Top 6 Types of Crypto Trading Strategies

Solid crypto trading strategies are necessary to trade successfully in the crypto market with so much volatility and uncertainty. With various approaches, it can be overwhelming for traders to determine which strategy suits them best. The following are the top 6 types of crypto trading strategies to choose from.

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1. Swing Trading

Swing trading is a medium-term crypto trading strategy involving holding an asset for a few days or weeks to capitalize on price trend movements. Swing traders attempt to enter the market when the price is low and exit when the price reaches a peak. They capitalize on short-term trends to make quick profits over a few days or weeks, ultimately avoiding long-term commitments. They use indicators and technical analysis to identify the precise time to initiate a trade and employ stop losses to limit their losses. They often trade Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH) due to their high liquidity.

2. Day Trading Strategy

Day trading strategy involves buying and selling cryptocurrencies within the same trading day. Day traders typically execute several trades throughout the day and exit all positions by the end of the day. They focus on making small profits from each trade and limit their downside risk with stop losses. 

Day trading requires extensive knowledge of technical analysis and can be emotionally challenging due to the need to make quick decisions based on market trends. That is why it is important to have a clear understanding of market structure. For example, if you are interested in Cardano, go through the Cardano price chart to better understand its history.

3. Arbitrage Trading Strategy

Arbitrage trading involves buying and selling cryptocurrency on different exchanges or markets to profit from price discrepancies. Arbitrage traders take advantage of temporary price anomalies by buying cryptocurrency on one exchange and selling it on another exchange at a higher price. With arbitrage trading, traders can make profits without risking their funds since they are guaranteed price differences that occur simultaneously. However, arbitrage traders must act quickly to capitalize on these opportunities. 

4. Scalping

Scalping is a popular day trading strategy in which traders buy and sell frequently within short periods of time (seconds or minutes) to capitalize on small price movements. Scalpers try to make small profits multiple times a day. Scalpers need to have a clear exit strategy, as it only takes a small swing in the price against them, and they may end up incurring significant losses. Scalping requires excellent risk management skills and a significant amount of time to dedicate to trading throughout the day. While each trade may only yield a small profit, the cumulative effect can yield significant returns.

5. HODL

HODL stands for “Hold on for Dear Life.” HODL is the simplest crypto trading strategy where investors purchase a cryptocurrency, holding on to it for a long time without selling, despite price fluctuations. Traders believe in the long-term value of cryptocurrencies and often choose stablecoins to minimize the volatility in their crypto portfolio. HODLing is a passive investment strategy that involves minimal effort, as investors must monitor the market for news events that may affect prices. 

6. Leverage Trading

Leverage trading involves borrowing funds to increase the size of a trade. It allows traders to amplify profit potential by borrowing money based on their trading position. Leverage traders can enjoy sizable gains on a relatively small investment. However, with proper management, traders can maximize their profits from leverage trading; using tight stop losses, taking advantage of larger margin levels, and diversifying their portfolio by investing in various cryptocurrencies. Leverage trading suits experienced crypto traders with effective money management strategies and an understanding of the risks involved. 

Endnote

When choosing a crypto trading strategy, understand each strategy’s risk and reward potential. It is also essential to consider market conditions when selecting a strategy since some may perform better than others in certain situations. Research and understand the crypto markets before engaging in any form of cryptocurrency trading. As with any other investment, always remember to diversify your portfolio across different assets to reduce risks associated with exposure to one asset type or market trend. 

Crypto and Mastercard – Is the Relationship Growing?

It doesn’t matter what your options are when it comes to crypto because it is hard to deny that it is quickly becoming part of our world. We are seeing this quite a lot in the Mastercard network. People from all walks of life are now using cards to buy assets and this is especially the case when you look at the surge in value from Bitcoin. We are also seeing people take advantage of cryptocurrency cards so that they can convert them into normal currencies to spend. To be clear, the current trend is unmistakable.

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Source: Pexels (CC0 License)

The Future of Crypto

Right now, we are preparing for the future of payments and crypto. It has been announced that Mastercard is going to start supporting a couple of cryptocurrencies and that this is going to be done directly through the network. At the end of the day, this is a huge change and it is indeed going to require a lot of work. The fact that Mastercard is willing to do all of this is a testament as to how much they are willing to try for their customers.

Mastercard and their Philosophy

 The philosophy of cryptocurrency is very simple. It is really all about choice. At the end of the day, Mastercard isn’t here to try and push cryptocurrencies. They simply want to try and enable customers as much as possible. They also want to try and help merchants too. At the end of the day, it is all about choice and it is also about digital value, whether this is through traditional value or digital value. They do this in whatever way they want.

They ultimately believe that it is your money and you can do with it whatever you want. Mastercard believes that it can create a lot of opportunities for merchants and shoppers, as this is going to help them to transact and deal with an entirely new form of payment.

Crypto and Casinos

What’s interesting is that casinos across the world are now accepting cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency is now one of the various online casino deposit methods for a lot of websites and it is not hard to see how far it has come either. People love the idea that they can now play around with Bitcoin online without having their online gambling experience compromised, and this is major, to say the least.

 Helping Concepts to Flourish

People have said time and time again that they want to try and help concepts to flourish. They want to help people to reach their potential and they also need to help encourage guardrails. They want to enable customers to move any digital value that they have, in a way that suits them. They believe that ultimately, it should be their choice and that support should be given on any network where possible. Mastercard has come out to say that not every cryptocurrency is going to be supported on the network. Sure, stablecoins are way more regulated and they are also much more reliable when compared to what has happened in the past, but that being said, compliance still needs some work. It is expected that the ecosystem as a whole is going to start to rally around the assets and that stability and reliability is going to be brought to the forefront. It’s those stablecoins that Mastercard hopes to try and bring into the network.

Achieving the Right Result

 So what are Mastercard looking for? They are currently seeking four key items. First of all, they need to make sure that they implement consumer protection and that they focus on privacy as much as possible. Next, they have to make sure that they meet strict compliance protocols. By doing this they can then snuff out any illegal activity so that they can stop deception from becoming an issue within the network.

Know Your Customer is going to be implemented as well and this is going to help snuff out any deception that could well take place within the network. These digital assets do follow local laws and they also follow local regulations within the sector. Of course, last of all, people will want to try and use assets like this for payments and that is one of the main criteria. To reach the network it is important for crypto assets to offer a high level of stability so people can use it for a vehicle of spending and not for any kind of investment.

Banking & Money Tips for Worried Investors in 2023

Are you worried that your bank, savings, and brokerage accounts might be unsafe amid the current financial crisis? If so, you’re like many other concerned investors who want to take every possible precaution to protect themselves during one of the most volatile and unpredictable economies in recent history. What can you do?

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Large, national banks tend to be very safe even in shaky economic times. In addition to keeping money in insured, reliable institutions, explore real estate and precious metals, two of the traditional tangible asset categories that have a high survival potential in recessions. Establish a cash emergency fund that is equal to six months of income. Finally, while it’s still safe to be a bank depositor, be wary of investing directly in the banking sector. Here are the pertinent details.

Stick with Reliable Institutions

One of the most common money management mistakes is not utilizing the right institutions to reach your goals. As the global banking crisis continues, prudent investors will find additional security by working with established, insured banking institutions. Always check on your preferred bank’s deposit insurance limits.

They vary based on location and type of institution, so avoid opening an account unless you are comfortable with the listed limits. In most cases, the amounts are high enough to cover individuals who want a safe place to park capital that is not in a brokerage account. However, to protect substantial amounts of cash, consider using more than one bank so that none of your account balances exceeds insured limitation amounts.

Consider Real Estate

Real estate has long been a go-to solution for investors and active market traders who are spooked by high volatility in securities and other paper backed asset classes. Real estate is tangible and offers holders numerous benefits if they are far sighted enough to have included it in their portfolios. What do real estate savvy individuals get for their investments? In addition to potentially excellent cash flow and returns, there are several unique tax-related advantages available.

Working adults tend to feel that it’s too costly to get involved in real estate on the investing side, if they not only must purchase entire properties but must also serve as the property manager. The good news is that both those assumptions are moot for those who choose to get into real estate with no time obligation or large cash outlay. They do it by acquiring fractional shares in properties, a maneuver that avoids major financial commitments and the need to personally oversee properties in a management capacity.

Study the Precious Metals Markets

Gold and silver are traditional safe havens during times of economic strife, rampant inflation, whipsaw stock markets, and other financial ills. If you choose to own bullion, store it in a safe deposit box instead of in your home. Work with metals dealers who charge minimal per-ounce markup and have established a reputation in your community. Never buy from an unknown seller, portable brokerage business, or anyone who refuses to let you test the purity of the metals.

Establish an Emergency Fund ASAP

When the global economy is showing signs of long-term weakness, it’s wise to build a cash emergency fund equal to or greater than six full months of income. The usual three-month rule is too restrictive when you’re attempting to maximize safety and security. Convert other assets into cash if necessary and avoid taking on more debt until the six-month fund is firmly established.

Banking Hack: Be a Depositor, Not an Investor

In the recent banking losses, nearly everyone who lost money was an investor or shareholding in the institutions. Depositors were protected by insurance coverage up to relatively high limits. Until the threat of widespread bank failures subsides, consider staying away from being an owner of banking sector stocks and related securities. If necessary, maintain two or three savings and checking accounts to spread your personal risk of loss.

Key Areas of Customer Experience Your Retail Banking Solution Should Focus On

Has your bank undergone digital transformation? Consumer banks are now reinventing themselves for the digital age, adopting fully digital core banking solutions to maintain competitiveness in the face of industry-wide mergers and consolidation as well as challenges from novel payment platforms, card providers, and alternative finance companies.

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But while the complete digitalization of consumer banks is a foregone conclusion, digital transformation alone will not be enough to ensure that all retail banks become competitive. Financial institutions will also have to understand how they can use their technology acquisitions to deliver a seamless and personalized customer experience.

Here are some key areas of customer experience retail banks will have to master:

True Omnichannel Service

Finance technology providers can now provide retail banks with potent capabilities for addressing every point of the customer journey, right out of the box. However, not all banking solutions provide a real omnichannel experience where a customer can move from a web app to a mobile app to social media or even switch branches without barriers in their service.

To be truly competitive, retail banks need to adopt a core banking solution that offers customers seamless transitions between any channel they choose. Once data on legacy systems is migrated to the new core banking platform, banks can more effectively streamline and automate data processing, creating the groundwork for an omnichannel service and elevating the experience for both customers and employees.

Apart from short-term user experience benefits for system users, moving to a truly omnichannel service model also gives banks a clear up-to-the-minute idea of each client’s habits and preferences. This ultimately makes it possible to provide continuous improvements and create personalized products for clients based on their history.

User Side Personalization

Today, Gen-X, millennial, and Gen-Zcustomers are leaving behind traditional banking experiences for the seamless contactless banking offered by fintechs, neobanks, and digitally transformed retail banks. This is because retail finance customers are now, more than ever, demanding higher levels of personalization, particularly in areas of personal finance.

In 2017, about a third of retail bank customers who abandoned their bank did so because of a perceived lack of personalization options or barriers to facilitating tailored experiences. With many more customers having adopted more digital, socially distanced lives in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is even less of a reason for banks to ignore the demand—and cost-saving potential—of letting customers do things their own way.

Better Chatbots

Using chatbots not only helps improve the experience for customers but for bank employees as well. Properly set up chatbots can leave human customer service representatives to focus on more complex cases as well as tasks that create value, driving up job satisfaction and positively affecting future customer interactions.

Chatbots are already somewhat impressive, but modern core banking solutions are taking them to the next level. Next-generation chatbots are set to save US banks up to USD 7.3 billion in 2023, representing a 3,400% increase in operational savings from 2019. These savings are likely to increase even more as retail banks become more adept at understanding where and how chatbots can be implemented.

Open Banking

An open application programming interface (API) is now necessary for businesses seeking to build app ecosystems that encourage the frequent use of their platforms. Many core banking solutions available to consumer banks allow for open APIs, letting retail banks, ecommerce sites, payment platforms, and fintechs work together to create seamless experiences for retail customers.

In the banking industry, “open banking” or the move toward open APIs has been credited with improving customer experiences, opening up new revenue streams, and reaching underserved customers. They also allow participants to securely share data that would otherwise be unavailable, driving innovation in retail banking and permitting banks an even wider, more nuanced view of their market.

Friction-Free Processes through Automation

Current-generation core banking solutions leverage cloud computing, advanced artificial intelligence, and machine learning technologies to facilitate and preempt the needs of users. Using these technologies not only helps customers and other system users get through processes quicker, but it also helps them get through these more securely as well.

For instance, some retail banks are already using new core banking solutions to drastically reduce loan application waiting times, facilitating loans in minutes rather than days. Marketing, compliance, customer service, and anti-money laundering functions are now being automated with these new platforms, creating a smooth experience from the perspective of a retail bank’s customers.

Retail banks need to be keenly aware of the specific aspects of the customer experience that they can influence with current-generation core banking solutions. This is especially because not all solutions on the market are necessarily a good fit for all banks.

Knowing key areas that the bank needs to go on can greatly simplify the bank’s platform selection process, allowing them to choose a solution that meets all of their requirements with minimal or no customization needed. This will not only bring down the costs associated with digital transformation but will also help the bank’s transition to a more customer-centric business model be as trouble-free as possible.

Pay Off My Mortgage or Invest? Consider These Things Before You Decide

More and more mortgage loans are getting approved by the Bank of England every year. In April 2021, 86,921 of them got approved which was an 81% increase year-over-year. 

Do you have a mortgage as well? Are you almost finished paying it off or did you remortgage it and are now deeper in debt than ever? 

A mortgage is good debt, but does that mean that you should hold off on paying off your mortgage and invest instead? This is an age-old debate in financial circles and among homeowners – ‘pay off my mortgage or invest?’  

Each individual will be different in which course they should choose. Keep reading for some factors that can help you decide. 

Pay Off Your Mortgage Quicker

If you are the kind of person who stays up at night worrying about your mortgage and the debt that you are under, then your best course of action is to pay off your mortgage quicker. There’s no need to become an anxious wreck or deteriorate your mental and physical health because you are constantly worrying about your mortgage.

Also, consider that inflation is causing interest rates to rise rapidly. If that’s a concern of yours, then paying off your mortgage early is a good way to boost your finances. 

Pros

There are many pros to paying off your mortgage quicker:

  • You become debt-free and that frees you up in a way
  • You don’t have to pay exorbitant amounts for interest payments
  • Once you pay down your mortgage you are free to use that additional income as you wish

Don’t make the mistake though of paying down your mortgage, only to use that leverage to buy some other big-ticket items, like a car or a world cruise. 

Cons

Some cons to consider when paying off your mortgage sooner:

  • There are prepayment penalties to paying off your mortgage sooner
  • You are going to miss out on all tax deductions and advantages of having a mortgage

If your mortgage is your only investment, then you are in big trouble. That’s because you are missing out on all the other potential investments you could undertake. 

Putting Your Money Into Investments

Some folks are firmly entrenched in the ‘save for retirement first‘ camp. The main reason for this? The power and magic of compound interest over time.

Pros

If you start investing when you are in your 20s, you have to invest less money over your lifetime, than someone who pays off their mortgage first and then starts investing in their 40s or 50s. 

Let’s look at the numbers. If you start saving in your 20s and invest $100 every month for 40 years, you would end up with a neat $1.17 million after.

A friend of yours who waits until their 50s to start investing, even if they invest $1000 a month for 10 years, would only have $230,000. This assumes a 12% compound rate on your investments.

But, the conclusion is quite clear. Waiting to invest can rob you of all that precious compound interest and growth time. You would have to invest more money each month if you start later and you won’t even end up with that much more despite the additional investment. 

Another big pro to investing your money starting now, rather than waiting until you pay off your mortgage is that you can take advantage of any employee matching programs that your job might offer. This is essentially free money that you can pour into your investments at no disadvantage to you. 

Cons

Not to say that there are no cons to this way of doing things. No matter if you are putting money into investments each month, your debt is still looming large over your head. 

Your mortgage is there in the background, constantly reminding you that you are in debt and your assets aren’t liquid. You can’t stop making mortgage payments, and that can put a dire strain on your finances as you try to juggle both investments and mortgage payments while trying to live a reasonable quality of life.

Some folks live an extremely frugal life because they don’t have enough income to balance both mortgage and investments at the same time. But if that’s not something that appeals to you, then this option might not be up your alley. 

Doing Both in Moderation

When you can’t figure out if one way or another works for you, then the middle way seems like the best option. Instead of pouring all your disposable income into paying off your mortgage or investing, how about you put a moderate amount into both?

This way you don’t have to sacrifice your current lifestyle for your future self. You can still enjoy an occasional meal out and a bit of travel each year. And you can splurge on big-ticket items when the need arises. 

You can make decent progress towards both goals by tamping down on your impatience and taking it slow and steady. You might not pay down your mortgage in 15 years or you might not make millions from your investment, but at least you will be able to live a balanced lifestyle while taking care of your financial future. 

Everyone reading this article is working with a different life situation. We can’t tell you which option is best for you. You would have to decide that for yourself, but the information above should make your decision easier. 

Question: Pay Off My Mortgage or Invest?

This question might seem simple, ‘pay off my mortgage or invest,’ but the answer is quite complicated indeed. Take your time and use all the information presented above to make the best judgment for yourself. 

There isn’t a ‘wrong’ answer to this question. It’s just what you are comfortable with and what risk and debt level you can handle. If you would like to read more articles on retirement to build up your knowledge base, keep browsing through our blog.

5 Signs to Watch for That It Is Time to Switch to a Different Bank

Mobile banking is estimated to be the primary method of managing money in the next two years as more high street branches close. But how do you know which is the right bank?

If you’re feeling drained by the fees, lousy customer service, and find it hard to juggle all your accounts, it might be time to switch to a different bank. 

Before you switch banks, look at these common warning signs to determine if it’s worth the hassle and will benefit your business.

5 Warning Signs That You Need a Different Bank

Most of us prefer the comfort of staying with a bank that we know instead of getting used to a new bank and all the different systems. However, moving to a different bank might save you time and money. 

Here are the five signs to watch out for that tell you it’s time to change banks. 

1. The Fees Are Too High

Fees are part of the deal when using a bank, but they shouldn’t cost you vast amounts of money. 

When you’re trying to establish a new business or running a current company, the last thing you want to deal with is increasing fees for sneaky details like international transactions, inactivity, or account maintenance. 

Even though these small costs don’t seem like much at once, over time, they will start to eat away at your annual budget and leave you with fewer expenses to invest in your business. 

So, changing banks will give you more freedom with your banking without the unfair costs of paper and other additional fees.

2. No Longer Convenient

Banks are meant to make your finances easier to manage, not harder. The reason we use banks is to be able to use our money where and when we want. 

That means you should be able to use digital banking on the go and not have to visit a local branch when you have an inquiry or want to deposit cash.

If you’re not already using digital banking, you’re wasting time. 

3. Bad Customer Service

As a business, you often have to handle large sums of money and contact your bank to arrange certain transactions, so you want to have a friendly voice on the other end of the phone. 

Often, customer service can treat you like a number, not a valued customer, making it hard to develop a working relationship with your bank.

For example, if you have to wait for a long time on the phone, your request is ignored, or you don’t have access to a real-life representative.

If you’re frustrated with the poor customer service, you need to consider changing banks. 

4. No Business Tool Features

Using a personal bank account is entirely different from a business account, so you must have certain features if your company runs smoothly. 

You should be able to access online management tools, payroll features, and credit card processing. Otherwise, you’re not getting the most out of your bank. 

Switching banks might be the only solution for better business features that will help you organise your business finances and give you time to work on other parts of your company. 

5. Lifestyle Changes 

Things can change in people’s lives; you might get a work promotion, start a new business adventure, or simply want to upgrade your bank account.

No matter the reason, your lifestyle can change, and you’ll need a different bank.

It’s always a good idea to evaluate your banking needs and assess if your current branch is giving you what you need at various stages in life. 

Tips for Picking a New Bank

Once you’ve decided that you want a new bank, you’ll have to think carefully before signing up for a new account and getting a card through the mail. Otherwise, you’ll end up moving banks again in a few months. 

Firstly, you should consider your bank account options and what’s available. 

Look at the Different Bank Account Options

In general, a few main kinds of banks are available for customers. These bank accounts are checking, savings, CD, and money market accounts. 

You should decide why you need a bank account and if you want to open several simultaneously. That way, you won’t have to communicate with several banks all the time.

If you want to control all your finances in one place, you should check that the bank offers services for mortgages, financial planning, credit cards, and investment accounts. 

Most businesses prefer to use the same bank for all their accounts as it keeps things simple and straightforward when planning your annual budget. 

Find a Low-fee Bank

Ideally, you also want to have a bank that has low fees. On average, banks will be transparent about their fees, so asking about the additional costs is essential before opening an account. 

You don’t want any surprises later on! 

Don’t Miss the Fine Print

You must always read the fine print on a website or bank documents. As a safety precaution, it’s good to examine the procedure for closures, so you know your money will be safe if the bank ever shuts down. 

Therefore, you don’t need to worry that your money is safe and can focus on growing your business

You can check out our page to stay ahead and get regular updates on the business world and economy. At CFI.co, we aim to give you the best insights from world-leading organisations that will help your business thrive. 

Move Banks and Get the Service You Deserve

Nowadays, digital banks are created every day. There is no longer a need for visiting a branch and going for regular meetings that take time out of your day. 

Switching to a different bank is necessary if you keep having trouble with customer service, there are increasing fees, and the bank no longer meets your needs. 

Thankfully, after reading this article, you know the signs to watch out for and how to find the perfect bank. 

If you need more help, visit our page and stay informed about everything business-related. 

Top 6 Ways to Save Money on Your Banking Fees

How much did you pay the last time you went to an ATM? Banking fees can be a huge source of frustration for many people. However, it’s important to note that not all banks charge the same fees, and some are more likely than others to penalise customers for using their accounts.

That said, there are ways to save money on your banking fees and some common bank fees you can avoid. By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re not wasting money when it comes time to pay your monthly bills.

Let’s dive in. 

1. Keep Your Balance High

One of the easiest ways to save money on your banking fees is to make sure you keep your balance high. This can be done by not spending money regularly, or by setting up direct deposits for automatic payments.

It’s a good idea to get in the habit of checking your account balance each month and keeping it as high as possible. This also enables you to keep an eye on bank account fees and dispute them if necessary. 

If you have a high enough cash balance, many banks will waive monthly bank account fees or other charges simply because they don’t want to lose out on potential revenue from having their customers pay those fees.

2. Get an Interest-Earning Account

Interest is a reward for lending money. Interest rates have recently risen due to the current inflation crisis. Banks pay interest on savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and some money market accounts.

The amount you earn depends on the type of account and its balance. Generally speaking, the more you have in your account, the higher your rate will be—but that’s not always true!

If a bank offers an “interest checking” account with a low minimum opening balance requirement and no monthly service fee, it can be pretty attractive. It also makes sense to link any high-balance savings or CD to your checking account.

That way, you won’t get hit with unnecessary fees if you move money between these two types of accounts too often. Equally, it won’t affect you if you exceed certain limits while making transfers between them.

3. Set Up Direct Deposits

Setting up a direct deposit option is one of the best ways to save money on banking fees.

When you receive your paycheck, most employers will allow you to have the funds deposited into a separate account. This is called direct deposit and can be set up at any bank or credit union.

When you set up direct deposit, the check must go directly into an account that isn’t attached to your debit card in any way (such as an online checking account).

Direct deposit avoids all types of checks, which means no more trips back-and-forth between work and home or worrying about lost or damaged checks that could cost you even more money in replacement fees.

If you’re a sole trader or run your own business, consider hiring a personal accountant to help you save fees and arrange your finances. 

4. Opt for Online Statements

One way to save money is by opting for online statements. Some banks will charge you if you choose paperless statements, but if you do so, they’ll often waive those fees.

Some other benefits of online banking include the fact you can stay up to date on your finances without having to go into the bank or send someone a paper statement every month

If your bank offers it, there are usually tools like bill pay and mobile check deposit available on their website as well

This gives you more opportunities for catching mistakes before they happen—like missing a payment or overdrawing an account after paying some bills—and prevents them from escalating into larger issues that could negatively impact your credit score or even lead to bounced checks and late fees

5. Don’t Use Your Debit Card for Purchases

To save money on your banking fees, you can also opt to use credit cards instead of debit cards. Credit cards have higher interest rates and thus come with more fees.

However, they do not charge debit card transactions or foreign exchange fees (which are levied when using your debit card abroad), so these additional charges can be a good deal depending on how much you use it in the first place.

6. Stay Away From ATMs That Aren’t From Your Bank or Credit Union

If you’re going to be making a lot of transactions with your debit card, it may be worthwhile to consider using an ATM that is owned by your bank. Many banks will waive their own ATM fees for customers who use their ATMs, which can save you money if you have to do a lot of ATM-related transactions.

If this isn’t an option or doesn’t work for whatever reason, credit unions are another good alternative. Credit unions tend not to charge as much in fees as large banks and are often more profitable for consumers as well because they’re smaller institutions focused on helping members rather than maximizing profits. Still, you should avoid bank fees altogether. 

If there’s one near where you live that offers lower rates and better services overall (such as low-interest rates and higher savings bonuses), then it might make sense for you to switch over from your current bank account so that you can avoid paying those extra charges every month instead!

Yet another option would be switching over to something like Bitcoin due to its lack of fees (and potential increase over time).

It Doesn’t Take a Lot of Effort to Save Money on Banking Fees 

Keep your balance high, get an interest-earning account, and shop around.  These are just a few of the ways you can save money on your banking fees.

There are many others, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and do some research when you have some spare time. 

For more stories like this, be sure to check out our finance page.

A Quick Guide to Hedge Funds

According to Preqin, hedge fund assets have reached over $4 trillion by the end of March 2021. These are investment vehicles that pool together money from different investors. Unfortunately, many people don’t understand how these funds work.

This leads to careless decisions that can result in financial ruin. If used the right way can generate higher returns than traditional investments.

For more insights on what hedge funds can do for you, continue reading to learn more.

What Are Hedge Funds?

A hedge fund combines money on behalf of certified clients. This helps maximise profits and reduce risk. To do this, hedge fund managers often use aggressive trading tactics to place wages.

This helps generate profits in both rising and declining stock market environments. These funds often have higher minimums and management costs than other investments.

Benefits of Hedge Funds

Hedge funds can reduce their exposure to broader market moves by 50 per cent. That is why any market change doesn’t phase them.

Yet, they are still known for being high-risk investment options.

The positive side is that these funds have many benefits, such as: 

High-Visibility Portfolio

Hedge funds can enhance your portfolio by investing your wealth in lucrative assets. Their high-profile portfolio reflects an individual’s investment prospects and choices. It also reveals the derivatives, equities, real estate, and much more.

Adds Flavor to Your Portfolio

Mutual funds engage in cautious and conventional investment strategies. Hedge funds aim to explore the financial world by investing large cash in unique assets. Hedge fund managers can help diversify and invest your funds in the optimal asset.

Unaffected by Market Volatility

Hedge funds rely less on fixed income markets and more on profit-generating assets. That means market swings don’t affect them as much as traditional investment options. Thus, their capitals are less susceptible to volatility.

What Are the Risks of Hedge Funds?

If you’re thinking about investing in hedge funds, you should be aware of the risks.

Here are some key problems to consider:

High Pricing Structure

Hedge funds charge both a management and a performance fee. The average yearly management charge is between 1 and 2 per cent.

Most funds levy performance fees ranging from 15 to 20 per cent of the fund’s annual earnings. The stronger the fund’s performance, the bigger the investor’s cost ratio.

Insufficient liquidity

In some instances, hedge funds use lockups, withdrawal gates, and side pockets. This is to limit or ban investors from withdrawing capital.

This occurs if there is a discrepancy between the liquidity supplied to customers. It also takes into account the liquidity of a portfolio’s underlying assets.

Complicated Tax Filing

A taxable account may be liable to short-term or long-term capital gains taxes. Hedge fund investors get a Form K-1 with tax reporting information every year.

These documents are often unavailable before the April 15 reporting date. This will require investors to get an extension.

What Is a Hedge Fund Manager?

These managers make daily investment choices for the investors. They decide how to distribute funds and control their risks. They get a performance fee of up to 20% of the fund’s revenues if it’s profitable.

Before hiring one, ask for the Form ADV. This provides access to their disciplinary history, fees, and investing strategy. You can find this form in the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure database.

Choosing From Several Hedge Fund Strategies

Search for hedge funds with a proven track record. Check out their performance and risk management. See if it meets your individual investing goals; you can also check out these strategies for help:

Equities Hedging

You can buy inexpensive equities (long positions) and sell overpriced companies (short positions). These funds can reduce volatility to their benchmark index by hedging their holdings. It can also minimise the risk to major stock market indexes, like S&P 500.

Short or Long Credit

The majority of the return comes from coupon payments provided by the bonds. The rest originates from capital appreciation (long positions) or depreciation (short positions). This results from the changes in the credit quality of the bonds.

These funds invest in different grades, maturities, and forms of collateralisation. It can also incorporate all levels of a company’s capital structure. This is to support its operations and expansion.

Event-Driven

Hedge funds can take positions based on an event to enhance a firm’s stock or bond price. These may include the following:

  • Merging of two firms
  • Separation of a subsidiary unit
  • Restructuring of a company’s capital structure

The goal is to improve its financial position. The occurrence, referred to as a “unique scenario,” is crucial in deciding the stock or bond’s value.

Relative Value

This technique seeks to capitalise on price disparities across connected financial products. They have less exposure to the equity and bond markets than equity hedges. These funds concentrate on distressed debt, sovereign bonds, high yield, and investment-grade bonds.

Global Macro

Funds with the widest investments can opt for all asset classes and markets. Managers check the global economic environment.

They strive to reap benefits from the macroeconomic and geopolitical imbalances or dislocations. During market volatility, these funds can deliver an excellent ROI.

Trading Future and Forward Contract

The purpose of these contracts is to generate a return without using the stock and bond markets. Rather than depending on the fund manager, you will use computer-based algorithms. The algorithms seek to discover market trends for each commodity.

It takes positions depending on the anticipated direction of commodity prices. Managed futures are among the most liquid of all available hedge funds to investors.

Hedge Fund Fees and Minimums

Initial investment minimums for hedge funds vary between $100,000 and $2 million. It may only permit withdrawals after a specific time of the year.

It charges an asset management fee of 1 to 2 per cent of the amount invested. It also sets a performance fee of 20 per cent of the fund’s profit. These expenses might reduce your total return.

 

Insights on Investing in Hedge Funds

So there you have it, fantastic information about hedge funds, their benefits, and risks. If you invest wisely, it could be a great way to generate passive income. Reckless investments can destroy your financial future.

Remember, these investments are not affected by the market’s volatility. Plus, it helps diversify and add transparency to your portfolio. If you want to reap the benefits, contact us for more information about hedge funds.

Business Startup Loans: How to Finance Your New Business

Only 48% of small businesses in the US have the financing they need to operate. This may be because they don’t know the business startup loans available to help fund the company. 

So, what is a business startup loan? And what types are there? Keep reading to learn more about how to fund your startup. 

Before Applying For a Business Startup Loan: 

Before you apply for a business loan, you need to know what you’re going after. How much can your company afford to pay back? How much do you need to get started? 

You should also consider your business credit score. A low score will mean you are less likely to get the loan. Read more about each: 

Determine How Much You Need and How Much You Can Afford

Entrepreneurs need to understand their own financial needs before applying for a business loan. This is because it helps them determine if they can actually afford the money. It also ensures they are aware of all of their expenses.

Many people think that they can just apply for a business loan and get funded. They don’t consider the amount of money they need or what kind of interest rates they will be on their loans. This is not true and it can lead to financial disaster in the long run.

Get a Good Business Credit Score 

A business credit score is a key factor in determining whether you are eligible for a loan or not. It is important to have a good business credit score before applying for a loan.

You must know how to get a good business credit score before applying for a loan. There are various ways that you can do it. Those include using your personal credit cards responsibly. paying your bills on time.

It also helps to keep your business current with taxes and other fees if you are operating. A business with a good credit score is more likely to get approved for a loan than one with a low credit score.

A good credit score can help you get approved for loans more easily and in fewer steps. It also helps you avoid unnecessary fees and interest rates of loans.

Types of Business Startup Loans to Apply For 

When you apply for a small business loan, you have a lot of options. The following three are the most common loans: 

SBA Loans

The SBA is a government agency that offers loans to small businesses. They give out loans to applicants who are in the early stages of their business and don’t have enough collateral to secure a bank loan.

The SBA provides startup loans to assist with the costs of starting or expanding a business. These loans are for entrepreneurs who have not been able to secure other financing options. 

It is a business loan guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The money can be used for a variety of purposes including equipment and inventory. You can also use it for buying land, buildings, and construction.

Personal Business Loans

Personal business loans are a great way for startups to get started. They allow entrepreneurs to access capital without having to go through securing venture capital and other forms of loans.

There are two types of personal business loans: secured and unsecured. A secured loan requires collateral like property or equipment. If the loan is not repaid in full in time or if there is a default on the loan agreement, the property will be seized. Unsecured loans do not require collateral and can be repaid in any form

Microloans 

A microloan is a small loan taken out by people with a low credit score and bad credit history. They are usually given to new entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Microloans are an easy way to raise capital for startups. However, they come with some restrictions. 

Microloans are often given in the form of grants or interest-free loans for up to 12 months. But if you plan on taking out any other loans from the same lender, you will have to pay back both microloans at once.

How to Fund Your Business If You Can’t Get a Loan 

Some startups just can’t get a business loan and struggle with funding. There are a few options you can try to fund your business: 

Ask Friends and Family

Most people don’t know how to ask their friends and family to help fund their startup business. It can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when you are just starting.

We recommend that you use these three tips:

  • 1Be specific about your goals and what you will do with the money
  • Give people a chance to contribute
  • Keep it short and simple

You mustn’t pressure anyone to feel like they have to help. Asking never hurt, but prepare for a no and to move on. 

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a form of funding that allows you to raise money from a large number of people to finance your project. It is a way for anyone with an idea, product, or service to raise funds from the public.

Crowdfunding can fund all types of projects, including those related to startups and small businesses.

Grants

Grants are a great way to fund your business without having to pay for it. They are usually offered by governments or non-profit organizations in the form of money.

There are many types of grants available for entrepreneurs. These include government grants, business grants, and angel investments. Once you find out which one is best for your startup, apply for it!

Learn More About Startup Finances 

This article covered business startup loans and your options as a business owner. We hope you have a deeper understanding of how to fund your startup. 

At CFI, we have expertise in many areas of finances. Whether you need help with startup funding or investment strategies, we have articles to cover each topic. 

Are you interested in learning more? Check out our finance blog

Bitcoin for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know

More than 106 million people worldwide use cryptocurrencies. Despite the rapid adoption of cryptocurrencies in recent years, many people still have very little understanding of them. Of all the cryptos we now have, Bitcoin is still the most popular, so if you want to get into crypto, Bitcoin is where you should start.

So what is Bitcoin, and why has it become so big? This Bitcoin guide covers what Bitcoin is for beginners and will get you started in the world of crypto.

Bitcoin for Beginners

Bitcoin is a digital currency that was invented in 2009. At the time it had a value of less than 1 cent per coin and has since seen all-time highs of almost $70,000. Bitcoin is traded using blockchain technology, where everything happens through a decentralized ledger. This means that no government or financial institution can control it in any way.

All transactions on a blockchain are recorded, and anyone can view the information. Bitcoin is secured with cryptography, which involves complicated algorithms to validate transactions.

Because there’s no central authority that controls Bitcoin, users can create accounts without making their identities public. You can make transactions without having to worry about anyone tracing them back to you.

The History of Bitcoin

Perhaps one of the most interesting things about Bitcoin is its origin. Despite all the things known about it, the actual creator remains a mystery.

When it was released in 2009, credit for the creation of Bitcoin was given to Satoshi Nakamoto. This, however, is not a real person, and the creator’s actual identity remains unknown to this day. There’s even speculation that “Satoshi Nakamoto” is a group of people rather than an individual.

One of the details specified in Bitcoin’s whitepaper is that the purpose of Bitcoin is to serve as a “peer-to-peer electronic cash system” independent of any central authority. Many people believe that this is a direct response to the financial crisis of 2008 so that regular people don’t risk suffering as a result of the greed of financial authorities and large banks.

Since Bitcoin’s creation, thousands of other cryptocurrencies have been invented with varying levels of success. Some have become very popular and valuable, but Bitcoin still stands at the top.

How to Buy Bitcoin

If you’re interested in buying Bitcoin, there are a few ways you can do this. The most common method people use is a crypto exchange.

There are several large exchanges available such as Coinbase, Binance, and Kucoin. For the most part, these are all relatively similar, but they do vary in terms of the cryptos they sell, the fees they charge, and certain smaller features. Take a look at some different exchanges so that you can decide which one is best for you.

Once you’ve settled on an exchange you need to create an account. Depending on the one you’ve chosen, you might need to provide ID for verification before you can start trading. You can add a payment method, with the easiest being a debit/credit card, but wire transfers and some other methods are also possible.

You can then start buying your crypto. You’ll have the option to buy Bitcoin or a range of other cryptocurrencies. Bear in mind that there will be a fee for every transaction, so look at the payment details on each purchase to see how much it is.

Remember that the value of any crypto goes up and down, so buying at different times will affect how much Bitcoin you get, even if the transactions are just minutes apart.

Selling Bitcoin

If you decide to sell any Bitcoin you own it works similarly, but you choose what to sell it for. You can sell it for a fiat currency (dollars, euros, etc.), different cryptos, or stablecoins. Again, like when you’re buying Bitcoin, the price will change with each transaction.

Stablecoins are useful if you want to hold your finances on the blockchain, but not as crypto. Stable coins are pegged to the US dollar, so unlike Bitcoin, the price doesn’t change, and they will always be worth the same dollar amount.

Storing Bitcoin

When you buy crypto it will be held in your account on the exchange you’ve used. You can keep it here, but most people prefer to transfer it to an external wallet for security purposes.

Soft Wallet

A soft wallet (or hot wallet) is a digital wallet that you can usually use as a browser extension or a smartphone app. They’re free and more secure than exchanges.

When you set up a soft wallet it will give you a 12-24 word seed phrase. If you ever lose access to your wallet you’ll need your seed phrase to get it back, so make sure you make a note of it and store it securely.

You shouldn’t save a seed phrase to your computer or anywhere else someone might be able to access it. If someone gets your seed phrase they may be able to steal all of the crypto in your wallet.

Cold Wallet

A cold wallet (or hard wallet) is a physical device that you can store crypto on. Like a soft wallet, these use a seed phrase, but they also have to be connected to a computer physically for any transaction to take place.

When it comes to strong Bitcoin, this is the most secure option. A hard wallet isn’t essential for everyone, but if you have a large amount of crypto then it’s generally a good idea to have one.

The Future of Bitcoin

As more people and organizations are adopting Bitcoin, it seems that it will only grow from here. Various retailers already accept crypto, and there are even Bitcoin ATMs all across the US. CFI.CO covers all things finance, helping you stay up to date with the latest information.

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