or higher: 12.5 points
Housing Costs to Income: 25 points
Rent to income ratio: 25 points
Recreation and Community: 25 points
Bars and restaurants per capita: 6.25 points
Art/culture and nature/parks per capita: 6.25 points
Inbound migration, different state, 1 year: 6.25 points
Inbound migration, abroad, 1 year: 6.25 points
Economics: 25 points
Laborforce participation, Age 25-34: 8.33 points
The unemployment rate, Age 25-34: 8.33 points
Percent change in median income, 2015-2019, Age 25-44: 8.33 points
Data on population, educational attainment, migration, labor force participation, unemployment and median income are from the U.S. Census’ 2019 American Community Survey 1-year Estimates. Median income data from the U.S. Census’ 2015 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates were used in calculating the percent change in median income.
Recreation data, including estimates of bars, restaurants, art and cultural institutions, and natural amenities are from commercially licensed business listings and are based on NAICS categories for Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages), Full-Service Restaurants, Independent Artists, Writers and Performers, and Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions.
Cities with insufficient data were excluded.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
A new year often sparks urges for a refresh — toward healthy habits, goal setting, clutter clearing and bringing in more positive energy. For home decor enthusiasts, that all translates to the home, and often means clearing out the old and bringing in the new. Unlike fashion, though, home decor trends tend to take their time easing into major seasonal shifts (it’s easier and cheaper to swap out your wardrobe than your decor — sustainable too!). Some home decor trends that are here to stay going into 2024? Sustainability and indoor-outdoor living, the former driven by millennials and Gen Z, according to a new design report by global surfacing company Cosentino.
They pulled designer and homeowner data to forecast top trends for 2024 and beyond, along with insights from some of the country’s top designers. We asked some of our favorite designers too what they think will be hot next year. Here are new trends to watch and incorporate into your home – plus, rental hacks to try if you’re not down with a whole renovation!
Spas are all about relaxation and self care, not rushing out in the morning to work. Big bathtubs, open showers, saunas, and spa-like amenities are all going to be a big trend in 2024. According to the report, designers and homeowners agreed that a spa-inspired bathroom was among their top 3 home priorities overall.
Photo by Viktorya Sergeeva for Pexels
Rental hack: If you’re not ready to remodel or you rent, things like marble or stone accessories, plants, and if there’s room, a chair or settee will give your bath an elevated sanctuary feel. Adding a bath shelf is an easy and affordable way to create an ultimate spa bath too!
Bold Dramatic Moves
Design: Maestri Studio | Photo: Jenifer McNeil Baker
The neutral trend transitioned into more earthy tones in 2023 and will get even bolder come the new year. “I think 2024 is going to be all about bold, dramatic moves,” says Devon Wegman, founder and design director of Devon Grace Interiors in Chicago. “People are tired of playing it safe and sticking with neutrals, soft textures everywhere. Today, we’re incorporating more and more graphic stone, provocative artwork, area rugs and large statement chandeliers in spaces.”
Glam Metallics Are A Go
Cosentino Le Chic Eclectic Pearl Collection
Metallics always add a bit of luxe glamour to a space and 2024 takes them up a notch, using them in areas like kitchens and baths. According to the design report, designers chose metallic accents as their top up-and-coming trend, while homeowners rated it number two.
Photo by Sammsara Luxury Modern Home for Pexels
Rental hack:Add a vintage mirror, gold-based vase or lamps, or metallic drawer pulls to upgrade your decor.
Hotel Vibes
Design: JOSHUA SMITH | Photo: Lance Gerber
Travel can bring major inspo to your decor. According to the report, 70 percent of designers find inspiration from resorts and hotels. Look at bedding, art, and elegant details next time you’re staying at or just dining at a resort or hotel. Even a thoughtfully designed Airbnb can inspire your design to upgrade your personal home style.
Photo by Kader D. Kahraman for Pexels
Rental hack:“Grand, luxurious floral arrangements are a hallmark of hotel lobbies,” says Sarah Eilers of Houston-based Lucas/Eilers Design Associates. “Placing a floral arrangement on a console table or in an elegant vase in your entryway can set the tone for your entire home.”
Kitchen Is King
Design: Living with Lolo | Photo: Life Created
The central headquarters of any home, the kitchen remains a focal point for design. Homeowners are looking to upgrade their kitchens for their own use (the best appliances and conveniences) but also for entertaining their guests with comfortable spaces to sit and have conversation.
Investment in the kitchen remains the number one priority for homeowners and designers in terms of budget too. More than 80 percent of designers are now bringing kitchens to the backyard as well, says the Cosentino report.
Photo by Alexy Almond for Pexels
Rental hack: Bring in furniture you can take with you that creates an inviting space for you and your guest; add a chandelier or pendant to replace rental “boob” lights; and create a counter “scape” with cutting board, vase, and cookbooks as a focal point.
Brown In All Its Shades
Design: Living with Lolo | Photo: Life Created
“We’ll be drowning in brown in all the best ways in 2024,” says Brad Ramsey, principal and founder of Nashville-based Brad Ramsey Interiors. “Think about coffee, cappuccino, and lattes and how those warm colors hit the spot just like your afternoon Starbucks fix.”
Design: Living with Lolo | Photo: Life Created
Look to make brown your next color accent. Pair your woods and leathers with a complimentary color to offset the mix of brown tones. Greenery always helps to infuse more color too!
Patterns and Bold Marble
Design: Urbanology Designs | Photo: Matti Gresham
Designers all agree that the rustic farmhouse aesthetic is out for 2024. “I think it’s time for the coastal California look to step aside. This came in hot after Modern Farmhouse faded away, and I think people are ready for more drama and uniqueness,” adds Wegman. Don’t second guess yourself in 2024 in all the ways, including decor — the bolder you are, the better!
Biophilic Design Elements
Photo by Charlotte May for Pexels
Bring the outdoors in for a healthy, happy home in 2024. “Biophilic design will thrive in 2024,” says Ginger Curtis, CEO and founder of Urbanology Designs in Dallas. “This trend centers around bringing the outdoors inside, creating spaces that foster a stronger connection with nature. Expect to see more indoor plants, living green walls, natural materials like stone and wood, and large windows to maximize natural light and reduce the barrier between the interior and exterior.”
What trends are you most excited about? For even more home decor inspo, sign up for our weekly email newsletter!
It’s common for home buyers to purchase a property in a certain school district.
This ensures their children can attend a specific school if they’ve got their eye on one in particular.
Heck, even those without kids might favor a certain home because it resides in a highly-sought after district.
Now Zillow has made it easier for prospective home buyers to find properties in attendance zones or school districts simply by using the search bar.
When using the company’s mobile app, you’ve got the option to search by school, just as you would city or neighborhood.
Search by School on Zillow to Find a Home in Your Desired District
The latest update to the Zillow app allows home shoppers to search by school attendance zone or school district.
Simply open the app and navigate to the search bar. Instead of typing in a certain city or neighborhood, type the name of a school you like.
From there, Zillow will automatically display the attendance zone boundaries on the associated map in the app.
You’ll be able to see properties that are available for sale (or rent) within the attendance zone selected.
And if you search for open enrollment, or for a charter or private school without an assigned boundary, Zillow will display homes within a 5-mile radius surrounding the school.
The new search-by-school feature also allows home shoppers to receive instant or daily alerts when new for-sale or for-rent homes within their preferred school district or attendance zone come online.
That way you’ll be the first to know if a property meeting your school district needs pops up.
Since homes in desirable school districts are often quite popular, this can provide a competitive edge over other prospective buyers.
Those who are logged-in users will also see auto-complete suggestions for relevant schools and school districts based on their search history.
As always with any sort of property details, be sure to double-check that the home is indeed in the school district.
While it’s helpful to have this information generated automatically, it’s always smart to verify that the details are accurate.
This functionality is currently available on Zillow’s iOS mobile app and will launch on Android by the end of 2024 (it will be on the web sometime next year).
School Districts Are Very Important to Home Buyers
While there are a number of reasons why home buyers choose their properties, school district is a biggie, especially for those in their 30s.
And the prime first-time home buyer age is around 34, so most home buyers are going to be very focused on the associated school district.
As noted, even those without kids (or no interest in having kids) should be concerned with school districts as they can impact valuations pretty significantly.
You’ll often find that property values (and list prices) are notably higher in highly-sought after school districts.
This means a home seller can unload their property for a premium, or rent it out for more to a family who wants to reside in the district.
But it is also typically means you’ll pay more for it, and/or face more competition when attempting to buy the property.
Per Zillow’s Consumer Housing Trends Report, 75% of home buyers in their 30s emphasize the importance of school district selection.
Additionally, 67% of buyers in their 40s and 61% of first-time buyers consider school district a highly important factor in their home search.
This trend also seems to be growing, with the percentage of buyers who considered school districts highly important rising to 52% in 2023 after holding steady at 43% from 2018 to 2021.
Homes Tend to Appreciate More in Good School Districts
Back in 2016, I wrote that you should buy a home in a good school district even if you don’t have kids because they tend to appreciate more than those in not-good districts.
A study by ATTOM Data Solutions analyzed average test scores from about 19,000 elementary schools nationwide that covered nearly 46 million single-family homes and condos.
They discovered that in zip codes with at least one good school, the average estimated home value was 77% higher than in zip codes without any good schools.
Despite being more expensive, these good school district properties increased an average of $74,716 since the time of purchase, compared to just $23,311 for the not-good districts.
In other words, the purchase price might be higher to start, because it’s located in a good school district, but over time it should outperform properties located in the not-good school districts.
This might explain why there are even single-family home investors who are actively targeting properties in “elite school districts” these days.
While I don’t necessarily endorse that approach, since it makes getting into good school districts even more competitive for young families, it makes business sense.
All that being said, school districts aren’t everything. It can also pay off to buy a home near a Starbucks, a Target, or a Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s.
But ultimately, you should love the home you make an offer on, and want it for a variety of reasons that go beyond it’s potential monetary value.
Read more: When should you start looking for a house?
With theme parks, beautiful year-round weather and sparkly beaches, Orlando is a destination in Florida. It’s touristy, though, nearly 60 million people visited in 2021. That’s a lot of floral shirts, iPads taking photos and fanny packs.
Finding an Orlando local is like finding a needle in a haystack, but they exist. And, they know the real Orlando inside and out, from the alligators to how to avoid the tourist traps. Here are the best of the Orlando facts.
Facts only an Orlando local knows are true
There are many facts about Orland that tourists and visitors just don’t know. Only locals know these things in their souls.
1. Most residents weren’t born here. Orlando is a city of transplants like so many others in America.
2. It’s a fact that no one knows how Orlando got its name. There are a lot of stories, but no one knows the truth.
3. Every tourist assumes you go to theme parks all the time. I mean you don’t, but you also have season passes for all of them.
4. The real old-timers remember when Disney World was a swamp. Yes, it was an actual swamp before Walt got a hold of it!
5. The city is under construction forever, no matter where you go or what year it is. No projects are actually finished.
6. You wish for four seasons, but when it gets cold, you count the seconds until that Florida humid heat is back.
7. There’s no superior sub sandwich than a Pub sub sandwich. You will die on this hill.
8. You’ve lost count of how many times you and your friends have googled “Florida Man + your birthdate” to find funny news.
9. There’s water everywhere. And, that means alligators everywhere. You know to check before you get in the pool just in case one slipped in like any other day.
10. You’re unfazed by random rain while the sun is out.
11. You’re nostalgic for Medieval Times class trips and a full leg of turkey while you watch knights fight.
12. When you heard that Downtown Disney was changing its name to Disney Springs and you’re still upset about it.
13. Walt Disney World isn’t even in Orlando, even though the tourists say it is. It’s in Lake Buena Vista, 20 miles out.
14. While we’re at it, Winter Park is not in Orlando. But, you find it funny when the Winter Park residents complain when people say they’re from Orlando. They think they’re fancy.
15. Did you know that Orlando is home to the first highway in Florida? Colonial Drive was originally paved with bricks.
16. The best food isn’t on International Drive, that’s the tourist district. And, while the food there is good, it’s pricey. There are spots around the city with better food at more affordable prices.
17. You pull out your puffer coat immediately when it drops below 70 degrees.
18. Mosquitos are practically another pet in your household. You’re no longer shocked by their size.
19. The old Starbucks arcade was where the Spanish market is now and you caught plenty of flying dollar bills in the money pit when you were growing up.
20. Wekiwa Springs State Park, within a day trip of Orlando, is a better spot for swimming than any of the city’s water parks. It’s a perfect, lush, tropical oasis with crystal-clear waters.
21. When people open your car trunk, you have a beach go-bag ready with at least three swimsuits and SPF 50.
22. You’re the master of the stingray shuffle, even if you know it’s an old wives’ tale to avoid getting stung.
23. The second the weatherman says there’s a hurricane coming, your phone starts blowing up with hurricane party invites.
24. You skip the big box movie theatre on your next date and instead, head to the mismatched sofas at the Enzian Theatre.
25. Nostalgia hits you when someone mentions Peaches Records and Tapes and you remember how many great records you picked up there.
26. Traffic is no joke. Rush hour on I-4 is basically all day. You’re probably reading this list while stuck in traffic (don’t read and drive!)
27. Hanson’s Shoe Repair is the only speakeasy left in Orlando. It even looks like an old speakeasy. You have to know the password to get in. (Hint: Just follow them on social media.)
28. House divided between the Seminoles or the Gators? Good luck.
29. If you’re not a Nole or a Gator, you’re irrelevant. (Sorry UCF!) And, if you live in a house divided, good luck.
30. When you enter your car, you tune in to WPRK 91.5 FM immediately. What other awesome commercial-free, only plays local bands, is there?
31. You know the perfect place to kayak is Shingle Creek, which cuts right through the city. Just make sure to keep your hands out of the water. Those gators aren’t playing around.
Did we miss any Orlando secrets?
The best thing about living in Orlando is being in sunny Florida with sandy beaches, but it’s far from the only thing. Are you packing for a move to O-Town after learning these Orlando facts? Here’s where you can find apartments for rent in Orlando.
Muriel Vega is an Atlanta-based journalist who writes about technology and its intersection with arts and culture. She’s worked on content for startups like Mailchimp, Patreon, Punchlist, Skillshare, Rent. and others. Muriel has also contributed to The Washington Post, Eater, DWELL, Outside Magazine, Atlanta Magazine, AIGA Eye on Design, Bitter Southerner and more.
Do you want to learn how to get paid to listen to music? Do you love music and can spend hours on end listening to your favorite songs? If so, then what if you could make money listening to your favorite music? Today, I will be sharing the best ways to get paid to listen…
Do you want to learn how to get paid to listen to music?
Do you love music and can spend hours on end listening to your favorite songs? If so, then what if you could make money listening to your favorite music?
Today, I will be sharing the best ways to get paid to listen to music, from full-time jobs to side hustles, how much money you can make, and how you can get started.
From streaming platforms such as Spotify to watching live concerts in person, there are so many ways to listen to music.
Whether you are a lover of country, pop, rock, hip-hop, or classical music, there may be a way for you to turn your passion into a way to make money.
Related content:
How To Get Paid To Listen To Music
Slicethepie
Slicethepie is a website that pays people like you and me to write reviews on things such as new songs, clothing, and commercials. The reviews that you write are given to the artists as feedback so that they know how to improve.
Slicethepie has had over 10,000,000 reviews submitted and they have paid out over $1,000,000 to their reviewers.
The amount you are paid per review depends on your Star Rating on Slicethepie. Your rating goes up as you submit more detailed and constructive reviews on the website. This means that the more detailed your reviews are, the more you will eventually be paid.
Your earnings can be withdrawn for PayPal cash.
Here’s how Slicethepie works:
You sign up for Slicethepie first.
Once you’ve made an account, you are asked what category you’d like to review. Your choices are music, fashion, mobile, and homeware. Then, you’ll be asked for personal information such as your favorite music genres, income level, and if there are children in your household.
Then, you can hit the play button and start listening to the music. You are asked to listen to at least 90 seconds of the song.
You can see the review questions as you are listening (it’s all on the same page). You’ll be asked what you think of the song, rate it on a score out of 10, describe the track, and lastly, you’ll be asked “How would you rate your ability to hum, tap, or sing the melody you just listened to?”
You can sign up for Slicethepie here.
Playlist Push
Playlist Push is a website that allows you to make money from your playlists. You can become a “curator” on Playlist Push, which is someone who owns and manages a playlist with a lot of followers on Spotify, YouTube Music, or Apple Music.
To become a Playlist Push curator, you have to have at least 1,000 followers on your Spotify playlist, a minimum of 30 active monthly listeners per playlist, and more. You can find the requirements here.
As a curator, you can get paid to listen to and review songs. Then, if you like it, you can consider adding it to your playlists.
You can get paid up to $15 per song review. They pay with instant payouts directly to your bank account.
There are over 25,000 independent and major music label artists who use Playlist Push. They use Playlist Push so that they have the opportunity of possibly getting their music listed on popular Spotify playlists and in videos on TikTok.
You can learn more about Playlist Push by clicking here.
Start a career in the music industry
There are many jobs in the music industry if you want to get paid to listen to music. Careers in this industry often involve listening to music as part of your job duties and getting paid for it, or you may simply be doing your job with music in the background (such as if you were an usher at a concert venue).
Careers in the music industry may include:
Musician
Audio Engineer
Music Producer
Music Teacher
Music Therapist
Music Venue Manager
Music Promoter
Wedding DJ
Music Festival Organizer
Ushers and Ticket Takers at concerts
Merchandise Sales Staff
And so much more.
Some of these jobs may require a degree or training program, and while it can take a lot of work to find the job of your dreams, it’s worth going for it if it’s what you really want to do. Also, you will most likely need a resume and/or portfolio to get your foot through the door.
Current Rewards
Current is a free music app (unlike other streaming apps that make you pay a monthly or annual fee!) where you can listen to your music both online and offline, so you don’t even need Wi-Fi.
You can make up to $600 a year by playing your favorite music from over 100,000 radio stations.
The more music you listen to, the more points you will earn. The points you earn can then be redeemed for gift cards, electronics, and even charitable donations.
Current’s app can be downloaded on the App Store and on Google Play.
Hit Predictor
Hit Predictor is a website where you can rate new music before it’s released, and earn gift cards.
When you first sign up, you will be asked questions such as how much music do you listen to on a daily basis.
Once you are logged in, you will see where it says “Rate Music” and you can simply click that to get started.
Then, a song will play for you. Once it is over, you get to rate it and leave comments. For each song I reviewed, I was paid 3 points for answering. The points you earn can then be put towards raffles for Amazon gift cards.
I only had to listen to less than a minute of each song, as well as answer 2 short questions.
You can learn more about HitPredictor by clicking here.
InboxDollars
InboxDollars is a popular site that rewards you for taking online surveys, and occasionally they have music surveys available.
Surveys on InboxDollars pay around $0.50 to $5.00 per survey. These typically take around 3 minutes to 25 minutes to complete, with the shorter surveys typically paying less.
InboxDollars pays you with real cash, not just rewards points. You can also earn free Amazon gift cards, Starbucks gift cards, and more.
Sign up for InboxDollars and get a free $5 bonus here.
Earnably
Earnably is a website where you can earn free gift cards and PayPal cash for watching music videos and completing other tasks.
Earnably does not pay a lot though, and you may have to watch over an hour of music videos to earn $1. But, there are a lot of videos that you can watch.
You can learn more about Earnably by clicking here.
RadioEarn
RadioEarn is a website where you can listen to songs and make passive income by listening to internet radio stations.
It is free to sign up, and you earn points which can be redeemed for bank transfers, bitcoin, and free Amazon gift cards.
Now, you will not get rich off of this website, nor will it be a full-time income. You only earn a few points per hour of listening. But, if you just have the radio stations on in the background, it can be easy to earn points.
You can learn more about RadioEarn by clicking here.
Cash4Minutes
Cash4Minutes is a website that will pay you for listening to internet radio broadcasts from a mobile device.
This one is a little different, though, because you have to use your cell phone to call a number in order to listen to the radio broadcast.
You can learn more about Cash4Minutes by clicking here.
Build a music blog
If you have a passion for talking about music, then you may want to start a music blog. This may be a blog where you review music, write about musical instruments, talk about a specific artist, and more.
And, all you need is an internet connection, a laptop, and to start listening to music.
For example, by starting a music review blog, you can turn your love of music into reviews. You can share your thoughts and opinions on the music, new albums, and concerts.
With a blog, you could make money in a variety of ways, including placing affiliate links to the albums you’re listening to. You can use your blog to share your thoughts about music you’ve listened to and host online discussions on your website platform.
Another way to make affiliate income with a music review blog is to share links to related products. When music is released, there are usually a lot of different products that are for sale as well, such as clothing, books, posters, and more.
You could also promote a music streaming platform, a musical instrument, music equipment (such as guitars, drums, keyboards, and microphones), and more.
Another way to make money with a music review blog is through display ads and sponsorships. These are ads that are typically placed in your blog posts that a reader would see as they are reading your blog post. Display advertising is very easy to get started with, but you will need page views in order to see a good income from it.
You can learn how to start a music blog with my free How To Start a Blog Course. In this free email course, you will learn how to start a blog and make money from it. Over the course of seven days, you will learn how to decide what to blog about, how to create your music blog using WordPress, how to make money blogging, how to get page views, and more.
Also related to this – you could start a podcast or a YouTube channel on music as well.
Listen to music while you house sit or pet sit
If you want to earn money while you are listening to music, one way would be to find paid house sitting or pet sitting jobs.
House sitters are paid to take care of someone’s home while they are away. You may need to water plants, take mail in, do some light cleaning, take care of pets, and so on.
You have a lot of downtime as a house sitter, and you can spend that time listening to music. House sitters make anywhere from $25 to $50 per day.
Pet sitters make anywhere from $25 to over $100 per day. I have personally paid $100 per night for a pet sitter to watch our dogs in her home.
If you are looking for a platform to begin with, I recommend listing your pet sitting services on Rover.
Can you listen to Spotify and get paid?
Unfortunately for music fans, Spotify does not pay people to listen to music on their streaming platform. Nor do they pay you for your music playlists.
But, you can join platforms such as Playlist Push to get paid for the Spotify playlist that you have created.
Do music artists get paid on Spotify?
Artists do get paid on Spotify, though.
According to Billboard, in 2022, Spotify paid 57,000 music artists more than $10,000 in royalties each.
Of that number, 1,060 artists on Spotify earned more than $1,000,000 in royalties in 2022.
Can you get paid to listen to the radio?
Yes, you can get paid to listen to the radio.
The websites Current and RadioEarn will give you rewards to tune in to online radio stations.
Can I get paid to transcribe music lyrics?
Yes, there are companies that will pay you to transcribe music.
Transcriptionists are paid to listen to audio content, such as music, and type what they hear. You must have a quiet place to work and be very detail-oriented.
You may be able to find music transcription jobs on websites such as Welocalize and Upwork.
You can learn more about transcription jobs at How to Become a Transcriptionist From Home And Make $15+ An Hour.
What are the best music review websites?
Music review websites are websites where you can find new music and share what you think about it.
You may be rating the songs that you listen to, whole albums, and the artists. You would be providing feedback, which the artists and music labels seek out so that they can reach a larger audience.
The music review websites I talked about above include Slice The Pie, Playlist Push, and Hit Predictor.
Can I earn money by listening to music?
Learning how to get paid to listen to music can be a fun and rewarding way to spend more time doing something that you love.
There are many websites that will reward music lovers with extra cash for doing things such as curating playlists and listening to online radio. Or, you could find a job in the music industry, such as at record labels or in music transcription.
You may be paid with cash straight to your PayPal account, gift cards such as iTunes, and unique rewards such as free electronics as prizes. Or, if it’s a full-time job, you could be paid with a full-time paycheck, of course.
I hope you enjoyed today’s article on how to get paid to listen to music and that you find the best option for you.
Do you want to learn how to get paid to listen to music?
A direct stock purchase plan (DSPP) is a plan that allows investors to purchase stock in a company without a broker and get it directly from the company instead.
With DSSPs, there are often no brokerage fees. Meanwhile, discounts to the share prices may be available for larger purchases. With shares purchased through a DSPP, investors have the same profit and loss opportunities, access to dividends, as well as stockholder voting rights.
However, direct stock purchase plans may not be right for every investor. Learn more about buying stock direct from companies through a DSPP, including the pros and cons.
Direct Stock Purchase Plan, Explained
What is a direct stock purchase plan? Typically, many investors use a broker to buy shares of stock. But you can sometimes purchase stocks directly from companies, no broker required. This is what it means to participate in a direct stock purchase plan.
Many blue-chip stocks tend to offer DSPPs. For example, let’s say Company X offers a plan that allows investors to buy $500 or more worth of company stock directly from it, up to $250,000 a year, with some service and transaction fees.
With a DSPP, investors directly purchase shares, sometimes at a small discount. Discounts can range from 1% to 10% to encourage investors to buy more shares.
However, because many brokerage accounts now waive fees and commissions entirely for many investors, the savings difference is smaller than it used to be. 💡 Quick Tip: Did you know that opening a brokerage account typically doesn’t come with any setup costs? Often, the only requirement to open a brokerage account — aside from providing personal details — is making an initial deposit.
Pros and Cons of a DSPP
Direct stock purchase plans have benefits and drawbacks. These include:
Pros:
• No broker needed. Investors can purchase shares of stock directly from the company.
• Very little money is required to get started, and the process is typically simple to do. Good for long-term investing.
• Some DSPP programs offer dividend reinvestment plans.
Cons:
• An investor may not achieve portfolio diversification because not all stocks offer DSPPs.
• Companies may put maximum limits on how much an individual investor can purchase.
• When selling DSPP stocks, multiple types of fees can sometimes be charged.
How To Invest in a DSPP
Armed with information about how to buy directly from companies, investors may want to explore what specific opportunities exist. Perhaps they already have a publicly traded company in mind. In that case, they can go to that company’s investor relations website to see if the company offers this type of investment opportunity.
They can also search on the Internet to see which direct stock purchase plans are available.
More specifically, if someone wants to buy stocks in this way, they typically open an account and make deposits into it. Usually, these deposits are automatically made monthly through an ACH funds transfer from the investor’s bank account. In some cases you can write checks as well.
Then, that dollar amount is applied toward purchasing shares in that company’s stock, which can include fractional shares. For example, let’s say that one share of a company’s stock currently costs $20. If an investor sets up an ACH withdrawal of $50 monthly, then, each month they have purchased 2.5 shares of that company’s stock.
One of the benefits of investing through a direct stock purchase plan is the ability to incrementally invest in an inexpensive way. This might make it a good choice for some first-time investors with smaller amounts of money to invest, with initial deposits ranging from $100 to $500. In some cases, initial deposit minimums can be waived if you purchase a certain dollar value of stock every month. But again, it may be difficult to achieve portfolio diversification with DSPP.
Companies With DSPPs
A number of large, well-established companies offer DSPPs. Companies with direct stock purchase plans include Walmart, The Coca-Cola Company, Starbucks, and Home Depot, and Best Buy, among others. 💡 Quick Tip: How to manage potential risk factors in a self-directed investment account? Doing your research and employing strategies like dollar-cost averaging and diversification may help mitigate financial risk when trading stocks.
What to Consider Before Buying DSPPs
When online investing was new, people typically needed to pay significant fees to brokers to buy stock. In that era, direct stock purchase plans could be money-savers for investors. Over time, though, fees for online investing have lessened, making this less distinctive of a benefit.
In addition, many DSPPs charge initial setup fees, and may have other investment fees, including ones for each purchase transaction or sale. Although they may be small, these fees can build up over time. And it may be challenging to re-sell shares without the use of a broker, which makes this investment strategy more of a long-term one.
Plus, any time a share is purchased, some degree of stock volatility comes along with it — how much depends upon what is happening with that specific company and the overall levels of turbulence in the market.
Here’s something else to consider: When owning stock in just one company, or only a couple of them, portfolios aren’t diversified. When you diversify your investment assets, it helps to spread out the degree of risk. That’s because, if one stock’s value decreases, others may rise to balance out that portfolio.
The Takeaway
Direct stock purchase plans are when individual investors can directly purchase shares of that company’s stock without the need for broker involvement. The benefits of DSPPs potentially include purchasing company shares at a discount, and not needing a broker to make the transaction.
The downside of DSPPs is that a limited number of companies offer them, which means that an investor who invests solely through DSPPs may not have the best portfolio diversification. Plus, with brokerage commissions and fees rapidly shrinking, in many cases to zero, DSPPs have become a less essential way of cutting down trading costs for investors.
Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).
Invest with as little as $5 with a SoFi Active Investing account.
FAQ
What is the difference between a brokerage and a direct stock purchase?
The main difference between a brokerage and a direct stock purchase is this: With a direct stock purchase, an investor buys shares of one company. A brokerage, on the other hand, offers multitudes of different stock options an investor may choose from.
What is direct stock vs portfolio stock?
With direct stock, an investor purchases shares of stock directly from a company. A portfolio refers to a collection of different types of investments an investor may have, including stocks, bonds, or stock funds, to name a few.
What is the difference between DSPP and DRIP?
By using a DRIP (dividend reinvestment plan), investors can buy more stock in companies whose shares they own by reinvesting what they earn from dividends. With a DSPP, an investor can purchase stock directly from a company. Unlike a DRIP, they don’t have to use dividends to purchase shares.
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Going through a job interview and hearing nothing from the company afterward can fill you with doubt and confusion.
But in most cases, the holdup has nothing to do with your candidacy. Your best bet is to wait for an appropriate amount of time to pass — more on that in a moment — and send a follow-up email to the interviewer or recruiter.
When to follow up after no response
In an ideal world, candidates would hear from the company within a week or so of an interview, says Ayanna E. Jackson, a career coach based in Washington, D.C.
That timeline can vary, though, depending on who you ask. Kyle Elliott, a career coach based in the San Francisco Bay Area, says candidates can expect to wait up to two weeks to hear from a company after an interview.
So, if it’s been at least a week since you’ve interviewed with a company, and you haven’t heard from them, send a follow-up email. (Note: This is separate from a thank-you email that you should send within one day of every interview.)
How to write a follow-up email after no response
If you’re emailing a recruiter, specifically mention which position you interviewed for, who interviewed you and the date the interview took place.
Recruiters are “often juggling 20, 30, 40 open roles,” Elliott says. “By following up, you’re simply helping them do their job.”
Even if you’re emailing the interviewer themself, mention what position you interviewed for, because that person could be conducting interviews for multiple roles.
Once you remind the recruiter or interviewer who you are, ask if there are any updates on the interviewing process. You can also ask when the company expects to have an update for you.
Keep the email friendly and succinct. Remember: You’re trying to reach somebody who’s busy, so make your email easy to read and answer.
Here’s what a follow-up email may look like:
Hi [Name],
It was great getting to speak with [Name] about the [role] on [date]. Do you have any updates regarding the interview process? I’m extremely interested in the role and would love the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications.
If there aren’t any updates on the interview process right now, when should I expect to hear from you?
Thank you,
[Your Name]
And don’t be afraid to pick up the phone. If your interviewer or recruiter includes their phone number in their signature, give them a call. It’s not overly pushy, experts say.
“Sometimes, you gotta do what other candidates won’t do,” Jackson says.
If your initial follow-up email or phone call goes unanswered, wait between three and four days before reaching out again, Jackson says. But after three unanswered emails, you may want to move onto other job opportunities.
Why you may not be getting a response after an interview
Companies rarely ghost candidates on purpose. In most cases, they don’t get back to candidates in a timely manner because of the same day-to-day minor disorganizations that affect all businesses, says Jackson, who spent 20 years working in human resources at companies like NPR, Starbucks and General Electric.
“Candidates think the recruiting process is all buttoned-up and timed and organized — and it’s not,” Jackson says.
Jackson has first-hand experience with the circumstances that keep companies from prompt communication: employees being out sick, on vacation or inundated with other deadlines; and managers juggling multiple interviews. Many businesses also experience seasonal slowdowns during summer and winter holidays, or become preoccupied with annual planning at the end of the fiscal year, around August or September.
“I’ve seen that pretty consistently at just about every organization I’ve worked at,” Jackson says.
So try not to read too much into the delay. “Very rarely is it personal that people are ghosting,” Elliott says. “It’s usually some other factor that has nothing to do with you as a job seeker or as a person.”
The holiday shopping season will be a potentially rewarding time for eligible Discover cardholders this year.
From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2023, qualifying cards like the Discover it® Cash Back and the Discover it® Student Cash Back will earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined quarterly spending in the following bonus categories (activation required; all other purchases earn 1% back):
Amazon.com.
Amazon.com has long been a staple on the Discover Q4 bonus list, having appeared there every year since 2015. Amazon.com sells almost everything, so this could be a great opportunity to avoid the crowds during the holiday shopping season and earn bonus cash back. All eligible purchases made through Amazon.com checkout can qualify, including digital downloads, Amazon Fresh orders, Amazon Local Deals, Amazon Prime subscriptions, and items sold by third-party merchants.
Target is also a common Q4 bonus category for Discover, and this year purchases made in-store, on Target.com and through the Target app can qualify for bonus cash back. However, purchases from individual merchants within physical target stores (like Starbucks or Pizza Hut) in addition to online purchases through affiliates like Target Optical or Target Photo may not qualify.
Discover bonus rewards categories for 2023
Q1 (Jan. 1–March 31)
Grocery stores.*
Drugstores.
Select streaming services.
Q2 (April 1–June 30)
Restaurants.
Wholesale clubs.
Q3 (July 1–Sept. 30)
Gas stations.
Digital wallets.
Q4 (Oct. 1–Dec. 31)
Amazon.com
Target, including Target.com and the Target app
*The grocery stores category does not include grocery purchases at Walmart or Target or at other superstores or wholesale clubs.
🤓Nerdy Tip
For the first time in the past five years, Discover has elected not to release its entire 5% bonus calendar all at once in January, meaning cardholders must wait for categories to be revealed quarterly. The release of the full year’s bonus calendar had been a distinctive feature, making it easier for cardholders to time their purchases. But this move puts Discover in line with other 5% rotating-bonus-category cards, like the Chase Freedom Flex℠.
Bonus categories can be activated online at Discover.com, through the mobile app or by calling 1-800-347-2683. Bonus rewards will not be applied retroactively, and only qualifying purchases made after activation will be eligible for bonus rewards.
Cash back may be redeemed for a statement credit, direct deposit, gift card or charitable donation. Discover’s Pay With Cashback Bonus program also allows cardholders to use rewards to pay for merchandise with select merchants.
Inside: Are you looking for a safe and convenient way to buy and sell gift cards? If so, CardCash may be the perfect option for you. This comprehensive review will explore everything you need to know about this popular online marketplace.
Gift cards often seem like the perfect hassle-free gift solution, but receiving a card from a retailer that doesn’t align with your interests can result in unused potential and wasted money.
This is a common occurrence, with Americans currently holding around $21 billion in unused gift cards (source).
I know I have plenty of unused gift cards – probably around $300 worth laying around.
In response, companies like CardCash.com have stepped in to make these cards useful again and alleviate this universal frustration.
The simple goal is to help you extract value from those unwanted or unused gift cards by providing a platform to sell them safely. The solution not only converts unused cards into cash but also offers the opportunity to swap them for discounted cards from preferred retailers or a prepaid Mastercard.
Here is my CardCash review on the simplicity of getting cash for my unused gift cards.
In an era of savvy shopping and financial mindfulness, CardCash is a promising solution to make the most of every gift card.
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What is CardCash?
CardCash is a valuable online platform you can tap into for buying, selling, and exchanging gift cards. A brainchild of Elliot Bohm and Marc Ackerman, it was launched in 2009 with the goal of solving the problem of unused gift cards in America.
Via the CardCash platform, you can:
Sell your gift cards for up to 92% of the card’s value based on the popularity of the retailer.
Use CardCash to purchase gift cards, at a discounted rate, in bulk from over 1100 brands including big names like Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks, and CVS.
Swap your gift card for another retailer. You won’t get the same value though.
Remember, though, you won’t quite get the full value of your card as CardCash keeps a small percentage.
Does CardCash pay you instantly?
No, CardCash does not provide instant payments with cash.
Instead, after your order is approved, payments are typically made within a 48-hour window. This is due to standard processing times.
However, if you select another gift card. That will be available once your order is approved.
The invoice for the gift card claims to offer approximately 92% of the card’s value, but it’s worth noting that the actual payout can be lower at times.
How Does CardCash Work?
CardCash is a brilliant platform if you’re looking to sell, buy, or exchange gift cards. Here’s a quick guide on how you can get started:
Sign up on CardCash.com.
To sell a gift card, enter the merchant’s name and the balance on the gift card.
CardCash will give you an offer; if you accept, you get paid via mailed check, ACH payment, or PayPal. Or you can opt for a Prepaid Mastercard or another retailer gift card of your choice.
To buy a gift card, browse through the list of available cards and pick one that suits you.
Proceed to payment and enjoy your discounted gift card!
Pro Tip: Always check the price differences between the card value and the purchase price for the best deals.
How much does CardCash pay for gift cards?
Contrary to what CardCash claims, you won’t receive the full 92% of your gift card’s value.
The actual amount you’ll get depends largely on how popular the issuing merchant is. For popular sellers like Amazon or Walmart, you might get closer to their claim, but not always.
Sadly, for less-known retailers, offers might sink as low as 50% of your gift card’s worth.
Pros of CardCash
Considering an online platform for buying, selling, or swapping gift cards? CardCash is definitely one to consider.
Personally, I wanted to test it out and today you can find my CardCash Review.
The distinct features of CardCash include:
A wide selection of gift cards from over 1100 retailers
Instant payment in cash or a swap for another gift card when you sell your unused gift cards
Exclusive offers and discount opportunities for regular users
Convenience as the platform is easy to use and provides a hassle-free experience for users who buy or sell gift cards.
Unused gift cards can be sold for cash or swapped for your preferred merchant’s gift cards, giving value to otherwise wasted money.
Very user-friendly: It’s simple and effortless to buy and sell gift cards on this platform – a massive plus for users.
With all these advantages, CardCash makes a pretty compelling case as your go-to online gift card marketplace.
CardCash, a reputable gift card marketplace, might just be the perfect match for your needs!
Cons of CardCash
Before you decide to use CardCash, it’s important to weigh the drawbacks of the platform against its benefits.
Recognizing these concerns helps you make an informed decision and avoid potential hiccups along the way.
Here are the top cons to using CardCash:
Lower Payouts: When you decide to sell your gift cards on the platform, you might receive lower payouts than you’d expect. Be sure to carefully evaluate these potential losses.
Merchant isn’t on Platform: Not all merchants are available on the platform, which is unfortunate.
Short Buyer Protection Guarantee: Compared to other gift card marketplaces, CardCash’s 45-day buyer protection guarantee feels rather insufficient. For comparison, Raise offers a guarantee for a full year.
Disappearing Balances: Many users have reported issues with their card balances mysteriously disappearing, which can be quite unsettling. Learnwhy this unfortunately happens.
Is CardCash Legit?
Yes, CardCash is legit.
They’re a longstanding player in the gift card industry, thanks to robust security measures and a user-friendly platform.
Established over a decade ago, they have experience in offering a secure platform for buying, selling, or trading gift cards.
How do you go about sending eGift cards to CardCash?
Converting eGift cards works essentially the same way as converting physical gift cards. You still get the same benefits whether you are converting eGift cards or physical ones.
All you need to provide is the relevant information about the eGift card.
The payment process for selling eGift and physical gift cards is the same.
You can receive payment in cash or you can exchange for another gift card of your choosing.
Expert Tip: Make sure to accurately provide all necessary details regarding your eGift card to ensure a smooth transaction process.
CardCash Common Questions
CardCash is a website that allows you to buy, sell, and trade gift cards.
I tested out the site with various gift cards as part of my Cardcash review.
As this concept may be new to you, let’s answer some common questions about CardCash and give you our honest opinion on whether or not it’s a legit website.
1. Are CardCash transactions safe?
CardCash transactions are generally safe.
As a reputable marketplace for gift cards, CardCash enforces strict security measures like other platforms such as eBay or Amazon. However, it’s important to remember that you’re dealing with third parties that could potentially misuse gift card PINs.
To counteract this, CardCash offers a money-back guarantee for unsatisfied purchases. For example, if a gift card you bought is exposed as fraudulent, you can get your money back.
Despite this, always exercise caution, and use common sense while making transactions.
2. Are there any fees when buying or selling a gift card?
When you’re buying or selling gift cards on CardCash, there are no fees applied to your transactions.
The platform allows free signup and doesn’t charge for usage.
Purchasing a gift card? Absolutely zero fees. All you pay for is the discounted cost of the card itself.
Selling a gift card? No worries, still no fees. After providing your card details and balance, you’ll receive an offer. If you accept, the payment goes directly to you via check, PayPal, or direct deposit with no extra charges.
For instance, you have a $50 Best Buy gift card. After inputting the details, CardCash offers $45. If you accept, the $45 is sent to you without any deductions.
3. Is there any risk of identity theft when buying or selling gift cards?
Identity theft is when someone unlawfully obtains and uses your personal information, often for fraudulent purposes.
No, there should not be the risk of identity theft when buying or selling gift cards.
4. Is CardCash safe to use?
CardCash is definitely safe for use.
Operating since 2009, the platform is not only registered but also provides users with advanced security measures to secure personal data and transactions.
With a physical address and listed contact number, assistance is always at hand. Think of CardCash like a vault – your unused gift cards are safe to sell on it and your personal details are locked away securely.
5. Does CardCash buy stolen gift cards?
No, CardCash does not buy stolen gift cards. That is 100%, not their intent.
When you sell a gift card to CardCash, they require you to provide certain personal details to comply with federal anti-money laundering laws. CardCash uses these details to verify the authenticity of the sale and the seller.
However, remember that CardCash is an online marketplace where third-party vendors sell cards. Although most users are honest, there’s a risk of encountering scams unfortunately, and you should always exercise caution when using the platform.
Learn how to handle an Amazon package says delivered but not received.
6. Is it safe to buy gift cards with a credit card?
It is safe to buy gift cards with a credit card as long as you are using a reputable source.
When you use a credit card, you have the added protection of being able to dispute the charges if you do not receive the gift card or if it is not what you expected.
Make sure you are on CardCash’s legit website and you see the lock on the search bar indicating a secured website.
7. Are there any drawbacks to using CardCash?
One key drawback is the misleading discount rates.
Partner websites listed on CardCash may promise higher discounts than they actually deliver, leaving you scratching your head when your wallet feels lighter than expected.
As part of my Cardcash review, my Red Robin gift card valued at $25 would only receive $15.75 cash, which is 63% of its value.
Another significant concern is the 45-day buyer protection. Your best bet is to use your gift card within this limited time frame to avoid losses.
8. What are CardCash’s payout options?
For most, you want a direct, monetary form of compensation which is quite advantageous for those individuals who prefer having cold, hard cash as opposed to holding onto a gift card that they will never use.
Here are CardCash’s payout options:
Cash: CardCash allows users to sell their gift cards in exchange for cash. You can get a mailed check, ACH payment, or PayPal.
Prepaid Mastercard: Besides cash, CardCash also gives users the option to receive their payment via a Prepaid Mastercard. This is a convenient option, especially for those who like to keep their funds digital or for those who might not have convenient access to a bank.
Another gift card: One of the unique payout options provided by CardCash is the ability to exchange a gift card for another one. This option typically gives you a higher payout amount as well. But, you are limited to the merchants offered.
Just remember, payouts can fluctuate and might be less depending on the popularity of the gift card’s merchant.
9. Is it safe to sell gift cards on CardCash?
CardCash is a trusted platform where you can safely sell your unwanted gift cards.
However, keep in mind that you probably won’t get the full face value of the card, as the company keeps around 8-10% of its value.
Despite this, it’s a reliable way to make some money from unused gift cards. Card Cash is not a scam
10. What should I do if I have a complaint about CardCash?
If you’ve got complaints about CardCash, it’s crucial to voice them right away – that’s how issues get resolved.
Try reaching out to their customer support using the “Contact Us” form on their website.
If your complaint is due to balance discrepancies within 45 days of purchase, then email [email protected].
If that doesn’t work, send a detailed email to [email protected]. Be sure to mention specific problems and desired outcomes.
Most importantly, if there’s an issue with a gift card you bought, ensure you file a complaint within 45 days of purchase to receive a full refund.
My CardCash Review
Having firsthand experience with CardCash, I can share my insights about the process and how it measures up to my expectations.
Firstly, the process was indeed straightforward to navigate. The platform has been designed in a very user-friendly way that facilitates convenience and efficiency. It’s quite simple to get onboard, sell, or purchase a gift card.
However, there was a slight hitch – the value percentage offered. This slippage is more than I anticipated.
According to my experience and perception, the payouts for selling gift cards felt a bit lower than expected.
Here were the values I was given:
=> Olive Garden = 71% of value => Red Robin = 63% of value => Chili’s = 70% of value => DoorDash = not an option to sell
Gauging the 45-day buyer protection guarantee initially, it seemed impressive as it ensures a refund if the gift cards don’t function as advertised. However, there’s a catch – the gift cards should be used within this 45-day window, as the 45-day guarantee goes away.
In a nutshell, the experience with CardCash has been a positive experience. Personally, I would have rather been given the cash to use as a please versus a gift card.
However, all of the local gift card exchange kiosks don’t trade in gift cards. So, I felt my options were limited and chose to use CardCash.
FAQ
Yes, selling gift cards for cash is legit.
You need to use a verified site to avoid a scam.
A credit card is needed on CardCash for several reasons.
In order to use the service, you must have a credit card so that you can be properly verified. This is necessary in order to protect both the buyer and the seller.
This CardCash Review Should Help You
So, you’re considering CardCash for buying or selling gift cards, huh?
Well, on the positive side, CardCash offers an easy channel for getting rid of unwanted gift cards or buying new ones with a discount – sounds like a good deal, right?
Buying gift cards with a credit card from sites like CardCash can be safe, provided you take some precautions.
For me, it was a simple process and I chose another gift card.
Consequently, it’s important to remember that you’re purchasing second-hand gift cards, which could potentially have odd issues come up.
To ensure your value, make use of the 45-day guarantee. For example, if you’re planning a big purchase next month, buy the gift card now and make sure to use it within this timeframe. This minimizes the risk of being left with a worthless card after the guarantee period.
So, do your homework, understand how CardCash operates before diving in, or consider other options for more reliable service.
Just remember, while buying, you pay about 90-92% of the card value, and while selling, you get the same.
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