Learning the friendly way

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.

Ονειρεύεσαι να δουλεύεις από εξωτικές παραλίες ή από ζεστά καφέ σε όλο τον κόσμο; Το να γίνεις ψηφιακός νομάδας μπορεί να είναι το εισιτήριό σου σε ένα συναρπαστικό ταξίδι επαγγελματικής και προσωπικής ανάπτυξης. Αυτός ο οδηγός θα σε καθοδηγήσει στα βασικά βήματα για να μεταμορφώσεις την καριέρα και τον τρόπο ζωής σου, συνδυάζοντας δουλειά και ταξίδια.

Τι είναι ο ψηφιακός νομάδας;‍

Ο ψηφιακός νομάδας είναι κάποιος που εργάζεται online ενώ ταξιδεύει τον κόσμο. Χρησιμοποιώντας λάπτοπ, smartphones και μια αξιόπιστη σύνδεση στο διαδίκτυο, εκτελεί απομακρυσμένες δουλειές όπως συγγραφή, προγραμματισμό ή μάρκετινγκ από διάφορες τοποθεσίες. Αυτός ο τρόπος ζωής προσφέρει την ελευθερία να εξερευνάς νέους προορισμούς, ευέλικτες ώρες εργασίας και πλούσιες πολιτιστικές εμπειρίες. Ωστόσο, οι ψηφιακοί νομάδες αντιμετωπίζουν και προκλήσεις, όπως ασταθής σύνδεση στο διαδίκτυο, διαφορές στις ζώνες ώρας και η διατήρηση ισχυρής ισορροπίας μεταξύ επαγγελματικής και προσωπικής ζωής.

Ουσιαστικά, ο ψηφιακός νομάδας ανταλλάσσει την παραδοσιακή ζωή στο γραφείο με την περιπέτεια, χρησιμοποιώντας τις δεξιότητές του για να χρηματοδοτήσει έναν τρόπο ζωής επικεντρωμένο στα ταξίδια.

Πώς να γίνεις ψηφιακός νομάδας‍

Αν αποφάσισες να γίνεις ψηφιακός νομάδας, ακολουθεί ένα σχέδιο βήμα-βήμα για να περάσεις από το γραφείο στην παραλία χωρίς καθυστέρηση. Θυμήσου, η Ρώμη δεν χτίστηκε σε μια μέρα, οπότε καλό θα είναι να προετοιμαστείς και να κάνεις τη μετάβαση όσο το δυνατόν πιο ομαλά.

Βήμα 1: Κάνε απογραφή των δεξιοτήτων σου και των διαθέσιμων δουλειών‍

Ας μιλήσουμε για το πώς να καταλάβεις σε τι είσαι καλός και πώς ταιριάζει αυτό με την απομακρυσμένη εργασία. Πρώτα, ψάξε για δουλειές που μπορείς να κάνεις από παντού - υπάρχουν πολλές ευκαιρίες εκεί έξω! Στη συνέχεια, αναλογίσου τις δεξιότητές σου. Σε τι ξεχωρίζεις; Τι απολαμβάνεις να κάνεις;

Τώρα, να είσαι ειλικρινής - οι δεξιότητές σου ταιριάζουν με αυτές τις δουλειές που βρήκες; Αν όχι, μην ανησυχείς! Ίσως χρειαστεί να μάθεις μερικά καινούργια κόλπα, να παρακολουθήσεις κάποιο online μάθημα ή να δοκιμάσεις μερικά μικρά projects. Το κλειδί είναι να κάνεις τον εαυτό σου πολύτιμο στον κόσμο της απομακρυσμένης εργασίας. Θυμήσου, είναι όλα θέμα δεξιοτήτων που σου επιτρέπουν να δουλεύεις από όπου θέλεις να βρίσκεσαι.

Βήμα 2: Ξεκίνα να βρεις απομακρυσμένες ευκαιρίες εργασίας‍

Έτοιμος να κάνεις τα πρώτα σου βήματα στον κόσμο των freelancers; Μην περιμένεις μέχρι να πίνεις καρύδες σε κάποια παραλία - ξεκίνα τώρα! Είναι ένας εξαιρετικός τρόπος να χτίσεις μια λίστα πελατών και να ενισχύσεις το portfolio σου πριν απογειωθείς.

Υπάρχουν πολλές πλατφόρμες που μπορείς να χρησιμοποιήσεις για να βρεις δουλειά: δοκίμασε ιστοσελίδες freelancers όπως το Upwork, Fiverr και Guru, ρώτα στο δίκτυό σου ή επικοινώνησε απευθείας με επιχειρήσεις. Το LinkedIn είναι επίσης μια πολύ καλή πηγή. Πέρασε λίγο χρόνο σε αυτές τις πλατφόρμες για να καταλάβεις τι υπάρχει εκεί έξω, τι ζητάνε οι πελάτες και πώς να προωθήσεις τον εαυτό σου.

Το θέμα είναι να βρεις αυτό που σου ταιριάζει και να αξιοποιήσεις τις δεξιότητές σου. Σε λίγο, θα αρχίσεις να κλείνεις δουλειές και να δημιουργείς τον τρόπο ζωής του ψηφιακού νομάδα!

Βήμα 3: Οργάνωσε τα οικονομικά σου‍

Ας μιλήσουμε για χρήματα! Πριν να πακετάρεις τις βαλίτσες σου, πρέπει να τακτοποιήσεις τα οικονομικά σου. Πρώτα, φτιάξε έναν προϋπολογισμό που να ταιριάζει στον νέο σου τρόπο ζωής. Θυμήσου, οι δαπάνες σε άλλες χώρες μπορεί να είναι πολύ διαφορετικές - μερικές φορές φθηνότερες, μερικές φορές όχι. Κάνε έρευνα για να μπορέσεις να προγραμματίσεις ανάλογα - κοίταξε θέματα όπως ενοίκιο, wifi, συγκοινωνίες, φαγητό κ.λπ.

Στη συνέχεια, φρόντισε τα τραπεζικά σου. Θα χρειαστείς έναν τρόπο να αποκτάς πρόσβαση στα χρήματά σου χωρίς ακριβές χρεώσεις, οπότε ρίξε μια ματιά σε διεθνείς τράπεζες ή online επιλογές. Μια καλή επιλογή είναι η εφαρμογή Tap, την οποία έχουμε σχεδιάσει για να είναι όσο το δυνατόν πιο φιλική προς τα ταξίδια. Πριν φύγεις από το σπίτι, ζήτησε να σου παραδοθεί η κάρτα Tap, φόρτωσέ την με χρήματα και διαχειρίσου όλες τις συναλλαγές σου από την ασφαλή εφαρμογή. Μετά, μπορείς να τη χρησιμοποιήσεις σε καταστήματα και ATM παγκοσμίως.

Και μην ξεχνάς τη φορολογία - δεν εξαφανίζεται απλώς επειδή πίνεις καφέ στο Μπαλί! Κάθε χώρα έχει τους δικούς της κανόνες, οπότε κάνε την έρευνά σου. Ίσως ακούγεται βαρετό, αλλά πίστεψέ με, αν το τακτοποιήσεις θα κάνει τη ζωή σου ως ψηφιακού νομάδα πολύ πιο ομαλή!

Βήμα 4: Σχεδίασε τα ταξίδια σου‍

Ώρα για το διασκεδαστικό κομμάτι - τον προγραμματισμό της περιπέτειάς σου! Πρώτα απ' όλα, πρέπει να κατανοήσεις τους κανόνες της βίζας. Μερικές χώρες είναι πολύ φιλόξενες με τους ψηφιακούς νομάδες, άλλες... όχι και τόσο. Κάνε την έρευνά σου για να αποφύγεις δυσάρεστες εκπλήξεις στα σύνορα.

Επόμενο βήμα, διάλεξε τον πρώτο σου προορισμό. Ποιο μέρος σε καλεί; Οι παραλίες του Μπαλί; Οι πλακόστρωτες γειτονιές της Πράγας; Μόλις αποφασίσεις, άρχισε να κλείνεις τις λεπτομέρειες. Βρες ένα άνετο μέρος για να μείνεις - ίσως ένα ωραίο Airbnb ή έναν κοινόχρηστο χώρο διαβίωσης όπου θα γνωρίσεις άλλους νομάδες. Στη συνέχεια, βρες τρόπους να μετακινηθείς. Από το αεροδρόμιο στον τόπο διαμονής σου είναι ένα καλό σημείο εκκίνησης. Όσο περισσότερη έρευνα κάνεις πριν, τόσο πιο ομαλή θα είναι η προσγείωσή σου.

Βήμα 5: Στήσε τον χώρο εργασίας σου‍

Ώρα να προετοιμάσεις το κινητό σου γραφείο, νομάδα! Δεν χρειάζεσαι πολλά, αλλά ό,τι χρειαστείς πρέπει να είναι αξιόπιστο. Πρώτα, διάλεξε τα τεχνολογικά σου βοηθήματα - έναν αξιόπιστο λάπτοπ, ίσως ένα tablet και ίσως ένα καλό ζευγάρι ακουστικών με ακύρωση θορύβου για τις ημέρες που εργάζεσαι σε πολυάσχολα καφέ.

Στη συνέχεια, το ίντερνετ είναι η γραμμή ζωής σου, οπότε κάνε έρευνα για τους καλύτερους τρόπους να παραμένεις συνδεδεμένος όπου κι αν πας. Ίσως να πάρεις μια διεθνή SIM ή ένα φορητό hotspot. Τέλος, φόρτωσε εργαλεία που θα σε βοηθήσουν να παραμείνεις παραγωγικός. Σκέψου εφαρμογές διαχείρισης έργων, παρακολούθηση χρόνου και cloud storage.

Με τη σωστή προετοιμασία, μπορείς να μετατρέψεις οποιαδήποτε γωνιά του κόσμου σε προσωπικό σου HQ.

‍Βήμα 6: Δημιούργησε μια ρουτίνα με ισορροπία εργασίας/ζωής‍

Ας μιλήσουμε για τη δημιουργία αυτής της ισορροπίας νομάδα. Το να φτιάξεις μια ρουτίνα που σου επιτρέπει να πετυχαίνεις τους επαγγελματικούς σου στόχους ενώ ταυτόχρονα εξερευνάς είναι το κλειδί. Ίσως να είσαι πρωινός τύπος που τελειώνει τα καθήκοντά του πριν πάει στην παραλία ή νυχτερινός τύπος που εργάζεται μετά από sightseeing. Βρες το δικό σου ρυθμό.

Επίσης, χρησιμοποίησε το χρόνο σου για να ανακαλύψεις ωραίους χώρους για εργασία σε κάθε νέα τοποθεσία - καφέ, co-working spaces ή ακόμα και το μπαλκόνι του Airbnb σου. Και μην ξεχνάς να συνδεθείς με άλλους νομάδες γύρω σου. Συμμετείχε σε διαδικτυακές κοινότητες νομάδων, μίλησε με άλλους απομακρυσμένους εργαζόμενους στα τοπικά στέκια και κράτησε επαφή με φίλους από το σπίτι. Ένα υποστηρικτικό δίκτυο κάνει το ταξίδι πιο διασκεδαστικό και σε κρατάει σε καλή πορεία.

Τώρα βγες εκεί έξω‍

Έχεις τον χάρτη, μελλοντικέ νομάδα - ήρθε η ώρα να κάνεις το βήμα. Θυμήσου, το να γίνεις ψηφιακός νομάδας δεν είναι απλώς το να δουλεύεις από εξωτικές τοποθεσίες. Πρόκειται για την υιοθέτηση ενός εντελώς νέου τρόπου ζωής.

Θα υπάρξουν προκλήσεις, φυσικά, αλλά οι ανταμοιβές είναι απίστευτες. Θα αναπτυχθείς προσωπικά και επαγγελματικά, θα ζήσεις νέες κουλτούρες και θα επανακαθορίσεις το τι σημαίνει «γραφείο». Προχώρησε βήμα-βήμα, να είσαι υπομονετικός με τον εαυτό σου και μην ξεχνάς να απολαμβάνεις το ταξίδι. Είτε γράφεις από μια παραλία στην Κόστα Ρίκα, είτε προγραμματίζεις σε ένα καφέ του Παρισιού, ζεις ένα όνειρο που πολλοί μόνο φαντάζονται.

Πακέταρε το λάπτοπ σου, άνοιξε το μυαλό σου και ετοιμάσου για την περιπέτεια της ζωής σου. Ο κόσμος σε περιμένει!

Online banking scams are becoming more prevalent these days, and it's crucial for you to be aware and stay vigilant.

At Tap, we take security seriously and work tirelessly to provide you with a safe experience. However, we also believe in educating our community about the various types of scams they might come across.

By learning how to identify online scammers, you can protect yourself and your hard-earned money effectively. So, let's explore some tips on recognizing these scams and ensuring your financial safety.

Stay Alert: Spotting the red flags for financial scams

If you happen to stumble upon any of these telltale signs while scrolling through your social media feed, chances are high that you're dealing with a scam:

- Mentions of "free money".

- The mention of “Airdrop”.

- Images flaunting large sums of cash or luxurious items.

- References to Tap "support" or "representative".

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Tap will never ask over the phone, chat, email, text, or social media for you to provide:

- Seed phrase / private key of your wallet.
- Personal Information. (name, credentials, email address/ phone number).
- Asking you to send in additional funds in order to release funds you hold on deposit.
- Advise you that in order for your transaction to be processed on chain, you need to send in additional funds.

Types of scams to look out for:

Phishing‍

Be on guard against phishing attacks! Scammers employ deceptive links, messages, or emails (often boasting a sense of urgency) to deceive you into divulging your passwords or private keys. Stay vigilant and never fall for their tricks! Protect your sensitive information and avoid replying to any message or email that was not solicited in the first place.

Impersonation

Watch out for impersonation scams. Scammers pretend to be someone they're not, like celebrities or trading experts, with the aim of convincing you to invest based on their reputation.
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Pump and Dump

Watch out for the infamous "Pump and Dump" hustle! These scammers go to great lengths to create a buzz around a completely worthless cryptocurrency. They manipulate unsuspecting investors into driving up the price ("pump") before the scammer makes a swift exit by selling off their own stash ("dumps"). Don't fall for their tricks and be sure to steer clear of these deceptive tactics!

Cash or money flipping 

Beware of "cash flipping" schemes on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Look out for posts with images of cash or luxury items, and flooded with hashtags like #fastcash, #cashflip or #moneyflip.

These scammers claim to possess a "secret" investment strategy where if you send them money, they'll multiply it tenfold. Remember, these are too good to be true!

Fake Tap support websites and social media profiles 

Beware of fake Tap support websites and social media profiles. These cunning scammers go to great lengths, setting up deceptive "Tap Support" websites and social media accounts. Their ultimate aim is to trick unsuspecting members into revealing their login credentials and sensitive account information.

Remember, authentic Tap social media accounts are listed on the footer of our official website, www.withtap.com. To be absolutely certain you're engaging with genuine Tap channels, visit our homepage and click on the social media icons located at the bottom of the page (see the picture below). Additionally, please be aware that our team will never initiate contact with you first on social media. Stay vigilant!

‍Malware

Stay one step ahead of malware! Crafty scammers use malicious viruses or trojans to invade your computer or mobile device, snatching away your passwords or private keys and draining your hard-earned cryptocurrency from your wallet.

Tips for ensuring your safety and preventing scams

Scammers are incredibly resourceful and constantly come up with new and inventive ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals. While we have covered several popular scam techniques earlier, it is important to understand that this list is not exhaustive.

Given the vast array of scams out there, it is crucial to maintain a vigilant attitude. We want to emphasize that Tap will never initiate contact with you via phone, email, or text message to request personal information or passwords.

To further enhance your security, here are a few additional tips:

• Refrain from sharing personal details such as your account number, username, password, Social Security number, birthdate, or address with strangers or on unsecured websites.
  
  
• Enable push notifications in the Tap app so that you receive immediate alerts regarding suspicious activities.
  
  
• Avoid writing any identifying information, especially your PIN, directly on your debit card.
  
  
• Whenever you don't plan on using your card, you can safeguard yourself by blocking all debit card transactions through a quick swipe in the app. It freezes your card temporarily.
  
  
• If you suspect that your account has been compromised, it is imperative to change your password immediately. Additionally, if you believe you have fallen victim to a scam, please immediately reach out to Tap support and report the incident to the police without delay.

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By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling prey to scams and ensure your personal information remains secure.

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Tap’s approach to addressing scams and protecting users

At Tap, we are continuously working to combat the presence of fake accounts and take swift action to shut them down. However, despite our efforts, new fraudulent accounts may still surface.

Your personal information security is of paramount importance to us, and we strongly urge you to exercise caution in safeguarding it. If you come across any suspicious activity or encounter a scam, we appreciate your proactive assistance in bringing it to our attention as soon as possible.

To report a scam or share information regarding fraudulent incidents, you can reach out to us via our support live chat in the app, our support email (All the ways to contact us are available here : https://www.withtap.com/contact-us). Your input plays a crucial role in helping us combat scams effectively.

Rest assured we are committed to maintaining a secure environment for all Tap users, and your cooperation in reporting scams is greatly appreciated. Together, we can work towards a safer community and protect one another from fraudulent activities.

The performance of the money markets in 2022 was far from impressive. With inflation on the rise and real estate facing significant speculation, various markets experienced substantial setbacks. This includes the S&P 500, a typically used gauge of economic well-being, which saw a decline of 20%.

Among the fear and uncertainty, it's important to remember that markets ebb and flow and will recover, the only unknown is when this will happen.

While the golden rule is to remain level-headed and not make trades based on emotion (primarily fear), we understand that that's sometimes easier said than done. Remain a successful investor despite the market dip by conquering the emotional aspect of trading and getting a better grip on your investment portfolio.

You've assessed your risk tolerance, researched historical market volatility, and built an investing strategy, now tackle the winds of the bear market head-on with these three valuable tricks to avoid making costly mistakes. 

3 tips on avoiding costly mistakes during market downturn

Investing in the stock market, or any emerging markets is like riding a rollercoaster, when the markets are down the only ones that get hurt are the ones that jump off. It is often more valuable to hold your investment and wait for the markets to recover (and yes, this may take years) than to liquidate a trade and make a permanent loss. 

Consider how long the stock market has been operating and how many bear and bull markets it has experienced. The past performance of market history shows us that it will always correct itself.

1. Don’t abandon your investments

When your retirement account drops in value, it can be tempting to "protect" the remaining funds by selling off high-risk mutual funds or equity securities and moving them into something that is perceived as a "safe option" until the stock market steadies.

However, when investors try to exit the market this way, more often than not they end up losing more money than they would have had they ridden out the rollercoaster. 

Remember, investing is a long-term game and requires a certain level of discipline, consistency, and patience. Financial journeys rarely turn to millionaire status overnight and should be centered around building long-term wealth as opposed to overnight success.

Instead of focusing on day-to-day or month-to-month performances, focus on the bigger picture. When the markets rebound and your balances start to reflect this, you will be grateful you left your diversified portfolio intact.

2. Take advantage of the "discount" prices and keep growing your investment portfolio

According to a study by Allianz Life, 54% of Americans have cut back or altogether stopped savings for retirement due to concerns about inflation. While we know investing involves risk, this can be a very costly mistake in the long run. 

Consider periods of a market downturn as "sales" that offer shares on the stock market at discounted prices. When the markets are down, the same stocks that were previously being traded for high amounts are suddenly going for much less. "Buy the dip" is a popular investment phrase that encourages investors to buy when prices are down. 

If investing when the markets are down makes you nervous, consider the data: historically, stock markets always recover. It might take years or months, but stock prices will return to previous levels, and more than likely exceed these. As will your investment portfolio's balance. 

3. Consider talking to a professional financial advisor

While the main aim is to stick to the straight and narrow of fact-based trading as opposed to emotion-based, there is never a bad time to seek professional help when you think you might need it. A professional financial advisor can advise on questions or ideas you might have for managing your portfolio and might offer some peace of mind during dark times. 

There's never a wrong time to ask for help, and never feel like you need to brave the markets solo. 

Keep your investments on track (stock market and otherwise)

Investing isn't for the faint-hearted, especially when the markets are going through a dip. Consider the 2007 financial crisis for example, it took five years for the markets to recover from rock bottom, and a few more months to reach highs achieved right before the dip.

The markets will always recover, it's how you handle the dips that will determine the success of your investments. If you're ever uncertain, consider talking to a financial advisor who can guide you in the right direction.

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As we approach the 2024 U.S. presidential election, a new force is emerging in the political landscape: the crypto generation. Young voters, particularly Gen Zs and Millennials, are not only becoming a significant voting force but are also bringing with them a strong interest in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. This intersection of youth, technology, and politics could potentially reshape the outcome of the upcoming election.

The rising power of young voters

The political influence of young Americans has been growing steadily over the past few election cycles. In the 2020 election, voter turnout among those under 30 reached 55%, a significant increase from 44% in 2016. 

What's more, the sheer size of this voting bloc is impossible to ignore. Gen Z and Millennial voters now make up 40% of all eligible voters and are projected to become the majority of the electorate by 2028. This demographic shift is introducing new priorities and viewpoints into political discussions.

The crypto connection

One of the most interesting parts of this surge in young voters is their strong interest in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Recent data shows that 34% of people who own crypto are between 18 and 34 years old. This isn't just about investment trends - it reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the current financial system and a desire for change.

Consider these statistics:

• Only 7% of young Americans report that the current financial system works well for them.
• 38% of young voters believe crypto and blockchain can increase economic opportunities in ways traditional finance can't.
• 51% of young voters are likely to support crypto-friendly candidates in 2024.

These numbers suggest that crypto policy could become a key issue in the upcoming election, especially in battleground states where the margins are often very close.

A look at battleground states: where crypto could tip the scales

In key swing states, the combination of high youth turnout and growing crypto enthusiasm could be a game-changer. 

Take Georgia as an example, where supporters of the Stand with Crypto movement now outnumber the vote difference that decided the 2020 election there, by three times. And in Arizona, nearly 90% of crypto owners under 44 believe the financial system needs change, with over a quarter wanting a complete overhaul. 

Meanwhile, in Michigan, youth voter turnout jumped from 42% in 2016 to 54% in 2020, indicating that the crypto vote could be crucial.

Beyond party lines: crypto as a bipartisan issue

Interestingly, crypto enthusiasm crosses traditional party lines. Among previous or current crypto owners under 35 in swing states, 41% identify as Democrats, 39% as Republicans, and 20% as independent or other. 

This suggests that crypto policy could be a unique issue capable of attracting voters from across the political spectrum.

A call for financial innovation

The rise of the crypto generation in politics reflects more than just an interest in digital assets. It signifies a broader desire for financial innovation and economic opportunity. 

Young voters, facing challenges such as rising living costs and student debt, are looking to blockchain technology as a potential solution to systemic economic issues. 

This aligns perfectly with the original vision behind Bitcoin's creation: a decentralised financial system designed to address the shortcomings of traditional banking and monetary policy.

Conclusion

The 2024 election is quickly approaching, and it's clear that candidates at all levels will need to address the concerns of the "crypto generation." Whether it’s clarifying regulations for digital assets or exploring blockchain for government services, politicians who can connect with these topics could have a significant edge. 

It’s not just crypto investments that this generation is after; they’re investing in a vision for a more accessible, efficient, and innovative financial future. As more of them head to the polls, this vision could become a defining aspect of American politics for years to come.‍

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_{Note: This article is based on data and trends as of August 2024. As with all political and technological trends, the landscape may shift rapidly. Readers are encouraged to stay informed about the latest developments in both the political and crypto spheres.}

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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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