Learning the friendly way

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.

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".

‍

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.
‍

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.

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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Never underestimate the power of emotions and trading. While this might sound redundant, emotions play a much larger role in decision making than most might like to admit, and crypto trading is no exception. In order to make successful decisions, traders need to avoid the emotional rollercoaster and learn to look at the markets objectively. 

Here we will show you how to master the emotional pitfalls of decision making when it comes to trading, a skill every successful trader has acquired at some point in their journey. Outlined below are several points one can incorporate into their trading practices, whether trading daily or once a month. 

Outline Your Trading Goals

Before you implement any of these strategies into your trading practices, first establish what your trading goals are. Are you looking to make small returns on short term trades, or are you looking to make smart decisions over a long period of time? When it comes to mastering emotional management in trading you will need to ensure that every decision is in the best interests of your ultimate goal.

Black And White

Learn to remove the grey areas when it comes to decision making and view crypto trading in black and white, i.e. trade like a robot. By incorporating a systematic and rule-based approach to trading you can automatically alleviate the grey areas, this might include algorithms and computer-executed trading strategies. 

Red Light, Green Light

Colours play a huge role in our psyche and can often trigger an emotional response. For instance, if you see a big red candle this will likely stir feelings attached to danger, stopping and signs of warning. Don’t fall into the trap of allowing this to trigger you, and the same goes for seeing green candles. Don’t allow these colours to trigger your emotions and make decisions that deviate from your end goal. 

Axiomatic Framework

Solidify a set of rules for your trading practices that provide unquestionable pathways through which you can trade. For example, set up entries, exits, risk limits and stop orders. Also look at establishing rules in advance around when to exit a trade if it moves favourably or unfavourably, and what your risk parameters are. 

If a trade does not entirely meet all the predetermined criteria you established, do not enter a trade. 

Take A Break

If you’re on a bad streak, consider taking a break from trading activities to re-centre. This practice is used by risk managers on trading floors and is referred to as cut-offs. If a trader is experiencing a poor performance streak they will be moved to a demo trading model until they start to perform better, this also might include taking a break completely. 

Self Reflect On Behavioural Shortcomings

Dig deep to find what reactions you make when faced with emotions such as greed or fear. Attempt to learn as much as possible about your behavioural patterns when trading so that once triggered you can learn to recognise these patterns so as not to fall victim to your own emotional responses. 

Balance

Don’t underestimate the power of balance as it plays an imperative role when it comes to clear judgement, reason and logic. When it comes to being a strong athlete, it’s imperative that the athlete needs to be in a good mental space too. The same runs true for being a strong trader, mental (and even physical) strength plays a strong role in overall balance and your ability to function optimally. These positive changes reverberate across all aspects of your life and can certainly have an effect on your trading endeavours.

Master Emotional Management In Trading

Ultimately the most disciplined version of yourself will yield the best results when it comes to trading. Consider improving on all aspects of your life and then implement several strategies listed above and you should be well on your way to an incredibly successful trading path. 
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To learn more about this topic, consider reading “Trading in the Zone” by Mark Douglas and “The Psychology of Trading” by Brett N. Steenbarger.