The continuous development of loss mitigation tools and practices in the mortgage industry will play an essential part in preventing future foreclosures, but additional safety nets — particularly for those mortgage customers who belong to historically disadvantaged populations — will play a critical role in thinning the racial wealth gap. One such tool rests with mortgage reserve accounts (MRAs).
This is according to a report published late last month by the Urban Institute, funded by the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco.
“Borrowers who have more liquid assets to fall back on are better able to sustain homeownership when they face temporary financial setbacks,” the report said. “Helping less affluent borrowers establish mortgage reserve accounts (MRAs) — ‘sidecar’ savings accounts that can be tapped to weather a financial shock — are one promising solution.”
There are a lot of questions that arise from the use of such tools including those surrounding implementation, achieving scale and making mortgage outcomes more equitable, the report says. With MRAs, however, variations on the concept “are under early-stage development by retail mortgage lenders and the secondary market actors Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac,” the report explained.
MRAs account for only one such tool that could impact the foreclosure rate among homeowners of color, as other approaches — including those in the insurance space — could be scaled to meet the needs of potential beneficiaries.
“Whatever the approach, if the foreclosure rate for Black mortgage borrowers decreased to the average foreclosure rate among white mortgage borrowers, an estimated 300,000 more Black homeowners would keep their homes and have the opportunity to build generational wealth,” the report explained. “Additionally, making mortgages less risky for lenders, insurers, and investors, in addition to families, should lead to an expansion of the credit box and allow even more households with modest incomes and resources to access and realize the benefits of homeownership.”
While several new loss mitigation tools have been developed in recent years, particularly in response to the economic shock caused by natural disasters in 2017-18 and the COVID-19 pandemic for many mortgage borrowers, there are “limited solutions that target the triggers of default and help Black homeowners avoid missing their mortgage payments in the first place,” the report said. “Research has shown that having financial reserves can help households avoid default.”
In comparison to other alternatives, MRAs are a viable option for preserving homeownership among vulnerable homeowners due to a unique combination of product features and flexibility, the report explained.
“Mortgage reserves do not necessarily require a subsidy, nor do they increase the costs of homeownership because they can be financed with money that would otherwise go toward the borrower’s down payment,” the report said. “Additionally, mortgage reserves can add substantial flexibility to a borrower’s finances, as the borrower’s residual income can cover a nonmortgage expense at the time it is incurred, while the reserve fund covers the mortgage.”
SmartAsset Advisors, LLC (“SmartAsset”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Financial Insight Technology, is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser. SmartAsset’s services are limited to referring users to third party registered investment advisers and/or investment adviser representatives (“RIA/IARs”) that have elected to participate in our matching platform based on information … [Read more…]
Checked bag fees can cost as much as $35 one-way — adding up quickly, especially if you travel with your family.
But by carrying the right credit card, you may be able to get these charges waived completely, and possibly even for your travel companions.
In this guide, we’ll go over the credit cards that feature free checked baggage as a benefit.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines charges a $30 fee for the first checked bag and $40 for the second on all its flights.
CHAD SLATTERY/ ALASKA AIRLINES
But for cardholders of the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card ($95 annual fee) and the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card ($70 for the company and $25 per card annual fee), you’ll be able to check a first bag for free for you and up to six additional passengers on the same reservation when you purchase your flight with your card.
These annual fees are well worth the cost, even if you travel with Alaska Airlines a handful of times yearly.
American Airlines
American Airlines charges $30 for your first checked bag and $40 for the second bag for all domestic flights, as well as those to Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
AMERICAN AIRLINES
However, the carrier offers multiple cobranded credit cards from two issuers: Citi and Barclays. Both issuers offer a free checked bag, depending on the card you carry in your wallet.
Citi AAdvantage Cards
There are three Citi cobranded options that offer a first free checked bag on domestic itineraries:
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The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select and the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select extend this free checked baggage benefit to you and up to four traveling companions on your reservation. Both cards have $99 annual fees that are waived for the first year.
The information for the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard and CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select World Mastercard have been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Meanwhile, the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard offers the same free checked bag benefit, but it extends to up to eight traveling companions on the same reservation. It has other benefits, such as Admirals Club lounge membership and a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application credit.
Barclays Aviator cards
Issued by Barclays, the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard ($99 annual fee) and the AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard ($95 annual fee) both offer a first bag checked free to the primary cardholder and four companions on domestic itineraries.
The information for the Aviator Red card and Aviator Business card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
None of these cards will waive the fee for your first checked bag on short-haul international flights.
Related: Best American Airlines credit cards
Delta Air Lines
Delta normally charges $30 each way for your first checked bag and $40 for your second bag on flights within the U.S.
DELTA
However, through most of the carrier’s consumer and business credit cards, you’ll get one free checked bag for the cardholder and eight others traveling on the same itinerary. To utilize this benefit, attach your Delta SkyMiles number to your reservation.
Here are the six Delta cards that offer this perk:
Related: Best Delta credit cards
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian charges $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second bag on flights from North America.
HAWAIIAN AIRLINES
Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard from Barclays cardholders receive two free checked bags — however, travel companions aren’t included in this benefit. The card comes with a $99 annual fee.
The information for the Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue charges $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second.
JETBLUE
Thankfully, you can avoid these charges if you carry the JetBlue Plus card or the JetBlue Business Card — both with a $99 annual fee. This free checked bag benefit extends to the primary cardholder (you) and three travel companions on your reservation.
The information for the JetBlue Plus card and the JetBlue Business Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: Credit card showdown: JetBlue Plus Card vs. JetBlue Business Card
United Airlines
United charges $35 per bag and $45 for the second on all domestic flights, but there’s a total of four cards you can apply for to avoid checked bag fees.
UNITED AIRLINES
The United Explorer Card ($95 annual fee, waived the first year) and the United Business Card ($99 annual fee, waived the first year) let you bring your first checked bag free for you and a companion on your reservation.
Meanwhile, the United Club Infinite Card ($525 annual fee) and the United Quest Card ($250 annual fee) let you check two free bags for the primary cardholder and one companion on the same reservation.
However, there’s a big caveat here. Per the terms of this benefit, you must have your MileagePlus number on your reservation and purchase your ticket with the applicable card for the perk to apply. If you use a different card offering a better earning rate on airfare, you may miss out on the free checked bags.
Related: Best credit cards for United flyers
Other cards worth considering
While opening any of the airline credit cards above is a great way to save on checked bag fees, what happens if you fly with multiple carriers throughout the year?If you tend to prioritize price or convenience over sticking with a particular airline, it may not be worth it to apply for a cobranded credit card that offers perks solely on that one carrier.
THOMAS BARWICK/GETTY IMAGES
An alternative is to apply for a credit card that comes with more general travel benefits and can reimburse you for checked bag charges:
The information for the Hilton Honors Aspire has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: What still triggers Amex airline fee reimbursements?
What you should know about checked bags
Here are some tips to keep in mind when taking advantage of your free checked bag benefit on your airline cards:
Free baggage benefits don’t stack
There’s a popular misconception that your credit card will offer an additional free checked bag rather than the first free checked bag. Unfortunately, these credit cards’ fee waivers wouldn’t apply if you already receive a free checked bag due to your elite status, class of service or travel to an overseas destination. Therefore, you will not receive an additional free checked bag beyond your existing allowance just for holding a credit card that offers this benefit.
Some airlines make exceptions, but check your airline’s policy before assuming a second bag will be covered.
Make sure to book your ticket correctly to use this benefit
With most of these offers, you only have to attach your frequent flyer number to your reservation to be given the free checked bag benefit. The exceptions are Alaska and United, which require you to purchase the ticket (or pay taxes and fees on an award ticket) using your airline credit card.
You’ll want to keep these tips in mind when trying to avoid checked baggage fees. IAM ANUPONG/GETTY IMAGES
Be careful booking large groups on a single reservation
It’s nice that several of these credit cards offer free baggage for multiple companions, but there’s a potential catch. When searching for flights, airlines will display a single airfare that applies to all tickets rather than offer lower fares for some passengers. So if only three seats are offered for $300 each, and the next best fare is $400, booking four people together in one reservation will cost $400 each.
Clearly, paying the extra $300 will not be worth it to receive a free bag worth $50 each round trip. So before booking reservations for multiple people, be sure to check the price for a single passenger and take into account your credit card’s bag fee waivers before deciding whether to book your party with multiple reservations.
Book flights on Southwest
Southwest Airlines is the only domestic carrier not to charge checked bag fees for any traveler, offering two free checked bags weighing 50 pounds or less each on every single flight.
Bottom line
Airfare can be costly by itself, but additional bag fees can quickly add up — especially when traveling with a large family. Thankfully, there are several ways to avoid these costs. In fact, many of the airline cards on this list that offer a free checked bag carry annual fees under $100.
Therefore, it’s worth crunching the numbers. Even if you fly with that airline several times in one year, it’s easy to justify paying the ongoing annual fee — and that’s not even factoring in any welcome bonuses or other perks the cards offer.
Additional reporting by Emily Thompson and Jason Steele.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click here. For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Aspire, click here.
Michigan State University Federal Credit Union in East Lansing is opening five branches in Chicago. This is its first expansion outside of its home state.
Semma Burba
The Spartans are invading the Windy City.
Michigan State University Federal Credit Union said this week that it will make its first-ever expansion outside of Michigan by opening five branches in Chicago next year.
The $7.5 billion-asset credit union in East Lansing said the institution’s strategy has been to locate branches where its members live, and more than 10,000 Michigan State University students and alumni now reside in Chicago.
“Many MSU alumni move to Chicago post-graduation,” President and CEO April Clobes said in an interview. “In addition, the incoming MSU student class has a high number from Illinois.”
The branches will be located in the Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Gold Coast and Old Town neighborhoods.
Clobes said MSUFCU has been evaluating the Chicago region for some time, and the right mix of retail locations near where its existing and eligible members reside became available.
Post-covid, there were more available location options to consider, she said.
MSUFCU is the second largest credit union in Michigan behind only the $12.4 billion-asset Lake Michigan Credit Union in Caledonia.
“Many MSU alumni move to Chicago post-graduation,” President and CEO April Clobes said.
Dave Trumpie-Trumpie Photography
MSUFCU has offered services digitally to members outside of Michigan for many years, including selling mortgage products in 18 states across the country.
But Clobes said physical locations grow membership and existing member balances faster than digital services alone.
“Our members and eligible members are able to do all of their business with the credit union online, yet when we move into a market, the members appreciate having a branch location for complex transactions and financial education,” she said.
Whether digital or physical, credit unions need to be able to differentiate themselves to their members and ensure they have the product mix and delivery channels.
While members make nearly 2 million visits a year to MSUFCU branches, they log in to its mobile app 36 million times a year.
“Their branch visits are purposeful for when the member would like to be assisted by our team versus self-serve. Physical locations help to support a growing community through employment and economic activity as well,” Clobes said.
Michael Fryzel, a Chicago attorney and former chairman of the National Credit Union Administration, called the entry into the Chicago market by Michigan State University FCU an “excellent move.”
“The potential exists for substantial membership growth for the credit union. There are thousands of MSU graduates and family members who live and work in the city and surrounding suburbs,” Fryzel said.
Michigan State University FCU has more than 350,000 members. Clobes said historically when the credit union adds a branch to a digital-only region, it grows about 30% in both balances and new members in that area.
She anticipates the Chicago market will see similar growth.
“Our annual new member growth is between 5% and 6%, and we anticipate that moving to a new market area will help us maintain this level of membership growth through better retention of existing members as well as attracting new eligible members,” Clobes said.
So will the Chicago expansion serve as a springboard for moves into more out-of-state markets?
Clobes was noncommittal.
The credit union already has plans for growth in new markets and in the areas it already serves in Lansing, Traverse City Grand Rapids, Oakland County and metro Detroit.
“We will evaluate the success of these locations to determine possible additional locations in the Chicago suburbs,” she said. “While we are moving into the Chicago market, we are still branching throughout Michigan where our members are concentrated without a convenient branch location.”
MSUFCU’s plans continue the broader industry pattern of credit unions continuing to build branches. There were 20,694 branches among federally insured credit unions in March 2023, up 87 branches from a year ago, according to recent data from the National Credit Union Administration.
Consider this common scenario. You really like a house and decide to make an offer. After winning a bidding war and perhaps paying a little more than you wanted, that dream house is yours.
Once it comes time to move in, you start to observe things you didn’t initially notice. Yep, it turns out you have an annoyingly loud neighbor that fires up his Harley every morning at 6am and idles it outside your window because he goes to great lengths to follow proper motorcycle care.
At night another nearby neighbor is blasting bad music and throwing little midweek parties that seem to go on until the wee hours of the night.
It also turns out that your commute to work, despite only being two miles, takes more than 30 minutes. It seemed alright when you visited the house in the middle of the day and on weekends. But it’s not so great anymore.
Helping You Discover the Unknown Factors Upfront
A new partnership between Realtor.com and Airbnb aims to help prospective home buyers avoid these types of scenarios.
They refer to them as “unknown factors” that are typically associated with moving to a new hood.
You might recall the age-old advice to visit the property you’re interested in buying during the day and late at night to see what the vibe is all about.
Is it calm during the day but loud at night? Are there questionable characters having around after hours? Is the street used as a thoroughfare for commuters? It’s hard to determine all of this when you’re being asked to make an offer right away.
And this can be especially difficult when buying a home in a new city or state that you’re less than familiar with. After all, a mere difference of a few city blocks can completely change the picture, nuances only a true local would be able to point out.
Don’t bank on your friendly real estate agent talking you out of a certain home because of these potential issues.
Now to that new solution. If you visit the Realtor website you will now be able to book accommodations nationwide on Airbnb in the neighborhood you’re considering.
The idea is to “live like a local” before actually moving in and getting stuck in a situation that is less than ideal.
When browsing available properties to buy you’ll see an option to “Airbnb before buying.”
This button will appear on the homepage and on listing detail pages (assuming Airbnb isn’t banned there).
You’ll be able to book a short stay in any type of property ranging from a single-family home to condo or loft in the neighborhood of your choice
There is also a Realtor.com “Try Before You Buy” sweepstakes going on at the moment whereby nine lucky winners will get a $500 one-time use gift code redeemable on airbnb.com.
If you don’t feel like spending money on Airbnb, simply follow that advice of checking out the neighborhood and surrounding areas at all times of day and night before buying a house.
Inside: If you have a Visa Gift Card and want to know how to use it on Amazon, you are in the right place. We will show you exactly how to load it to your account.
Do you have a Visa Gift card burning a hole in your pocket? If you do, Amazon is the perfect place to spend it!
There are a few different ways to use your Visa Gift card on Amazon. You can add it to your Amazon account as a payment method, or you can use it to purchase an Amazon gift card.
If you want to learn how to use your Visa Gift card on Amazon, keep reading!
In this post, I will show you different ways and steps how to use your Visa Gift Card on Amazon. You will also learn about the benefits and drawbacks of using a Visa Gift Card on Amazon.
So, if you are ready, let’s get started!
Can you use a Visa gift card on Amazon?
Yes, you can use a Visa gift card on Amazon. You will need to register the card with the bank issuer and then add it as a payment method on Amazon.
Once the card is registered, you will be able to use it as you would any other credit or debit card on the site.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
How can I use a Visa Gift Card on Amazon?
You can use a Visa Gift Card on Amazon by adding it to your Amazon account as a payment method.
To do this, go to the “Payment Methods” section of your account and add the Visa Gift Card as a new payment method.
You will then be able to use the gift card to make purchases on Amazon. Pretty simple.
3 Steps to use a Visa gift card on Amazon
It is quite easy to use a Visa Gift Card on Amazon. You just need to follow some simple steps and you are good to go.
This is how to add Visa gift card to Amazon and the steps that you need to follow:
Step 1: Register your Mastercard, Visa, or Amex gift card with the issuing bank
Registering your Visa gift card with the issuing bank is an essential step to ensure a seamless transaction when using it on Amazon.
By registering the gift card, you not only associate your name and address with the card but also confirm the available balance.
This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of registering your Visa gift card with the issuing bank.
Look for the registration URL or the name of the financial institution on the back of your Visa gift card.
On the bank issuer’s website, you will be prompted to verify the card information. This typically includes entering the card number, expiration date, and the security code located on the back of the card.
After verifying the card information, you will have the option to register the card with your name and address. This step is important as it ensures that the card is associated with your personal information and can be used for online transactions.
During the registration process, you may also be asked to set up a four-digit PIN for added security. While this step is not always required, it is recommended to protect your gift card from unauthorized use.
Remember to keep your gift card safe and secure, just like any other credit or debit card. Now that you have completed this important step, you can proceed to use your Visa gift card on Amazon with confidence.
Step 2: Add your gift card as a payment method on Amazon
Now, the next step is to add your Visa gift card to your Amazon account.
Log into your Amazon account.
Locate the “Accounts & Lists” option, which is typically found towards the top-right corner of the screen. Click on it.
On the account overview page, find and click on the “Your Payments” option. This will open the payment methods section.
Look for the option to “Add a payment method” and click on it. This will prompt you to add a new payment source.
Under the “Add a payment method” section, you will see a button labeled “Add a credit or debit card.” Click on it.
On the next screen, you will be asked to enter the information from your Visa gift card. Input the card number, expiration date, and the name associated with the card. Make sure to enter the information exactly as it appears on the card.
Even though the Visa gift card is not technically associated with any specific address, you will still be prompted to enter an address during the process. Fill in the required address fields as you would with any other card.
Once you have entered all the necessary information, click on the “Add your card” button. This will add your Visa gift card as a payment method to your Amazon account.
The next time you shop on Amazon, during the checkout process, make sure to select the gift card you added as your payment method. You can identify it by the last four digits of the card, which should be displayed alongside the payment options.
Step 3: Use the correct payment method
When using a Visa gift card on Amazon, it is crucial to select the correct payment method to ensure a successful transaction.
I’ll be honest; I have used the wrong method of payment before.
So, lesson learned… It is important to double-check your payment method before finalizing the purchase to avoid any potential issues.
Also, there is no time difference on how long does Amazon take to ship your order.
How do I add a Visa Gift Card to my Amazon Balance?
Adding a Visa Gift Card to your Amazon Balance or Wallet allows you to use the card for purchases on Amazon.
Here is a detailed explanation of how to add a Visa Gift Card to your Amazon Balance:
Log into your Amazon account.
Once logged in, either click on the “Account” option under “Your Account” from the dropdown menu, or hover over the “Account & List” tab in the top right corner of the page and click on “Your Payments.”
In the “Your Payments” section, go to the “Rewards and Balances” tab. You will see the option for Amazon Gift Card. Click on it.
After clicking on the Amazon Gift Card option, click on “Reload your Balance.”
On the “Reload your Balance” page, take note of the amount of money on your gift card. Make sure to enter the exact amount in dollars. Then, click on “Buy Now.”
Next, go to the “Add a Payment Method” tab. Select the “Add Debit or Credit Card” option.
Enter the Visa card details, including the card number, name, CVV or security code, and expiration date.
A simple way to have funds available to use.
What information do I need to use a Visa Gift Card on Amazon?
First, you need to ensure that the gift card has been activated. Activation instructions are usually available on the receipt or on the back of the card itself.
Next, you need to add the Visa gift card to “Add a payment method.”
Most importantly, if the gift card balance is insufficient to cover the entire purchase, you’ll need to add a second payment method to cover the difference or divide up the order into smaller orders.
This is better than needing a gift card exchange kiosk.
FAQ
While Amazon allows you to use Visa Gift Cards as a payment method, they do not allow them to be combined with credit or debit cards on a single transaction. This means that you cannot use a Visa Gift Card in conjunction with another payment method to complete a purchase.
When using a Visa Gift Card on Amazon, you need to keep an eye on your balance and ensure that your purchases stay within that limit. This includes factoring in taxes and shipment costs if you are not a Prime member or if your items do not qualify for free shipping.
If you attempt to make a purchase that exceeds the balance on your gift card, Amazon will decline the payment and ask for an alternative payment source.
Visa Gift Cards cannot be used to purchase an Amazon Prime membership.
Amazon does not allow the use of Visa gift cards for this specific type of purchase.
When using a Visa gift card on Amazon, there are certain restrictions and limitations to keep in mind.
While it is not necessary to register a Visa Gift Card before using it on Amazon, it can be beneficial to track your account balance.
Can you use Visa Gift Cards on Amazon?
Yes! Using a Visa gift card on Amazon is a convenient way to shop for your favorite items while also taking advantage of any funds available on the gift card.
By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, you can easily add your gift card to your Amazon account and use it as a payment method during checkout.
This may complicate how long does Amazon take to refund if you have a return, so make sure you are confident in your purchase.
Just remember to check the balance, enter the gift card information accurately, and use the correct method of payment during the checkout process.
Happy shopping!
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Whether you’re new to tech or an experienced professional, upskilling with a bootcamp can help you advance in your career and potentially increase your earnings.
The average salary after a coding bootcamp is around $70,000 per year, according to a 2017 analysis by Course Report, a website that researches the coding education industry and reviews bootcamps. This average salary could include graduates with an associate degree or higher.
Your earnings can depend on the following factors:
Specialization.
Years of experience.
College education.
Here’s what you need to know about salaries after coding bootcamps and how to maximize your earnings.
What impacts salary after coding bootcamp?
Location
Where you live affects how much you make after completing a coding bootcamp. Tennessee has one of the highest average annual salaries for bootcamp graduates — $72,650 — according to ZipRecruiter, an online job board. Georgia has the lowest average post-bootcamp salary: $46,571 per year.
Here are the top 10 states with the highest salaries after coding bootcamp in the U.S., according to ZipRecruiter.
Average Annual Bootcamp Salary
Massachusetts
Connecticut
Rhode Island
Washington
Source: ZipRecruiter
Specialization
There are several areas to choose from when deciding what to study in a coding bootcamp. Each area requires a different level of tech knowledge and different responsibilities — like managing a team, strategic thinking and interacting with clients.
All of these factors can impact your salary. Generally, the more responsibilities you have — and the more you interact with direct reports, clients and other stakeholders — the more you’ll make.
For example, a development operations engineer — responsible for leading teams in addition to writing code and maintaining software — earns on average $125,636 per year, according to Indeed, an online job search platform. Keep in mind that these jobs could also require college degrees.
A technical support specialist — who is more likely to be behind the scenes developing, monitoring and troubleshooting digital products — earns on average $44,239 per year, according to Indeed.
Experience level
Coding bootcamp graduates can progress in their careers and earn more money post-bootcamp as they gain additional experience.
The median starting salary for bootcampers is $65,000 per year, according to a 2017 study by Course Report. By their second job, graduates make $80,943, on average. The average salary jumps to $99,229 by a bootcamp graduate’s third job.
College education
Most bootcamps do not require a college degree to enroll. That’s one reason it can be attractive to beginners wanting to learn technical skills. But having a four-year degree — in addition to completing a bootcamp — could help you earn more.
Bachelor’s degree holders who completed a coding bootcamp received an average salary of $71,267, according to a 2020 survey by Course report. That’s more than the average post-bootcamp salary of $61,836 for those with no college degree.
Salary could increase with more advanced degrees. If you have a doctorate and complete a bootcamp, you could earn around $83,250 per year, based on the 2020 average post-bootcamp salary reported by Course Report.
But a four-year degree may be significantly more expensive than a coding bootcamp. Think about your learning and career objectives — in addition to your earning potential — to determine if a degree program is worth it.
How to increase your chances of a higher salary after coding bootcamp
The salary an employer offers you should be based on your expected value — something your previous experience will help them measure. Fortunately, a major selling point of coding bootcamps is the experience you’ll gain from practical, hands-on training.
Here’s how to leverage your bootcamp skills to land a higher salary.
Build a portfolio. Your bootcamp work is valuable. Don’t hesitate to show it off. You can even go a step further and develop personal projects to show just how dedicated you are to your career field — and demonstrate a skill set that justifies a higher salary.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Even when you put your work in front of employers, you may not get an offer that reflects your value. But you don’t have to take the first offer you get. You can ask for more. Some bootcamp schools offer career services to help you negotiate your salary and get closer to the pay you deserve.
Frequently asked questions
What are coding bootcamps?
Coding bootcamps are short-term training programs designed to teach practical, in-demand tech skills, like coding and web development.
How do coding bootcamps differ from a degree?
Coding bootcamps typically focus on specialized skills, while a bachelor’s degree in computer science, for example, will cover more general knowledge. Many coding bootcamps are also much shorter than four-year degree programs — but bootcamps are not accredited. That means you won’t graduate from a bootcamp with a degree.
Do coding bootcamps pay you?
Students do not earn money for attending a coding bootcamp. Instead, you’ll pay to attend a bootcamp, like other career-training programs.
How much do coding bootcamps cost?
Tuition for a coding bootcamp can run between $7,800 and $21,000 — with an average tuition price of $13,584, according to Course Report. Some can be free, however. Costs vary by the program’s length, whether it’s in person or online and any additional student services the school offers.
How much can you make after a coding bootcamp?
Bootcamp graduates make $70,000 per year on average, according to a 2017 study by Course Report. Your salary will depend on your location, experience level, specialization and level of education.
Is it hard getting a job after a coding bootcamp?
Your job search after completing a bootcamp will look a lot like any other job search — including networking, highlighting your experience and showing what you’ll bring to the company. Some bootcamp schools offer career services to help students post-graduation.
Anyplace, a marketplace startup that offers people find flexible-term furnished housing, aims to draw digital nomads and other temporary residents to the fold. A recent email outreach from their PR company (EZPR) prompted the following early assessment.
Anyplace landing page
Started back in 2015 with angel capital from East Ventures, Anyplace works with extended stay hotels, serviced apartments, furnished rentals, and co-living companies to supply turn-key mid-term accommodations, has just raised another $2.5 million. The round, headed by UpHonest, FundersClub, East Ventures, and others, should extend the startups reach.
The startup, which prides itself on its B2C core logic, is being billed as a predictability value over Airbnb and other shared property innovations. With a growing roster of longer-term stays from San Francisco to Guadalajara in Mexico, the company says they’re looking to expand to Europe and Asia by 2020. This may, in fact, come to pass, but “listing” 50+ properties in 9 cities for any rental marketplace should not be seen as a market takeover. The market for such an endeavor exists, but here’s where I see Anyplace in the current scheme of things.
Anyplace at iTunes I cannot find out if theres an Android version
The website traffic numbers at Anyplace do not speak of massive volumes of business people relocating at Anyplace offerings, but this says nothing for the company’s mobile app numbers. But, 6 reviews at the iTunes app store do indicate slow uptake, however. A slim Facebook (under 500 likes) presence, along with one social post per 3 months does not a modern digital age game changer make. Ditto for Twitter (111 followers), Instagram (35 subscribers – no posts), and LinkedIn (No posts). The lack of effort here is symbolic of companies I’ve seen hit the TechCrunch “dead pool” before.
If you can afford $4000 a month in rent you may not need a rental app
In addition, the fact the Anyplace team is searching for backend and full-stack engineers willing who are founding members does not bode well for the extended development this far into the funding. What this means to me is that the CTO and co-founder Kouichi Tanaka is probably doing most of the app and backend development with a very small team. And while this is not a bad thing, it is not $2.5 million dollar investment level staffing. Looking at LinkedIn profiles for Anyplace employees I found the front-end user interface developer, a freelancer from Germany named Martin Broder, iOS engineer Arpit Agarwal, and front-end developer, Michal Ittah of the 17 employees listed for the startup.
The digital world is not without places to book extended stay each city has its own solution
I hate pouring cold water on a PR outreach since I once owned one of Europe’s most successful boutique hotel tech PR companies, but there’s some homework left to do at Anyplace, PR and otherwise. Short version, Anyplace needs to step up its game now. The fact they closed this round in 2018 and are only now reaching out for media is another negative for anybody who looks close. Given the massive potential for Alt Living innovations, Anyplace has a big potential, so my cautions should be taken with a grain of industrial salt.
This report at NFX reveals the positive side for Anyplace’s founder and investors. Lifestyle shifts, non-traditional transactions, technology empowered markets, and so forth – make Anyplace a good prospect. The downside is the lack of commitment of both funding and human resource. One thing I really like about this startup is its B2C heart – which flies in the face of Airbnb and the customary access economy giants. In my former business, hoteliers were literally freaking out over lost business to Airbnb. Anyplace-like value can mitigate at least some of this lost revenue. But that’s far off in my view, at a point when this startup has $100 million in funding and 25,000 Facebook fans.
Silicon Valley legend Jason Calacanis
As it stands, Anyplace needs a solid product, a solid marketing team, and a tech PR firm listed at O’dwyer’s if they can afford it. A final note, an old associate of mine, Jason Calacanis of East Ventures, has invested in some of the most successful startups in Silicon Valley history including; Uber, Facebook, and many others. One of Silicon Valley’s most ethical and intelligent investors, I’m surprised Anyplace is not farther along. Jason, get these boys some help, will you?
Phil Butler is a former engineer, contractor, and telecommunications professional who is editor of several influential online media outlets including part owner of Pamil Visions with wife Mihaela. Phil began his digital ramblings via several of the world’s most noted tech blogs, at the advent of blogging as a form of journalistic license. Phil is currently top interviewer, and journalist at Realty Biz News.
Every Realtor should write a book, including you! On today’s podcast with Chandler Bolt, the CEO of SelfPublishing.com, we discuss the benefits of writing a real estate book. Chandler also shares how any Realtor can write and publish a book in record time, even with no writing experience. Listen in and learn how a book will boost your business for years to come.
Listen to today’s show and learn:
How Chandler Bolt got into book writing and publishing [4:16]
Chandler’s first successful company [8:47]
How to identify potential business opportunities and book ideas [10:27]
Why you should write a book [15:29]
Aaron’s books [20:05]
Marketing tactics for your first book [23:17]
How to write a book with no time and no writing experience [31:08]
How Aaron wrote his first book [33:00]
A FREE webinar on book writing for listeners [33:56]
Powerful books that Chandler helped publish [36:06]
Where to find and follow Chandler Bolt [39:06]
Final advice from Chandler Bolt [40:45]
Another reason to write a book: your legacy [42:14]
Chandler Bolt
Chandler Bolt is an investor, advisor, the CEO of SelfPublishing.com, and the author of 6 bestselling books including his most recent book titled “Published.”. Selfpublishing.com is an INC 5000 company for 5 years as one of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the US.
Chandler is also the host of the 7 Figure Principles Podcast and the Self Publishing School Podcast. Through his books, podcasts, YouTube channels, and Self-Publishing School, he’s helped thousands of people write a book that grows their income, impact, and business.
He’s currently spending his time scaling Selfpublishing.com, a company he’s built from 0 to $43M+ in 8 years.
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