Latest news with #NetCredit
Newsweek
16-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Map Shows Best States for Entry Level Jobs
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Every year, around 4 million students graduate from college and enter the workforce in search of a high-paying entry-level job. According to a new report from NetCredit, not all states offer the same level of opportunities. NetCredit ranked the states based on entry-level job vacancies on and MIT's living wage calculator and discovered that 40 percent of entry-level jobs in the United States don't meet the living wage for their areas. Why It Matters Salary matters significantly for entry-level workers, but the cost of living in certain cities can impact how far money can stretch and overall quality of life as well. By taking into account both factors, workers can enjoy a salary that aligns with their city's cost of living for housing, food, transportation, and more. What To Know The best states for entry-level jobs offering salaries above the local living wage were Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin, Wyoming and Ohio. All of the cities had at least 79 percent of all entry-level job listings offering salaries above the local living wage, with a whopping 92 percent of all entry-level jobs in Minnesota meeting the state's cost of living. Some cities also had better entry-level options for workers than others. The top city was Bakersfield, California, where 100 percent of the new job listings met the local living wage. Bakersfield was the only city where this was the case. "Bakersfield hitting 100 percent is pretty amazing," Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of told Newsweek. "Every single entry-level job there pays a living wage. And honestly? The Midwest dominance wasn't something most people saw coming. We're so used to thinking coastal cities are where the opportunities are." Graduation students, faculty, and family gather in Harvard Yard on May 28, 2025, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Graduation students, faculty, and family gather in Harvard Yard on May 28, 2025, in Cambridge, North Dakota; Toledo, Ohio; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Detroit, Michigan, also had high percentages of entry-level jobs offering above the local living wage. The top five cities' job listings all exceeded 84 percent in meeting the city's cost of living. "Bakersfield honestly shocked me. It's proof that even in high-cost states, employers can meet the bar. They just usually choose not to," HR consultant Bryan Driscoll told Newsweek. "Entry-level job doesn't have to mean underpaid and overworked. Recent grads should demand better, look beyond prestige markets like New York or LA. The best opportunity might be in a place you hadn't considered." What People Are Saying Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "What's troubling is that in the entire country, only one city—Bakersfield, California—has 100 percent of its entry-level jobs that start at or above the local living wage... "We know a record number of younger Americans are starting out single and are having to rely on their income to cover most or all of their own expenses. While wages are higher in many cities and states compared to five years ago, we still have many areas of the country where entry-level work will not keep someone's head above financial water." Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "Grads may face a tradeoff: take a higher-paying job in a less appealing area or earn a little less to live somewhere with better weather or quality of life. Either way, the job market will have to adjust. Companies will need to raise wages to attract talent in pricier areas or make the case for why their location is worth the tradeoff. Quality of life is starting to matter just as much as the paycheck." Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of told Newsweek: "Don't sleep on 'second-tier' cities. Your dollar stretches further, your quality of life might actually be better, and you're not competing with quite as many people for the same opportunities." HR consultant Bryan Driscoll told Newsweek: "What stands out most is how rare it is for entry-level work to pay a true living wage—and how the fight for $15 is clearly already out of date. Even the best-performing state barely clears 90 percent. "That's a failing grade when workers have to work more than one job to live in their community. The U.S. labor market is so deeply tilted toward employers that we now celebrate when 70 percent of jobs meet the minimum needed to survive." What Happens Next Graduates seeking entry-level roles are encouraged to consider the job offer's entire package, not just its base salary. "A $45,000 job in Minneapolis might give you a better lifestyle than a $55,000 job in a high-cost coastal city," Ryan said. "This data reveals a pretty significant geographic divide in economic opportunity. We're seeing the emergence of 'opportunity deserts' where young people literally can't afford to start their careers in certain cities."
Entrepreneur
16-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Best U.S. Cities for Jobs That Afford Comfortable Lifestyles
How far will your wages go? It all comes down to location. If you're a recent college graduate looking to launch your career or a mid-level professional ready for a pivot, you might be in the market for an entry-level job — and wondering how much you can expect to get paid. Less than half (48%) of Americans say they have emergency or rainy day funds that would cover their expenses for three months, and about 20% of them report not having enough money to pay rent or a mortgage, according to Pew Research Center. Related: Young U.S. Workers Expect $200,000 Salaries By Age 30. Here's What They Actually Earn — How Do Your Stats Compare? Whether or not your next gig affords a comfortable lifestyle has a lot to do with its location. Online lender NetCredit compared local entry-level job wages to local costs of living using MIT's Living Wage Calculator and ranked states and cities based on the percentage of job ads with salaries surpassing the local living wage to figure out where people have the best chance at success. As it turns out, Bakersfield, California, comes out on top, with 100% of entry-level job ads on Indeed advertising wages above the local living wage, and Fargo, North Dakota, follows in second, with a 93.67% ratio, per the data. Related: U.S. Workers Have Found a Way to Increase Their Salaries Fast. But the Strategy Could Hurt Them in Retirement. Entry-level job applicants in Honolulu, Hawaii, may fare the worst. Just 27.69% of new job posts list a salary in line with the living wage, according to NetCredit. The research also showed low ratios in Virginia Beach, Virginia (32.33%); Miami, Florida (34.3%); and Boise, Idaho (38.72%). Check out NetCredit's infographics below for a fuller picture of the research and livable wages across the U.S.: Image Credit: Courtesy of NetCredit Image Credit: Courtesy of NetCredit
Time Out
10-06-2025
- Time Out
Here's the cheapest time to book a flight to every U.S. state
If you're itching to get away, now's a good time—airfare in March was down over 5-percent from last year and more than 12-percent lower than a decade ago. But cheap flights don't just fall in your lap. Timing is everything, and a new study by NetCredit analyzed data from Google Flights to figure out exactly how far in advance you should book to lock in the best deals to each U.S. state. For most states, the sweet spot is 30 to 40 days before takeoff. But the ideal booking window shifts depending on where you're headed in each state. Once NetCredit determined the best booking window by state, deeper analysis revealed the best time to book for specific U.S. airport hubs near top tourist destinations. Here are the results to help you book smart for your next vacation. The cheapest time to book flights to every state The cheapest time to book flights to top tourist destinations New York City (JFK—35 days in advance) Lock in your flight just over a month out and you've got more to spend while touring Times Square, MoMA, Central Park and all those must-try pizza joints. Los Angeles (LAX—36 days) For glitz, grit and great tacos, buy your ticket five weeks ahead. Then hit up Venice Beach, Santa Monica pier, Beverly Hills and a show the Hollywood Bowl. Orlando (MCO—31 days) Theme-park central is one of the easiest places to save. Book a month in advance and use what you saved on flights for a few lightning lane passes at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. Chicago (O'Hare—35 days) For deep-dish and deep discounts, 35 days ahead is the magic number. Once you land in Chicago, head to Millennium Park and The Art Institute of Chicago or catch a Cubs game. Denver (DEN—36 days) If you're heading to the Rockies for some fresh mountain air, plan just over five weeks out to snag the lowest fare then get ready to explore Red Rocks, Larimer Square and nearby hiking trails. Salt Lake City (SLC—40 days) Salt Lake City has longest lead time on this list, but worth it. Book early, then plan your visit to Utah's national parks or just explore this western city.
Forbes
25-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
10 Highest-Paying Side Hustles To Start From Home In 2025
The U.S. freelance market has reached a turning point. According to Upwork's Future Workforce Index, 28% of U.S. knowledge workers now freelance, generating $1.5 trillion in earnings in 2024. Much of this growth comes from professionals who've transformed their existing skills into profitable side hustles. A recent LendingTree survey found that 44% of Americans run a side hustle, with 61% saying they can't afford life without that extra income. Whether you're paying down debt, building savings or diversifying your income streams, side hustles have become financial lifelines for millions of Americans. This ranking draws from NetCredit's analysis of Fiverr day rates across 144 different gig types. While these side hustles are organized by earning potential, they are also very accessible. You likely already possess many core skills needed to start, and you can launch most of them from your living room with minimal upfront investment. Companies of all sizes need expert campaign planning and ROI advice but can't always hire full-time marketers. You'll help businesses develop comprehensive strategies that maximize their advertising spend and drive measurable results. Getting started: Build a Fiverr profile showcasing case studies and offer "24-hour audit" packages to attract clients looking for quick, professional insights. Essential skills include digital marketing analytics, campaign planning and client communication. Every business needs a website, and rapid design turnarounds command a premium. You'll create professional, functional websites that help companies to establish their online presence quickly and effectively. Getting started: Create before-and-after samples demonstrating your design skills, and list "express delivery" as a premium option for clients with urgent deadlines. Master WordPress, Squarespace, Figma/Sketch and UX/UI principles to succeed. High-converting landing pages boost sales, and founders pay for proven results fast. You'll design focused pages that turn visitors into customers through strategic layout, copy and conversion optimization. Getting started: Offer niche landing page packages tailored to specific industries like e-books, events or SaaS products to differentiate your services. Focus on conversion-focused copywriting, design skills and familiarity with A/B testing tools. Video content is booming as brands need fresh, quick-turn assets for social media and advertising. You'll produce engaging videos that help businesses connect with their audiences across multiple platforms. Getting started: Compile a portfolio of short, branded video samples that showcase your ability to create content for different industries and use cases. Proficiency in Adobe Premiere, Final Cut, Canva and Animoto is essential. Companies outsource Instagram and TikTok content for speed and creativity. You'll develop and execute social media strategies that build brand awareness and drive engagement. Getting started: Target niche markets like real estate, coaches or small businesses with bundled packages that include content creation and posting schedules. Develop content planning skills, platform analytics knowledge and Canva proficiency. Demand for explainer and avatar videos is soaring, especially in tech and e-learning. You'll create professional spokesperson videos using AI tools, delivering high-quality content without traditional video production costs. Getting started: Create a sample video reel using free AI tools and post "AI spokesperson" gigs demonstrating your ability to produce engaging professional content. Strong scriptwriting abilities and familiarity with Synthesia and Pictory are crucial. Businesses need new web copy, product descriptions and about pages, and they are often in a rush. You'll write compelling content that helps companies communicate their value proposition clearly and convert website visitors. Getting started: List specific content types like home pages, bios and product descriptions for quick delivery, emphasizing your ability to meet tight deadlines. Success requires SEO copywriting skills, strong grammar and familiarity with keyword tools. Artists, brands and YouTubers commission original music for jingles, intros and social content. You'll create custom songs and musical content that helps clients establish their unique audio identity. Getting started: Post samples of your work or offer to co-write with musicians on Fiverr or Upwork to build your portfolio and client base. Key abilities include lyric writing, melody creation and basic recording knowledge. High-converting email and ad copy can make or break campaigns, and it's often urgent. You'll write persuasive copy that drives sales and helps businesses maximize their marketing ROI through compelling messaging. Getting started: Share before-and-after examples showing how your copy increased conversions for previous clients or test projects. Master persuasive writing skills, digital marketing knowledge and understanding of A/B testing. Busy founders and solopreneurs hire help for job, grant and business applications, especially on tight deadlines. You'll handle the detailed paperwork and processes that entrepreneurs need completed accurately and quickly. Getting started: Offer "done-for-you" packages for specific applications like college admissions, job applications or grant submissions to attract clients with urgent needs. This work demands exceptional attention to detail, form completion experience and process navigation skills. Your side hustle experience can strengthen your professional profile when presented strategically: Side hustles have evolved from optional income to essential financial strategies for millions of Americans. With almost one-third of knowledge workers now freelancing and earning potential reaching up to $150 per day in these high-demand fields, the opportunity to build meaningful additional income from home has never been stronger. Choose a side hustle that aligns with your existing skills, commit to launching it and track your progress over the next three to six months. The key to transforming these opportunities from occasional income into sustainable wealth lies in treating your side hustle like a business. With consistency, dedication and a bit of luck, your side hustle may just become your main hustle.
Entrepreneur
19-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Side Hustles Helping Small Businesses: Gigs That Pay the Most
Want to start a side hustle? Helping out a small enterprise might be the perfect opportunity to make some extra money outside of your 9-5 — and just in time for National Small Business Month. Although 69% of small business owners feel positive about their financial outlook for 2025, hiring remains difficult, with 89% admitting it's a struggle to find qualified workers, according to a survey from Goldman Sachs. Related: These Are the 10 Highest-Paying 'Little-to-No-Experience-Required' Side Hustles Right Now If you're wondering which small business-related gigs could pay the most, look no further than NetCredit's recent study, which examines side hustle earning potential for a single day of work. Researchers looked through thousands of publicly available job ads to produce the ranking. The average pay for a 24-hour job completion for any business side hustle doesn't exceed $100 on Fiverr, the research found. However, some business-adjacent tasks may get close to earning that much: side hustles related to applications and registrations net an average of $97.50 for a day's work, to project management $90 and to interview preparation $85, per the study. Related: This 17-Year-Old High School Student Has a $20,000-a-Month Side Hustle — and It All Started With a Skill He Learned in Class Side hustle jobs related to business planning, pitch decks, sales, market research and legal documents and contracts average $50 or more a day, according to NetCredit. Check out NetCredit's infographic below for the full breakdown of the business side hustles that pay the most over a 24-hour period: Image Credit: Courtesy of NetCredit
