Digital literacy: Should children learn about crypto?

Ever since their inception, cryptocurrencies have attracted a mixed response from the financial community and the world at large, with plenty of voices in favor and just as many against their inclusion in the financial system. Even if they’ve taken major leaps forward over the years, with the likes of Bitcoin and Ethereum leading the race towards mainstream acceptance, they have remained a rather controversial asset class that many don’t know what to make of. Everyone knows how to buy Bitcoin these days, but not everyone agrees with the concept that crypto proposes.  So, obviously, whether it’s a good idea to teach children about digital currencies has also become a major topic of debate these days.

A reality we can’t ignore

Considering their novelty and unpredictable nature, it’s difficult to say if cryptocurrencies will still be around 10 years from now. But we might as well see them competing with fiat money in a couple of years. Both scenarios are equally possible. The fact that digital currencies have managed to survive numerous bear markets and scandals and are still going strong despite the current regulatory crackdown is proof enough of their strength and resilience.

Regardless of your views on cryptocurrencies, they could end up influencing kids’ future. That’s why it’s better for them to be prepared and gain awareness of crypto than to struggle to make sense of it later on. When they reach adulthood, this will enable them to take advantage of the perks that crypto offers, minimize the risks it implies, and thus make better-informed financial decisions.

Also, compared to older demographics, the younger generations and kids in particular are digital natives, growing up in a tech-dominated world and surrounded by smart devices that they’ve learned how to use from a very early age. This means there’s no point in trying to keep children away from the digital realities of the moment such as the existence of cryptocurrencies since they’ll pop up on kids’ radar sooner or later and they’ll come to find out about it one way or another.

Therefore, adults should step in and control the narrative by deciding when is the right time and how much children should learn about digital currencies.

The ABC of crypto for kids

Any way you look at it, crypto is a vast and complex topic. It’s difficult enough for adults to grasp the concept of digital money and understand the inner workings of the technology that powers them, let alone for a kid who hasn’t yet learned the basics of money and finance. So, age is a major factor to take into account when introducing children to this novel asset class.

While most experts agree that financial education should start as early as possible, you might want to leave crypto lessons for later. It’s only after kids have gained a solid understanding of how money works that they can start learning about crypto. This should ideally happen around adolescence, when children usually become more interested in the world of finance and their exposure to digital innovations like crypto also increases.

However, for children to be able to digest crypto-related information it’s important to make this a gradual process. Microlearning or bite-sized learning might be the most suitable method in this respect. This implies breaking down complex and lengthy information into smaller and more manageable chunks that children can process with ease. If kids are met with too much information at once, they might feel overwhelmed and give up on deciphering complicated crypto concepts.

Another effective way to familiarize kids with digital currencies is to take advantage of social media platforms. Preteens and teenagers especially like to spend time on social networks to connect with their friends and stay up to date with the topics that interest them. So, platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok can provide the opportunity for them to learn more about crypto, as many content creators are covering the topic on all major social media sites. Many of them are knowledgeable and able to present complicated crypto concepts in an engaging and easy-to-understand manner that can make the learning process more enjoyable for children.

Nevertheless, adults should always assist children in selecting the sites and sources that they can use to improve their crypto literacy. The internet is as useful as it is dangerous and misinformation gets spread around easily, especially when it comes to crypto. There are tons of shady websites and ill-intentioned influencers out there trying to lure people in with get-rich-quick schemes and other unrealistic promises, and it’s easy for naïve minds to fall into their trap. Since kids don’t know how to filter online content, adults need to keep a close eye on the sites and apps that children access to protect them from common online risks.

As for the crypto topics that children should know about, there are a few essential aspects to point out. After learning what crypto is and how it functions, children should be made aware of crypto use cases. Many online articles only talk about crypto as a trading or investment mechanism but fail to provide information about its other applications and how one could benefit from it in everyday life.

Next comes the topic of accessing cryptocurrencies and storing funds safely as there are specialized platforms that can help in this respect. Choosing trustworthy crypto exchanges is another important aspect to take into account.

Obviously, one should not forget about the risk of dabbling in crypto. Despite their increasing popularity, children should know that digital currencies are high-risk assets due to their price volatility, so using crypto is something that must be approached with great caution.

Final thoughts

Some might say that cryptocurrency is a topic that doesn’t concern children in any way. But the reality is that kids these days are already exposed to crypto information, whether we realize it or not. So, helping them process this information and making sure they have a good understanding of these assets when the time is right is something that adults might want to consider.

 

Precious Metals as a Safe Haven Investment

The term “precious metals” is often used to describe metals that are rare and valuable. Some examples will include gold, silver, and palladium. Investments in precious metals have over the years become known as “safe-haven investments”. This is because of the stability they offer investors.

In this article, we shall consider what they are considered safe-haven investments, the reasons for their attractiveness, and even provide brief historical evidence to back it up. Also, we shall succinctly examine the common types in the market and do a brief risk-benefit analysis.

What are Precious Metals?

These are highly valuable, naturally occurring rare metals with high economic value. They are often used in industrial applications for such things as jewelry and currency minting. Their ability to act as a safe haven for investment is a distinctive characteristic that sets them apart from other elements.

During economic instability, market volatility, or geopolitical turmoil, investors often turn to these ‘safe havens’ for financial protection. A safe haven implies financial reliability and relative stability in times of economic distress. Gold and silver, in particular, have been proven to belong to this class over the years.

You can find out more about these elements here: https://sciencestruck.com/.

Reasons for Attractiveness as Safe Haven Investments

You may ask, why are these metals considered a safe haven for investment? Let’s highlight a few reasons.

Intrinsic Value

Fiat currencies can be printed endlessly, but precious metals can’t because of their rarity. Its limited supply imposes intrinsic value on it. Their increased inclusion in IRAs is a testament to the huge investment opportunities inherent in these precious stones.

Store of Value

They’ve had a history of being able to act as a reliable store of value. They are capable of preserving purchasing power over extended periods and are thus used to safeguard against inflation and currency devaluation.

Hedge Against Economic Uncertainty

They provide a formidable hedge against potential capital losses and market volatility.

Diversification Benefits

Including precious metals in an investment portfolio can enhance diversification. They often exhibit a low correlation with traditional financial assets like stocks and bonds, which means they can offset losses during turbulent market conditions.

Universally Recognized

They are universally valued and recognized across civilizations and cultures as precious metals, especially gold. Itsattractiveness as a safe-haven investment is further heightened by its wide acceptance.

Historical Evidence of Effectiveness

Historical evidence, especially during political or economic upheavals, attests to precious metals’ role as safe havens. Let’s see some.

Gold During Financial Crises

Investors sought succour in gold during the financial crisis in 2008, the great depression, and the dot-com bubble.

Silver as a Monetary Metal

Silver, too, was used during periods of monetary instability as a form of currency in the past. Throughout history, it’s been acting as a safe haven for investors too.

Precious Metals as a Hedge Against Inflation

It is also a well-known fact that during periods of high inflation, precious metals provided the protection investors’ funds needed to erode the effects of inflation and devaluation.

Types of Precious Metals for Investment

Various types of these rare elements exist. But let’s focus on the most prominent types used for investment in this discussion.

Gold

Gold is scarce, corrosion-resistant, and has a lustrous appearance.  It is well known for its store of value and is the most prominent precious metal.  Investments in gold can be in the form of gold mining of stocks, physical or through ETFs (exchange-traded funds).  Central banks also use is as a reserve bench for their monetary policies.

Silver

Another metal with investment potential is silver, often referred to as ‘poor man’s gold’.  It is widely accessible to a wider range of people because it is more affordable than gold. It is extensively used in industries for electronics and medical applications because of such properties as its high electrical and thermal conductivity.  Silver has a small market size and tends to be more volatile.

Platinum

Platinum is used mostly in the automobile industry for the production of catalytic converters for cars. Because of its unique market dynamics compared to gold and silver, it can offer diversification benefits to a portfolio.

Palladium

Like platinum, it is used in the automobile industry for manufacturing catalytic converters for vehicles to reduce harmful emissions. It is part of the platinum group metals (PGMs), whose value has increased in recent years because of the growing demand for clean energy.

Rhodium

The rarest and most expensive precious metal, also in the platinum group metals (PGMs), is Rhodium. Although it has no significant market value like gold or silver, its extremely volatile price makes it an element for speculation.  To get more information on other types, check here.

Risks and Benefits of Precious Metals as Safe Haven Investments

Now, let us consider the inherent risks and derivable benefits of using these rare elements as a safe haven investment.

The Risks of Precious Metals as Safe Haven Investments

The risks can be daunting; let us consider some of them briefly.

Price Volatility

Even though it is acclaimed to be relatively stable, that doesn’t mean it is completely immune to market fluctuations either. When this occurs, it could lead to potential short-term losses for investors.

Lack of Income

Unlike other stocks or bonds, precious metals do not generate dividends or income.

Regulatory and Taxation Risks

Their returns vary from place to place, depending on the regulations and tax laws of the region.

Market Sentiment

Macroeconomic factors, as well as speculative trading and market sentiments, can influence the prices of these rare metals.

The Benefits of Precious Metals as Safe Haven Investments

The benefits include the following:

Diversification

By offering diversification benefits, they reduce the overall portfolio risk.

Preservation of Wealth

As stated earlier, their ability to store value and preserve wealth during economic crises is a big plus.

Liquidity

Buying and selling gold or silver in the market is relatively easy because it is a highly liquid asset. This means that you can easily get cash for your investment should the need arise.

Universal Acceptance

Facilitating trade and transporting precious metals is quite easy because they are globally accepted and recognized.

One thing you must note is that the effectiveness of your investments will be largely dependent on the company you work with. You can look at this comparison of Goldco vs American Hartford Gold to learn more about how to choose the right company to work with for better returns.

Conclusion

Due to their historical significance, intrinsic value, and scarcity, precious metals have established themselves as a timeless safe haven for investors. They provide a store of value in times of economic upheaval and also offer investors a unique means of diversification and hedging against inflation.

Although they come with some risks, their universal recognition, acceptance, and allure make them a steady attraction for investors. With the stamp of history on its side, those seeking to safeguard their portfolios against uncertainties in the financial world are more confident.

Nevertheless, investors are advised to understand the market dynamics, risk factors, and potential returns associated with each metal before investing in it.

Investing Encourages an Alternative Path to Future Financial Success

Investing is a primary means of achieving future financial success, particularly for retirement. You must jump into it with an adequate strategy and a thorough understanding of the different assets and how this function. That means taking advantage of any legitimate resources to guide decisions.

The Investors Circle website is renowned for speaking to investors about the pros and cons of varied investment companies, especially in the precious metal industry. With unbiased details on gold firms, investors can make more informed decisions to strengthen their investment portfolio.

A strong portfolio is one that is diverse in its holdings. That means having different classes and assets within those classes. For instance, if you have a conventional individual retirement account heavy in paper assets to build retirement wealth, you will want an alternative to protect that wealth.

Self-directed IRAs or precious metals like gold IRAs offer diversity since these correlates with the financial market in an opposite response to the paper. That means the paper will often see significant losses if there is a market crash or the economy becomes unstable. 

Gold, on the other hand, has a reputation for its stability in tough times, with the occasion for seeing increases when other markets are challenged. Consider investing with the idea of diversity by using a gold IRA as one of your alternative investments.

Should You Consider a Gold IRA as An Alternative Investment?

Anyone who strives for the least stress, albeit the most comfortable retirement, will instill a strategic investing platform to achieve that objective. When investing in retirement, individual retirement accounts are almost always included. 

Go to https://mint.intuit.com/blog/planning/iras-a-crash-course-030917 to learn about IRAs.

These can be conventional accounts holding paper assets like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, all comparable in their class. You can also look at self-directed IRAs called precious metals or gold IRAs. 

These can, in fact, hold a range of alternative investments, but gold happens to correlate with the financial markets differently than traditional assets. Investors buy tangible assets approved by the IRS intending to diversify their platform and protect their wealth. How does a gold IRA investment work? Let us learn.

What type of gold IRA account you choose will determine your tax benefits?

As is true with a conventional IRA, self-directed accounts or gold IRAs must be designated by type, traditional or Roth. The difference between the two will determine the method for taxing your money. 

Roth plans to expect taxes to be paid prior to the contributions being made. A traditional plan will defer taxes until the cash is taken out. When a gold IRA is mishandled according to IRS stipulations, these tax incentives are withdrawn.

The contribution limits are the same for gold IRAs as a conventional plan.

The conventional IRA and self-directed or gold account are, again, comparable when it comes to annual contribution limits. These are based on age, with those under fifty allowed a $6500 contribution annually and anyone fifty and over allowed $7500, giving that extra $1000 as a “catch-up.”

Investors cannot take possession of the physical gold.

When choosing physical gold to be held in an IRA, investors must understand that the commodity will be permitted to take into possession at age 59.5. You are not allowed to have IRS-approved gold held in an IRA in the home or other private storage.

The IRS has specific guidelines and approved depositories where these metals are to be kept. The facilities are secure, and the investor is to insure their products while in storage. If you attempt to hold the precious metal personally, the IRS can impose fines and penalties, revoking the tax incentives.

That is not to say you are unable to take the gold from storage earlier than eligibility, but there will be a 10 percent penalty for doing so. 

The fees are more extensive compared to a conventional account.

Gold IRAs are more complex than conventional IRAs requiring a specialized gold firm versed in handling self-directed accounts that hold precious metals. The extra work involved means additional fees, including setup, management, custodial services, storage, and on.

These range from one company to the next, making it essential to consult with a few providers before selecting one suited to your specific needs. Not all custodians work with precious metals or gold. It is vital before committing to an account to disclose your investment intentions.

The best company will work with you to set up the account, roll over the funds or directly contribute, purchase the metal on your behalf, and transport or deliver the product to the approved depository of your choice. 

The custodian will administer the account throughout the lifespan, assisting with documentation and plan compliance.

Is Opening a Gold IRA the Best Investing Decision for You?

Making a gold IRA a part of your long-term retirement strategy can be beneficial primarily for diversifying a platform that might be paper heavy. When deluged with stocks, exchange-traded funds, bonds, and mutual funds, there is a substantial risk when the financial markets struggle because these assets directly correlate.

When taking a “sliver” of that wealth to break up some of the paper, turning it into gold or other precious metals, you can mitigate the risk making the portfolio stable when turbulence strikes. That means while one set of securities is suffering, another group is viable for access in retirement, avoiding a panic situation.

When the dollar devalues in the present market and has done so in the past, gold often increases since the demand rises at that time. The metal is deemed a hedge against consistently rising inflation. 

While paper assets are strong wealth-building assets, gold, in particular, boasts of protecting that wealth and staving off the threats that typically face those holdings when the market faces volatility and an unstable economy. Go here for a beginner’s guide on investing in gold IRAs.

Final Thought

Investing can lead to future financial success when an individual takes the opportunity to become informed on how to do so shrewdly. 

Putting contributions in a single class, particularly one that correlates heavily with the financial market and depends on a stable economy, sets an investor up for a substantial loss when that economy begins to fail.

When a portfolio is established, the strategy should focus on consistently producing, with an array of vehicles meant to step up when one set of assets sees a decline. A gold IRA can participate in that mix.

How Can Investing Help Your Business Grow?

Growth is on the mind of every business owner, no matter the size of their company or how long they’ve been in business. And while most of them will actively and carefully consider different ways to improve their operations, they may omit to consider investing as a way to grow.

Let’s examine how investing can help your business grow and what you need to keep in mind if this is the route you decide to take.

The Benefits of Investing in Stocks 

Investing in stocks can be very beneficial to your business in several different ways:

1. The average stock market return is around 10% per year, and it has been this high for nearly a century. This is higher than what you can expect from most other forms of investment.
2. The annual inflation rate stands at around 3% per year. When you compare it to the above-mentioned 10% in returns, you’ll notice that investing in stocks can help you protect yourself from inflation to a certain degree.
3. Dividends are also a great way to earn a passive income. While it may not be exceptionally high, it is still money you don’t have to work to earn, which you can further invest in your business.
4. Stocks are a liquid investment, and you can buy and sell them very easily. If you ever need a cash influx, you can obtain it by selling some of your stocks.
5. Investing can also help you connect with other people in your industry, as well as people who run other companies you can learn from or partner up with.
6. You can start small and work your way up. You don’t have to have a huge capital available, and you can get the ball rolling with as little as a couple of hundred dollars, or even less.

This is why a lot of individuals and businesses choose to invest in stocks. If they choose the right stocks, they get to see a steady income without having to spend a lot of time managing them.

The Risks of Investing in Stocks 

Investing in stocks does come with some risks as well. Here’s what you should know before you consider it:

● The stock market is volatile. It declines 10% from its high every 11 months, around 20% every four years, and over 30% at least once in a decade. This means that you may end up losing money, if the crash occurs at a time when you’re actively investing.
● If you have a lot of debt to pay off, focus on that rather than on investing in stocks, as early repayment can have a higher return.
● You always need to have an emergency fund that will cover any unplanned expenses your business may face. This should not involve selling your stock.
● You will need to invest some time in researching stocks that are worth your attention. While blue chip stocks are often considered the best investment to make, you can also choose others that have a decent return and that are issued by credible companies. If you don’t have the time or can achieve more by investing it in your business, reconsider your stock market investments.

The risks of investing in stocks are usually outweighed by the benefits. As long as you can afford to lose some of your investment and you’re able to do your research, you can find the funds to grow your business.

Where to Find the Money to Invest 

The question that naturally arises is where you will find the money to invest. Since this is a business investment (and not your personal one), you can (and should) consider taking the money out of the business, in a way.

You can, for example, choose to pay yourself a smaller salary or skip a couple of payments that you will use as an investment. Of course, this is only feasible if you can cover your personal expenses from what you’ve already earned or if there’s another family member who can take on the household expenses for a month or more.

You can also choose to lower your operating expenses. This may not always be an option, but you may be able to save some money in several ways. Letting people go is not the only way to do it, though, so don’t immediately start considering making a personnel cut.

You can change suppliers too, for example. Take a good long look at your expenses and figure out if there is any room to cut costs. If not, don’t worry; you can also take the profits and use them as an investment. This means you will again have to take away from what you may otherwise have taken home or refrain from investing the money back into the business, but it can be a viable option.

Understanding What You Want to Get out of It 

Before you start investing, you should also carefully consider why you are doing it. Since the goal is to grow your business, set yourself a specific figure to make sure that you’re on track and that the investment is bringing you closer to your goals.

Make sure that the goal is not a very important one or one that you want to achieve in the next year. Investments take time to pay off. If you want to earn money to increase your ad spend for the next quarter, you will need to find the money elsewhere.

Maybe you want to find the fund to refurbish the office or branch out? Aim to set yourself a “nice to have” investment goal, one that you don’t need to achieve immediately to grow your business. As your stock portfolio grows, you can invest more, earn more, and ensure that some of your short-term goals are met as well.

Wrapping Up 

Investing in stocks can be a great way to help your business grow. However, you’ll need to be prepared for a potential loss. Also, make sure to take stock market volatility into account when making the choice to generate additional funds for your company this way.

About The Author

Sarah is a life enjoyer, positivity seeker, and a curiosity enthusiast. She is passionate about an eco-friendly lifestyle and adores her cats. She is an avid reader who loves to travel when time allows.

How to Choose The Best Crypto Exchange

Both at the purchase stage and when making payments with cryptocurrencies, exchangers need to be used. These special services permit you to purchase one kind of coin for another digital currency. Between themselves, portals offering the purchase/sale of coins or the exchange of crypto pairs such as xdc vs hbar differ significantly, while their number is in the hundreds – because of this, it can be hard for users to discover a trustworthy partner. In addition, only some understand why crypto exchangers are better than exchanges. Our review will allow you to navigate the pros and cons of services and find a platform with optimal conditions.

Why is it worth using an exchanger for buying/selling cryptocurrencies?

An exchanger or an exchange can operate as a counterparty in dealings with electronic money (it is risky to purchase “on hand”, so this opportunity should not even be weighed!). Even though exchanges provide the opportunity to create a digital wallet, coin owners use exchanges more often. Their main advantages:

  • the opportunity of completing transactions without making an account and going via the identification process;

  • commission in the amount of 1-2% (2 times less than on exchanges);

  • the presence of a loyalty program;

  • a broad range of exchangeable cryptocurrency pairs. Besides widespread coins, you can purchase new assets and make reasonable money on the distinction in rates;

  • minimal time expended on transactions – the only thing that influences the speed of transferring budgets is the parameters of the blockchain;

  • a simple interface that even an inexperienced crypto investor can use;

  • high level of security and availability of round-the-clock technical support.

The drawbacks of exchangers are especially connected to the actions of evil portals that:

  • put unfavorable rates;

  • restrict customers by the quantity of the transaction;

  • can affect technical losses to proper budgets.

It is not worth collaborating with doubtful services. Right now, you will understand how to bypass making a misstep in selecting a partner.

A serious approach to choosing a site for the exchange of cryptocurrencies

An established exchange process is the key to profitable and comfortable investment in virtual money. Each service advertises itself as a reliable partner. But only 10-15% of platforms can meet the expectations of potential customers. You won’t make a mistake with the choice if:

  1. Study how the offered rate varies from the market direction. Keep in mind that the indicators are various at other times of the day.

  2. Assess the financial reserves of the exchanger. The larger they are, the better, since making transactions for large amounts is possible.

  3. Analyze assortment. Leading exchangers, like LetsExchange, function with hundreds of coins and must be validated. The exchange recommendation form can consider the checklist of sustained digital assets. The most widespread pairs are detailed first, pursued by the rest in alphabetical order.

  4. Make sure the service is fair with the assistance of reviews on autonomous forums.

  5. Find out the conditions for making online transactions. Not only the work schedule is essential, but also the limits on amounts, the need for registration, and the scheme of interaction with clients.

There are no ideal services, so the crypto owner’s task is to find a resource with:

  • the optimal ratio of security;

  • reasonable rates;

  • transaction speed;

  • ease of use.

Bitcoin Investing vs Index Investing: Which One Should You Do?

Both Bitcoin and index investment options are extremely popular. Over the years, both of them have given the investors significant returns. However, cryptocurrency is significantly more volatile compared to index investment options like stocks or bonds.

However, investment returns for both instruments are never guaranteed. And as an investor, it is common to have confusion about these two options.

So if you are wondering which one you should be investing in between Bitcoin or Index investing options, we will be sharing a comparison of Bitcoin Investing vs Index Investing. So let’s get into the topic right away:

Bitcoin Investing vs Index Investing: Which One Should You Do?

As an investor, you should know to be aware of what you are actually investing in. If you have no idea what Bitcoin or index investing is, you will not know what you are dealing with, you won’t be able to calculate the risks and rewards of investing. So let me give you a quick overview of both the investment instruments:

 

Index Investing

Index investing is a passive investment strategy. It is a type of fund which is made of mutual funds, stocks, ETFs, and other traditional investment options. In index investing, the investor purchases similar stocks in a particular market index. Also, the investor is required to buy and hold onto their investments for a really long time.

Index investment is great for diversifying your portfolio. Also, it helps you lower expenses and fees. Also, indexing seeks to match the risk and return of the overall market. And it is based on the theory that in the long period, the market will perform better, and it will outperform any stock picker.

Bitcoin

Bitcoin is the most popular cryptocurrency, and it was the first cryptocurrency that was launched back in 2009. Bitcoin is backed by no hard assets, and it allows you to perform certain functions.

Like Bitcoin allows you to send money to another person or using smart contracts that automatically executes after specific conditions are met.

Also, Bitcoin is a digital currency that operates free of any central control. Or it is controlled by any bank or government. Instead, Bitcoin relies on peer to peer software and cryptography.

 

Pros and Cons of Investing in Bitcoin

Over the years, Bitcoin has become one of the popular cryptocurrencies. It has given high returns to the early stage investors within a short period of time. And many experts believe that Bitcoin will continue to give high returns to its investors. But it also has pros and cons, which one should be aware of before investing.

 

Pros of investing in Bitcoin

● One of the main reasons why Bitcoin is so attractive to the investors is that it is a decentralized currency. This means that the currency is not controlled by any government or central bank. As you know, banks create inflation by printing more money. As a result, over a period of time, your money loses its value. But since Bitcoin is not controlled by a bank. It is protected against inflation.
● By investing in Bitcoin, you can expect large gains. Even not just Bitcoin, there are several other cryptocurrencies that have given high returns to their investors.
● Another advantage of Bitcoin is that it sees no border. It is a widely accessible and versatile currency. You can transfer funds within a few minutes from one user to another anywhere in the world. You can use it for purchasing goods and services. And the usage of the currency will grow rapidly in the future, which will also help the currency to gain its value.

Cons of investing in Bitcoin

● The crypto market is extremely volatile. Bitcoin is not backed by anything, or the market is regulated by any authorities. As a result, the traders are the ones who control the price. Hence, the price of Bitcoin can jump to extreme highs in no time or drop to extreme lows in no time. This makes investing in bitcoin a lot riskier.
● Managing Bitcoins can be extremely complicated. No matter how well you are protecting your funds, hackers might find one way or another way to steal funds from you. Also, it is impossible to record your stolen funds. However, by using a crypto hardware wallet, like Ledger Nano X or Trezor T, you can keep your funds safe and secure.
● One of the major cons of Bitcoin is that it is not regulated by any government. Although, there are some countries that have started forming up rules and regulations for crypto. But it is not yet a mainstream alternative currency that everyone is using.

Pros and Cons of Index Investing

When you invest in an index like stocks, you are buying shares of publicly traded companies. By buying shares, you are holding ownership of the company. This gives your investment a real-world value, and your stock value will be determined by how well the company you have invested in is performing. Index investment is considered to be a stable investment option, and it has both pros and cons. So let me talk about that in brief:

 

Pros of Index Investing

● Investing in the index is less risky than investing in crypto. Stock exchanges have existed since 1611, and it has a long history of operations. Also, it existed for such a long time that different financial intuitions have studied it and have their own theories, which makes it pretty easy for anyone to predict the future market performance. Hence, investing in stocks gives you a sense of relief as you know that your funds will not get tanked, and someday in the future, it will give you well returns. Even if that’s not the case, you will have enough time to move your funds from one investment option to another.
● Investing in index options has become extremely easy. There are many trading and investment platforms available out there. You can get started with your first investment within a few minutes only.
● Another important factor of the index market is that it is well regulated. Different markets are regulated by different authorities, and they ensure that you are investing in real schemes. As a result, you are assured that you are not going to lose all your money.
● Diversification is another advantage of index investing. As you know, the famous quote is never put your eggs in the same basket. So when you are investing, it is important that you invest in multiple things. So even if one of the investment options doesn’t work, there are others that will save you.

Cons of Investing In Stocks

● One of the main cons of index investing is that it has lower rewards and also lower risks. You cannot expect crazy returns when you are investing in mutual funds, stocks or bonds. Instead, your investments will grow slowly compared to investing in crypto.
● As an investor, you may not get access to all the information about a company. As a result, investing in companies can sometimes be a little risky.

Final Words:

So that was all about Bitcoin Investing vs Index Investing. I hope this has given you enough idea about which investment instrument is best for you. Also, if there is anything more you would like to ask, then comment below.

Best Financial Managing Tips for Parents During the Pandemic

We all can agree that parenting is stressful but combining it with poor financial management can make you insane! Here are the best financial tips to prevent that.

 

It is no surprise that some parents are having a hard time managing their finances because of several possible reasons brought by the pandemic. It could be because of unemployment, large pay cuts, business shutdowns, or simply because they cannot control themselves from overspending.

 

For parents, raising a child is no easy task, and spending on your child’s necessities will only diminish your money as your child grows. If you have more than one child, then you must be financially ready to last throughout the pandemic, especially if you are a single parent.

 

Here the tips that will guide you to the right path of parental financial stability.

Discuss your Current Financial Situation with your Family

It is best to be transparent with your partner and children about your financial situation for the purpose to be open with those who are spending the money with you. If ever you are not comfortable discussing this matter, at least let your family members know you are in a tight situation, so everyone is aware of how they spend money wisely in avoiding financial crisis in the end.

 

This is for them to understand that you are indeed working hard to sustain the needs of your family even in the most difficult of times. With this, your children will support you and learn to appreciate your efforts as a parent.

Look for Another Source of Income

One of the best alternatives to avoid financial complications is to find another source of income. It could be a small business, second job, or an investment. As long as you are gaining money aside from your main job, then that is enough.

 

Better yet, let your partner do the same as well but if your partner is in charge of the young toddlers at home, the best he or she could do is to support you while she takes care of the young ones. Acquiring multiple sources of income can definitely help you become financially stable.

Plan on a Budget

Planning a budget has been taken for granted by a lot of parents. The mindset of those who think that their money will last is potentially in danger of losing money. These people may not spend a lot of money on unnecessary expensive things

 

But we have to remember that it is not expensive things that make us want to purchase items and products, but rather it is actually the cheap ones that we spend more on.

 

This is why planning a budget must be exactly enough so that you as parents will have better control of your finances. You will no longer have to worry about overspending anymore if you follow your budget responsibly.

Use a Budget Tracker App

Take advantage of technology and download a budget tracker app to help you monitor your finances. You can also benefit from other features as well such as bill notifiers, financial calendars, spending activity trackers, etc.

Purchase the Best Deals Possible to Save Money

Since a lot of consumers are shifting towards online shopping to be safe, a lot of discounts and online promo codes are available out there to save you money and get better deals.

 

Always look for these discounts before you place your order. This is a common mistake done by a lot of consumers. Instead of rushing to buy the product, try to compare the same product from another shopping platform. Maybe the prices are different, so choose the best one to save monefut

A Few Simple Rules to Introduce You to Stock Trading

If you’ve ever looked at a newspaper and saw headlines about stocks that are performing particularly well right now, or you’ve seen someone mentioning the ups and downs of the industry the web, you might have wondered what this environment is really all about. It’s easy to get convinced in a world full of acronyms and complicated terms. However, the truth is that entering this money-making landscape isn’t as complicated as it seems. When you buy shares or securities, you agree to purchase a small portion of a company that you’re interested in, such as Netflix (NFLX) or Facebook (FB). Whenever the company you invest in increases in value, your portfolio increases in value. Here are a few simple rules you need to know to set you on the right track.

 

It’s Easier than You Think

Although there are complicated parts to the stock market, like finding the best penny stocks to buy now, or working with day trading rules, the basics are pretty easy to get the hang of. All you need to do is ensure that you’re buying items when the prices are low and selling when they’re high. Of course, there are a few other rules that can help to keep you focused, such as:

• Don’t invest everything you have straight away: In an ever-evolving landscape, chances come up when you least expect it. It’s a good idea to have some cash on hand so you can unlock plenty of doors.
• Understand that taking profits isn’t a bad thing: Sometimes leaving your profits sitting in the landscape isn’t the best way to grow your portfolio. If you have a stock sitting there with a lot of profit, you can take that money and put it into your next opportunity.
• Hedge your bets: Hedging is one of the most important things you can learn when you’re building a portfolio. It basically means that you set up a plan in place to ensure that you can continue to earn cash, no matter what might happen with your favorite investments.
• Learn as often as you can: Research is your best friend as an investor. It’s up to you to find out what kind of events are moving the market around you. Serious traders keep one eye on what’s going on in their industry, and the other on what’s going on in the world.

Remember Discipline and Patience

The more time you spend building your portfolio, the more skills you’ll develop. You’ll discover that it’s easier to accomplish your goals when you check the history of a security before you step into a position. You might also learn that using things like demo or paper trading to your advantage will give you more skills and direction over time. The most important lesson for beginners, though, is to get your attitude right. Focus on discipline and patience rather than emotion and panic. It’s all too easy for your fear and nerves to get the best of you when money is involved. Stick with your plan and be patient. You’ll get there in the end.

How Women Can Invest in The US Sports Betting Market

The growing US sports betting market

The online sports betting industry in the United States is undoubtedly one of the most exciting sectors from an investment perspective for both men and women.

 

Just over 40 percent of states have now legalised sports betting and many more are on track to follow suit over the coming months.

 

Pennsylvania and New Jersey were amongst the first states to take advantage of the Supreme Court’s decision to introduce new legislation in 2018 and they are now reaping the financial rewards.

 

With Wall Street analysts saying the sports betting industry is one to watch, we take a closer look at some of the potential investment opportunities, which are relevant for every sports enthusiast. 

 

888 leading the charge

Financial experts have predicted that the sports betting market could be worth anywhere between $7-13 billion annually in the next 3-5 years.

 

888 offers great investment potential as it strives to transfer its successful casino tips and tricks over into the world of sports betting. A recent study shows that in this sector women outperform man, women see a return on investment of 19.79% on their placed bets.

 

Their male counterparts, however, see an average loss of 4.6%. Undoubtablya significant difference which gives women an advantage in this sector

 

The company has already made huge inroads in Europe and has now expanded its operations into North America.

 

888 launched a sportsbook in New Jersey and has ambitious plans to roll out its offering across the US as more states embrace the new legislation.

 

The firm also became the first of its type to agree a sponsorship deal with an NFL team when it signed-off on a partnership with the New York Jets in 2018.

 

With the US on course to become one of biggest sports betting markets in the world, 888 looks ideally placed to reward investors over the next few years.

 

Kambi riding the wave of excitement

Sports betting technology supplier Kambi Group enjoyed an excellent start to 2020 as it more than doubled its profits during the first quarter.

 

Market uncertainties had caused Kambi’s share price to fall during 2019, but they have bounced back in style at the start of this year.

 

The company generated revenue of €27.9 million from January to March, while operating profit rose by 162.2% to €6.8m.

 

Increases in sports betting turnover powered the growth and the trend looks set to continue for the foreseeable future.

 

With more states set to jump on the sports betting bandwagon, an investment in Kambi shares could pay huge dividends.

 

The current price is some way below the figure the company set back in 2018, highlighting the obvious potential for growth as the US gambling market explodes.

 

Taking a global perspective

For anyone wishing to take a broader view of investment in sports betting, the VanEck Vectors Gaming ETF is worthy of consideration.

 

The fund offers exposure to the global gaming industry, incorporating sports betting firms, smaller technology companies and mobile innovators.

 

It reflects the performance of the MVIS Global Gaming Index, thus offering investors an interest in a much wider spectrum of the industry.

 

While the fund is global, US businesses make up almost half of the portfolio, highlighting that it has been put together with an eye on the growth the market is expected to generate there.

 

Some of the smaller securities held in the fund have been tipped to rise massively over the next couple of years, offering investors further scope for profit.

 

The fund’s value has generally been on an upward curve since it was launched and the anticipated boom in sports betting should generate further increases in the future, which is open to women and men alike. Also check out lines.com 

 

The Proper Way To Plan Your Personal Finances

Day 1, Monday: Analyze your income and determine whether it is possible to enlarge it

For a positive budget you need either to spend less or earn more. However, to earn more and determine to control your finances just now, it does not turn quickly. Therefore, it is necessary to find ways to increase their current income. In order to do this as quickly as possible, it is necessary to apply the really creative approach to solve this problem.

The most obvious ways to generate additional earnings are as follows:

  • Talk to the salary increase;
  • Go in search of better jobs;
  • Search telecommuting in the freelance exchange
  • Create a training course on resource and get paid for views
  • You get extra money by selling unwanted items
  • Do errands on the hog

Take into account the amount of the effort to complete the task and the amount of money received. Balance these two figures, because your time will never return, and it is always possible to spend more efficiently.

Day 2, Tuesday: Review your investment

Today is the day to review the investment.

It is important to invest money in different places, in order to diversify risks. In the case of America or Europe, you can invest in bonds or shares, to give their money management professionals or just put money in the bank. However, in developed countries, a bank deposit is one of the least attractive ways of investing money.

In the case of other countries, the bank account is still the best way to preserve and increase your money. However, in the current political and economic instability such investment also has a number of risks. Therefore, before choosing a bank, you need to become familiar with all the information about all the banks attractive to you, analyze it, and only then choose a bank to store their money.

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Day 3, Wednesday: Think about the quality of the loans

In order to improve relations with the creditors, it is necessary to evaluate the quality of their loans. This is done on the basis of the credit history, the number of current accounts, payment history, and number of times in excess of the limit of your credit card. If everything is OK – you will have less of a problem with your current and future loans.

You can check out Plenti for help with faster and fairer loans.

About the Author:Linda Holloway is a writer, who easily creates very useful and full of interesting facts articles.Linda writes articles for 24writer.com.She has a blog about psychology, which helps many young women. As a hobby Linda organizes events for young mother and children.

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