We’ve all been waiting for news on the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) front, and a nugget has finally arrived.
Unfortunately, it’s a bit of a mixed bag, depending on who owns your mortgage, and whether the words of a Treasury representative will actually amount to anything.
During a speech at the ABS Vegas 2014 Conference today, the Counselor to the Secretary of the Treasury for Housing Finance Policy Dr. Michael Stegman shed some light on the agency’s stance regarding the future of HARP.
He noted early in his speech that nearly three million homeowners have already received assistance through the popular mortgage refinance program, and that another two million are still HARP-eligible.
Additionally, he explained that the Treasury doesn’t believe the HARP eligibility date should be changed.
The cutoff date is currently May 31, 2009, meaning borrowers who took out loans after that date are not eligible for a HARP refinance, even if they’re currently underwater.
[HARP 2.1 Is Here! Fannie and Freddie to Use Note Date for Eligibility]
Yes, even borrowers who took out loans as recently as four years ago are underwater, depending on the region in which they purchased.
However, Stegman said “very few homeowners” with loans originated after the cut-off date are actually underwater and making changes “would do more harm than good by prolonging market and investor uncertainties.”
In other words, they’re not going to tinker with the program just to help a handful of borrowers who purchased homes at the wrong time. After all, it’s a choice to buy a home and you don’t get purchase protection if your property value declines.
Back before the latest housing crisis, those who didn’t buy at the absolute bottom simply had to wait for home prices to bounce back up. They didn’t just turn to the government months later to get some kind of concession.
Hope for a Refinance Program for Private-Label Mortgages
And now for the good news. Stegman also voiced concern regarding the absence of a large-scale underwater refinance program for private-label mortgages, those not backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Stegman pointed out that some communities are simply taking matters into their own hands by turning to eminent domain. He argues that a better path might be refinancing legislation.
So as the Treasury works to reform the housing finance system, it “will seek to ensure that neither the source of one’s mortgage nor who owns the credit risk should determine a borrower’s eligibility for refinancing or mortgage assistance.”
In other words, there could be expanded eligibility for HARP in the near future if legislators get off their seats and make it happen.
Even if it doesn’t happen with HARP initially, future mortgage assistance programs could encompass all types of loans, not just those backed by the GSEs.
Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act Extension
He also emphasized how important it is to extend the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act, which expired at the end of last year.
Since 2007, homeowners who received principal forgiveness via short sales, loan modifications, and deed-in-lieu of foreclosures didn’t have to pay taxes on the amount forgiven.
If Congress doesn’t act soon, borrowers could be on the hook for the shortfall. The uncertainty could also push homeowners to foreclose instead of pursuing more beneficial outcomes.
Stegman called on Congress to extend the tax forgiveness immediately to clear up any doubt, instead of passing a tax extender late in the year and making it retroactive.
So that’s the latest housing policy news. Some good news, some bad, and a whole lot of uncertainty, per usual.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the tech industry, coding bootcamps can be a quicker, more affordable alternative to getting a traditional degree. However, these courses still require a significant amount of time, energy, and money.
Are coding bootcamps worth it? They can be. You’ll want to keep in mind, however, that bootcamps vary in terms of quality, so finding a good one can take some research. In addition, the skills you learn from a bootcamp may not be enough to land the type of job or career you want.
Read on for key things you need to know about coding bootcamps. Including what they are, how they work, and how much you may be able to earn when you graduate.
What is a Coding Bootcamp?
Coding bootcamps are short, intensive courses designed to provide in-depth training in software development fundamentals, and prepare students for entry-level jobs in the tech industry.
Many people consider bootcamps when pursuing a career change or looking for a shorter path into the tech industry, as they last about 15 weeks on average.
Bootcamps are conducted in both traditional classrooms and online, and are designed to accommodate students with little-to-no coding experience.
However, not all coding bootcamps are accredited schools. While some boot camps are affiliated with universities and, therefore, required to uphold the educational standards of the institution it is in partnership with, most coding bootcamps remain privately owned with educational standards that may not necessarily be governed by any scholarly entity.
Therefore, coding bootcamps, no matter how appealing, may not all produce the same quality of education or warrant any recognition outside of the tech industry.
Recommended: How to Pay for Coding Bootcamps
How Much Do Coding Bootcamps Cost?
The cost of coding bootcamp can vary widely, and will depend on the school, the length of the program, whether classes are in-person or online, and whether you study full or part time. However, on average, tuition for coding bootcamp can run around $10,800.
While that’s not nothing, it’s a lot less than the cost of a traditional undergraduate degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition at a public university is $9,678 for in-state students and $27,091 for out-of-state students. The average annual tuition for a private institution is $38,768. If you pursue a four-year bachelor’s degree program, tuition can total anywhere from $38,712 to $155,072, depending on where you go.
Like colleges and universities, many coding bootcamps now offer a range of funding options, so you don’t necessarily have to pay the full cost up front and out of pocket. These may include:
• Scholarships Some bootcamps offer scholarships for women, minorities, vets and even those experiencing hardships. You can often find out about scholarship opportunities by going to the tuition section of the bootcamp’s website.
• Loans External loans, including tuition reimbursement program that could help you cover the cost of bootcamp.
Recommended: Student’s Guide to Certificate Programs
From the employee’s perspective, 76% of software engineers attribute their readiness for an engineering position to the bootcamps they completed, and another 57% say they would be open to hiring a bootcamp graduate for an open role if they had the opportunity.
What Can I Expect From a Coding Bootcamp?
Completing any coding bootcamp should ultimately result in fluency in at least one coding language, such as Full Stack JavaScript, NET, Ruby on Rails, or Java. In addition, you will likely graduate with a portfolio of projects you completed during the course.
And because the goal of a bootcamp is to churn graduates directly into the tech industry, these programs often help graduates find, apply, and interview for industry positions.
Also, in some cases, coding skills aren’t enough on their own to land a job. Some employers, for example, may be looking for a broader set of skills in computer science or specialization in a certain field. Others may place high value on interpersonal or soft skills that allow you to work effectively in a team and communicate with coworkers.
As a result, even after completing coding bootcamp, you may find it necessary to go back and complete your college degree at a later date.
The Takeaway
Whether or not coding bootcamp is worth it depends on your career goals and the quality of the coding camp.
On the plus side, coding bootcamp generally costs a fraction of the cost of a typical college degree. At the same time, these programs allow you to gain in-demand skills in a relatively short period of time, and many also provide job search assistance.
However, coding bootcamp may not be a great choice if you are not sure that a tech career is right for you, or you don’t have the time, interest, and motivation to complete an intensive and demanding program. Also, if you are interested in a management career or moving beyond coding, you will likely need a traditional college degree.
Whatever education route you pursue, you will need to figure out how you will cover the cost of tuition and expenses. Fortunately there are numerous options, including scholarships, grants, work-study, tuition payment plans, and both federal and private student loans.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.
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There’s more to Nevada than Sin City. This western state is known for its mesmerizing desert landscapes, neon-tinged cities and lively entertainment and nightlife industries. The state offers plenty of great places to live and call home.
In equal measure, Nevada beckons to nature lovers and city-dwellers alike. Except for a handful of small towns and cities primarily centered around major interstates and highways, central Nevada is all nature. National parks like Death Valley and Great Basin offer a range of landscapes to discover and explore, from stark deserts to Colorado-esque mountain valleys. But cities like the legendary Las Vegas are hubs for endless entertainment, art, culture, dining and industry. Suffice it to say that Nevada has a bit of everything.
But, is it right for you? For the most part, Nevada offers residents a fairly affordable cost of living, Most areas of spending, like housing or groceries, are near or slightly above the national average. Some are even below the national average. Even though Nevada is known for its excess spending thanks to its many casinos, living here is achievable for the average budget. You could even bet on it. But you probably shouldn’t. This is what you can expect to pay for the cost of living expenses in Nevada like housing and groceries.
Nevada housing prices
Nevada’s housing costs are higher than the national average. Living in one of Nevada’s bigger metro areas like Las Vegas does come with higher prices. But with those higher rates, you also get access to city perks like fine dining, shows, entertainment and world-class shopping.
Here’s what the average rent looks like in two of Nevada’s biggest and most popular cities.
Las Vegas
This city needs almost no introduction. With a population of around 646,790, Vegas is a popular hub for entertainment, gambling, nightlife and glitz. But behind all the glamor and shine of The Strip is a real city full of unique neighborhoods, art, culture, multicultural cuisine and history. For being such a well-known vacation spot, housing prices here aren’t as inflated as they could be. The overall cost of housing is just 9.8 percent higher than the national average.
Renting a one-bedroom apartment around town will set you back $1,375 per month. This is down 3 percent from last year. But two-bedroom units are up 14 percent to $1,623 per month. Some neighborhoods will be more expensive than others. Luckily, there are tons of cheap but fun neighborhoods to choose from around Las Vegas.
If you want to buy a home in Nevada, Las Vegas is the more affordable option. Its median sale price for a house is $439,950, significantly less than in Reno. The housing market has been a big jump since last year, though, climbing 27.5 percent.
Reno
Known as the Littlest Big City in the World, Reno is a lively community of nearly 251,000 residents in northwest Nevada. It sits right alongside the California border. The overall cost of living here is reasonable, sitting only 4.9 percent higher than the national average. Housing prices here are the highest of our highlighted Nevada cities, sitting 18.7 percent above the national average.
Rents here are on the rise for all unit sizes. One-bedroom apartments cost an average of $1,547, which is up 5 percent from last year. A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,844 per month, also up 5 percent from 2021. These aren’t big increases, but they do point to an overall upwards trend.
However, Reno’s housing market is growing at a much faster pace. The median sale price for a house here is $580,000, which is up 18.5 percent from the previous year.
Food prices
Another cost of living in Nevada is dining and groceries. Residents spend between $2,801 and $3,200 per person in food costs each year. That comes out to between $233 and $266 per month. This puts Nevada’s food costs 10.8 percent above the national average. But those numbers are still on-par with more expensive states like California and New York. So, even though food costs here do exceed the national average, it’s still affordable to eat well here.
Thanks to all those bargain all-you-can-eat buffets, Vegas is the least expensive city in terms of food costs.
Reno is 4.8 percent above the national average
Las Vegas is 1.2 percent above the national average
However, just because Las Vegas has lower overall grocery costs, some food items here are still higher than in Reno. Picking up some steak will cost you $15.49 in Las Vegas but $13.68 in Reno. A half-gallon of milk is $3.07 in Reno compared to $2.34 in Vegas. Getting a dozen eggs will cost you $2.07 in Vegas but $1.81 in Reno.
With so many restaurants and buffets, both Reno and Vegas are great cities for dining out. While pricey, you’ll be paying about the same for a nice date night meal in both cities. Sitting down with your partner for a three-course meal at a nice restaurant will set you back $65 in Reno. The same kind of meal and outing in Vegas is slightly more affordable at $63.50.
Utility prices
Monthly utilities are another key consideration when deciding what state to live in. Every month, you’ll need to pay for essentials like electricity, water and internet. Utilities are one of the few costs of living areas in Nevada that are less than the national average. Looking at the cost of utilities around the state, you’ll be paying for your utilities in Reno than in Vegas.
Reno is 14.8 percent below the national average
Vegas is 2.4 percent below the national average
That being said, the cost of individual utilities doesn’t always reflect this. Reno residents pay around $134.45 for their total energy costs each month. Vegas residents pay far more at $173.88.
The average water bill in Nevada is $25. Nevada gets most of its water from the mighty Colorado River. However, most of the state is now in a severe drought, so most residents need to practice water-saving methods. Using less water in order to conserve water, it keeps the water bill down each month.
Transportation prices
In some ways, having a car is essential in Nevada. Its biggest metro areas are at opposite ends of the state from each other. Many Nevada residents also enjoy outdoorsy pursuits like hiking or climbing. This makes having a car a necessity. But if you mainly plan on staying around town, you can take advantage of public transit to save money.
According to the Nevada Department of Transportation, most communities around Nevada have access to some form of public transportation. Even many rural towns have transit options provided by local authorities. But while taking the car will save you money on gas and other car expenses, transportation costs around Nevada are higher than the national average. Here’s how these two Nevada cities stack up to the national average in terms of mass transit costs:
Reno is 17.9 percent above the national average
Las Vegas is 10.9 percent above the national average
As you can see, Reno is the more expensive option. Let’s take an in-depth look at public transportation options in both Reno and Vegas.
RTC in Reno
RTC Ride provides public transportation to the residents of Reno and Sparks in Washoe County. Their fleet of 70 buses operating 26 fixed routes has nearly 1,200 bus stops with their service area.
A single adult fare costs $2.00, but a full day pass only costs a dollar extra. A pre-purchased 31-day pass will set you back $65. Reduced fares are available for qualified residents like senior citizens, veterans and students at local colleges.
However, the majority of Reno residents still consider it necessary to have a car and easily get around. Even though RTC provides transit through the Reno metro area, it has a low transit score of 34. Similarly, the city’s walk and bike scores are only 52 and 59, respectively. While there are areas of Reno that are easy to navigate by foot, the overall city isn’t. So, whether you need to get across town or want to head to nearby Lake Tahoe, it’s a good idea to have a car in Reno.
RTC Southern Nevada in Las Vegas
Las Vegas and the greater Las Vegas Valley get their public transportation from RTC Southern Nevada. Its fleet of buses operates 38 fixed routes, servicing nearly 4,000 stops. Since Vegas is such a popular vacation spot, RTC offers both visitor and residential routes and fares. Take The Deuce, for example. So-called because the original buses servicing this route were double-deckers, this services the Las Vegas Strip and downtown. But, let’s focus on residential fares.
Bus tickets on residential routes cost $2 for a single ride, $3 for two hours and $5 for a full day. Students, veterans and other eligible citizens can get reduced fares for their rides.
If you plan on spending lots of time on the Strip, you can also use the Las Vegas Monorail. This 3.9-mile long monorail runs adjacent to the Strip, connecting many major casinos. It’s a great option for beating traffic. A 30-day unlimited pass costs $65. One ride costs $5. However, this option is primarily aimed at tourists.
Many Vegas residents still need a car to easily get around, though. Vegas’ transit score is a low 36. Apart from the Strip and downtown, Las Vegas is also not a very walkable city. Its walk score is 41 and its bike score is 46. You can get around neighborhoods or the Strip on foot or by bike, but the entire city is not accessible.
Healthcare prices
Due to its nature, it’s difficult to calculate healthcare averages. The cost of healthcare varies widely from person to person based on a variety of factors. These include the cost of prescription drugs, insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs for doctor visits. Whether a person has a pre-existing condition or not can also affect their healthcare costs. It’s important to keep that in mind when looking at the average cost of healthcare in a given city. Just because one city is above or below the national average doesn’t mean the costs are exactly the same for each person.
Healthcare costs in Nevada vary widely by area. Some parts of the state are above the national average. Others rank below. Although it varies person-to-person, you’ll likely pay a bit more than the national average for healthcare in Reno.
Reno is 6.6 percent above the national average
Las Vegas is 3.9 percent below the national average
Unfortunately, Nevada doesn’t rank very well nationally in terms of healthcare. It’s considered one of the worst states when it comes to quality of healthcare. Going to the doctor’s office in Reno costs roughly $127.50 compared to $108.67 in Vegas. An over-the-counter bottle of Ibuprofen costs $15.04 in Reno. In Vegas, that same bottle would only cost you $10.83.
It’s important to plan doctor’s visits at least once a year. So, if the cost and quality of healthcare in Nevada don’t fit your needs, it’s not the best place for you.
Goods and services prices
Every month, it’s also important to budget for miscellaneous goods and services. These include basic things like going to get a haircut or seeing a movie. Some miscellaneous goods and services are essential, like getting new clothes or buying a toothbrush. Others are part of maintaining your personal lifestyle and doing things you enjoy. That can range from taking a yoga class to hanging out at a bar with friends and having a beer. With cities like Reno and Vegas that have active nightlife and entertainment scenes, budgeting for fun, out-on-the-town activities are essential.
Overall, the cost of goods and services in Nevada falls below the national average:
Reno is 6.3 percent below the national average
Las Vegas is 8.3 percent below the national average
However, just because one city has lower overall rates doesn’t mean everything will be cheaper. Getting a haircut in Vegas costs $24. But in Reno, you’ll only pay around $15.80 for that new ‘do. Going out to the movies will take $10.38 out of your pocket in Reno but $12.94 in Vegas.
Often, a big part of monthly goods and services spending goes toward childcare. For your child to attend a month of preschool or kindergarten at a private institution costs $835 in Vegas. The same kind of childcare in Reno is still costly, but slightly less so at $740. So, if you have a family and are looking for affordable childcare, Reno is the more budget-friendly option.
Taxes in Nevada
Nevada’s statewide sales tax is 6.85 percent. For every $1,000 you spend in Nevada, $68.50 will be going straight to taxes. But it’s also important to remember that individual cities and counties may also levy their own additional sales tax on top of the state rate. Both Reno and Nevada tack on additional sales tax. This is a great way for these touristy cities to bring in revenue, but it’s not so great for your wallet.
Reno has a combined tax rate of 8.27 percent
Las Vegas has a combined tax rate of 8.375 percent
As you can see, the combined sales tax in Reno and Vegas significantly hikes up the statewide rate. It’s not surprising that Vegas has the highest sales tax. $83.75 dollars goes to tax for every $1,000 you spend on those fabulous Vegas experiences. That adds up towards your cost of living in Nevada.
How much do I need to earn to live in Nevada?
Because it’s generally the biggest expense, housing is the cornerstone of most monthly budgets. Experts recommend that you only spend 30 percent of your gross monthly income on housing. That way, you have 70 percent left over for other essentials like utilities, as well as fun expenditures and savings.
Since the average rent in Nevada is $1,663 for a one-bedroom apartment, you’d need to make around $5,543 a month to fit into the 30 percent rule. That comes out to $66,516 per year. Since the median household income in Nevada is only $62,043, housing should fall comfortably within most people’s budgets.
If you need to crunch some numbers for the cost of living in Nevada to see what you can afford to pay in rent, use our handy rent calculator.
Living in Nevada
While some cost of living areas are more expensive than others, for the most part, Nevada is an affordable place to call home. With housing costs on the rise, you can likely find more affordable housing in towns and communities around or near major metro areas. That way, you can stay within budget but still live close to everything that Vegas and Reno have to offer. For both urbanites and nature lovers, Nevada offers a great mix of things to do and its cost of living can fit a variety of budgets and lifestyles.
Related articles
The Cost of Living Index comes from COLI.ORG.
The rent information included in this summary is based on a calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Rent. as of June 2022.
Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.
Mortgage applications fell for the fifth consecutive week as the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose to 7.31%, its highest level since December 2000. For the week that ended August 18, mortgage applications fell 4.2% from the prior week, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association.
This decrease in applications comes on the heels of a drastic U.S. bond yields spike last week. The yields jumped to their highest level since 2008, north of 4.3%.
“Investors in the bond market were reacting to the government issuing debt while expecting the Federal Reserve to increase rates in September amid persistent inflation,” HousingWire’s Flávia Furlan Nunes wrote last week.
Elevated rates and the erosion of purchasing power has resulted in potential buyers fleeing the market, noted Joel Kan, MBA’s vice president and deputy chief economist in a statement.
“Low housing supply is also keeping home prices high in many markets, adding to the affordability hurdles buyers are facing,” he added.
The share of adjustable-rate mortgage applications increased to 7.6% last week, the highest level in five months, and the number of ARM applications picked up by 4%.
“Some homebuyers are looking to lower their monthly payments by accepting some interest rate risk after the initial fixed period,” said Kan.
Meanwhile, the refinance index decreased 3% since last week and is 35% lower than it was the same week a year ago. The unadjusted purchase index decreased 7% compared with the previous week and was 30% lower than the same week one year ago.
At Mortgage News Daily, 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rates were at 7.49% on Tuesday. At HousingWire’s Mortgage Rates Center, Optimal Blue had rates at 7.30% on Tuesday.
The Federal Housing Administration loans’ share increased to 14.3% from 13.8% the week prior. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs loans’ share decreased to 11.6% from 11.8 the week prior. Lastly, the U.S. Department of Agriculture loans’ share increased to 0.5% from 0.4% a week prior.
The average contract interest rate for 5/1 ARMs fell to 6.50% from 6.20% a week prior.
U.S. airlines aren’t required to compensate passengers for flight delays. Refunds are only guaranteed for entirely canceled flights (assuming the passenger opts not to be rebooked by the airline). There’s also no legal requirement for airlines to offer additional flight delay compensation.
That said, most U.S. airlines have pledged to provide additional services or amenities to customers affected by disrupted flights, as documented in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s customer service dashboard. But those pledged amenities can be semi-stingy. While every major U.S. airline offers meal vouchers for delays of three hours or more, only Alaska Airlines promises frequent flyer miles.
I’ve had two flight mishaps this year — yet both times I got compensation above what the U.S. government requires, and greater than what the airlines pledged.
Here’s the script I used to get travel vouchers, bonus miles and a free meal.
Southwest delayed flight compensation: a meal voucher and travel credit
The first delay I experienced this year happened as I traveled from Oakland, Calif., to St. Louis on a Southwest Airlines flight that entailed a layover in Denver.
Because the Oakland flight departed late, I (and 20 of my now closest friends seeking the same connection) arrived minutes after the boarding door closed on the St. Louis-bound flight. Together, we stood and watched our plane take off.
Southwest automatically rebooked us on the next departing flight, but that meant an irritatingly long layover plus a 2 a.m. arrival time in St. Louis.
I beelined to Southwest’s customer service desk, and after exchanging niceties, I said, “I’m going to land nearly three hours late, which means my ride home isn’t going to be able to pick me up. Do you offer any sort of compensation?”
They said they didn’t cover rides home, so I asked what else they could provide.
The agent offered me a $100 voucher toward future Southwest flights, something no airlines promise, besides Alaska Airlines and JetBlue.
I accepted, and as they printed the voucher, I said, “I don’t want to be greedy, but do you offer meal vouchers?”
Southwest’s delay compensation stance is to offer meal vouchers for delays of three hours or more, plus a hotel stay (and ground transportation to that hotel) for overnight delays. Though my delay was just under three hours, the agent printed out a $14 voucher, which covered dinner at Panda Express.
United canceled flight compensation: travel credits and miles
My second flight mishap of 2023 fell under United Airlines’ July Fourth weekend meltdown. My coach and I were headed to Colorado to compete at the 2023 USA Weightlifting National Championships when United canceled our flight entirely.
While the United cancellation policy promises to book you on the next available flight, the next available flight wasn’t for two days — after the competition ended.
Since federal law requires airlines to refund you for canceled flights (as long as you opt not to take another flight with them), I quickly bought two last-minute seats on another airline. There was no way I was going to miss the competition.
After the dust had settled, I filed for and received a full refund. United also sent us both (and everyone else caught up in the meltdown) 30,000 United MileagePlus miles, which NerdWallet estimates are worth about $360.
But our last-minute flights weren’t cheap — and I also booked an Uber because the hotel shuttle had stopped running by our new (delayed) arrival time. So I sent a message to the United customer service team through its online form. Here’s what I said:
“Hi there!
My Wednesday flight was canceled and the next available option was Friday. I was competing at a weightlifting meet on Friday morning, so that alternative would not have been possible. Instead, I booked a last-minute flight for my coach and me on Southwest, which was $279.97 per person and got in at about 2 a.m.
Originally we were going to take the hotel shuttle, but since it stopped running at midnight, I also paid $39.62 for an Uber.
I am requesting compensation of $599.56 (both our airfares plus the Uber) to cover the unanticipated expenses. I know Southwest offered compensation for flights on other airlines when it had a similar cancellation situation in January, so thanks in advance for providing it to United customers.”
While United didn’t give me the $599.56 I requested, a customer service rep did issue me a $500 certificate toward future United flights. That was on top of the airfare refund, plus $720 worth of miles between us.
Considering that my out-of-pocket expenses to get us there last-minute amounted to about $700, we actually profited off United’s meltdown (assuming we’ll use the United vouchers and miles).
Tips for maximizing delayed flight compensation
Major flight disruptions are almost inevitable for frequent flyers. In the first four months of 2023, only 76.49% of flights arrived on time. More specifically, 21.6% of flights were delayed and 1.7% were canceled entirely, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
And while my two personal anecdotes had a happy ending, such outcomes are hardly a guarantee, particularly in the U.S., which provides few legal protections for disrupted flights. That’s in contrast to EU flight delay compensation rules, where travelers are legally entitled to up to 600 euros (about $660), depending on the delay.
Know what compensation you’re entitled to in the U.S.
Before seeking compensation for delayed flights, understand what you’re legally entitled to.
For canceled flights: Most airlines will rebook you on the next departing flight to your destination at no additional cost beyond the initial airfare paid.
If you choose not to take another flight on that airline, you are legally entitled to a refund.
For delayed flights: Airlines are not required to provide flight delay compensation. Compensation is only required when “bumped” from an oversold flight, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Look to travel insurance
Your travel insurance policy may help (if you have one). Many policies offer trip-delay and interruption benefits that can alleviate delay-related costs such as meals or hotel accommodations. While travel insurance typically costs extra, you might already have it because many credit cards provide trip insurance on trips paid for with that card.
Act quickly
If your flight is canceled or delayed, move quickly to get rebooked, or make alternative arrangements before seats fill up. You might be competing with all of the other passengers on your disrupted flight for a limited number of seats on the next departing flight. In situations like United’s July Fourth weekend meltdown, or the 2022 Southwest meltdown, you might be competing with a lot more than just one aircraft full of people to get to your destination.
While comparison shopping is wise in some situations, if getting to your destination is critical amidst a last-minute disruption, then booking any flight — assuming it’s in your budget — might be the best move.
Be polite
The customer service agent is likely stressed and overwhelmed, so show kindness when asking for support. I suspect that’s what worked for me.
In both situations, I got to my destinations with some delay, but I felt appropriately compensated because of it. And once I finally made it to the weightlifting competition, managing the hassle felt worth it, as I even medaled at USAW Nationals.
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:
Known for his distinctive and avant-garde architectural designs, Harry Gesner often pushed the boundaries of traditional norms, incorporating unique shapes, materials, and spatial arrangements into his projects.
His work defied conventional architectural styles and embraced a more organic, free-flowing approach that was ahead of its time.
And design was not the only pioneering element of Gesner’s work.
Long before sustainable design became a mainstream concern, the California-born architect was incorporating environmentally friendly principles into his designs. He used natural materials, passive solar techniques, and energy-efficient features to minimize the environmental impact of his buildings.
His most famous project, the Wave House in Malibu, is one of the most recognizable homes on the California coastline. Designed to resemble the ocean’s waves, the cresting house (formerly owned by musician Rod Stewart) is said to have been the inspiration for the Sydney Opera House, and has recently landed on the market for an eye-watering $49.5 million.
Next to his most famous creation, we find the pioneering architect’s personal home, an equally striking architectural home that’s currently on the market for $22,500,000.
Harry Gesner’s Sandcastle House in Malibu. Photo credit: Mike Helfrich courtesy of Compass
Visionary architect Harry Gesner’s personal home: The Sandcastle House in Malibu
Known as the Sandcastle House due to the roofline’s unique design, inspired by sandcastles, Harry Gesner’s house in Malibu is a true architectural feat.
With 122 feet of beachfront land, this uniquely cylindrical 6-bedroom, 6-bathroom property comes with 3 additional small living units and so many unique features that it would “take a few pages to list them all”, Zen Gesner — the architect’s son and one of the listing agents for the property — admitted in an email. He did, however, add that “I’d be happy to share them all with whomever is curious to hear about them.”
Photo credit: Mike Helfrich courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Mike Helfrich courtesy of Compass
The main home’s entry features a library sitting area with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and panoramic ocean views, while the heart of the home features beams and a wood-plank ceiling wrapped by windows with large living and dining areas, and a Hollywood Bowl-inspired brick fireplace with a large concrete hearth that was designed as a stage.
See also: The Sowden House, an architectural gem with a grim backstory and ties to the Black Dahlia case
“The Fireplace was built to resemble a Greek Theater Shell with the cantilevered concrete hearth as the stage, and the sunken living room in front of it becoming the theater house,” Zen Gesner shares.
The space was “Built for my mother, Nan Martin (his wife), who was a well-known Broadway actress“, to act as her stage, complete with a large, polished concrete hearth.
Inside the Sandcastle House in Malibu, Calif. Photo credit: Mike Helfrich courtesy of CompassInside the Sandcastle House in Malibu, Calif. Photo credit: Mike Helfrich courtesy of CompassInside the Sandcastle House in Malibu, Calif. Photo credit: Mike Helfrich courtesy of CompassInside the Sandcastle House in Malibu, Calif. Photo credit: Mike Helfrich courtesy of Compass
A solarium with stained glass panels flanks the dining area, and the kitchen wraps around a circular island featuring stained glass lunettes fitted into the overhead beams, a fireplace, new appliances, a breakfast bar, and a walk-in pantry.
Inside the Sandcastle House in Malibu, Calif. Photo credit: Mike Helfrich courtesy of CompassInside the Sandcastle House in Malibu, Calif. Photo credit: Mike Helfrich courtesy of Compass
Two ensuite bedrooms are located on the main level, while the primary suite tower is located upstairs, boasting high ceilings with large beams, eyebrow windows, a brick fireplace, a sitting area with ocean views, and a spiral staircase that leads up to a loft space.
Inside the Sandcastle House in Malibu, Calif. Photo credit: Mike Helfrich courtesy of CompassInside the Sandcastle House in Malibu, Calif. Photo credit: Mike Helfrich courtesy of CompassInside the Sandcastle House in Malibu, Calif. Photo credit: Mike Helfrich courtesy of Compass
In addition to the main house, there’s also a “tree house” apartment with a kitchenette, living and dining room area, a bedroom and bathroom, and a wraparound deck with ocean views.
Also on the property, a “boat house” adds extra space that includes a full kitchen, an ocean-view living and dining room area with a full bathroom and a bedroom, while the third addition is a smaller, one-bedroom “nest” apartment that features an open-air living area, deck, teepee-covered daybed as well as stained glass above an indoor-outdoor cabana.
Photo credit: Mike Helfrich courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Mike Helfrich courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Mike Helfrich courtesy of Compass
Built almost entirely out of salvaged materials, the Sandcastle House stands as testament to Harry Gesner’s commitment to sustainable construction.
When building his cherished family home, the architect used telephone poles, reclaimed bricks, wall panels made from aqueduct pipes, birdseye maple from a high school gym, old-growth redwood harvested in the 1800s, and windows and doors saved from one of Hollywood’s silent film theaters.
Related: The Chemosphere House and 6 other striking John Lautner-designed homes
As Gesner said about Sandcastle in Houses of the Sundown Sea: The Architectural Vision of Harry Gesner (the book about his life and work): “The spirit in the design and materials are what you immediately feel in this house. All people who enter and spend a brief period or long time here immediately feel at home and relaxed. The experience never becomes commonplace or boring because over everything is the sound and rhythm of the waves breaking on the shore in front of the house.”
Photo credit: Mike Helfrich courtesy of Compass
Now on the market for $22.5 million
The architectural marvel has remained in the Gesner family ever since it was built in the early 1970s.
Following Harry Gesner’s passing in 2022, the property landed on the market in May 2023 with a $27,500,000 asking price and a stellar team. The price has since dropped to $22,500,000.
Leading Malibu real estate agent Chris Cortazzo shares the listing with the architect’s own son, Zen Gesner. The two Compass agents are also part of the team repping Gesner’s neighboring masterpiece, the $49.5 million Wave House.
“Malibu CA has a tendency to defy market trends because it’s one of the greatest places to live in the world. People who visit tend to fall in love with the beautiful beach community, incredible scenery, and the lifestyle,” Zen Gesner tells us, adding that “There is nowhere else like it.”
Adding to the appeal: living in a house that’s worthy of a James Bond villain and owning a piece of architectural history.
Are you reading this article on your mobile device? Watch our web story on Harry Gesner’s house (in a more mobile-friendly format).
More Malibu houses
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See Lady Gaga’s house in Malibu, which she calls her ‘Gypsy Palace’
While greater industry adoption of AVMs holds the potential to modernize and improve the valuation process, the MBA and CBA (Consumer Bankers Association) said the agencies should be mindful of the practicalities of model risk management and potential consequences, such as the impact on the availability of GSE waivers and alternative valuation methods. Heightened compliance … [Read more…]
New Zillow research finds the share of first-time buyers has hit 50%, the highest level in years
SEATTLE, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Half of all home buyers are purchasing their first home, the highest share that Zillow has ever recorded. Zillow’s 2023 Consumer Housing Trends Report finds that first-time buyers now make up 50% of all home buyers, up from 45% last year and a meaningful jump from 37% in 2021. The share of first-time buyers likely hasn’t been this high since around 2010, when there was a first-time home buyer tax credit.
First-time buyers are making gains relative to repeat buyers. Zillow research finds a vast majority of homeowners with mortgages have locked in a rate below 5%, and are almost half as likely to consider moving. It’s true that first-time buyers make up a larger piece of a smaller pie, as home sales and inventory shrink. However, this significant rise in the share of first-time buyers helps explain what’s driving demand and keeping upward pressure on prices in a market with mortgage rates surpassing 7%.
“High mortgage rates and a shortage of inventory is keeping would-be repeat buyers in their current homes,” said Zillow senior population scientist Manny Garcia. “A greater relative share of first-time buyers is filling the gap, and they’re competing against each other for the limited number of affordable starter homes on the market.”
Affordability is the greatest hurdle for first-time home buyers. It now takes nearly 12 years for a typical first-time buyer to save up for a down payment, compared to nine years prior to the pandemic. Meanwhile, the typical monthly home payment has more than doubled in that time. Yet the growing share of first-time buyers suggests many are getting creative to make homeownership a reality.
Zillow’s report finds that most first-time buyers are tapping at least two sources to finance their down payment (60%), most commonly their savings and gifts from family or friends. Down payment assistance can help, and available programs are included on every for-sale listing on Zillow.
There are other tools helping first-time buyers anticipate and manage monthly costs. A new app filter on Zillow allows shoppers to search for homes by monthly mortgage cost, instead of by list price. In addition, a growing share of buyers are paying an upfront fee to reduce the interest rate on their mortgage and in turn, lower their monthly payment. Research from Zillow Home Loans finds nearly 45% of conventional primary home borrowers bought points to ease monthly costs, compared to 30% who did the same in 2021.
Nearly half of first-time home buyers are millennials (49%), a massive generation of adults ages 29–43 who are fueling fundamental housing demand as they hit their prime home-buying years. Gen Z adults between 18 and 28 years old are hot on their heels, making up more than one-quarter of all first-time buyers (27%).
These younger buyers are debunking the “lazy millennial” myth by working harder during the home-buying process. Zillow’s report finds that first-time buyers are more likely to contact at least three real estate agents and three mortgage lenders, compared to repeat buyers. They’re also more likely to make at least two offers on homes, and are more likely to report being denied a mortgage at least once before they’re approved for a loan. First-time buyers are seeing their persistence pay off for a piece of the American Dream, and many still believe the opportunity to build equity outweighs today’s higher costs of entry.
About Zillow Group:
Zillow Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: Z and ZG) is reimagining real estate to make home a reality for more and more people. As the most visited real estate website in the United States, Zillow and its affiliates help people find and get the home they want by connecting them with digital solutions, great partners, and easier buying, selling, financing and renting experiences.
Zillow Group’s affiliates, subsidiaries and brands include Zillow®; Zillow Premier Agent®; Zillow Home Loans℠; Trulia®; Out East®; StreetEasy®; HotPads®; and ShowingTime+℠, which includes ShowingTime®, Bridge Interactive®, and dotloop®.
Sarah Jessica Parker has a great eye for fashion, and unsurprisingly, that translates into great taste in the home space. So when Etsy asked her to co-judge their 2023 Etsy Design Awards, alongside their trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson, we couldn’t help but stan this perfect partnership. The pair hand picked their favorite Etsy goods from 150 finalists (narrowed down from thousands of submissions from across the globe!), and winners received cash prizes, in addition to a bunch of other perks.
Of course, with SJP in the picture, the grand prize winner had to be a fashion item (this stunning vegan cactus leather bag), but we were so delighted and excited by the cool home decor picks, we also felt the need to join in on celebrating these small makers and their handmade goods. After all, they’re SJP-approved, which makes them even more covetable!
Handmade Ceramic Planter with Chain
terrosostudios.etsy.com
We love the story behind this Etsy shop: The owner was originally from Syria and had an engineering degree. After relocating to Canada, he discovered his passion for pottery and began crafting his own ceramic pieces, inspired by ancient cultural techniques. We love how this planter has a drainage hole and a dish, two things that are annoyingly often missing from flower pots. (And it’s not lost on us that the chain is vaguely reminiscent of a handbag… Hi, SJP!) $137, terrosostudios.etsy.com
The Dandelion Interactive Lighting
mozidozen.etsy.com
This wildly innovative lighting piece (yes, it’s actually lighting) was technically selected by previous Etsy winners. Blowing on the dandelion’s “seeds,” or the felt portion, turns on the light! Because it’s battery-operated, it’s easy to transfer between rooms. It emits a pleasant, soft glow, which makes it the perfect nightlight. $191, mozidozen.etsy.com
Ifeoluwa Wall Art
dorcascreates.etsy.com
Super affordable, unique art?! Yes, please! This giclee print, illustrated by Dorcas Magbadelo, captures the beauty and strength of Black women, which is Dorcas’s mission with all of her art. And just like the other pieces, this one has a Yoruba name, which pays homage to Dorcas’s cultural identity. From $54, dorcascreates.etsy.com
1970s Glass Lounge Chair After Lenci by Adrian Pearsall
abtmodern.etsy.com
This chair made us swoon—and confirmed our prediction that the 70s are making a huge comeback. To be clear, it’s a vintage, one-of-a-kind piece, and it’s not cheap, but we love its inclusion in the awards because it highlights the sustainable direction consumers are headed; they’re buying more pre-loved treasures. It’s awesome for the planet! And this chair proves not everything vintage is dusty and sad. You really can find so many gems out there! $6,400, abtmodern.etsy.com
Custom Wood Portraits
texashoover.etsy.com
Continuing on the sustainability theme, this Etsy shop owner and artist uses his woodworking skills to repurpose lumber salvaged from fallen trees, turning it all into custom art. His bespoke portraits feature intricately cut pieces of wood that he personally mills! It makes for a great newlywed or housewarming gift—we love how the rustic charm will instantly warm up any space. From $495, texashoover.etsy.com
Want to learn how to get free Apple gift cards? Here are 13 ways.
Want to learn how to get free Apple gift cards?
Who wouldn’t want to receive Apple gift cards for free? After all, you can use an Apple gift card for buying a laptop, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, iCloud, and more. In this article, I’ll share several methods to help you earn Apple gift cards all from home.
Many websites allow you to earn free Apple gift cards by completing simple tasks, scanning your grocery receipt, or participating in market research. These platforms don’t only provide Apple gift cards; some also offer other free gift cards like Visa or Amazon.
Now, before you think this isn’t possible. I have personally earned over 100 free gift cards over the years and it’s always nice to use a free gift card to pay for something that I want.
Related content:
How to Earn Free Apple Gift Cards
Today, I will be talking about the different ways you can earn free Apple gift cards. By spending your time on these sites and apps, you can earn rewards and points that can be traded for gift cards.
Here’s a quick list before we begin:
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a popular rewards platform where you can earn points (called Swagbucks or SBs) by completing tasks like taking surveys, watching videos, or playing games. The earned points can be redeemed for various gift cards, including Apple Store gift cards (and even Google Play gift cards).
I have been using Swagbucks for years, and I have earned over 105 gift cards for free so far. It is easy to earn points and the site is very easy to use.
How Swagbucks works:
Click here to sign up for free for Swagbucks (and receive a $10 bonus).
Start collecting points by answering surveys, using their search engine, playing games, using coupons, and more.
After you’ve collected enough points, you can redeem them for Apple gift cards. (as well as many other options).
2. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards is an app that allows you to earn points by scanning receipts from grocery stores. The points earned can be redeemed for Apple gift cards and other rewards.
I use Fetch Rewards every single time I go to the grocery store. It takes less than a minute to use and earn points, so it’s a no-brainer. My routine involves visiting the grocery store and shopping as usual. No need to open the Fetch Rewards app beforehand. After shopping, I check out, and upon getting home, I open the app on my phone and take a photo of my receipt. Fetch Rewards swiftly scans and credits my account with points – a quick and easy process!
Here is how Fetch Rewards works:
Purchase items in your usual manner, whether online or in physical stores.
Capture an image of your receipt using your phone when you’ve finished shopping.
Accumulate points through Fetch Rewards.
You can sign up for Fetch Rewards by clicking here.
3. Honey
Honey is a browser extension that automatically applies coupon codes when you shop online.
Honey is a little secret weapon for online shopping. Imagine shopping like you usually do, and right at checkout, Honey swoops in to find and apply the best coupon codes for you.
Later on, you can turn those points into free Apple gift cards. And guess what? It’s super simple – just two clicks! Oh, and the best part? It won’t cost you a dime – it’s totally free!
You can learn more about Honey here.
4. American Consumer Opinion
American Consumer Opinion is a market research company that rewards users for sharing their opinions through online surveys. Once your earnings reach a certain threshold, you can redeem them for gift cards or cash.
Signing up won’t cost you a thing, and you can earn $1 to $5 (the longer surveys pay more!). They’ve given out a whopping $35 million+ to survey takers, with 20 million surveys posted. And guess what? They’ve got a massive community of 7 million+ members!
Click here to sign up for American Consumer Opinion.
5. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is a dedicated survey platform where you can earn points by taking part in daily surveys. These points can be exchanged for Apple gift card codes or other rewards like PayPal money or prepaid Visa debit cards.
Answering three surveys daily on Survey Junkie will earn you around $40 a month.
Companies pay for opinions and online surveys because they are trying to figure out what they can do to improve their products and company. Sometimes, they even use feedback to create whole new products to fill a need. Paid online surveys are extremely helpful for a company, as you can see.
You can sign up for Survey Junkie by clicking here.
6. Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys is another survey platform where you can earn points by answering questions, which can later be redeemed for free gift cards. The surveys typically take 5-15 minutes to complete, and your feedback helps improve a company and/or their product.
They’re all about online surveys that pay you, ranging from $0.50 to $5.00 per survey. And here’s the kicker: joining up is absolutely free, just like I always suggest.
Now, here’s the cool part – Branded Surveys has showered their members with over $39 million in rewards. Impressive, right? And the cherry on top? They’ve got a treasure trove of 100+ free gift card options, such as free Apple gift cards.
You can sign up for Branded Surveys by clicking here.
7. Prize Rebel
Prize Rebel is a platform that offers a wide array of tasks to complete for rewards points. These tasks include surveys, watching videos, and even signing up for offers. Once you accumulate enough points, you can redeem them for Apple gift cards or other rewards.
What makes Prize Rebel shine? It’s a global party! Whether you’re in the U.S. or beyond, they’ve got room for you. No more location troubles! You can use Prize Rebel from almost any country in the world. However, surveys are not available to every country, but there are still other ways to earn points on this website such as by completing offer walls and referring new members.
And the cherry on top? They’ve shared over $29 million in cash and free gift card rewards since 2007. Time to snag those rewards, my friend!
You can sign up for Prize Rebel by clicking here.
8. User Interviews
Listen up, because User Interviews is a standout in this lineup! It’s not your usual online survey spot – it’s a market research game changer. They pay much higher than the average survey site.
User Interviews is a platform that connects researchers with participants to conduct studies. By participating in these studies (usually in the form of interviews), you can earn cash, which can be used to buy Apple gift cards or other items.
You can earn $50 to $100 per hour or even more by sharing your insights on User Interviews on a variety of topics. Average payout? A sweet $65. These discussions happen over the phone or via video calls, with interviewers asking the questions. And guess what? They kickstart 2,000+ studies monthly, and they’ve rewarded over 87,000 folks in just the past year.
Click here to sign up for User Interviews.
9. Upside
Upside is a cash back rewards platform specifically for gas purchases. By using the app to find and purchase gas, you can earn cash back that can be redeemed for gift cards, such as for free iTunes gift cards.
This nifty phone app puts cash in your pocket whenever you hit up specific gas stations listed in their app. Now, not every single gas station will show up in the app, so you do need to do a little more work to get points (such as by going to a different gas station than normal).
Here’s how it works: Open the app to find nearby gas stations. Now, the fun part: you could score up to $0.25 per gallon cash back on gas! And the rewards don’t stop there. You can turn those earnings into cold hard cash in your bank or score awesome free gift cards.
You can sign up for Upside here.
10. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is another well-known platform that pays users for completing surveys, watching videos, reading emails, and even shopping online. You can cash out your earnings in the form of Apple gift cards or other popular options.
Most of their surveys pay around $0.50 to $5.00 and take 3 to 25 minutes to answer. The longer the survey, generally the more money it pays.
By signing up for InboxDollars via this link, you can get a free $5 sign-up bonus.
11. Ibotta App
Ibotta is a cash back app that gives you money when you shop, such as at a grocery store. By using the app and uploading your receipts after you’re done shopping, you can earn cash back on your purchases, which can be redeemed for Apple gift cards. I use Ibotta all the time and it is a great app!
Here’s how Ibotta works:
Step one: Get the app.
Step two: Browse available offers at the store you are planning to shop at.
Step three: Scan your receipt after you’re done shopping.
Ibotta is similar to Fetch Rewards, but there is a little more work involved. To get points on Ibotta, you will have to go to the app before you go to the grocery store and select the deals that you plan on buying. But, you are usually able to earn more points on Ibotta. The great thing about the two is that you can use the same receipts on both apps – so you can earn as many points as possible.
12. MyPoints
MyPoints is another rewards platform similar to Swagbucks, where you can earn points for shopping, playing games, and taking surveys. The points can be redeemed for Apple gift cards, Walmart gift cards, and more.
MyPoints has been featured in The New York Times, ABC News, Yahoo, and more.
They have given out more than $236 million in gift cards and PayPal cash since 1996.
Sign up for MyPoints here.
13. Referral Programs
By participating in various referral programs, usually by referring friends to a specific site or product, you can earn rewards points or cash that can be exchanged for Apple gift cards.
If you’re a fan of a website, service, or product, it’s worth checking if they have a referral program. You might score some awesome rewards while spreading the love!
How to Redeem Apple Gift Card Codes
So, you’ve redeemed your points and received an Apple gift card code. What’s next?
Apple Gift Cards can be used at the Apple Store, the Apple Store app, Apple.com, the App Store, iTunes, Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Books. So, you have a lot of options as you can see!
If it’s a physical gift card that you were given, then you will need to find the 16-digit code on the back of your Apple gift card or iTunes gift card. If your code is via email, you will have to simply just grab the code from the email that you receive. This code is important for redeeming the value of your gift card. Then, you will go to the App Store or the Apple website to redeem your gift card.
Also, quick note: you don’t need to have a current Apple account to use a free gift card. You can use your free gift card in-person at an Apple store (such as one at a mall near you).
But, if you want to redeem your free Apple gift card code via the online App Store, you will simply use your Apple device, such as a Mac, iPad, or iPhone and follow these instructions:
How to redeem a free Apple e-gift card on a Mac:
Open the App Store on your computer.
Click your name or the sign-in button.
Click Redeem Gift Card and follow the instructions.
If you have trouble redeeming the card with the camera, you can also enter your gift card code manually.
How to redeem a free Apple e-gift card on an iPad or iPhone:
Open the App Store on your device.
Click on your profile picture.
Scroll down to Redeem Gift Card or Code and follow the instructions.
After you successfully redeem your gift card, the balance will automatically be added to your Apple ID account. You can now use this credit to purchase Apple products like Macs, iPads, AirPods, and accessories. This area will also show you your Apple account balance so that you know how much you have left.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Apple Gift Cards
Here are answers to common questions about how to get an Apple gift card for free.
How can I get a free Apple gift card?
You can get a free Apple gift card by signing up on the websites above. These websites will pay you to complete a variety of tasks like answering paid surveys, watching videos and movies, or shopping online through their site. In return, they give you points that can be redeemed for Apple gift cards.
How can I get a $15 iTunes gift card code for free?
To get a $15 iTunes gift card for free, you can participate in tasks or activities on the many different sites above. These websites above give you rewards for shopping online, answering surveys, scanning your grocery receipts, and more. By earning points, you can redeem free Apple card codes for the amount you want, such as $15. Most websites will have a minimum that you can redeem as well.
What are some ways to earn free Apple gift cards online?
Some ways to earn free Apple gift cards online include participating in surveys, watching videos, shopping, or using cashback websites. Sites like Swagbucks, MyPoints, InboxDollars, and Rakuten can help you get free gift cards by earning points which you can redeem for Apple gift cards later.
Are there any apps that help in getting free iTunes gift card codes?
Yes, several apps help you to get free iTunes gift card codes. Swagbucks and Fetch Rewards are examples of apps that reward you with points for completing all different kinds of tasks. You can redeem your points for free iTunes gift card codes.
Where can I find free Apple gift card codes without taking surveys?
Okay, I get it – there are a lot of survey companies on this list! Finding free Apple gift card codes without signing up for a survey site can be a bit challenging, as most websites offering gift cards usually require participation in surveys, focus groups, or product testing. However, you can try using an app like Fetch Rewards, which gives you points for scanning your grocery receipts.
Do giveaways or contests offer a chance to win Apple gift cards?
Yes, you can win free Apple gift cards by entering giveaways and contests. These types of giveaways can be found on social media or websites, and participation often involves simple things that you need to do like following an account, sharing posts, or leaving a comment. You can start by simply searching #giveaway on social media. There are also giveaway websites that you can search for on Google that lists giveaways from around the web.
Are there any websites with free iTunes gift card email delivery?
When you earn a free iTunes gift card through many of the websites above, they typically give you the gift card code via email. Once you have enough points to redeem a gift card, the website will send you the gift card code through email, which you can use to add credit to your Apple account. Using your e-gift cards is very easy and quick! I have done it over 100 times.
How To Get Free Apple Gift Cards – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to get Apple gift cards for free. As you can see, there are many great options! Many of the sites above will give you several different gift card options other than Apple as well, such as free Visa gift cards, Amazon gift cards, and more.
Here’s a list of the different ways you can earn free Apple gift card codes:
Have you ever earned free Apple gift cards? Did you know that this was possible?