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Source: lancasteronline.com

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

If the price of higher education is giving you sticker shock, you’re not alone.

The average cost of tuition for 2023-24 was $26,027 for in-state residents at public colleges, and $27,091 for out-of-state students. At private colleges, the average tuition and fees totaled a whopping $38,768!

Most students end up taking out student loans to cover the cost of college. Over 43 million Americans have federal student loan debt, with an average balance of $37,718 each. Combined, Americans now hold $1.766 trillion in student loan debt!

Paying off your loan may become a burden, especially if you opt for a career in public service, art, or another low-paying field. Your debt may also become unmanageable if you run into unexpected economic difficulties due to medical bills, losing your job, caring for a parent or child, or other challenges.

If more traditional student loan repayment plans aren’t working, you may want to think outside the box. One approach could be crowdfunding student loans. Here are some things to know about this creative way to tackle your debt.

What Is Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is the process of soliciting small contributions from multiple donors to meet a financial goal. Through online platforms like Kickstarter and GoFundMe, people have turned to crowdfunding to raise money for entrepreneurial ventures, medical crises, disaster victims, classroom supplies, and much more.

You can solicit donations from friends, family, and even complete strangers. By splitting the contributions among a large quantity of people, crowdfunding is a way to meet a big financial goal while not having to rely on finding one major source of funding.

Raising money online makes it easy to share your campaign widely and for people to easily contribute. Increasingly, people have been crowdfunding to pay off their debt, including fundraising for college. That can include textbooks, tuition, studying abroad, or living expenses — or, of course, student loans.
💡 Quick Tip: Enjoy no hidden fees and special member benefits when you refinance student loans with SoFi.

Sites for Crowdfunding Your Student Loan Repayment

There are a number of sites that allow you to set up a crowdfunding campaign so you can pay off your student loans. Before you sign up, you’ll want to make sure that you understand all the rules and fees that you might encounter during the process.

Here are some crowdfunding sites to look into:

GoFundMe: GoFundMe is perhaps the best-known crowdfunding platform out there. Setting up a fundraiser is easy. Once you have a GoFundMe account and set a goal, you’re encouraged to tell your personal story of why you’re raising money and add a photo or video. Then you can share the campaign with your network of family, friends, coworkers, followers on social media, etc. Once your GoFundMe page starts raising money, you can start withdrawing it. While GoFundMe doesn’t charge fees for setting up a page, there are transaction fees (2.9% + $0.30, which includes debit and credit charges).

Rally.org: Rally.org works a lot like GoFundMe. Once you have an account, you can set a goal, tell your story, and then start sharing with friends and family. Like GoFundMe, you can start withdrawing money as soon as people start donating to your fundraiser. There’s one big difference between Rally.org and GoFundMe: the fees. While there’s only transaction fees on GoFundMe fundraisers, Rally.org charges 5% + credit card fees (2.9% + 30 cents) for each donation processed. That 5% can make it harder for you to reach your fundraising goal.

Gift of College: If you’re not looking to launch a full-blown crowdfunding campaign, but you do want to make it easier for friends or family to help you pay off your student loans in the form of gifts at birthdays, holidays, or graduation, you might consider an account with Gift of College. To get started, you set up an account and link your student loan account. Then you can share your profile with friends and family to encourage them to buy you Gift of College gift cards for special occasions. It’s free to set up a Gift of College account, but there is a 5% processing/service fee charged to the gift giver for every gift card they buy (though the fee is capped at $15 per transaction). Gift of College can also be attached to 529 accounts.

Is Crowdfunding for Repaying Student Loans a Good Idea?

There are pros and cons to turning to the crowdfunding model as a way of making a dent in your student loan debt. Let’s start with the positives. If your campaign is successful, it’s an easy way to earn money to pay off your debt, and you don’t have to do much in return. Earning and saving the same amount through a job would likely take much longer, depending on your living expenses.

Similar to a wedding registry, a crowdfunding site also makes it less awkward to ask people in your life for help, compared to just asking for money outright. You probably have lots of loved ones who would like to help you but don’t have an easy way to do it.

Another perk is that obtaining a lump sum and putting it toward your loan principal can greatly reduce the interest that accumulates and the amount you owe over the life of the loan. Finally, crowdfunding often works. There are many examples of successful campaigns out there to inspire you.

There are some downsides to consider. One is that a crowdfunding effort is likely to get you a chunk of money once, rather than a regular stream of funding.

Considering the size of most student loans, and how interest compounds over time, you may not raise enough money to pay off the entire loan. So you’ll still have to figure out a way to consistently make your monthly payments.

Also, how much you may earn is unpredictable — it depends on the strength of your campaign and the size of your network, plus the generosity of donors, so it’s a bit risky to rely on this to stay solvent.

Another con is that depending on the size of the donation, you may need to pay taxes on the money, so you wouldn’t get to keep the entire amount you raise. Finally, even though a specialized crowdfunding site makes it easier, it may still feel uncomfortable to ask people you know for money, especially if they are facing their own debts and financial challenges.

How To Set Up a Crowdfunding Campaign

Pick a crowdfunding platform: First, you need to pick a crowdfunding site to use. Review the terms carefully so you understand how the process works. You’ll want to see if the platform keeps a percentage of funds donated, what processing fees are charged, whether it allows employers or the general public to contribute, and whether the money goes to your lender directly or comes to you in the form of cash.

Set a goal: If your fundraising goal sounds impossibly high, it could prevent some people from donating. Starting with a number that’s ambitious but reasonable may help, even if it means asking for less than your total student loan amount.

Build trust with your funders: You need to spell out what you are going to do with the money. Potential donors likely want to know what, exactly, their gift is supporting. And they probably want to be sure it will actually go toward student loans and not other expenses. Make clear how exactly you will pay off the loan and how you will hold yourself accountable to donors can go a long way toward building trust.

Telling your personal story: People may be more likely to support you if they understand the impact they can have on your life. Telling your unique story can help make their gift about more than just debt. You could describe your past accomplishments and future goals, as well as how the support will help you achieve them. Try putting up photos and a video to help people connect with your goals emotionally.

Leveraging your network: In order to have a successful campaign you’ll need to share with people you know through email and social media. You might want to tie the campaign to a special occasion, such as your birthday or graduation. You can ask your network to share on their channels as well.

Keeping the momentum going: A successful campaign doesn’t end when you launch. Posting updates on your crowdfunding page regularly will keep people interested and remind them to donate could help you reach your goal.

Express gratitude: People are doing you a favor when you donate, so thank them early and often! It will make them feel good about their gifts and perhaps even encourage them to share your campaign or donate more down the line.

Thinking About Student Loan Refinancing

If you can fund your student loan debt in full through crowdfunding, congratulations! But most people can’t depend on this as a long-term strategy and will need to find additional ways to pay off the rest of their balance.

If you’re still struggling with student debt, refinancing your student loans may be another way to make your loans more affordable. You can refinance federal loans, private loans, or a mix of both by taking out a new loan with a private lender like SoFi and using it to pay off your old ones. Note that if you do refinance federal loans with a private lender, you will lose eligibility for federal student loan benefits like deferment and income-driven repayment programs.

You may be able to qualify for a lower interest rate or lower monthly payments, depending on your credit history and income. It could be worth checking what rates you’d qualify for by applying for pre-qualification online. If you refinance with SoFi, membership includes complimentary support from career coaches and protection during periods of unemployment for those who qualify. Plus there are no hidden fees.

The Takeaway

With student debt growing exponentially, it’s worth considering creative solutions. Crowdfunding can be a relatively easy way to make a dent in your student loans without investing a lot of time. But for most people, it won’t be enough to eliminate their debt completely.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.


Student Loan Refinancing
If you are a federal student loan borrower you should take time now to prepare for your payments to restart, including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. (You may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you refinance with an extended term.) Please note that once you refinance federal student loans, you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans, such as the SAVE Plan, or extended repayment plans.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

SOSL0923017

Source: sofi.com

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally
Better quality amenities — rich, creamy soap, for example, and thirsty plush cotton towels — make a statement. (Photo: dreamstime.com)

“I think of you every time I buy soap,” says the young woman, a friend of my daughter’s from college. We are chatting at a wedding. “Triple-milled,” she continues. “Your daughter drilled this into my head.”

I’m not sure how to take this.

“Well, I’m glad some lessons have sunk in,” I say.

My son-in-law overhears this exchange and chimes in, “How about the time she said that if anyone ever smothers her with a pillow, she hopes it has a 400-thread-count, Egyptian cotton pillowcase.”

“I said that?”

He nods vigorously. I don’t recall that, but It sounds like the way I would want to go.

Though the soap-and-linen dialogue may seem trifling, it lies at the heart of a topic I’ve thought a lot about and written a lot about this past year —rightsizing. It’s the subject of my next book, which will come out in January.

Here I thought I was addressing my generation when exploring how to decide where to live, in what size house and with what stuff to create a rightsized life, but the younger generation is tuning in, too. Living a rightsized life means not only having just enough house in just the right place, but also furnishing it with the fewest, best-performing household goods possible.

The message applies to all ages.

That means choosing only those sheets, towels, soaps, knives, pans, wineglasses, furnishings and other household basics that excel at their jobs and that elevate your life. Owning fewer, higher quality items leads to living large while spending less. It’s the key to gracious, clutter-free, rightsized living.

Imagine no more sheets that don’t fit right and don’t breathe, no more towels that aren’t thirsty, no harsh bath soap that dissolves into the drain after three showers, no pans that scorch your food, no pillows that fall flat, no sofas that you avoid because they aren’t comfortable. Instead, everything you have is a pleasure to use and look at and live with. It was all money well and thoughtfully spent.

Unfortunately, many homes are filled with the opposite: subpar products that aren’t quite right, that don’t quite work, and that we continue to buy wrong, because we don’t always know how to buy them right. Then, because we feel guilty getting rid of these barely used items, they clog our cupboards, closets, and lives … unless we learn how to buy them right.

That was part of my aim when I wrote this book, because I love nice things but hate to waste money. I wanted to discover — and help you discover — the luxury of less. So I interviewed experts on the various staples needed to outfit every room of the house, from tea towels to sectionals, and teased out what makes some items exceptional and how to buy those everyday items right.

Here’s the SparkNotes version so you, too, can buy once and buy right.

Study up. Become a student of quality. Look beyond the brand, packaging hype and marketing ploys to discover the properties that make a product the best in its class. To pick great household products out from a noisy and confusing line-up, learn about the production process, the materials used to make them and when to choose one material over another: linen or cotton, crystal or glass, cast iron or stainless-steel? Understand why you should choose hand-knotted rugs over machine-made ones, triple vs. single-milled soap and the best chromium-nickel ratio in flatware (18/10).

Avoid cooking sets. Big box sets of pots and pans and knives seem like a bargain, but they contain filler pieces you will likely never use. Buy good pans and good knives one at a time.

Try before you buy. Before investing in a full set of sheets or towels, buy a pillowcase and a face towel. Use them, wash them and use them again to make sure you like the feel and function. You can also test drive area rugs by purchasing (and returning) the smallest size — 2 by 3 feet — and seeing how the colors and pattern look in your home before you invest in the 9 by 12.

marnijameson.com.

Source: mercurynews.com

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

Are you looking for things to sell on Etsy? If you are looking to start your own business and work from home, then starting your own Etsy store can be a great way to earn extra income from home. Last year, around 7,500,000 sellers from around the world sold items on Etsy, and there were…

Are you looking for things to sell on Etsy?

If you are looking to start your own business and work from home, then starting your own Etsy store can be a great way to earn extra income from home.

Last year, around 7,500,000 sellers from around the world sold items on Etsy, and there were over 96,000,000 active Etsy buyers around the world.*

Many, many people shop on Etsy every single day for both themselves and to find gifts to give to others. I shop on Etsy frequently for gifts, in fact! I like how I can find something a little more personal and fun by shopping on Etsy.

And, many others feel the same way too!

This is where you come in.

If you are interested in starting an Etsy store and selling items online, then this is a great place to start. Today, I want to talk about what to sell on Etsy as well as answer some common questions that you may have.

Whether you want to make a part-time income or a full-time income, Etsy can be a great platform to allow you to start your own business and work from home.

The average income on Etsy is around $40,000 to $50,000 each year, but there are also many, many Etsy sellers who are making well above that.

Of course, this depends on many factors, such as the type of item you are selling, the amount of work you are putting toward your Etsy store, how you’re getting traffic to your Etsy shop, if you have a team of people working for your Etsy store, and more.

Here are 16 things to sell on Etsy.

Below, I am going to list 16 different things you can sell on Etsy. There are links to actual tutorials that will show you how to make items such as a rug, earrings, a hat, soap, and more.

There are many different categories of items that you can sell on Etsy, so the list of things to sell on Etsy definitely does not end here. There are many different kinds of Etsy shop owners all around the world selling millions of items.

Printables

You can make and sell printables to sell on Etsy, and you don’t even have to ship anything. Your customers would be downloading printables, and you can sell them an unlimited amount of times.

You can create and sell printables for all sorts of things and events, such as holidays (Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Christmas, and more), graduation parties, baby showers, educational (teacher) printables, bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, grocery shopping, digital planners, journals, invitations, banners, wall art, jar labels, gifts, and more.

You can learn more at How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy.

Stickers

You can sell both printed and printable stickers online.

Stickers are extremely popular right now and will most likely be for years to come. Stickers are used for so many different reasons, and you don’t need a ton of equipment to start a sticker business.

You can learn more at How To Make $1,000+ A Month Selling Stickers Online.

Canva Templates

You can create Canva templates to sell and make money all from your home – and never have to ship a thing.

Creating Canva templates can be a great way to make extra income because you just need to create the templates once, and you can sell them an unlimited amount of times.

A Canva template is a graphic design template that you sell to people who are looking to make an ebook, presentation, planner, and more.

You can learn more at How I Make $2,000+ Monthly Selling Canva Templates.

Pom Pom Rug

Household items and home decor, such as rugs, are fun items to sell on Etsy. There are many different designs and household items that you can make and sell, as buyers are wanting something unique.

Learn how to make a Pom Pom Rug here.

Fabric Divided Basket

Fabric-divided baskets are a great organization tool, and I have a few that are in constant use! I know many other people who have bought these as well.

For example, I use one as a diaper caddy, and I find it to be much more useful than having a big diaper cart or drawer. There are many other uses as well for a fabric basket!

Learn how to make a Fabric Divided Basket here.

Bath Bombs

Bath bombs are a fun Etsy item to make and sell and are a popular item to buy as well. This is because they make a quick and easy gift, which makes it a great item to sell on Etsy.

Learn how to make bath bombs here.

Quick And Easy Wreath 

Learn how to make this modern quick and easy wreath. You can make custom wreaths year-round and take advantage of all of the different seasons like Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and more.

Learn how to make a DIY wreath here.

Crochet Hand Towel

Handmade hand towels are popular items on Etsy. These towels are relatively easy to make for beginners and easy to whip up.

Learn how to make a crochet hand towel here.

Oatmeal Honey Soap

Self-care items, such as soap, are great items to sell on Etsy. Other items related to self care may include lip balm, lotion, and massage oils.

Soap looks like such a fun item to make and sell on Etsy, and people love buying bars of soap! Again, this can make a great gift for others, so they sell easily on Etsy.

Learn how to make oatmeal honey soap here.

Sweaters

Clothing items are popular on Etsy, whether they are handmade or vintage.

A sweater is probably one of the more difficult items to make and sell on Etsy, so you will want to make sure that you price it correctly according to your time and the amount you are spending on materials.

Learn how to make a sweater here.

Boho Earrings

There are many different kinds of earrings that you can sell on Etsy, and homemade jewelry is a very popular item to buy on the website.

Jewelry is something I look for all the time on Etsy, and this is because I love how there are so many different and unique items for sale on the Etsy platform.

Plus, they make for great and meaningful gifts. Many people like to shop around on Etsy for jewelry gifts for their loved ones!

Learn how to make boho earrings here.

Fluffy Slime

Slime is a favorite of many, and it is a fun and popular item to sell on Etsy. You can see a bunch of examples of slime for sale on Etsy here.

Slime is a very popular item to buy, especially for kids. It is also fairly easy to create slime and you can easily make it at home.

Learn how to make fluffy slime here.

Clay Earrings

Clay earrings are quite popular on Etsy. You can get really creative with clay earrings and make all different kinds of shapes and colors.

Learn how to make clay earrings here.

Earrings

Here’s another fun pair of earrings that you can make at home to sell on Etsy. There are so many different styles that you can get started making!

Learn how to make earrings here.

Crochet Hat

Crochet items are popular to buy on Etsy, which means that it may be a great item for you to sell on Etsy. This is a hat pattern in sizes from toddler to adult, and there are many other types of hats that you can make and sell on Etsy as well.

Learn how to make a crochet hat here.

Macrame Coasters

Macrame projects are incredibly popular on Etsy and a hot seller. You can even branch out into selling macrame wall hangings, plant holders, dresses, bookmarks, and so many other items.

Learn how to make macrame coasters here.

Common questions about selling on Etsy

I’m sure you have questions about selling on Etsy. Below are the answers to questions such as:

  • What is Etsy?
  • What sells easiest on Etsy?
  • What are the best selling items on Etsy?
  • Is selling stuff on Etsy profitable?
  • How do beginners sell on Etsy?
  • How much does it cost to sell on Etsy? What percentage does Etsy take?
  • How can I find customers for my Etsy shop?

What is Etsy?

So, what is Etsy? That is a great question! Etsy is an online marketplace that was started in 2005 where you can buy and sell items from handmade items to craft supplies to vintage items.

Etsy has over 120,000,000 items listed on their marketplace and is an online website for buying handmade and vintage goods.

Etsy items are sold directly from the seller – this means that it’s different from Amazon because there is no Etsy warehouse. Instead, you would be delivering the product to the buyer.

What sells easiest on Etsy?

There are many items that you can sell on Etsy such as:

  • Printables
  • Stickers
  • Planners
  • Clothing
  • Homemade jewelry
  • Soap

And so much more. Etsy shoppers buy many different types of items, so you can see what fits you the best.

What are the best selling items on Etsy?

Best selling items are constantly changing, but they are typically items such as knitting patterns, printables, stickers, wedding items, handmade jewelry, and more.

Thanks to websites such as eRank and Marmalead, you can conduct research to see what product keywords that shoppers are searching for on Etsy.

With sites like these, you can even see who your competitors are and their daily sales, view the latest trending items, conduct research on search engine optimization, and more.

Is selling stuff on Etsy profitable?

Yes, selling stuff on Etsy can be profitable. Some items will have a higher profit margin than others, such as digital products that you don’t have to ship.

To be profitable on Etsy, you will want to see what is actually selling on Etsy (after all, you don’t want to make a bunch of things to sell only to find out that no one is buying them), make sure that you are pricing your items correctly (take a look at your competition!), take good photos of the items you are selling, get traffic to your Etsy store (such as with Etsy SEO and social media), and sell a quality product so that you can get good reviews from your customers.

Is it hard to make a living on Etsy?

Just like with any business, selling on Etsy will take hard work. Not everyone will see success, and you will need to make a plan in order to become a successful Etsy small business.

How do beginners sell on Etsy?

Etsy can be a great place to get started as it is very easy to open a shop on Etsy. Plus, Etsy has built-in traffic from customers simply searching their platform for things to buy.

Here’s a quick look at how to get started on Etsy:

  1. Create an Etsy account
  2. Choose a shop name
  3. Create your first listing and build your inventory
  4. Decide how you want to be paid (credit card, debit card, Paypal, etc.)

You can learn more about how to sell on Etsy by clicking here.

How much does it cost to sell on Etsy? What percentage does Etsy take?

Opening a small business on Etsy has a lot of positives, so they do charge a listing fee.

You can list your first item for only $0.20, and you only pay the transaction and payment processing fees (6.5% transaction fee, 3% + $0.25 payment processing fee) when you make a sale. You will want to think about these Etsy fees when determining the price of the product that you will be selling.

There is also a 15% Offsite Ads fee, and this is when Etsy pays to advertise your items across the internet (such as Facebook, Google, Pinterest, and Instagram). You only pay this fee when you make a direct sale from one of these ads, though.

Don’t forget the shipping cost as well. If you have a product that you will be physically shipping, you will want to think about what your shipping fee is.

How can I find customers for my Etsy shop?

There are many ways to get traffic and views to your Etsy shop so that customers will purchase your items.

The ways include getting found by Etsy search (when someone types what they are looking for directly into Etsy), making a visually appealing Etsy shop, sharing on social media (such as Pinterest), and more.

There are Etsy Ads as well, which is a way to advertise your products directly on Etsy. You can set your budget and choose what you want to advertise.

One fun way that I’ve noticed Etsy sellers attracting customers to their shop is by showing the process of creating your product in a short video on Instagram or TikTok. For example, there are people who record themselves making earrings or slime and posting it on their account for their business – people love watching these types of videos.

Here are some examples:

Also, remember that the photos you take of the items you sell on Etsy are so very important. This is what will help you stand apart from your competition, and it is also the only thing that your potential customers get to really look at! If your photos are not good, then they will simply go to the next shop.

What to sell on Etsy

I hope you enjoyed today’s article on what to sell on Etsy.

The list does not end here either.

There are so many other things to sell on Etsy as well, such as paintings, artwork, handmade jewelry (such as necklaces, rings, and bracelets), decorations, invitations, beads, yarn, knitting patterns, clothing, pet supplies, notebooks, furniture, pillows, party decorations, accessories, wedding products, mugs, socks, personalized gifts (such as engraved items), candles, craft kits, toys, and more.

The list is endless.

Etsy shoppers are looking for all different kinds of items to buy.

Are you looking for things to sell on Etsy?

*Statistic from Statista.

Source: makingsenseofcents.com

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

Advertiser Disclosure: Credit.com has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Credit.com and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

Snapshot: The Bank of America Travel Rewards® Credit Card is ideal for frequent travelers who want to earn travel rewards on their everyday purchases. With this credit card, you can earn points on purchases made everywhere. You can then redeem these points for travel or cash back rewards.

Basic Features

  • An ongoing APR between reg_apr,reg_apr_type
  • A annual_fees annual fee
  • A intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
  • Perfect for people with credit_score_needed credit

*See Rates and Fees

Additional Details

  • 1.5 points back per $1 spent on any purchase
  • Earn 25,000 online bonus points if you spend at least $1,000 within the first 90 days of opening your account
  • balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration
Pros Cons
intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration and balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration make this a great card for managing large purchases Strong credit required for approval
Consistent, simple points rewards system
No annual fee

*See Rates and Fees

Ready to Learn How to Apply?

Table of Contents

  1. Full Review of the Bank of America Travel Rewards® Credit Card
  2. What You’ll Like About It
  3. The Drawbacks
  4. Is It Worth It?
  5. FAQ

Full Review of the Bank of America Travel Rewards® Credit Card

Anticipating an expensive trip to your cousin’s destination wedding in Aruba? This card may help with that. The Bank of America Travel Rewards® Credit Card offers a nice combination of intro rates and bonuses that can help you spread out payments on a large purchase (like flights or resorts) over a longer time period.

And once the introductory period is over, a annual_fees annual fee and simple points system are both good reasons to keep using the card on an ongoing basis.

There’s an extra bonus, too: if you’re a Preferred Rewards Member, you could potentially increase your points-earning capability to 25% – 75% more on purchases.

What You’ll Like About It

Great for Managing Big Purchases (During the Intro Period)

Like we said, the Bank of America Travel Rewards® Credit Card offers a variety of benefits, such as a annual_fees annual fee and intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration. Additionally if you choose to transfer a balance from another credit card to your Bank of America Travel Rewards™ Credit Card, you can take advantage of balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration.

Is the Bank of America Travel Rewards® Credit Card Right for Your Upcoming Trip? Find Out!

Good Intro Bonus

New users earn up to 25,000 bonus points for spending at least $1,000 on qualifying purchases in the first 90 days. That’s an added $250 you can pocket towards your upcoming travel expenses.

*See Rates and Fees

The Drawbacks

Strong Credit Required

If you’re concerned about the strength of your credit score, this may not be the card for you. The minimum required credit range for this card is the “Good category” (according to FICO®, that’s at least a 670).

Is It Worth It?

If you qualify, a Bank of America Travel Rewards® Credit Card can be a great option. It offers a simple rewards system that you can redeem for travel and dining credits or cash back rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the benefit of using the Bank of America Travel Center?

The main benefit of using the Bank of America Travel Center is that it provides a convenient platform for booking various travel-related services such as flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and vacation packages. Bank of America often negotiates special deals and offers with travel suppliers for its customers. This can include discounts, cashback rewards, or bonus points for using the Travel Center to book travel.

Want to Access the Bank of America Travel Center? Learn More About Applying for the Bank of America Travel Rewards® Credit Card

Is the Bank of America Travel Rewards® Credit Card Hard to Get?

It will require strong credit in order to be approved – if you have a poor credit score and profile, you may want to consider a different option (and avoid the unnecessary hard inquiry on your credit).

Does the Bank of America Travel Rewards® Credit Card Have Foreign Transaction Fees

As of writing this article, the card doesn’t have any foreign transaction fees – making it another great choice for an upcoming trip.


*See Rates and Fees

Advertiser Disclosure: Credit.com has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Credit.com and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

Source: credit.com

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

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:

  1. You sign up for Slicethepie first.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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?

Source: makingsenseofcents.com

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

As someone who grew up in a small town with the closest mall almost an hour away, I didn’t discover Anthropologie until later in life (probably a good thing for my wallet TBH). But don’t worry, I’ve made up for lost time by purchasing every home, beauty, and clothing item I can afford and mentally adding the entire kitchen section to my non-existent wedding registry. What? A girl can dream.

As much as I love Anthropologie, however, I don’t always love their prices. So when I want to get a similar look at a more affordable price, I turn to Amazon. You might be surprised by how much Anthropologie-inspired home decor—ranging from pillows and throws to kitchen and dining items—you can find on Amazon for a fraction of the price. That’s right, you no longer have to shop in the sale section or break the bank to decorate your home in Anthro’s signature boho-inspired style. Keep scrolling for some of my favorite Amazon home decor finds that give you the same look for less (and two-day shipping!).

In this article

Decor & Lighting

Antique Gold Wall Mirror

The Gleaming Primrose Mirror is one of Anthropologie’s most viral products and for good reason. The vintage-inspired design and intricate details make it a beautiful addition to any room, but starting at $548, it’ll cost you a pretty penny. There are several similar designs out there, but none are quite as good as this option from Amazon. The details and color options are nearly identical to Anthropologie’s but at less than half the cost.

Grecian Bust Candle

Grecian busts have been a popular motif at Anthropologie for a while now, mostly in the form of their Grecian Bust Pot. These pots work beautifully as planters or vases, but if you don’t have a green thumb, you may want to opt for this Grecian bust-inspired candle from Amazon instead.

Faux Fur Throw Blanket

Every winter, Anthropologie brings out their line of ultra-plush faux fur throw blankets. Not only are they a great item to give for the holidays, but they also make any room feel extra cozy. However, most of their throws cost well over $100, which is a little steep if you’re buying them for multiple people or more than one room in your home. Thankfully, Amazon has this similar version for half the price.

4 colors available

Woven Pendant Lamp

In the words of Chandler Bing, could this BE any more beautiful? The woven details make this pendant look so luxe that no one would believe it’s only $140. Bonus: natural materials like wicker, rattan, and cane are popular right now thanks to the “tropicalcore” trend, and this light fixture is the perfect addition to bring some vacation vibes into your home.

Velvet Throw Pillow Covers

Soft velvet and bold colors are hallmarks of Anthropologie textiles, so these pillow covers fit right in with the brand’s eclectic style. While these covers don’t come with pillow inserts like they would at Anthropologie, you do get a set of four for only $32, which is a steal.

10 colors available

Brass Snail Figurine

One of my favorite things about Anthropologie is their selection of small but impactful decor pieces. I actually saw a snail figurine similar to this one at Anthro several years ago, and I’ve been kicking myself ever since for not buying it, so I’m glad to see a similar version available on Amazon. These snails would look absolutely adorable styled on a shelf or as paperweights on your desk.

Floral Flush Mount Light Fixture

With feminine, delicate details, this light fixture looks like something straight out of an Anthropologie catalog. Imagine it hanging in an elegant entryway, a stylish bathroom, or airy guest room. The best part? It’s less than $60.

Tufted Runner

Something I’ll never understand is why rugs are so expensive. Even the smallest size can cost hundreds of dollars, but this Amazon runner gives the Anthropologie look for much, much less. At less than $40, I’ll definitely be adding this to cart for my kitchen.

5 colors available

Boho Tufted Accent Pillow Cover

Add some texture to your couch or bed with this Moroccan-style throw pillow cover. Handwoven tufted accents give the cover a sophisticated look, and the thick and durable fabric give it a high-quality feel.

Wooden Bowl Centerpiece

If a hand-carved wooden bowl doesn’t scream boho-chic, I’m not sure what does. Pieces like this are great to have around the house for a variety of purposes. Style it on a coffee table with a candle and coasters, use it was a fruit bowl in the kitchen, or keep it by the front door as a catchall for your wallet and keys.

Woven Blanket

Woven blankets are another boho-style staple, and the colors and tassels on this one are what dreams are made of. Its lighter-weight fabric also makes this one easy to style over a chair or at the end of a bed.

10+ colors available

Kitchen & Dining

Fluted Ceramic Bowl

Another one of my personal favorite Anthropologie items is their Amelie Latte Bowls. I use mine almost daily to serve meals or to hold ingredients while cooking, and I love the French-inspired look of them. While these bowls aren’t that expensive in store, there is a slightly cheaper alternative available on Amazon for those who love a good deal.

4 colors available

Ceramic Berry Baskets

With the grandmillennial trend still going strong, quirky, vintage-inspired pieces like these berry bowls are especially popular. Not only are they functional in helping you keep your fridge more organized, but they also add a fun whimsical touch to your kitchen.

3 colors available

Candles & Candlesticks

Twisted Candle Sticks

For a trendy take on the classic taper look, try these twisted candles. They come in tons of different colors, so grab a four-pack of your favorite shade to re-create Anthropologie’s funky style for less.

10+ colors available

Ribbed Glass Candle Holders

These ribbed glass candlestick holders are a mix of boho and vintage, making them a beautiful addition to any tablescape. Each set comes with six candle holders in three different sizes and styles. Pro tip: mix and match the colors to create a more customized look.

4 colors available

Candle Warmer Lamp

I’ve seen so many gals on TikTok showing off their candle warmer lamps as part of their nighttime routines, and you can consider me influenced. I love the quirky look of the scalloped shade paired with the vintage look of the brass and wood base. And at just $20, this is an affordable way to create a cozy atmosphere for fall.

2 colors available

Rose Quartz Coasters

Anthropologie’s Gilded Agate Coasters are another one of their signature items. I have these in almost every room of my house and often give them as housewarming or Christmas presents. Although the coasters are stunning, they’re a little pricey at $16 a piece, which is why I was excited to find that Amazon sells this set of four natural gemstone coasters for only $40.

Monogram Mug

If you’re unfamiliar with the mug section at Anthropologie, I encourage you to run not walk to check them out. They have a fun selection of monogrammed, floral, and geometric options, but if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, this mug gives Anthro vibes at an Amazon price.

Lidded Glass Jar Candle

Anthropologie is famous for their candle section, and this glass jar candle looks just like something you’d find in-store. It comes in a variety of colors and scents, but the best part is that it’s paraben- and paraffin-free.

7 colors available

All the Decor You Need to Get the Cottagecore Look This Fall

Source: theeverygirl.com

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

A Walk in the Woods is not just a store; it’s a delightful experience that has been enchanting locals and visitors alike since its establishment in 2001. Krystal Hegerfeld, the store’s manager, shared the story behind this charming boutique, which combines home décor and women’s fashion apparel in a unique and ever-evolving way.

A Dream Born in 2001

A Walk in the Woods first opened its doors in a fully renovated building in Custer back in 2001. Krystal’s mother, along with her business partners, had a vision to create a space that offered something more than just products on shelves.

They aimed to provide the community and the region with a haven for home décor and women’s fashion apparel. Over the past two decades, the store has become a beloved fixture in the area, attracting a loyal customer base who appreciate the store’s commitment to offering a constantly changing and curated selection.

Ever-Evolving Inventory

One of the key aspects that sets A Walk in the Woods apart is its ever-changing inventory. Krystal and her team are passionate about merchandising and storytelling, which is reflected in how they curate their products.

Just like a walk in the woods reveals new treasures at every turn, this store always has something new and exciting to discover. Seasonal changes are a hallmark of the store, ensuring that visitors experience a fresh, inviting atmosphere with each visit.

The Scent-Sational Experience

Upon entering A Walk in the Woods, customers are greeted by a delightful medley of scents. The store offers an array of scents, lotions, home sprays and candles, all carefully selected and artfully displayed. The result is an inviting sensory experience where visitors often find themselves asking, “What is that wonderful smell?”

The store’s unique blend of scents is truly a testament to their commitment to providing a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

Fashion and More Upstairs

Ascending to the upper level of the store, visitors are welcomed by an array of fashion and accessories. Currently in the midst of the fall season, A Walk in the Woods is filled with cozy sweaters, flannels and layered looks.

Krystal and her team take pride in helping customers discover their unique style, ensuring that every shopper leaves feeling confident and stylish.



A Collaborative Space

The magic of A Walk in the Woods doesn’t stop at their doors. The store shares a space with The Custer Wolf, creating a vibrant shopping and dining hub in the heart of Custer.

Visitors can enjoy lunch at The Custer Wolf and then explore the treasure trove of gifts and fashion next door, making it a perfect outing for locals and tourists alike.

Curating the Perfect Gift

One of the store’s specialties is helping customers find the perfect gift. Whether it’s a thoughtful hostess gift, a wedding present or any special occasion, the team at A Walk in the Woods is dedicated to helping you curate a gift that will leave a lasting impression.

Their selection of unique and carefully chosen items ensures that you’ll always find something special for that special someone.

A Unique Brand Story

A Walk in the Woods stands out not only for its diverse range of products but also for its unique brand story. Krystal and her team take pride in selecting vendors and curating products that align with their vision.

It’s their ability to blend and present these items in a distinctive way that truly sets them apart.

Source: newscenter1.tv