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.

Today, TikTok ranks as the fifth largest social media platform globally, used by 31% of social media users and 30% of all internet users worldwide. Taking things one step further, TikTok is also busy revolutionising social media shopping through its TikTok Shop. Looking to dive in?

If you’re unsure how TikTok Shop works or what payment options are available, you’re in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about TikTok Shop payment methods.

What is TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop is an integrated marketplace where you can purchase products directly through the app. Here you'll find everything from trending fashion items to electronics, all available from both independent sellers and major brands. *It’s worth noting that these are third-party sellers and not from TikTok directly. 

You’ll also need an account to use it. 

Finding TikTok Shop

Getting started is simple:

• Download the TikTok app and create an account if you haven't already
• Look for the Shop icon at the bottom of your screen
• Start browsing products through videos, lives, or the Showcase tab

What payment methods are available on TikTik Shop?

TikTok Shop offers several convenient payment methods to suit your preferences and location:

Card payments

• All major cards accepted (Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover - yes, you can also use your Tap card)
• Both credit and debit cards are welcome

Digital wallets

• Apple Pay (iOS users)
• Google Wallet (Android users)
• PayPal

Buy Now, Pay Later

• Klarna: Split larger purchases into four interest-free payments

Making your first purchase

Ready to start shopping? Follow these simple steps:

• Find a product you love
• Click "Add to Cart"
• Hit "Check out" when ready
• Enter your shipping details and billing address
• Select your preferred payment method
• Review your order
• Confirm and place your purchase

Managing your payment methods

To add or change your payment method:

• Visit your TikTok profile
• Select "Your orders"
• Tap "Payments"
• Add new payment methods or set your preferred option

Shopping tips

• Always verify seller ratings and reviews before purchasing
• Check product descriptions and shipping information carefully
• Keep track of your orders through the TikTok app
• Enable notifications to track your order status
• Purchases are eligible for Tap cashback rewards

With these payment options and your Tap card at hand, you're ready to explore everything TikTok Shop has to offer.

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In today's global economy, managing your finances, both crypto and fiat, across borders has never been more important. With this in mind, we’ve created innovative solutions for both personal and business users with the Tap Personal Account and Tap Business Account. 

While both accounts share some core features, they each cater to specific needs. Let's dive into the details to help you choose the right account for your financial journey. 

Shared features: the Tap advantage

Both Tap Personal and Tap Business accounts offer a range of powerful features designed to simplify your financial life:

• Multi-currency capabilities: Hold, send, and receive money in multiple currencies.
• Competitive exchange rates: Enjoy favourable rates when converting between currencies.
• Low-fee international transfers: Send money abroad without breaking the bank.
• Tap card: A versatile debit card for spending in multiple currencies worldwide.
• User-friendly mobile app: Manage your finances on the go with ease.
• Cashback rewards: earn up to 8% Cashback on any card or online transactions.
• Money management on the go: Get real-time notifications on transactions and monthly statements.

Tap Personal Account: personal finance, globalised

The Tap Personal Account is perfect for individuals who:

• Live, work, or travel internationally
• Need to send money to family or friends abroad
• Want to shop online in different currencies
• Seek a hassle-free way to manage personal finances across borders
• Are savvy investors looking to manage multiple currencies in one secure location

Key features of the Tap Personal Account include:

1. Easy account opening: Get started quickly with a simple online process.
2. Free local account details: Receive payments like a local in multiple countries.
3. Instant transfers: Send money to other Tap users in seconds, for free.

Tap Business Account: powering global commerce

The Tap Business Account is tailored for:

• Small to medium-sized businesses
• Companies with international operations
• Startups looking to scale globally

In addition to the features shared with the Tap Personal Account, the Tap Business Account offers:

1. Multi-currency access: Easily set up checkout payment channels for crypto and major national currencies with access to local and international payment rails.
2. Crypto to fiat: Receive and send over 45 cryptocurrencies directly from your account with an institutional-grade OTC desk. 
3. Payment links: Get an individual IBAN and receive and send payments in EUR and GBP with SEPA Instant
4. White card labelling service: Create customisable cards for your business or clients using the integrated service. 
5. Cheaper payroll payments: Avoid bank fees when making multiple payments efficiently, perfect for paying salaries or multiple suppliers.
6. Access to an account manager: each company is assigned a dedicated account manager.

Making the right choice

Choosing between a Tap Personal Account and a Tap Business Account depends on your specific needs:

• If you're an individual looking to simplify your personal international finances, the Tap Personal Account is your go-to solution.
• For businesses of any size aiming to streamline their global financial operations, the Tap Business Account offers the advanced features you need to thrive in the international marketplace.

Both accounts reflect Tap's commitment to providing innovative, user-friendly financial solutions for our increasingly connected world. Whether you're planning your next international adventure or expanding your business across borders, Tap has you covered.

Ready to take control of your global finances? Visit withtap.com to learn more and download the app, and sign up for the account that best suits your needs.

Bitcoin options trading has been making waves as a small yet significant catalyst in Bitcoin’s latest price surge. The launch of Bitcoin options linked to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF brought new energy to the market, attracting attention from both big institutions and everyday investors. 

But this bull run isn’t just about options trading, it’s driven by growing confidence in Bitcoin’s future, boosted by market trends, technological progress, and changes in regulations. Let’s take a closer look at what Bitcoin options trading is and how it fits into this exciting rally.

What are Bitcoin options?

Options trading is a type of financial trading where you buy or sell the right, but not the obligation, to purchase or sell an asset, like Bitcoin, at a specific price within a set time frame. Essentially, you’re betting on whether the price of that asset will go up or down.

There are two types of options: calls and puts. A call option lets you buy the asset at a certain price (if you think the price will rise), while a put option lets you sell it at a certain price (if you think the price will drop). Instead of buying the asset outright, you’re paying a smaller fee, called a premium, for the option to trade later.

Traders typically use options to hedge risk or profit from price movements without directly owning the asset. In the case of Bitcoin, options trading allows investors to manage volatility while taking advantage of its price swings, making it a popular tool in the fast-moving crypto market.

The game-changer: Bitcoin ETF options

January 2024 marked a historic moment when the SEC approved spot Bitcoin ETFs, and now we're seeing the next evolution with Bitcoin ETF options. BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) made waves when its options began trading on the Nasdaq, quickly becoming one of the most exciting new financial products on the market.

The numbers tell the story: In just the first hour of trading, IBIT saw 73,000 options contracts traded, instantly placing it among the top 20 most active non-index options. 

Why Bitcoin ETF options matter

The introduction of Bitcoin ETF options is significant for several reasons:

1. Accessibility: Anyone can now trade Bitcoin options through traditional brokerage accounts, no crypto exchange is required.
2. Regulated environment: These products trade on established exchanges like Nasdaq, offering a level of oversight that many crypto platforms can't match.
3. Market sophistication: The availability of ETF options helps mature the Bitcoin market, potentially leading to more stable prices over time.

The new Bitcoin ETF options landscape

The Bitcoin ETF options market is growing fast, with big names like BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), and ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) leading the way. These funds are already offering or planning to offer options trading, giving investors more choices than ever before.

As the market develops, experts expect to see even more innovative products, including covered call funds, buffer funds, trend-following strategies, and other option-based investment tools. This rapid growth is certainly making the crypto space more dynamic and accessible for more “traditional” investors.

Final thoughts

The launch of Bitcoin ETF options is a big step forward for the crypto market as it continues to grow and evolve. While these options bring exciting opportunities they also come with their own risks and complexities, so whether you’re curious or serious about trading, it’s important to fully understand how they work before diving in.

Με το Μπίτκοιν (Bitcoin) να σημειώνει πρόσφατα νέο ρεκόρ αλλά και τις σημαντικές εξελίξεις στους κανονισμούς της ΕΕ για την κρυπτοαγορά να καθορίζουν τον χώρο, το 2025 εξελίσσεται σε μια συναρπαστική χρονιά για το crypto. Καθώς η τεχνολογία blockchain συνεχίζει να εξελίσσεται, τα θεμέλια που τέθηκαν τα προηγούμενα χρόνια αρχίζουν να εμφανίζουν σημαντικές εξελίξεις. Πρόκειται για έναν τομέα που αξίζει να παρακολουθείτε στενά, ιδίως στο πλαίσιο των ελληνικών τάσεων με τα κρυπτονομίσματα και της υιοθέτησης του blockchain στην Ελλάδα.

Παρακάτω, επισημαίνουμε πέντε κρυπτονομίσματα που πρέπει να παρακολουθήσετε το 2025. Κάποια καθιερωμένα, κάποια άλλα που μόλις αρχίζουν να κάνουν θραύση, και όλα συμβάλλουν στην ανάπτυξη της καινοτομίας του κρυπτονομίσματος και της ανάπτυξης του blockchain σε παγκόσμιο επίπεδο.

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Bitcoin (BTC)

Η άνοδος του Μπιτκοΐν (Bitcoin) στα 80.000 δολάρια το 2024 δεν είναι τίποτα λιγότερο από εκπληκτική. Τώρα κατατάσσεται μεταξύ των 10 πιο πολύτιμων περιουσιακών στοιχείων παγκοσμίως, ο αντίκτυπος του Bitcoin επεκτείνεται πέρα από το κρυπτονόμισμα και στο ευρύτερο χρηματοπιστωτικό τοπίο. 

Εξετάζοντας τους παράγοντες που συνέβαλαν σε αυτή την εντυπωσιακή ανάπτυξη είναι η μείωση στο μισό τον Απρίλιο (το λεγόμενο Bitcoin halving), μειώνοντας την προσφορά νέων νομισμάτων προσθέτοντας έτσι σπανιότητα και τροφοδοτώντας τη ζήτηση. Επιπλέον, η εισαγωγή των Bitcoin ETFs επέτρεψε στους θεσμικούς επενδυτές να εισέλθουν στην αγορά υπό ρυθμιζόμενες συνθήκες, αυξάνοντας τη ρευστότητα και ενισχύοντας την εμπιστοσύνη της αγοράς.

Ως ηγέτης στo κρύπτο, το Bitcoin παραμένει ένας βασικός παίκτης που πρέπει να προσέξετε.

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Solana (SOL)

Η Solana συνεχίζει να κερδίζει έδαφος, με τον όγκο συναλλαγών να ξεπερνά πρόσφατα τα 8,33 δισεκατομμύρια δολάρια, γεγονός που αντανακλά το αυξανόμενο ενδιαφέρον για το δίκτυο. Αυτή η άνοδος, σε συνδυασμό με το αυξανόμενο Ανοικτό Ενδιαφέρον (Open Interest)  ύψους 2,51 δισ. δολαρίων, σηματοδοτεί ισχυρές δυνατότητες για το 2025. 

Η εστίαση του Solana στην επεκτασιμότητα και ο αυξανόμενος κατάλογος αποκεντρωμένων εφαρμογών (dapps) το τοποθετεί καλά για περαιτέρω υιοθέτηση της αλυσίδας μπλοκ στην Ελλάδα και πέραν αυτής. Καθώς οι περιπτώσεις χρήσης blockchain επεκτείνονται σε παγκόσμιο επίπεδο, η υποδομή της Solana είναι έτοιμη να υποστηρίξει περισσότερες dapps, καθιστώντας την βασικό παίκτη στο μέλλον του blockchain. 

Εάν η τάση συνεχιστεί, η Solana θα μπορούσε να εδραιώσει τη θέση της ως σημαντική δύναμη στην καινοτομία του κρυπτονομίσματος.

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Avalanche (AVAX)

Το Avalanche, γνωστό ως «δολοφόνος του Ethereum», κερδίζει την προσοχή για την ταχύτητα και την αποτελεσματικότητά του. Ο ισχυρός μηχανισμός συναίνεσης που διαθέτει καθιστά την ανάπτυξη αποκεντρωμένων εφαρμογών (dApps) απρόσκοπτη και χειρίζεται εξαιρετικά καλά τις αλληλεπιδράσεις μεταξύ των αλυσίδων.

Με σημαντικές συνεργασίες και ενσωμάτωση σε θεσμικά δίκτυα, η Avalanche έχει δημιουργήσει μια σταθερή φήμη. Καθώς όλο και περισσότεροι προγραμματιστές και εταιρείες αναζητούν αποτελεσματικές λύσεις blockchain, η υιοθέτηση της Avalanche είναι πιθανό να αυξηθεί, διατηρώντας την στο προσκήνιο ως σημαντικό παίκτη στον χώρο του κρύπτο.

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Arbitrum (ARB)

Το Arbitrum, μια επίλυση Layer-2 που βασίζεται στο Ethereum, έχει αποκτήσει σημαντική έλξη στον κόσμο του DeFi. Παρέχοντας ταχύτερες και πιο αποδοτικές συναλλαγές, το Arbitrum βελτιώνει την αποτελεσματικότητα του δικτύου Ethereum, ενώ παράλληλα επωφελείται από το ισχυρό πλαίσιο ασφαλείας του.

Από την έναρξη λειτουργίας του, το αναπτυσσόμενο οικοσύστημα της Arbitrum έχει προσελκύσει όλο και περισσότερα dapps και ρευστότητα, γεγονός που θα μπορούσε να οδηγήσει σε περαιτέρω ζήτηση για το κουπόνι διακυβέρνησης, ARB. Καθώς η αγορά θερμαίνεται και η δραστηριότητα των altcoin αυξάνεται σε ανοδικές φάσεις, το ARB έχει τη δυνατότητα να αποκτήσει ακόμη μεγαλύτερη αξία.

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Render Token (RNDR)

Το Render Token έχει γίνει βασικός παίκτης στον τομέα της αποκεντρωμένης GPU rendering, υποστηρίζοντας τα πάντα, από την ανάπτυξη metaverse μέχρι τα οπτικά εφέ. 

Υποστηριζόμενο από μια ισχυρή κοινότητα, το έργο έχει ήδη επιδείξει ισχυρές επιδόσεις. Καθώς η ζήτηση για αποκεντρωμένες υπηρεσίες rendering συνεχίζει να αυξάνεται, το RNDR ξεχωρίζει ως ένα από τα αξιοθέατα, ειδικά με την ταχεία επέκταση της δημιουργίας ψηφιακού υλικού content.

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Πριν ξεκινήσετε

Πριν ασχοληθείτε με την τελευταία εξέλιξη της αλυσίδας μπλοκ, είναι σημαντικό να κατανοήσετε τα βασικά: ο χώρος του κρύπτο είναι ευμετάβλητος και αλλάζει γρήγορα, οπότε η προσωπική έρευνα είναι απαραίτητη. Καθώς η Ελλάδα συνεχίζει να ευθυγραμμίζεται με τους εξελισσόμενους κανονισμούς της ΕΕ για τα κρυπτονομίσματα, τα πλαίσια αυτά διαμορφώνουν την υιοθέτηση της τεχνολογίας blockchain στη χώρα. 

Για να ασχοληθείτε υπεύθυνα με το κρυπτονόμισμα, είναι ζωτικής σημασίας να επαληθεύετε τις πηγές σας, να κατανοείτε τις τεχνικές βάσεις και να ενημερώνεστε για τις ρυθμιστικές ενημερώσεις.

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Τελικές σκέψεις

Καθώς πλησιάζουμε το 2025, οι κανονισμοί για τα κρυπτονομίσματα γίνονται όλο και πιο σημαντικοί τόσο στην Ελλάδα όσο και σε όλη την ΕΕ, επηρεάζοντας το μέλλον της αγοράς. Οι κυβερνήσεις και οι υπεύθυνοι πολιτικής μελετούν τρόπους χρήσης της τεχνολογίας blockchain, με πρωτοβουλίες όπως το Παρατηρητήριο Blockchain της ΕΕ να προωθούν τη διεθνή υιοθέτηση.

Παράλληλα, όλο και περισσότερες επιχειρήσεις χρησιμοποιούν το blockchain για να βελτιώσουν τις λειτουργίες τους και να αυξήσουν τη διαφάνεια. Στην Ελλάδα, η υποδομή για κρυπτονομίσματα αναπτύσσεται γρήγορα, αντιμετωπίζοντας προκλήσεις όπως η επέκταση και η συνεργασία μεταξύ συστημάτων. Υπάρχει επίσης μεγάλη προσπάθεια για μείωση των περιβαλλοντικών επιπτώσεων, με στόχο την ανάπτυξη πιο βιώσιμων λύσεων. Καθώς το blockchain κερδίζει έδαφος, αυτές οι εξελίξεις αναμένεται να επηρεάσουν σημαντικά το μέλλον του κλάδου στη χώρα.

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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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