"Secrets of Changing to a Computer Career"
"At Last, Your Guide to Changing to a Computer Career. 11 Career Goals and the Quickest Ways to Achieve Them. Save Time and Money." "Your Cut Through the Hype Manual for Finding and Qualifying for Your New Computer Career" "Prosper in All Economic Conditions"
Thursday, 9:08 PM
RE: Changing to a computer career
Dear Seeker of Financial Abundance through a Computer Career,
I'm so mad I'm breathing out fire!
You've heard the stories, you've read the news. There's a huge shortage of techies qualified to build the "New Economy." Companies are so desperate they'll take anyone. Right?
Just pay a measly $7000+ for certification training and that piece of paper will guarantee you steak and security for the rest of your life. Right?
You want out of your current *J*ust *O*ver *B*roke, you're attracted to a computer career and yet you're wary of the risk. You want out of your current limitations and yet you do not want to waste your time and money -- GREAT! "Thanks"
"Thanks for your responsible dependable honest way of doing business!"
Like you and so many others I'm frustrated in my current day job, so simply sit back and relax and discover just how much you want to change to a computer career and just how much my book can help you.
Allow yourself to be open to the vast possibilities of your future.
Several years ago I too started wondering if changing to a computer career would be the key to a higher income. I too had many doubts about whether there was any hope for me, due to my age and lack of experience.
The publicity over the techie shortage raised my hopes and yet the too good to be true promises made by computer school ads aroused my suspicions. Like you, I cannot afford to waste 6-18 months of my life and $5000-$9000 on a dead end. "Cyber-Mentor"
"I'm saving it and will use it (and your web site) for reference and resource as I research and make life-affecting decisions. You're a cyber-mentor."
"I saw great potential rewards and also great expenses and great risks"
Although the hype of 1999 has slowed down along with the economy and dot com stocks, anybody who can see how important computers are to individuals and to businesses knows that they're not going away, which means computers jobs are not going away either.
You're confused by the many different technologies and acronyms. What's an MCSE and why is the guy at the training school telling you that you should pay him $7000 for it?
You're confused by the many IT possibilities. What do all those terms mean?
You're scared of paying a lot of money, spending a lot of time studying and acquiring a new and difficult skill -- only to learn you still can't find a job.
Naturally, these are realistic fears. I wrote the first version of this book in 1999, during the height of the IT employment boom and I was a voice in the wilderness warning people that without experience paying $5000+ and passing the MCSE certifications tests did not guarantee them a good job. "The people who listened to me either saved themselves a lot of money or knew what they were up against and how to get experience to go along with their certifications so they could make their time and invested money pay off"
I heard stories of training schools promising even totally inexperienced students that after obtaining their MCSE they'd get $50-$60,000 a year.
It wasn't true then and it's sure not true now, yet many people are still paying these schools to obtain an IT education few will actually use.
Whenever big money is involved, there's always sharks out sniffing for blood. Don't let them feed on yours. "Secrets is your guide to learning about all the possibilities for IT employment and self-employment open to you. I describe each IT field and give you an action plan for starting work in it."
Is there a place for you? Yes.
I won't kid you though. As I write, the IT employment picture is dismal. The boom in IT employment collapsed after all major businesses completed designing and implementing their LAN and WAN networks, finished buying new equipment to prevent a Y2K disaster and the dot com bankruptcies threw thousands of experienced web designers and developers into the streets.
So why don't I just retire this book, since it's the product of boom days that are gone?
Because I want to keep selling it? Sure, and because people like you are still flocking to the IT industry looking for new opportunities and the knowledge I've gained can save you a lot of time and money by guiding you to what is best for you.
Obviously, people need this information even more than before because the employment picture in other industries is even worse and people are being laid off and downsized right and left and many of them are looking to switch to a computer career and need this information to guide them.
These people can least afford to waste $5-10,000 on unnecessary computer training. "On Track to Go Straight to His Computer Career"
"Just bought your book and am really excited to read it! I appreciate you pulling all of this together . . . I have been investigating all of the certificates and classes for the last 6 months and was getting the feeling that this was not all that it was advertised as. I am sure your book will get me on the track to go straight to my computer career."
Because when there's even greater competition than before for even fewer available IT jobs, you need every possible edge to beat out the other "paper" MCSEs in your area looking for entry level jobs.
I've done my utmost to make Secrets everything that I wish I could have had when I began my research for myself. It gives everyone who is not already an experienced techie an overview of all the possibilities.
You could duplicate my research, with enough time and expense.
The current economic and IT slowdown will not last forever. I've lived through much harsher economic times and my mother lived through the Great Depression. The economy runs in cycles. What was once very high is now down - and in 6 months or a year or two, our economy will be even higher than before.
It's smart thinking to use bad times to prepare for the good times, so now you must start getting ready for increased prosperity. Soon you'll look back to this time and be glad you changed to a computer career.
Besides, what's your alternative? Become a travel agent? Nobody in today's economy has job security. That's a myth of the past that never really existed for anybody. Thousands of people are being downsized or temporarily laid off.
You know that although some industries are contracting, the computer field is not. "Better yet, although the IT *employment* picture is currently poor, the IT *self-employment* picture is better than ever"
The good news is, thanks to the proliferation of PCs, business networks and especially the Internet, there is more opportunity than ever to make a part time, full time or extremely large income using IT and related skills.
Look around you -- the Internet hasn't died, has it? Obviously not, since you're reading this. Over half of all Americans now use the Internet on a daily basis for news, weather, shopping and other convenient services.
The percentage of Internet use in other countries is not yet so high, but growing faster than in the U.S.
That spells vast opportunity. Mine these goldfields or sell shovels to the miners -- either way, you can make money if you want to.
If you're willing to work hard and smart and not spend your spare time feeling sorry for yourself and blaming Bush or bin Laden or Enron or anybody else for your economic problems.
I wrote the original version of Secrets of Changing to a High Pay Computer Career in 1999 so that you could easily learn what took me months of research and study to dig up and digest. All the original facts and advice on saving money etc that was in the first edition is still there, just updated for 2002 and beyond. "Lifted a Veil"
"Just finished the book, and I must admit that I thought I had a plan earlier. However, it seems that a veil has been lifted . . . Thank you for the book, good job! . . . Lots of research . . . wow!"
Try Computer Careers Secrets Now "Don't listen to the hope-killers -- they're small mean people with small mean lives and small mean spirits. Naturally, you've forgotten them already. Hang onto your dreams."
Understand me right here -- if you want to go into the Info-Tech industry, you must DO IT! I encourage you as much as I can.
Now is not a good time for IT job seekers and that will change. Now is the time to start preparing to qualify for an IT career.
It is *always* a good time for determined people to take advantage of all the tremendous opportunities that the IT field and the Internet itself provide.
The IT "job shortage" we still hear about was never of test takers. I learned that from the career counselors who helped me write this book.
Now I tell you there is never a shortage of money or opportunity for people with good ideas and the willingness to bring them into reality. "Save your time and money for your new computer career"
I've done my utmost to make Secrets everything I wish I could have had bundled into one easy convenient inexpensive package early last year. It is designed to give anyone who is not already an experienced techie an overview of all the possibilities.
I bend over backward to point out how you can learn and get certified with the least possible expense. After all, if you're thinking of changing to a computer career, you want more money, am I right?
Trouble is, a lot of other people want your money too. Some of them deserve it and some don't, and I do my utmost to guide you so you can sort out which expenses are right for you and which are not. "Your odds of prospering in the future will increase if you are working with computers"
In Secrets you will learn:
- How you must deal with the changed IT economic climate since the 99 boom. No matter what career you're already in or change to. Not understanding this can lead to financial disaster for you and your family. (See the Introduction)
- What you'll get if you continue to do what everybody else does, so why would you want to do that? (Introduction)
- Three other career fields that are now booming -- if you're cut out for them (Introduction)
- Some long term perspective to help you realize that, this too, shall pass (Introduction)
- The one thing in life you can count on (Introduction)
- The range of possible incomes for computer programmers -- it's far bigger than you think (Introduction)
- Why I now stress the self-employment options of the various IT fields I describe for career-changers (Introduction)
In Secrets you learn:
- Who this book will help the most (Chapter 2)
- What will help you get the most out of this book (Chapter 2)
- The choice you must make to obtain financial freedom (Chapter 2)
"Nothing else like this book on the market"
Obviously, techies aren't career counselors and career counselors aren't techies.
That means that until now, nobody could combine knowledge in both fields to create the field guide to the IT career industry that Secrets is.
Yet the crowds of people who want to change to an IT career prove that there's a huge need for the information in Secrets.
Grab Hold of Your Computer Careers Secrets Now "Cuts through the hype"
- Why not all certifications are created equal. I've seen books that listed every certification on the market, without pointing out that many of them were a total waste of time and money.
- Why certifications help established pros more than beginners. And why beginners must still have the RIGHT certifications.
- An analysis of the boom in unfilled computer jobs, both during the boom and now. Where you can create a fit for yourself in the bigger picture. Why you want to do that. The economy is NOT through undergoing dramatic shifts, and some people are going to wind up with the short end. Do you really want to be one of them? I didn't think so. (Chapter 3)
- Who your ultimate success or failure depends on (Hint: Look in the mirror, bucko) (Chapter 3)
- Why "lifetime job security" is a media myth/falsification. NO generation in history has ever had it, so it's unrealistic for you think you will. (Chapter 3)
- The only real security we can ever have (Chapter 3)
- The only retirement income we can truly count on (Chapter 3)
- Why you must return to the old-fashioned saying, "live by your wits" (Chapter 3)
- Examples of how people are using the Internet to make part-time, full-time and, for a few, extremely large incomes (Chapter 3)
- If you're now in college and want to get into a cutting edge field, the next high tech zone looking for pioneers. (It's not computers anymore.) (Chapter 3)
"A roadmap for entering each career"
Unless you are already an experienced techie, you are probably confused by the many different areas involved in the Info Tech industry. There are so many computer career fields that choosing the best one is a confusing chore.
I devote an entire chapter to each of the eleven mostly likely to serve as an entry level position.
Therefore you will know from the beginning which area is most suitable for you. Before you sign up for an expensive training class in the wrong area or for the wrong skill.
For each of the 11 entry level career positions I've broken down the steps as thoroughly as possible. So you can go from step 1 to step 2 to step 3 . . . "The classic problem is, how do you get experience if nobody will hire you without experience?"
That takes strategy and persistence. You must supply the persistence. I pass on lots of ideas I found in the course of my research and ones given to me by the career counselors I asked. "You also get advice from 5 career counselors"
Part of the tons of research I did for this book was contacting experts and getting their opinions. These 5 career counselors work daily in the info tech career job application trenches. One of them has written a book.
I quote their opinions in Secrets.
- What you are bringing to the table - your unsuspected computer job skills (Chapter 6)
- Examples of skills that companies wish techies had but few techies do. Yet you probably do have many of them. (Chapter 6)
- Why your age might concern "Old Economy" businesses, but it's got to do with money not IT skills (Chapter 6)
- Why companies should thank you if you can bring customer-focused communication skills to their Help Desks and IT departments (Chapter 6)
- The Top 10 Info-Tech Using Industries (Chapter 6)
- The type of software you may have experience with, which you leverage into greater career options (Chapter 6)
- The common problem I found with computer consultant agency web sites offering business solutions (Chapter 6)
- The vital skill that few techies possess (Chapter 6)
"Don't blindly pay the $5000 training schools want you to"
And yet that is usually the minimum you pay for certification training.
Throughout Secrets I strive to clue you in on ways to save money on the training where possible. You weren't born yesterday and you know you can't learn what you need without expending some time and money.
What if there are alternatives to spending that $5000+, don't you want to hear about them? And if you still decide to spend that $5000+ (which some of you should do), you will do so knowing that you are making the best possible decision for you and your future. "The most important person in any programming project"
If you've ever cursed out a computer, you'll understand this point immediately. But most young techies don't get it, and it hurts their employers. Companies who want to retain their customers in the long term should be on the look out for techies who not only can "say" the correct answer, but keep it in the front of their mind while programming. "Sort out and choose among the many different opportunities for you"
- What you must know and do to have a lifetime computer career (Chapter 7)
- Your one alternative (Chapter 7)
- Where many current IT job skills will be in 2-5 years (Chapter 7)
- The kind of skills you must learn in addition to IT skills, to compete effectively in the 21st century (Chapter 7)
Certainly I wish I could promise you that competing economically was going to get easier over time. That's not on the horizon. If you choose a pleasant fantasy over an unpleasant truth you have only yourself to blame when you reap the inevitable consequences -- as so many will in the years to come.
How long can you tread water, Noah?
How much will you give for an ark then?
- What must happen in business for you to have a job. So you should get rid of your psychological problems with it. Learning it yourself will greatly enhance your career and financial status. (Chapter 7)
- Your duty in regard to your skills, experience and knowledge (Chapter 7)
- Your suggested action plan for getting the most out of this book (Chapter 8)
"Your IT education choices"
My plan is a simple common sense method to help you to first see the overall picture, then for you to decide which parts are most important to you and concentrate on them.
- A comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of various ways to get your IT education (Chapter 9)
- Why commercial training schools have become so popular despite their expense (Chapter 9)
- Why a 4 year, B.S. in Computer Science isn't a good option for most career changers (Chapter 9)
- The degree that's almost worthless in the job market. It was even in 1999 (Chapter 9)
- Why the MCSE certification is now worth so much less than it was in the beginning, yet is now a necessity for anyone hoping to switch into the network engineering field. (Chapter 9)
- A glossary of 63 common IT terms. You won't use them all, but knowing them will help keep you from looking like an out of touch loser during a job interview. (Chapter 10)
It's clearly important for you to have at least a general comprehension of how the techie pieces of the puzzle fit together. You will never use many of these technologies yourself, but by knowing them you can nod knowingly when other techies or recruiters talk the jargon. "The IT job that can make you some extra money for your entire life, because it will always be necessary"
It's a good foundation for other careers but doesn't pay much so treat it as a stepping stone. It now requires one popular certification, which itself is a good beginning for more complex IT skills. (Chapter 11)
Talking about unpleasant truths: Chapter 12 is a dash of cold water in your face if you want to be an employee -- and a door of opportunity to a potentially huge income to those willing to think and work for themselves.
- The IT skill that attracts many people but is difficult to impossible for anyone but 22 year olds with fresh Computer Science degrees to get an entry level job in. (Chapter 12)
- However, if you're willing to use this skill to solve problems and to market on the Internet you could make a lot of money in your own business (Chapter 12)
- Are H1B visa holders (foreigners brought here by companies to work for several years) taking jobs from Americans or not? (Chapter 12)
- Why it may not matter, which means that you must not consider programming as a lifetime career. What to start looking into once you have 3-5 years experience as a programmer. (Chapter 12)
- The new Microsoft generation of programming languages (Chapter 12)
- The only two families of programming certifications that have value in the marketplace (Chapter 12)
"Out of those 11 computer career fields I cover, how can you tell which is best for you without spending too much time and money?"
I give you an inexpensive way to check each one out before you do spend a lot of money and commit yourself to something that is not really right for you. "You don't want to start looking for work until you're fully prepared, so I give you a list of the skills for each area."
- The biggest trend in IT now and for years to come (Chapter 13)
- Why job demand in this area has slowed a lot since the 1990s, but will never disappear (Chapter 13)
- Why you should get the MCSE but not expect it to help you much until you combine it with two years or more experience (Chapter 13)
- The brand new networking certification from Microsoft. Why it's popular with employers and why career changers should obtain it before the MCSE (Chapter 13)
- The new networking technology that will eventually replace copper wires (Chapter 13)
- The operating system that may take a big bite out of Microsoft's share of the small business network software market. There's a network certification already available for it. (Chapter 13)
- The network certification that is not worth much by itself, but books on it are a great place to begin your network engineering education (Chapter 13)
- Two companies with networking certifications that are not commonly mentioned now but could be worth a lot in the near future, as companies are forced to adopt to even newer and faster technologies. (Chapter 13)
"For each career field I describe, I list the potential for both employment and self-employment"
Most of us are programmed to want jobs. "Security," regular paychecks, our own workstation to report to every Monday morning . . . right?
That is true for many people yet, let's face it, one clear trend for the future is that regular jobs are vanishing. This is especially true in the computer field where the average turnover rate was 18 months.
Maybe you want a regular job. Maybe someday you won't have that choice, so it's good to know that for almost every computer skill set that exists, there is a way to profit by selling your knowledge and experience directly on your own.
In Secrets you will learn how, after you have a few years of experience under your belt, to make the most of your IT skills, get exposure to cutting edge technologies and get paid to travel.
Take the First Step into Your New Future Now "Start out part time, adding to your current income right away"
Working part time in the computer field has many advantages. Obviously you want more money. After you've learned what you need, you can start getting a nearly immediate return on your investment of time and money. "In 1999 I wrote about both employment and self-employment equally. I now stress the self-employment possibilities"
- What computers are all about, which means this IT field will never disappear (Chapter 14)
- The most important software and companies in this field (Chapter 14)
- What will eventually fill the Internet job vacuum created by the dot com collapse and how you can take part in that to your financial benefit (Chapter 15)
- The two ideal products to sell on the Internet (Chapter 15)
- The one Internet certification that is ignored by employed but books on it are good to read by beginners (Chapter 15)
- The one Internet skill you must have (Chapter 15)
- The one Internet skill you should have, since it's going to change the Internet. Microsoft is already using it to challenge all other Net technologies. (Chapter 15)
- Why Wal-Mart will eventually become just another expendable middle man (Chapter 15)
- Other Internet technologies you should learn or at least know about (Chapter 15)
"You want to know what you're getting into before you step into quicksand, don't you, so why not unfold the map that will guide you to your goals?"
- The business software that is transforming big companies. Training for it is extremely limited and in America not easily available to anyone not already working for a company using this software. So if you have experience with it, you've got a marketable skill. (Chapter 16)
- The type of software that is related but not nearly so expensive (Chapter 16)
- You could make a lot of money from the small business market if you could develop affordable software for small businesses that ties all their systems together. Do it before Microsoft thinks of it. (Chapter 16)
- Secrets has the information you need to make the best possible choices for you and your family's financial future. To minimize the risk of losing time or money. To give you a as detailed possible roadmap to your new computer career.
- How to make a lot more money with your computer skills, once you have 2+ years of experience (Chapter 17)
- How you can combine the advantage of being an employee with the freedom to take vacations between projects and avoid the necessity to market yourself evenings and weekends (Chapter 17)
- Why there is a large consumer demand for computer consultants. One example of a man who for health reasons cannot hold down a regular job, but who has made $40-$100 an hour teaching newbies how to send email and surf the Net. (Chapter 17)
"This book is meant to be used, not simply read cover to cover"
- The one IT job field where you may be able to get a decent part time job (Chapter 18)
- The one IT job field where you may be able to make money because you know popular software packages well. (For most people, using Word or Access is just a way of doing their jobs, not actual IT skills.) (Chapter 18)
- How to make a lot of money if you can think of software that either solves problems or is fun for people (Chapter 19)
- Where to go to get ideas for software to sell that guarantees that there is a large potential market for your software (Chapter 19)
- The fun IT field (Chapter 20)
- How to make money while playing new computer games (Chapter 20)
"Just how much do you really want to change your life?"
- The 1999 computer career change field that seems laughable now in 2002. The lessons to be learned from the dot com crash. (Chapter 21)
- Why I admire those techies who had the guts and vision to start their own companies more than I do employee minded techies who just want management to leave them alone to "code in peace." (Chapter 21)
I've apparently been addressing this to North Americans, and yet some of you live in India or Taiwan or . . . The basic information in Secrets will give you the background you need to choose your specialty. And the training you'll need to go for what you want. I can't give immigration advice, but in Chapter 22 I pass on what I know.
- One suggestion -- use your native crafts and folk arts to make money on eBay (Chapter 22)
- Why there is NO one "right" area of IT to specialize in (Chapter 22)
"Clear and Concise Information"
"I found your book very informative. There was a lot of effort and research put into making it and the good work shows. The information was very clear and concise and it was very resourceful. Thanks for the extra information"
"Hot skills for now and the future"
- The "hot" IT skills to learn now (Chapter 23)
- Why there really are NO "hot" IT skills right now (Chapter 23)
- Technologies coming down the pike in the near future, which could put you far ahead of the demand curves. By the time they are on "hot" job skills lists, the pioneers who already know those skills will be making the big money. (Chapter 23)
- Suggestions for techies to learn how to talk and write to non-techies so that the non-techies understand and can solve their IT problems (Chapter 23)
- One skill that will be in big demand from techies by customers for a long time (Chapter 23)
- The new certification from Novell that is not well known yet but potentially valuable (Chapter 23)
Reach Out for Your Computer Careers Secrets Now "The ultimate computer career change secret (Chapter 24)"
- In 1999 I wrote that the ultimate computer career change secret was experience, since so many people without experience were paying $5000+ for a piece of paper they thought was going to guarantee a high paying job. (Chapter 24)
- Although people are still falling into that trap, I now reveal the *real* ULTIMATE computer career change secret. It's old, yet all of us must be reminded of it. (Chapter 24)
- When you want something badly, the ONLY question you should be asking yourself regarding it (Chapter 24)
- Why we should imitate babies, because if adults suddenly had to learn to walk again most would be demanding the government give them wheelchairs (Chapter 24)
- The problem most adults have now that we didn't as babies (Chapter 24)
- The objection I often hear -- and despise (Chapter 24)
- What you can get as long as you're willing to pay the price (Chapter 24)
- Your best friend for success (Chapter 24)
- One suggestion for succeeding despite all the obstacles (Chapter 24)
- If you can't take this suggestion for yourself, that's OK. It works even better when you include your loved ones. (Chapter 24)
- Why you want to find a career you enjoy. An example of a woman who didn't. (Chapter 25)
"Resources galore"
- Hundreds of books, web sites and other resources to help you advance your IT career. Most chapters contain resources specific to the subject of that chapter. (Chapter 26)
- Over 100 IT, employment and career resources. Also 4 outstanding books to teach you about true financial freedom. And the best book on motivations I've ever found. (Chapter 26)
"The 3 good reasons not to buy Secrets"
If you've read this far, by now you know this book is for you. You have the intelligence to read the material, learn and use it. You have already achieved a good measure of success at your current job. Maybe it's not all you want it to be now, but you've developed far beyond the raw recruit you were when you graduated from college. You don't appreciate how much you have grown inside because it happened day by day.
You can now use your current maturity to step up to a higher level so one day you'll look back to this time and be amazed at the progress you've made toward true financial wealth through a computer career.
1. You are financially independent so you do not need to save money. You want to learn a computer skill for the fun and challenge. Still, unless you already know exactly what you want to do, Secrets can give you a lot of good background information, and since you're financially independent you can afford it :)
2. You don't really want to change your current job or career.
This is fine of course. Not everybody is cut out to be a techie. However you still must face your financial uncertainties in your future -- in Secrets you can learn how you can pick up a skill on a part time basis and increase your income using your computer evenings and weekends.
3. You already know by now everything you need to know to change to your chosen computer career.
If you don't by now know everything you need and yet you are seriously thinking of committing yourself to a computer career, you need Secrets.
I have had a few refund requests from people who refused to accept information but wanted only inked up paper, so I want this point clear.
"You CAN change your life"
You are intelligent, serious and motivated or you would not have read this letter so far.
Where will you be in 5 years?
You could be making close to or well over 6 figures a year. You could enjoy your work every day. You could have control over your money, your time and your life.
You could feel relaxed when your co-workers are buzzing with the latest rumors of a downsizing, because you know that if this company can't use your skills and experience, another one will. And you'll ask for more money than you're receiving now, and will probably get it. Or you could be an independent contractor who already has your next project lined up. "Or you could be where you are now, only 5 years older"
You fill in the blanks to this one. How does this gray, blocked future look . . . sound . . . feel . . . to you? "You can start learning the Secrets to Changing to a High Pay Computer Career in 5 minutes"
Secrets to Changing to a High Pay Computer Career is an investment in you and your family's future of only $24.95. Because without it you risk making a mistake that will cost you much more money.
I can only guarantee this price until Midnight . Invest in a Better Life for You and Your Family with Computer Careers Secrets Now My 10X in 3 Months Guarantee to You
You have six full months to read and put Secrets to Changing to a High Pay Computer Career to work for you.
I believe in giving people at least 10 times the value for the money.
Therefore, if at any time within the next 3 months you do not see how the information contained in Secrets can either make or save you at least $250 in money and/or time, I'll refund your money.
You risk nothing.
"Two days in the wrong training class would alone cost you 10 times the cost of Secrets"
Technical computer books cost $40-$50 each and not all of them are worth it. I've combed through Amazon looking for the best. More high tech resources such as CD-ROM, computer based training etc. cost even more. Training classes cost much much much more.
The advice I give you of what to do while you are in training will make finding yourself a job much easier and quicker. If you find a job just one week faster because of Secrets, that will make you at least an additional $250.