Learning the friendly way

Considering going on a last-minute travel adventure? While we’ve been programmed to think that last-minute travel equates to more expensive, this isn’t necessarily always the case. In this article, we’re dishing out the top 5 last-minute travel tips and ways in which you can score big and tap into great last-minute travel deals. 

From tips on how to google flights to finding hotel rooms with perks and everything else you might need for your last-minute bookings, we've got you covered right here.
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1) Be flexible

Flexibility is key to saving on any last-minute travel needs you may have. And the number one way of doing so is by being f.l.e.x.i.b.l.e.

Whether it’s with your travel dates, flight times, or destination, flexibility can save you a lot of money in the long run. Accommodation and flight prices depend on a plethora of factors such as whether it's in-season or off-season, if you're only looking at popular destinations, or if there are events taking place nearby at the same time, i.e. a conference.

Be sure to check out a range of options before deciding on a specific date and time, just a day’s difference can equate to hundreds of dollars. You might end up surprised by how much money you can save on your last-minute travel adventure by just going with the flow.
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2) Fly wise, fly cheap

The most significant savings come from hotel deals and package deals—not airplane tickets. Flight prices usually go up in cost as the date of departure gets closer, but there is hope for last-minute travel deals. If you want to fly out of town within the same week that you book your seats, try buying your tickets on a Sunday or Tuesday, airlines frequently discount their fares on these days and offer the best deals.

You'll be saving some decent money by avoiding flying on Fridays and Mondays as fares are expected to be higher since they're the most popular days for weekend travelers. Opt for mid-week travel if possible.

Another top tip that many individuals are unaware of is that their browser keeps track of the terms they search for on a regular basis. If the platform notices that someone is searching for anything related to holidays or last-minute flights, the price will rise.

To avoid paying more for the same thing, make sure to open your browser in an incognito window before you google flights and thus prevent being tracked or leaving a history of your searches. The same applies to airline websites and online travel agencies. Not just a last-minute travel hack, but one to use across all varieties of travel.
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3) Be on the lookout for perks

If you're looking for a more affordable way to vacation, then pay attention to the perks and benefits offered by travel companies and accommodations, especially when it comes to last-minute travel. Consider booking accommodation that includes free breakfast and/or complimentary parking, every little bit helps. 

You will be surprised at how much money some of these perks can save! For instance: free breakfast could save you about $20 to $25 per day while parking can easily range from anything between $30 to $45 a day if you opt to get a rental car.

Always do the math before deciding if a specific accommodation is worth it. Check out platforms like Booking.com, Travago, and a specific hotel website you like for the best deals and last-minute travel options, as well as travel apps for any last-minute deals.
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4) Read the fine print

When it comes to a last-minute trip, be aware of the fine print when booking your flight, adventure, or accommodation. Make sure to read up on their cancellation policies as many airlines now offer relaxed rules for changing plans at short notice which means you may be able to change dates without penalty if necessary.

While last-minute deals and spontaneity are exciting, sometimes life has a way of getting in the way so be sure to know the specific terms of your flights and hotels.
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5) Prep like a pro

If you're looking to travel on a budget, there's more to think about than just withdrawing cash from an ATM. With a little planning ahead, you can become a savvy traveler and save yourself some money - even with last-minute travel!

Many of us have been abroad and had to pay outrageous ATM and credit card fees. And all because we didn’t do our research and plan ahead. By taking your Tap card with you, you’ll save a substantial amount of money on your ATM withdrawal fees and foreign exchange fees thanks to its low to zero fees plans compared to that of traditional banks. 

All operated through the app, you can stay up to date on your transaction history and your balances in real-time, and easily - and instantly - transfer funds between accounts. The card also allows you to swipe at merchants worldwide and make quick payments no matter where in the world you might be.

It's also worth doing your research on whether the place you are traveling to prefers guests paying cash or if it is more card transaction based. You would hate to have to travel around with a wad of cash that is difficult to get rid of.

Be wise

Booking for a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply a romantic getaway? Last-minute travel might not be appropriate for you if you’re set on a particular type of accommodation at a particular location or must go during specific travel dates. 

If everything has to be in harmony with your plans, we would strongly recommend you book ahead of time instead of opting for a last-minute trip. You wouldn’t want to cut corners to save money on your once-in-a-lifetime memories. 

Travel smart to travel far

Embrace all that life has to offer by exploring different corners of the globe and get more bang for your buck with these 5 travel tips. From saving a few bucks here and there, you could end up saving big on your last-minute trip.

Be sure to switch to incognito mode and start searching for your dream holiday, it might be just around the corner! 

Becoming a homeowner no matter what your income level is an achievable goal with the right amount of planning. Below are a few ideas we've put together for you to think about and implement if you're ready to start taking the steps to make your dream a reality. When it comes to learning how to save money for a house, these steps will make it seem a lot less daunting than one might initially imagine.

Financial steps to take when looking to save for a house

1. Create a realistic timeline

While different people have different timelines, it's important to set a realistic one for yourself when you're planning to buy a house. This way, you can budget and plan accordingly. For example, newlyweds are usually in more of a hurry to buy a home than someone who just graduated or started a new job. One person might be looking at 2 years while the other is okay with 5 years. There is no "right amount of time" to save money for a house, consider your individual circumstances and act accordingly.

2. Kickstart your savings

After establishing your realistic timeline, you can then determine how much you will need to save. While the goal is to put as much money as you can aside, this might be 20% - 30% of your monthly income, so be sure that this is realistic for you and adjust the timeline accordingly. 

Once you've established how much you will be putting aside each month for your goal, set up a direct debit to your savings account to ensure that that money leaves your account before you're tempted to spend it.

You can also explore the option of a savings account that offers the potential to earn interest over time. People often consider money market accounts or high-yield savings accounts. However it's important to conduct comprehensive research and base your decisions on the information you gather.

3. Don’t neglect other financial obligations

In this day and age, instant gratification is something we've grown accustomed to. Saving for a house is the opposite of this and will take time. Instead of cutting off all your expenses to try and reach your goal a year or two sooner, consider what financial obligations you might have over the next few years and be realistic in setting a healthy amount of time to get there. 

4. Ensure your goal is within your means

Becoming a homeowner is an impressive accomplishment, but being riddled with debt and high maintenance costs for decades is hardly enjoyable. Ensure that the house you want to buy is within your means to maintain after the purchase, and consider additional costs like rates and taxes, transfer fees, and consider the associated monthly payment.

5. Make the necessary budget cuts

In order to achieve your saving goals within the amount of time you set out, you will inevitably need to cut back on your expenses. Once your living expenses and bills are accounted for, what can you afford to put away each month? Are you paying for a subscription you no longer use or have a luxury item you can cut back on? It might seem like a little each month but in a year this can amount to a lot of money for your housing fund. 

6. Consider increasing your income streams

Another great way to get your homeowner dream to fruition faster is to create new avenues of income. Multiple streams of income can alleviate your cutting back on expenses and can help your savings tenfold. Consider creating online courses, writing blogs, or building a side hustle aligned with one of your skill sets. Every little bit helps. 

Homeowners checklist: consider the closing costs

Once you have reached your financial goal of saving money for a house or your down payment fund, you'll now be faced with a new set of challenges: actually buying the house and putting that down payment to work.

At this stage, it's important to contact professionals that can assist you in finding, vetting, and deciding on a worthy property for your years of savings, and who can accurately advise on the closing costs of the transaction. Remember that there are lawyers' fees and transaction costs and even private mortgage insurance monthly payments to consider on top of the home's purchase price.

Whether you rely on an experienced real estate agent or a building surveyor, ensure that they are someone you can trust and that you get answers to the questions you ask. Some helpful questions to start with include:

• Is the land government approved?
• Why are the owners selling?
• Are all the house papers/documents intact?
• Is the area prone to natural disasters like floods or fires? 
• What are the costs of utilities, etc? 

Putting your down payment savings to work

Learning how to save money for a house is the first step. When you're ready to take the next step and purchase a house, be patient and ask the right questions. Saving for a house is saving for your future, so don't try to hurry the process along too much.

Whether you'll be living in the house or using it as an investment property with tenants, understand that the journey is as important as the end goal, and have patience as you pursue your dream and get steps closer to making that first down payment.

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Money talks, wealth whispers. In the age of flashy displays of wealth and conspicuous consumption, a new trend has emerged that challenges our conventional notions of showcasing financial success. Stealth wealth, as it is commonly referred to, goes beyond the idea of being frugal and understated. It involves consciously avoiding overt displays of money while still enjoying the benefits of financial prosperity. 

In this article, we'll explore what stealth wealth is, how it manifests itself, and why it has become a growing phenomenon. The idea of stealth wealth can assist you in saving more money, making smarter investments, and cutting down on spending.

What is stealth wealth?

Stealth wealth is essentially the art of living a life of financial prosperity without drawing too much attention to it. It's about keeping a low profile even if you have the means to indulge in extravagant displays of wealth. Picture someone who drives a modest car, lives in a modest house, and dresses in an unassuming manner, despite being financially well-off. It's a deliberate choice to prioritize financial security and freedom over materialistic shows of opulence.

What does stealth wealth look like?

A person practicing stealth wealth focuses on essentials rather than indulging in conspicuous luxury. They lead a simple lifestyle and prioritize experiences and personal growth over material possessions

Stealth wealth enthusiasts carefully manage their finances, prioritizing long-term financial goals such as retirement savings, investments, and building wealth rather than spending lavishly on temporary gratification.

They might enjoy certain luxuries but do so in a discreet manner. For example, they may splurge on a nice vacation, but won't go out of their way to flaunt it on social media or discuss it in conversations.

Instead of trying to impress others with material possessions, stealth wealth embraces the importance of genuine relationships and connections. They focus on building meaningful connections, fostering friendships, and helping others in unique ways.

Why is stealth wealth an up-and-coming trend?

More and more people are recognizing the importance of financial independence. By adopting a stealth wealth lifestyle, individuals can accumulate wealth without the pressure to maintain an extravagant lifestyle, allowing them to have greater control over their financial future.

The rise of social media and the desire for privacy have made people rethink their approach to displaying wealth. Stealth wealth allows individuals to keep a lower profile, avoiding unnecessary attention and potentially increasing security.

As society becomes more conscious of overconsumption, and materialism, many individuals are reevaluating their own values and priorities. Stealth wealth aligns with the desire for a simpler and less materialistic approach to life.

Traditional markers of success, such as fancy cars or designer clothing, are being questioned. People are starting to realize that true success lies in financial security, personal fulfillment, and the ability to live life on one's own terms.

In conclusion

Stealth wealth is a rising trend that challenges our societal norms of displaying wealth. It's about finding a balance between financial prosperity and leading a modest, understated lifestyle. By prioritizing financial independence, privacy, and personal values, individuals embracing stealth wealth are redefining what it means to be successful. 

So, if you find yourself drawn to the idea of a more discreet and restrained approach to wealth, consider joining the ranks of the stealthy and prosperous.

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While everyone's wants and needs might be different, there is always a clear line in the sand between the two. When getting to grips with one's personal finance, distinguishing the key differences between the two becomes important.

Needs encompass basic needs like food while wants lean more toward things one desires, like luxury goods. Being able to distinguish between the two, and acting on this, is imperative to one's healthy financial standing. 

In this article, we take a look at these two categories and assist you in differentiating between the two.  

What falls under NEEDS?

The need category looks at living expenses that one needs to stay healthy in their day-to-day living. These include everything from rent to the utility bill, medication and healthcare needs as well as food, commuting, and any work-related expenses. 

These are the basics required by one in order to function, and these should make up the bulk of your expenses. These expenses are also used to determine the amount you'll need when establishing your emergency fund. It is generally accepted that emergency funds should cover six months living expenses.

What falls under WANTS?

‍The wants category is likened to goods we could live without but choose to buy. These are not required for day-to-day living, however, when funds allow they can provide a more enjoyable quality of life. These include vacations, buying a house or car, entertainment, memberships, streaming accounts, etc. 

How to determine needs from wants

While some needs will be glaringly obvious, it's often the case that some wants sneak into the needs category. Here are three simple tools to help you distinguish between the two. 

Form vs function

If in doubt, consider how a product or service will be used. Clothing for instance: if the clothing will be worn to work it falls into the need category, however, if it's a clothing item centered around going out or recreation use, this will fall into the want category. 

‍Embrace brand variety

Needs and wants will differ from person to person, so it's best to have a solid grounding on what falls into needs and wants specifically for you. For instance, if you were looking to upgrade your smartphone, someone working in the tech or digital marketing space might be required to have a certain product, while in other cases getting the latest and greatest will fall into the want category. In this case, it might be best to explore other devices that have a lower total value.

Should you split expenses?

Grocery shops will more often than not fall into the need category, as feeding yourself is essential to survival. However, if the grocery shop consists of wine, chocolate, and other treats, this will fall into the wants category. 

While we don't expect you to scour through each grocery bill, be mindful of what you're spending your money on and try to balance shops between the two. For instance, if you splurge on a grocery shop one week with wants but register it in the needs category, consider adding the next week's grocery bill to the wants category. 

Is saving a want or a need?

Saving for long-term financial objectives like settling debt, retirement plans, and emergency situations might be tough for someone who makes less money. Because these costs are not immediate, they are not always recognized as a necessity.

However, settling debt can be a necessity to ease the financial strain. Furthermore, an emergency may strike at any moment, and during that time, an emergency fund will save one from falling into further (if not crippling) debt. As a result, it's vital to understand that even if your earnings are low, saving is beneficial in the long run, therefore, savings fall into the need category. 

How to navigate spending between wants and needs

Here are two easy steps to help you navigate your spending habits:

Create a budget

Establish a realistic budget and decipher how much you can spend on wants, needs, and savings. By creating a framework you can stick to, you can easily avoid any financial problems and still enjoy a good quality of life. 

A common ratio used in the budgeting world is the 50:30:20 method. Use 50% of your income on needs (rent, food, bills), 30% on wants, and put the remaining 20% straight into your savings.

Be realistic about your wants

If you're looking to save more money or are working on building your emergency fund, consider adjusting your spending on wants. Being more strict with what you can and cannot buy or lowering your standards somewhat can assist you in saving money and rather allocating the funds to a retirement fund for example. Other ways to reduce spending habits are to get a roommate or use public transport. 

In conclusion

Spending intelligently is without a doubt one of the most important ways to make your money go further. The principles, on the other hand, are focused on saving more, spending moderately on necessities, and sparingly on wants. Paying more attention to desires might lead to issues and limit financial development.

Consider carefully what your needs and wants are and then gradually attempt to lower your standard of living. By focusing on your essential needs without disregarding the importance of saving, you'll be on the fast track to financial ease in no time.

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While Bitcoin remains ahead of the pack by a mile, that doesn't mean that it's the only cryptocurrency worth investing in. With thousands of coins on the market, there is plenty of innovative solutions and impressive technology to go around. In this article, we're outlining the 7 crypto coins you should know about, providing a range of Bitcoin alternatives that hold statistical significance. 

Money in the bank is nice, but will it grow to the heights that we've witnessed in the digital currency markets? The answer is probably not. With the right portfolio, an adequate amount of research and solid trading strategies, you could be seeing impressive returns when compared to other assets in the financial sector. Consider the information below to be a strong starting point, and take it from there.

Ethereum (ETH)

Ethereum has the biggest market capitalization in the crypto industry after Bitcoin and has held this position for quite some time. The decentralised platform has made headlines in recent months as it shifts from a Proof of Work to a Proof of Stake network, requiring less energy to operate and a new means of rewarding the users for verifying transactions.

Ethereum is highly regarded in the industry for providing the first platform on which developers can create decentralized applications (dapps) and smart contracts. This allowed anyone the chance to build any app across any industry while harnessing blockchain technology. Providing a giant leap forward for blockchain development, Ethereum remains on the cutting edge of innovation. 

Cardano (ADA)

Cardano was created by one of the Ethereum founders and is celebrated for being academically driven. While the project launched without a whitepaper (an unusual beginning for any cryptocurrency), at the time of launching there were over 90 academic papers written by a team of mathematicians, cryptography experts and engineers supporting the project. To this day all upgrades are rigorously tested through peer reviews before being implemented onto the blockchain.

Cardano offers developers a platform on which to build dapps and smart contracts using a proof of stake consensus. With lower fees and faster transactions, this eco-friendlier platform has been well received in the blockchain development community. 

Polkadot (DOT)

Polkadot is a blockchain platform working toward blockchain operability, meaning that it allows various blockchains and oracles to exchange data and value in a secure manner. Through an intricate blockchain structure involving a relay chain and numerous parachains, the proof of stake network provides an innovative solution to connectivity and interoperability in the industry. 

Polkadot was created by one of the Ethereum founders, Gavin Wood, and launched in 2020, quickly making its way to the top of the biggest cryptocurrencies on the market. 

Litecoin (LTC)

One of the original hard forks off of the Bitcoin network, Litecoin is a long-standing payment focused cryptocurrency. Created by a former Google engineer in 2011, Litecoin went on to become an excellent Bitcoin alternative. 

Through several changes to its predecessor's blockchain, the platform offers faster and more cost-effective value transactions over the internet. 

Dogecoin (DOGE)

You will struggle to read cryptocurrency headlines without at least a few mentions of Dogecoin. Dogecoin is the original meme token and has been around since 2013. Designed to poke fun at the seriousness of the crypto industry, Dogecoin went on to become a massive cult favourite and accumulate some big fans along the way. 

The blockchain is a hard fork off of the Litecoin network and provides fast, easy and cheap transactions. Typically sued for micropayments, such as tipping content creators on social media platforms, Dogecoin has seen massive success due to the tweets of Elon Musk and his favourable attitude toward the cryptocurrency. 

Tether (USDT)

Tether is the first stablecoin to enter the market and one of the most successful. Currently ranking as the third biggest cryptocurrency by market cap, Tether sits behind Bitcoin and Ethereum. Designed to combat market volatility, Tether's value is pegged to the US dollar and is always valued at $1. 

Tether was created in 2014 and is managed by a Hong Kong-based company of the same name. The blockchain platform provides not only an effective means of entering the crypto market but a payment solution for companies and individuals looking to conduct fast international payments without the risk of volatility. 

Bitcoin Cash (BCH)

Another fork off of the Bitcoin network, Bitcoin Cash was created in 2017 as a result of a disagreement within the Bitcoin community. With several members torn over the direction of the Bitcoin network, several members chose to create a new blockchain and implement the changes they saw best for the network.

This resulted in a new payment focused blockchain platform offering a faster and cheaper means of the transaction value. Bitcoin Cash remains a strong Bitcoin alternative, with high daily trading volumes.

Create a well-rounded crypto portfolio

By considering these 7 alternative cryptocurrencies listed above, you have the opportunity to create a well-rounded crypto portfolio conveniently from your own home. All of these coins can be accessed through the Tap mobile application. You can easily view their market prices and engage in buying and selling digital currencies directly from your mobile device.

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