Learning the friendly way

Classée parmi les cinq premières cryptomonnaies mondiales, Tether a su s’imposer comme la référence des stablecoins. Avec l’un des volumes d’échange les plus élevés chaque jour, elle occupe une place incontournable dans l’écosystème crypto. Plongeons ensemble dans les coulisses de cette monnaie numérique pas comme les autres.

Depuis l’émergence de l’argent numérique, son utilisation s’est considérablement développée, tout comme les débats autour des risques potentiels de ce nouveau modèle. Là où certains investisseurs traditionnels pointent du doigt la volatilité des cryptomonnaies, d’autres y voient une formidable opportunité. Dans de nombreuses régions du monde, l’accès aux services financiers est devenu beaucoup plus simple : une simple connexion internet suffit, là où les processus bancaires classiques sont souvent longs et contraignants.

En matière de sécurité et de transparence, les monnaies numériques viennent répondre à des problématiques que l’on retrouve dans les marchés traditionnels. Si certains qualifient encore le Bitcoin et les cryptos en général de "risqués" ou de "bulle", ces nouvelles solutions ont pourtant permis de moderniser des systèmes anciens, parfois dépassés.

Tether (USDT), c’est quoi exactement ?

Tether (USDT) est une cryptomonnaie adossée au dollar américain, que l’on appelle plus couramment un stablecoin. Les stablecoins sont conçus pour refléter la valeur d’une devise ou d’une matière première, dans ce cas précis à un ratio de 1:1 avec le dollar US.

Lancé en 2014 sous le nom de Realcoin, Tether est en fait le tout premier stablecoin au monde. Initialement hébergé sur le protocole Omni Layer de la blockchain Bitcoin, il est aujourd’hui compatible avec de nombreuses blockchains, telles qu’Ethereum, TRON, EOS, Algorand, Solana ou encore OMG Network.

Pour garantir la stabilité de sa valeur, Tether s’appuie sur des réserves équivalentes à la quantité de tokens en circulation. Ces réserves sont constituées d’une combinaison de billets de trésorerie, dépôts, espèces, opérations de pension livrée et bons du Trésor. Bien que des débats aient parfois émergé quant à la transparence de ces réserves, cela n’a pas freiné la popularité croissante de Tether.

L’objectif principal de Tether est clair : proposer un actif numérique stable qui exploite la puissance de la blockchain, tout en évitant les fortes fluctuations que l’on observe souvent sur les marchés des cryptomonnaies. Pour en savoir plus en détail sur le fonctionnement de Tether, n’hésitez pas à consulter leur site officiel.

Quelle est la valeur de Tether (USDT) ?

Contrairement à la majorité des cryptos dont la valeur dépend de l’offre et de la demande, les stablecoins sont rattachés à une devise ou une matière première de référence. Leur prix reste donc aligné avec celui de la valeur sous-jacente, en général selon un ratio 1:1. Dans le cas de Tether, cela signifie que sa valeur correspond à celle du dollar américain.

Même si sa valeur est constante, il est intéressant de noter que Tether figure parmi les cryptomonnaies les plus échangées au monde, témoignant de son rôle central sur le marché.

Qui est à l’origine de Tether ?

Comme évoqué plus tôt, Tether a vu le jour en 2014 sous le nom de Realcoin, grâce à l’initiative de Brock Pierce (investisseur Bitcoin), Reeve Collins (entrepreneur) et Craig Sellars (développeur). Rebaptisé ensuite USTether, le token a finalement adopté le nom que l’on connaît aujourd’hui : USDT.

Ces trois cofondateurs ont chacun une expérience solide dans l’univers des cryptos et sont impliqués dans plusieurs projets blockchain. Leur société a d’ailleurs élargi sa gamme de stablecoins pour répondre aux besoins de différents marchés, en lançant notamment un Tether adossé à l’euro (EURT), au yuan chinois (CNHT), ou encore à l’or (XAUT).

Comment fonctionne Tether ?

Tether n’a pas sa propre blockchain dédiée. À la place, il fonctionne comme un token de seconde couche, hébergé sur des blockchains déjà établies comme Bitcoin, Ethereum, EOS, Tron, Algorand, Bitcoin Cash ou encore OMG.

USDT s’utilise donc comme toute autre cryptomonnaie : il est stocké dans des portefeuilles compatibles avec la blockchain sur laquelle il est émis. Petite précision importante : il n’est pas possible de transférer des USDT émis sur Ethereum vers un portefeuille basé sur Tron, par exemple. Les transactions doivent rester sur la même blockchain pour éviter toute perte de fonds.

Chaque token USDT en circulation est censé être couvert par un montant équivalent en réserves, sous forme de dollars américains ou d’autres équivalents liquides et actifs financiers. Grâce à cette structure, Tether offre aux utilisateurs une stabilité dans un environnement de marché souvent imprévisible. Il permet notamment de réaliser des échanges en dollars, que ce soit à l’échelle locale ou internationale, sans craindre les variations de prix. C’est aussi un outil précieux pour ceux qui souhaitent limiter l’exposition aux baisses brutales des marchés.

Qu’est-ce que l’USDT ?

USDT est donc un stablecoin rattaché au dollar américain, avec un ratio de 1:1. Sous la marque Tether, il est aujourd’hui le stablecoin le plus utilisé dans le monde. Il n’existe pas de limite fixe d’émission, et on comptait environ 72,5 milliards de tokens en circulation au moment de la rédaction de cet article.

USDT offre un refuge numérique pour ceux qui souhaitent conserver la valeur de leurs actifs sans passer par la conversion en monnaie fiduciaire, en particulier lors des périodes de forte volatilité sur les marchés.

Comment acheter des USDT ?

Si vous souhaitez intégrer Tether (USDT) à votre portefeuille crypto, rien de plus simple. Via l’application mobile Tap, après avoir complété une vérification KYC, vous aurez accès à de nombreux marchés crypto et pourrez stocker vos actifs numériques dans des portefeuilles intégrés à l’application.

La technologie blockchain et les cryptomonnaies ouvrent un champ des possibles immense. Grâce à l’application Tap, vous pouvez gérer vos actifs numériques et traditionnels facilement, tout en profitant d’applications concrètes comme la carte Tap, qui vous permet d’effectuer des paiements auprès de plus de 40 millions de commerçants dans le monde.

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The term market cap is short for "market capitalisation," which refers to the financial value of a company based on the total number of its outstanding shares multiplied by their price per share. For bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, it refers to all coins mined.

All the coins (or all of them that have been mined) in a cryptocurrency add up to its market cap. The crypto market cap refers to this sum and is used as an indicator of how valuable a cryptocurrency or a portfolio of cryptocurrencies is.

The market capitalisation of a cryptocurrency (or any other company) can be calculated by multiplying the number of coins by the current price per coin.

For example: The market capitalisation of a let's call it "Xcoin" is $6.2 billion, the number supply of "Xcoins" in existence is 16,842,100 with a price per coin of $273 which indicates to us that the market cap of the "Xcoin" is equal to $1.37 billion.

These logistics are dynamic and can change depending on the price of a token at any given moment. The infinite total of tokens is a part of the strategies implemented by cryptocurrency projects to ensure no deflation of assets can occur, giving a riser to project potential and profits.

The current market capitalisation of cryptocurrencies

The market capitalisation of the crypto-market is currently above $2 Trillion as per the 17th of August 2021, with more to gain.

Most top coins have a market cap that exceeds $1 billion which means they are in the large-cap group, this includes Bitcoin with its market cap of over $885 billion and Ethereum also well above $383 billion.

This is a good sign for the market as these two coins are among the most large-cap markets and well-known cryptocurrencies. The majority of tokens in the cryptocurrencies market are in fact small caps, with over 90 percent of them currently below $1 billion.

You can view and compare trading and market capitalisation statics on Coinbase for a more in-depth look at each crypto, whether for investment purposes or out of curiosity.

Market cap, a reliable indicator?

A high market capitalization doesn't mean a cryptocurrency is doing well. A cryptocurrency that has a large market cap might be overvalued in terms of price, what it can deliver now and in the short-term future, as well as current demand.

Some coins can have a relatively high price but low volumes because they have been issued in small numbers by only one person, one of the many market capitalisation strategies. The price is largely driven by expectations and hype, rather than the number of coins out there, giving an unwarranted riser to some tokens.

These small market cap tokens have relatively high prices but a low market capitalisation due to a low total volume of their coin supply. These tokens can be particularly risky as most of them do not come with business model plans and many of them are just new (ICOs).

Price is an important factor in any financial sector, but market capitalization (market cap) is an important data point for investors seeking to analyse and compare the value of a cryptocurrency and is often used by traders to help determine the growth potential of a cryptocurrency and if they should buy or sell the specific crypto when compared to others.

The different crypto market cap categories:

Cryptocurrencies and other digital currencies are classified by their market cap into three categories, Large-cap medium-cap and small-cap. Let's get comparing:

Large-cap (capped at $10b )

Generally speaking, coins with the highest market caps are considered to be in the large-cap group. This includes Bitcoin and Ethereum. These are considered "Lower risk" by an investor as they demonstrated a track record of growth and high liquidity which means their volume of trading can withstand a high number of sell transactions without majorly affecting the price, giving a sense of securities.

Medium-caps (capped at $1b to $10b)

The secondary level of cryptocurrencies, mostly altcoins, are considered to be a part of the medium-cap group. They are generally more volatile, but enjoy a greater growth potential than their more traditional large-cap counterparts.

Small-caps (capped at under $1b)

This last category consists of small-cap cryptocurrencies or tokens which generally don't have a market cap exceeding $1 billion. These are most susceptible to dramatic fluctuation of price based on market sentiment. An investor may vouch for them as these fluctuations are easy to make money on, but also have high potential to lose on.

Market Cap is only one way to measure cryptocurrency value, but it is an important data point for investors to consider before purchasing a cryptocurrency. Market trends, a cryptocurrency's stability, and liquidity are also important when looking at the value of a cryptocurrency.

Coin market capitalisation conclusion

Whether you are here for investment strategy analysis, or because you want to know what people mean when they say market cap, we hope this article helped with your evaluation on the differences of each market capitalisation. It's always recommended to have some diversification in your portfolio, don't keep all your eggs in one basket as they say. As already stated, the market cap of a blockchain technology token does not give definitive proof of whether a project will be successful or not, it comes down to plenty of variables. Brand market, social media presence, online community, and more. The market cap trend greatly depends on how old the project is, currency market supply, marketing, and more.

It is always important to do your own research before investment, evaluating it the project meets your needs, the team behind it, its potential in the market, and so much more. While market cap may be of some importance, it is not the only thing the makes a project successful.

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Step into the realm of bear markets, a world where uncertainty reigns, prices take a plunge, and investor confidence and market sentiment tremble.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just dipping your toes into the financial waters, understanding bear markets is crucial to safeguard your investments and making sound decisions during challenging times. Picture a bear market as a phase in the market cycle where prices stubbornly decline across different asset classes like stocks, bonds, or commodities. It's like sailing through stormy seas, with pessimism in the air and economic challenges ahead.

In this article, we're here to shed light on the defining characteristics of bear markets, unravel the factors that drive their descent, and equip you with practical strategies to weather the storm. We aim to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate bear markets successfully, whether you're trading the stock markets or cryptocurrencies.

What is a bear market?

A bear market refers to a phase in the market cycle characterized by prolonged price declines across various asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, cryptocurrencies, or commodities. It is the opposite of a bull market, where optimism prevails and prices soar.

During a bear market, investor sentiment is dominated by pessimism and uncertainty. Prices experience a prolonged downward trend, typically resulting in a decline of 20% or more from previous market highs. The average bear market lasts from a few months to several years.

A bear market occurs during times of a weak or slowing economy, with several factors contributing to its onset. Economic slowdowns, recessionary conditions, or negative events can trigger a shift in investor sentiment. Factors such as poor corporate earnings, geopolitical tensions, financial crises, or adverse macroeconomic indicators can erode confidence and spark a sustained period of downward spiral in prices.

Bear vs bull market

Unlike bull markets, where rising prices create opportunities for capital gains, a bear market poses significant challenges. Investors often face declining portfolio values and may experience financial losses. Investors tend to exhibit caution, with a focus on capital preservation and defensive strategies.

How to navigate bear market territory

Investing in a bear market requires a different approach than in a bull market. Defensive strategies, such as reducing exposure to high-risk assets, reallocating to safer investments like bonds or cash equivalents, and adopting hedging techniques, are commonly used. Investors may also use this time to seek out undervalued opportunities, look to selective stock picking, or explore assets that tend to perform well in downturns, such as defensive stocks or precious metals.

While bear markets can be challenging, they also present unique opportunities. Savvy investors with a long-term perspective may find attractive entry points to accumulate quality assets at discounted prices. It is important, however, to exercise caution, conduct thorough research, and maintain a disciplined approach to risk management.

What does the term “bear” refer to?

In the context of a bear market, the term "bear" is used to symbolize the behavior of a bear when attacking its prey. The word "bear" signifies downward movement, as a bear swipes its paws downward. It represents a market condition where prices are falling, investor sentiment is negative, and there is an overall sense of pessimism. The term "bear" serves as a metaphor for a market that is in decline, highlighting the aggressive downward movement of prices during this phase.

The characteristics of bear markets

Bear markets possess distinct traits that differentiate them from bull markets. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for investors to navigate market downturns safely. Let's explore the defining traits of a bear market:

Negative investor sentiment

Bear markets occur when fear and uncertainty dominate investor sentiment, leading to increased caution and risk aversion.

Prolonged price declines

A bear market is marked by sustained periods of price decline across different asset classes, reflecting the prevailing negative sentiment.

Volatility and increased selling pressure

Bear markets tend to exhibit heightened volatility, with larger sell-offs and increased trading volumes as selling pressure outweighs buying interest.

Economic challenges and recessionary conditions

Economic challenges such as slowdowns or recessions often accompany bear markets, further contributing to the negative sentiment.

Declining investor confidence and reduced market participation

Investor confidence erodes, leading to reduced market participation as investors prioritize capital preservation and minimize losses.

Defensive sector performance

Certain defensive sectors like utilities, consumer staples, healthcare, and precious metals tend to show resilience during bear markets.

Opportunities for value investing

Bear markets offer opportunities for investors to capitalize on undervalued assets and benefit from the eventual market recovery.

Recognizing these bear market characteristics and knowing when it shifts from a bull market empowers investors to adjust their strategies and protect their portfolios. Defensive positioning, risk management, and a long-term perspective are crucial during market downturns. By understanding these traits, investors can potentially capitalize on opportunities and navigate the challenges of a bear market effectively.

A simple but practical tool investors use to navigate the ups and downs of market cycles is implementing dollar cost averaging where traders buy the asset or stocks at regular intervals despite what the price might be. This tool has proven useful when trading on stock markets such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) or S&P 500.

The benefits of a bear market

While bear markets present unique challenges, they also offer valuable benefits for strategic investors. Here are the advantages of a bear market:

Buying opportunities at discounted prices

In the stock market, stock prices decline, providing attractive entry points for long-term investors to acquire undervalued assets. This remains true for most other markets, including cryptocurrencies and precious metals.

Dividend yields and income generation

Dividend yields increase as stock prices decline, offering income-focused investors regular cash flow from dividend-paying stocks.

Defensive sector performance

Defensive sectors like utilities, consumer staples, and healthcare demonstrate relative resilience during a bear market, providing stability in the stock market amidst economic volatility.

Long-term value investing

Value investors can identify undervalued assets and potentially achieve substantial returns over the long run by capitalizing on the market's pessimism.

Behavioral lessons and investor growth

Unlike a bull market, navigating a bear market fosters personal and emotional growth, allowing investors to refine their strategies and become more knowledgeable for future investments.

While a bear market requires a long-term perspective and prudent strategies, similar to a bull market they too provide opportunities to take advantage of. By embracing discounted prices in the stock market and other financial markets, focusing on defensive sectors, engaging in value investing, and growing both personally and professionally, investors can emerge stronger and more resilient on their financial journey.

The risks of a bear market

In light of the above, it is also important to acknowledge and navigate the risks associated with downturned market conditions. Below, we explore the potential risks associated with investing during a bear market.

Portfolio declines and losses

Decreasing stock prices can lead to losses, hindering long-term wealth accumulation. Maintaining a long-term perspective and focusing on quality investments is crucial.

Volatility and emotional stress

Increased market volatility creates emotional stress for investors. Staying disciplined and avoiding emotional decisions are important aspects to hold onto during both bear and bull markets.

Economic uncertainty and job insecurity

Economic challenges in bear market territory can result in job insecurity and reduced consumer spending. Reassessing personal finances and enhancing financial resilience is key.

Deteriorating corporate profits

Weakened economic conditions can lead to declining revenues, reduced dividends, and potential bankruptcies. Thorough research and the monitoring of a company's financial health are essential.

Psychological biases and herd mentality

Fear and herd mentality can impair decision-making, leading to irrational choices. Recognizing biases and making rational decisions based on long-term goals is vital.

Market timing challenges

Timing the market is difficult and can lead to missed opportunities or further losses. Focusing on long-term fundamentals and disciplined strategies is advisable.

Navigating the risks of a bear market requires discipline, risk management, and a long-term perspective. Maintaining a well-diversified portfolio and staying informed is crucial. Recognizing and planning for risks can help investors mitigate challenges and emerge stronger.

Previous bear runs

Previous bear runs in financial markets provide valuable lessons about the risks and challenges of market downturns. The global financial crisis of 2008 and the dot-com bubble crash of the early 2000s serve as reminders of the importance of managing risk and maintaining a diversified portfolio. These historical bear markets highlight the unpredictability of the market and the potential for widespread losses.

Lessons learned include the need to be prepared by diversifying investments, taking a long-term perspective, and staying informed. Studying the history of bear markets empowers investors to make informed decisions, adapt strategies, and navigate downturns with resilience and confidence.

In conclusion: what is a bear market?

A bear market is a time of market downturn with declining prices and investor sentiment. Understanding how a bear market works is crucial for investors. While they present opportunities like discounted prices and income generation, risks such as portfolio declines, volatility, and economic uncertainty must be navigated. Lessons from previous bear runs highlight the importance of risk management and diversification. 

By studying history, investors can make informed decisions and adapt strategies. With a long-term perspective and disciplined approach, they can harness the benefits and manage the risks of bear markets, emerging stronger and more resilient.

Remember those late nights battling friends over Monopoly, only to watch them build a hotel empire that wiped you out? Surprise – those brutal losses actually taught you more about money than any school class ever did.

Think about it. All those hours trading properties and counting colourful cash? You were low-key learning real financial skills.

Here we explore some classic board games that sneakily teach us about money and why game night might be worth more than just family bonding (or friendship breakups).

The OGs of financial gaming 

First up, Monopoly – the game that's probably seen more family arguments than any holiday meal. Beyond the thrill of watching someone land on Mayfair with your hotel on it, Monopoly has some sneaky money lessons. 

Notice how players who buy every single property often end up broke? Lesson one: keep some cash in reserve. The real magic, though, is in the deals. Trading Baltic Avenue for a get-out-of-jail-free card only to see your sibling realize they got hustled? Pure satisfaction. Plus, the joy of collecting rent while doing absolutely nothing? Welcome to passive income 101. 

And then there’s The Game of Life – where picking between doctor or YouTube star plays out the consequences. It's a crash course in big life choices: Is it worth the debt for that degree? Should you buy insurance or take a gamble? And the real kicker – sometimes the “safe” road with a steady paycheck beats betting it all on that dream job.

The new school money makers

If Monopoly is the grandfather of money games, Stockpile is the cool cousin who works on Wall Street. This game lets you play Gordon Gekko without the whole "going to jail" thing. You'll learn about stocks without risking your actual savings, and we’re willing to bet that watching your friends panic when their "sure thing" stock crashes is way more fun than checking your real investment portfolio.

The fun part? You get insider trading tips during the game (legally, of course). It's hilarious watching players debate whether to trust that hot stock tip or play it safe. One round you're Warren Buffett, the next you're crossing your fingers hoping your tech stocks don't tank. Kind of like real-life trading, some might say.

Then there's Cashflow, created by the "Rich Dad" guy himself. It's basically a crash course in getting rich while pretending to have fun. You'll learn the difference between assets and liabilities (spoiler: that fancy car isn't making you money), and figure out how to escape the 9-to-5 grind through smart investments. Fair warning though - you might quit your job after a few rounds to become a real estate mogul.

The unexpected financial teachers

Here’s where it gets sneaky – these games have been teaching you money moves all along. Take Ticket to Ride. While you’re laser-focused on building that perfect New York-to-LA route, you’re actually mastering resource management. Ever burned through all your train cards early, only to have someone block your perfect path? That’s basically paycheck-gone-on-day-one energy.

Then there's Catan – aka How to Lose Friends Through Aggressive Sheep Trading. One minute, you’re rich in brick; the next, you’re stuck because nobody wants to trade. It’s supply and demand in the flesh. And remember: putting all your hopes in wood and ore is like going all-in on one crypto. Diversify, people.

The real genius of these games? You’re sharpening real money skills without even noticing, all while throwing down over wheat wars and blocked routes.

Final dice

Next time someone questions your game night plans, let them know you're honing real-life money skills. These board games have quietly schooled us in finances for years – from building empires to making savvy trades.

Want to teach the kids about money without the lectures? Just break out the board games. Who knows, those game night lessons might be exactly what you need to handle real-world money moves.

Generally when one mentions investing, one thinks of stocks. Forming the foundation of more investment journeys, stocks or equities provide a tried and tested option for using capital to gain profits. In this article, we’re guiding you through the most important concepts you need to know when it comes to investing in the stock market, from what stocks are exactly to how to stock market basics. 

What are stocks? 

Also referred to as equity or shares, individual stocks are securities that provide fractional ownership in a company. Units of stock are called shares and entitle holders to "own" a small part of the issuing corporation. This can also entitle the owner to receive dividends from any profits the company might earn.

Other terms one might hear are exchange-traded funds (ETFs) which are stocks based on pooled investments that mimic the price of the underlying asset allocation while mutual funds are professionally managed investment funds. An investment portfolio can be made up of a collection of the above, or individual stocks, depending on your financial goals.

Stock market vs stock exchange

Stocks are traded on stock exchanges around the world and their price is driven by supply and demand. The term stock market refers to the entire industry while the term stock exchange refers to the platforms on which stocks are traded. 

What is a stock exchange?

A stock exchange is an exchange platform where publicly-traded stocks can be purchased and sold through buyers and sellers, like the New York Stock Exchange for example. Initial Public Offerings (IPO's) are the primary mechanism of raising capital, where organizations sell shares to the general public in exchange for capital. This process allows the business to expand without incurring debt. 

In exchange for being allowed to offer shares to the public, companies are obliged by law to publish financial information about the company's performance and grant shareholders a voice in how the business operates.

Advantages of investing in stocks 

Before engaging in any stock market investing it is important to determine your risk tolerance. This pairs your current financial situation with the amount of risk you are willing to endure, anywhere from low risk to high risk. It's best to consult a financial planner should you be unsure. 

Once this has been determined, you can build a strategy for your stock investments and partake in the many advantages that the stock market has on offer. 

Profits

Should a company's share price increase, investors can make considerable profits by selling the shares at the right time. 

Ownership

Shares provide investors with ownership in the company relative to the number of shares they own. As a shareholder, you gain access to a portion of the profits and may also receive voting rights within the business. 

Dividends

Investors can earn passive income by receiving dividends from a company they have invested in when they pay out the profits made over a certain time period. Some companies offer quarterly dividends while others are annual. 

Income and growth

Stocks deliver an ideal investment opportunity that can provide both income and growth. Investors looking for a more risk-averse investment and stronger financial stability will benefit from engaging in the stock market. 

Experts can leverage your earnings

Skilled fund managers understand mutual funds inside and out, gaining skills that allow them to optimize investments to capitalize on market fluctuations. Constantly monitoring equity funds for opportunities to better position clients' portfolios, these experts continually revise their strategies as needed.

Disadvantages of investing in stocks

Requires time

If you are new to the industry and intend to invest on your own, you will need to undergo a considerable amount of research on each company before investing in it. You will also need to learn how to read financial statements and annual reports and keep an eye on the news when determining whether a company might be profitable in the near future. 

No guarantees

While considered one of the "safer" investment options, individual stocks can still be high risk as there is no guarantee of what might happen to a company on a year-to-year basis or that you won't lose money. Always determine your risk tolerance before investing in the stock market.

Fluctuating prices

All markets are subject to volatility and the stock market is no exception. Be sure not to fall into the trap of making trading decisions based on emotion and stick to the golden rule: buy low, sell high. 

How to invest in the stock market

Ready to start investing in the stock market? The process is probably simpler than you thought it would be. 

1. Find a brokerage account most suitable for your investment goals
   Consider your short and long-term goals and determine which account is best suited to you, from college savings accounts to an individual retirement account to everything in between. 
2. Find a brokerage company
   Next, you'll want to find a brokerage company. Consider their available investment options, reputation, and fees when looking for the right fit. If you're looking to invest in stock mutual funds, individual stocks, or index funds, be sure that the brokerage account (or brokerage firm) provides the relevant services.
3. Deposit funds
   Once you've opened your account you will need to deposit money to get started. This is generally in the form of a lump sum, however, monthly recurring payments can also be set up.  
4. Determine which investments you want to open
   After opening an account you can begin to purchase and sell stocks, as well as bonds, stock mutual funds or general mutual funds, index funds, and ETFs that are composed of hundreds of securities. Whether investing in various individual stocks or the investment options listed above, consider using a diversified, risk-friendly approach whereby you don't put all your eggs in one basket. 
5. Confirm your investments by purchasing them
   Once you've decided what to purchase, simply enter the ticker symbol in the buy field and specify how many shares you would like to acquire. And that's how you enter the stock market world.

Final thoughts

By their very nature, stock market investing can be volatile with numerous internal and external factors outside of the control of retail investors affecting stock prices. While exchange-traded funds and mutual funds might diversify this risk, it's best to assume that you are still susceptible to it.

During times of extreme price fluctuations within the stock market don't make emotional decisions and instead maintain patience. Consider writing down your goals beforehand and referring to this in times of market turbulence. Having a diversified portfolio of individual stocks will help mitigate risk. 

It's critical to understand your risk tolerance before investing in the stock market and make sure you get investment advice from an expert so that you can determine the best course of action for yourself. By analyzing your personal financial situation, they are able to advise you on the best route for your financial goals, from whether it's best to invest in individual stocks or index funds before you start investing.

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Let's talk about cryptocurrency payments in plain and simple English: think of crypto as digital money that works over the internet. With more than 420 million people already using it worldwide, and big companies like Microsoft and Starbucks now accepting it as payment - crypto has officially landed in the mainstream. 

Why people love using crypto for payments

It's cheaper to use

Remember the last time you sent money abroad? Those fees probably weren't fun. Crypto usually costs much less to send, whether you're paying someone across the street or across the world.

It's super fast

With regular bank transfers, you might wait days for your money to arrive. With crypto, payments usually go through in minutes. It's like sending an email instead of waiting for a letter in the mail.

It's really safe

Crypto uses a special technology called blockchain that makes it very hard for anyone to cheat or steal. Think of it like a digital safe that keeps getting stronger every time someone uses it.

It works everywhere

Crypto doesn't care about country borders. You can pay anyone, anywhere, anytime. No need to worry about different currencies or bank holidays.

The numbers that matter

More businesses are jumping on board every day. In 2021, people used crypto for over $754 million worth of payments, with this number growing by roughly 17% each year. As more businesses incorporate crypto into their payment systems, they have found more customers making larger checkouts. 

How to pay with crypto (it's easier than you think)

1. Pick crypto at checkout: Just like choosing credit card or PayPal
2. Scan or copy: Use your phone to scan a QR code or copy a payment address
3. Send your payment: Click to send from your digital wallet
4. Wait a minute: Your payment gets confirmed quickly
5. You're done: The store gets their payment, and you get your stuff

Advantages of using crypto

For shoppers:

• Your personal information stays private
• No one can steal your card details
• Payments go through quickly
• Works the same way everywhere in the world

For businesses:

• Get paid faster
• Spend less money on processing fees
• Reach customers everywhere
• No worries about fake payments

Is it hard to start using crypto?

Not at all! If you can use a smartphone app, you can use crypto. Here's what you need:

1. Get a digital wallet (it's like having a banking app)
2. Buy some crypto, Bitcoin is often a good place to start
3. Start paying at places that accept it

Looking to the future

More and more stores and websites are starting to accept crypto every day. It's becoming as normal as using a credit card or mobile payment. Sure, it's new and different, but so was paying with a card instead of cash when that first started. 

Simple tips for using crypto

• Start small until you're comfortable
• Double-check addresses before sending
• Keep your wallet information safe
• Use well-known services and stores

Why this matters

Whether you're a shopper who wants more ways to pay or a business owner looking to reach more customers, crypto payments are worth checking out. They're:

• Fast
• Safe
• Work everywhere
• Usually cheaper than regular payment methods

The bottom line

Cryptocurrency isn't just for tech experts anymore. It's becoming a normal way to pay for things, just like credit cards and digital wallets. While it might seem new and different at first, it's actually pretty simple to use once you try it.

Remember: You don't need to understand all the complex technology behind crypto to use it, just like you don't need to know how a credit card machine works to swipe your card at the store.

Ready to try?

If you're curious about using crypto for payments, start small. Simply download the Tap app from your Tap store (we encourage you to read the reviews and information before engaging in any crypto app - we’re confident you’ll still choose Tap) and create an account. 

You will then need to complete a quick identity verification step (NB no matter which crypto platform you might go with) and once you’re verified you can buy any cryptocurrency you like. If you’re looking to pay with crypto, it is worth noting that Bitcoin is the most widely accepted. 

Then try buying something inexpensive from a well-known store that accepts crypto using the steps above. The process should be as smooth as if you were using your digital card. If you run into any difficulties, we have 24/7 customer support in the app that will gladly help you through. 

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