The crypto market has entered a phase that veterans often call the "boring zone." It's a time when:

• Bitcoin's price seems stuck, fluctuating between $50,000 and $70,000 for months.
• Altcoins are in an even deeper slumber, with many down 50-80% from their peaks.
• Trading volumes on major exchanges have plummeted, dropping 30% from the last bull market's heights.

Sound familiar? It should. This lull is a recurring theme in the crypto market cycle, and historically, it's often the calm before the storm. It’s also a common attribute after a recent Bitcoin halving. 

Let's look at what happened after previous Bitcoin halvings:

• 2012 Halving: 92 days until new all-time high
• 2016 Halving: 291 days until new all-time high
• 2020 Halving: 216 days until new all-time high

For perspective, 28 July 2024 marks 100 days from the most recent halving, with 25 February 2025 marking the 300-day mark. 

The power of patient investing

Investing in cryptocurrencies over longer time horizons can be likened to early-stage venture investing, where patience could potentially lead to significant returns. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, historical examples like Ethereum and Solana demonstrate this potential. 

Ethereum, launching at less than $1 in 2014, and Solana, starting below $1 in 2020, have since seen their values grow to over $3,000 and $140 respectively as of early 2024.

In the crypto space, what’s known as the HODL approach, emphasises the power of time and compound growth, similar to that of traditional asset classes. The idea is straightforward: if you've taken a position in a project you believe has strong fundamentals, maintaining that position through periods of high volatility could potentially lead to significant gains.

To illustrate this point further, in 2010, Bitcoin was worth less than $0.01. By April 2024, it had reached around $70,000. An investor who bought $100 worth of Bitcoin in 2010 and held it until 2024 would have seen their investment grow to millions of dollars.

Strategies for surviving (and thriving) in the "boring zone"

During quiet periods in crypto dive deeper into blockchain fundamentals, research promising projects, instead of anxiously checking prices or reacting to every piece of news, use this time productively.

Alternatively, for those with capital to invest, dollar-cost averaging (DCA) could be something to consider. A Vanguard study found that DCA outperformed lump-sum investing in 68% of cases during market downturns, highlighting its potential effectiveness in notoriously volatile markets.

Know with certainty that this "boring zone" is often temporary. Based on previous cycles, we might see a new Bitcoin all-time high in 30 to 150 days, and once Bitcoin breaks its previous record, top altcoin projects have historically seen gains of 200% to 1,000%.

By staying patient and disciplined during quiet periods, you can be prepared for potential opportunities that may arise as the crypto market evolves. Remember, while historical patterns offer insights, they don't guarantee future results, but these historical patterns are worth considering as you plan your strategy.

We get it, the waiting game is hard

Holding onto your crypto during boring market times can be tougher than you'd think. When prices aren't moving much, it's easy to get antsy or start doubting your choices. But keeping a cool head and being rational is key to long-term success.

First off, remember why you got into crypto in the first place. Was it the tech? The potential? Keep that big picture in mind. It helps to set realistic expectations too - crypto's known for its ups and downs, so flat periods are normal.

Try to limit how often you check prices. Constantly peeking at your portfolio can drive you nuts during slow times. Instead, focus on other parts of your life or dive deeper into learning about blockchain.

Connecting with other crypto fans can help too. Chat about ideas, not just prices. And don't forget to celebrate small wins - even if the market's quiet, projects are still developing and growing.

Stay patient, stay curious, and remember: in crypto, today's boredom could be tomorrow's excitement.

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If you're looking to earn extra money from anywhere online you've come to the right place. Making money online has certainly become more accessible and easier over the years, and in this blog, we're reviewing several ideas to do so without having to invest.

Whether you're looking to make some money on the side, or as a full-time pursuit, remember that as with most things in life: consistency is key. On this page, you'll find a number of beginner options requiring no particular skillset (only a bank account) for you to look into, relevant everywhere from the United Kingdom to the European Union to Australia. Each method varies in financial contribution, which we've highlighted at the end with a rating of the start-up costs.

Top 5 ways to make money online for beginners

1. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing involves an individual earning money through promoting another business's product. This can be done through your own platform which might range from a blog to a website, social media, email campaigning or simply Google Ads. 

All you need is a working internet connection, a bank account and a reliable browser. Each time a friend or family clicks and signs up for the product, you bank a commission. 

Many companies these days offer this service, try to find one that you and your network might be interested in and see the opportunities that they present. 

Start-up Costs: $

2. Dropshipping

This will require a substantial amount of effort, however, the returns will be that much greater. Dropshipping involves selling a product online that you do not need to keep an inventory of, instead, the company that you are buying the goods from sends them directly to the customer. 

You act as the middleman between the manufacturer and the consumer and make money from the margin that you add. The start-up costs will be for your online website and marketing. 

Start-up Costs: $$

3. Freelance your skills

You can hire out your skills on sites like Upwork or Fiverr. Users create profiles expressing their skills, anything from writing to graphic design to music creation, and can apply to jobs requiring these skills. 

These sites will typically allow employers to connect with employees, and once the work is completed the funds are deposited directly into your account. This is also a great way to start a side hustle in your area of expertise without having to tuck into your savings.

Start-up Costs: zero

4. Explore the world of cryptocurrencies

Engaging with cryptocurrencies has gained significant attention in recent years. Before diving in, it’s important to educate yourself thoroughly to grasp the complexities involved. Our blog section on how to learn about crypto is a great place to begin. The cryptocurrency market is known for its high volatility, which presents both risks and opportunities. Whether you're active daily or only occasionally, understanding the landscape is key. To get started, consider signing up for a reputable and regulated platform like Tap, which can help you manage your funds securely.

Start-up Costs: $$

5. Participate in online surveys

Online surveys are a popular way for beginners to make money online. Companies are always looking for feedback on their products and services, and they are willing to pay for it. There are several websites that offer paid online surveys, such as Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Toluna.

To get started, simply sign up for an account, complete your profile, and start taking surveys. You'll earn points or cash for each survey you complete, which can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal payments. Keep in mind that surveys may have specific demographics, so you may not qualify for every survey. However, with some patience and consistency, you can earn a decent amount of extra income in your spare time.

Start-up Costs: zero
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Earn money online from anywhere in the world

Of course, this list is only a small portion of the ways you can make money online, simplified down to the top 5. If you have more time at your disposal you can engage in market surveys, beta testing, becoming a virtual assistant, or even coaching. 

The opportunities are endless, with a wide range of start-up costs, time management, returns and the amount of effort required are to be considered. Ensure you do adequate research in order to learn about your next venture before diving in. At the end of the day, anyone can earn money online, the first step is just to get started. Good luck, may you have only lucrative experiences.

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5 tips on how to manage your money 

Now that you’ve established your income stream/s, here are 5 tips on how to manage the money you’re making. Whether you’re doing this as a side hustle or a full time job, consider implementing the following 5 steps in order to build your finances. . 

1. Build an Emergency Fund

Just like in personal finance, building an emergency fund is crucial for making money online. This fund will act as a safety net in case you hit a rough patch, and it will allow you to continue your online work without financial stress.

2. Create a Budget

Budgeting is another essential aspect of making money online. Creating a budget will help you keep track of your income and expenses, and it will allow you to make informed decisions about where to allocate your resources.

3. Focus on Your Niche

To make the process of making money online more enjoyable consider focusing on a specific niche that you are passionate about. Whether it's writing, graphic design, or web development, become an expert in your field and provide value to your clients.

4. Network and Build Relationships

Building relationships with other professionals in your industry is a valuable step when making money online. Networking can help you find new clients, build your reputation, and even lead to new business opportunities.

5. Stay Consistent and Persistent

Making money online takes time and effort, and it's important to stay consistent and persistent. Set realistic goals for yourself, create a schedule, and stick to it. Remember that success doesn't happen overnight, so don't get discouraged if you don't see results right away.

So what are you waiting for? 

If you're new to the world of cryptocurrency, you might have heard the term "spot trading" thrown around. Don't worry if it sounds confusing – we're here to break it down for you in simple terms.

What is spot trading?

Spot trading is one of the most basic and common ways to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. The word "spot" refers to the fact that these trades happen immediately, or "on the spot." When you do a spot trade, you're buying or selling a cryptocurrency at its current market price.

Think of it like buying groceries at a supermarket. You see the price of an apple, decide if you want to buy it, and if you do, you pay for it right away and take it home. That's essentially what spot trading is in the crypto and financial world.

How spot trading works

Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how spot trading typically works:

• Choose a cryptocurrency exchange: This is like picking your supermarket. 
• Create an account and verify your identity: Most reputable platforms require this to prevent fraud.
• Deposit funds: You'll need to transfer money (usually traditional currency like euros) into your exchange account.
• Select the cryptocurrency you want to trade: Let's say you want to buy Bitcoin, check its value.
• Place an order: Enter the amount of Bitcoin you would like to buy and confirm the trade.
• Receive your cryptocurrency: The Bitcoin you bought will appear in your exchange wallet.

That's it! You've just completed a spot trade.

Advantages of spot trading

Spot trading offers several advantages, particularly for beginners. Its primary benefit is simplicity – the process is straightforward and easy to grasp, making it an ideal starting point for those new to the industry. 

Another key advantage is immediate ownership, when you make a spot trade, you receive your cryptocurrency right away, giving you instant control over your digital assets. Spot trading also tends to have lower fees compared to some other trading methods. 

Lastly, spot trading provides excellent price transparency. You always know exactly what price you're paying for your cryptocurrency, which can help you make more informed decisions about when to buy or sell.

Things to keep in mind

While spot trading is relatively simple, there are a few important points to remember:

• Volatility

Cryptocurrency prices can change rapidly, this could equate to both profit or loss, so always check.

• Fees

Always check the exchange's fee structure, and carefully review it before executing a transaction. Even small fees can add up over time.

• Security

Keep your account secure with strong passwords and two-factor authentication.

• Don't invest more than you can afford to lose

Cryptocurrency markets can be unpredictable so always stick to this golden rule.

Spot trading vs. other types of trading

You might hear about other types of crypto trading, like futures or margin trading, but be aware that these are more complex and often riskier. Spot trading is generally considered the safest and most straightforward option for traders.

Remember, the crypto market never sleeps – it's open 24/7. This means you can spot trade anytime, but it also means prices can change at any moment.

Conclusion

Spot trading is your entry point into the world of cryptocurrency trading. It's simple, immediate, and gives you full control over your crypto assets. As with any investment, make sure to do your research and understand the risks involved. 

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Digital assets in the cryptocurrency industry refer to any form of value that exists in a digital format and is built on blockchain technology. Beyond digital currency, these assets are cryptographically secured and decentralised and can be transferred, stored, or traded electronically.

The origins of digital assets

The concept of digital assets in the crypto space began with the introduction of Bitcoin in 2009 by an anonymous person or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin was the first decentralised cryptocurrency, designed as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system. This breakthrough then paved the way for the development of numerous other digital assets, and the widespread adoption of blockchain technology. 

Different types of digital assets

Cryptocurrencies

Digital or virtual currencies that use cryptography for security. Examples include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin.

Tokens

• Utility Tokens: Provide access to a product or service within a specific ecosystem.
• Security Tokens: Represent ownership in an asset, similar to traditional securities.
• Governance Tokens: Grant voting rights in decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs).

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)

Unique digital assets that represent ownership of a specific item or piece of content, often used for digital art, collectables, and gaming items.

Stablecoins

Cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value, often pegged to a fiat currency like the US dollar.

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)

Digital versions of national currencies issued by central banks.

The importance of digital assets

Digital assets are reshaping the financial landscape in several key ways. Firstly, they're driving innovation by introducing new methods of transferring value and creating unique investment opportunities. Thanks to their decentralised nature, these assets reduce dependency on traditional financial middlemen, making transactions more direct. This technology is also expanding financial access to underserved populations around the world, bringing banking services to those previously excluded. 

Next, smart contracts add another layer of utility, enabling automated, trustless transactions and paving the way for sophisticated financial tools and information, while blockchain, the underlying technology, boosts transparency in both transactions and ownership records. 

When it comes to international money transfers, digital assets often prove faster and more cost-effective than conventional methods. 

Lastly, through tokenisation, physical assets can be represented digitally, potentially increasing their liquidity and making them more accessible to a broader range of investors. These combined features position digital assets as a transformative force in the world of finance, and far beyond.

The future outlook

There’s no denying that the future of digital assets in the cryptocurrency industry looks bright, with several exciting developments on the horizon. We're likely to see wider mainstream adoption as traditional financial institutions and businesses increasingly accept these assets for everyday transactions. 

While governments around the world work on creating clearer regulations, this is believed to bring more stability and attract more institutional investors and adopters to the industry. Technological advancements may also improve interoperability between different blockchain networks and solve current scalability issues, allowing for higher transaction volumes at lower costs.

Digital assets could also find new uses in the Internet of Things, enabling micropayments for smart devices while the decentralised finance (DeFi) sector is expected to offer sophisticated alternatives to traditional financial services. 

As environmental concerns grow, the industry may shift towards more energy-efficient methods. Privacy enhancements and the tokenisation of real-world assets like real estate could further expand the use cases for blockchain technology. 

Additionally, many countries are exploring central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), which could significantly impact global finance.

While challenges like regulatory hurdles, security concerns, and the need for public education remain, the potential for innovation in the financial sector is immense. As digital asset technology matures and adoption grows, it's destined to play a crucial role in reshaping our understanding and use of money and value in the digital age.

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A crypto wallet address is the blockchain equivalent of a bank account, from where users can send and receive cryptocurrencies or other digital assets. Compliant with specific blockchain networks (i.e. Bitcoin wallets hold Bitcoin while Ethereum wallets hold Ethereum), these wallets not only “store” your assets, but also facilitate all the transactions.

What is a wallet address?

A wallet address is typically a long string of alphanumeric characters, usually between 26 and 35 characters long. For example, a Bitcoin address might look like this: 1BvBMSEYstWetqTFn5Au4m4GFg7xJaNVN2. Each blockchain network (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum) has its own format of addresses.

Every crypto transaction gets stored on the blockchain, meaning that anyone can see it. If you know someone's wallet address, you can look up all the transactions they've ever made, but while you can see what's happening, you can't tell who's behind the transactions. Wallet addresses don't have names attached to them, so people can use crypto without everyone knowing who they are. 

Wallet addresses role in the blockchain ecosystem

Wallet addresses are the backbone of blockchain transactions. They work like digital IDs, letting you send and receive crypto without sharing personal info. 

The blockchain network uses these addresses to keep track of how much crypto everyone has, so when you make a transaction, your address shows who's sending and who's getting the crypto, using wallet addresses and not personal information. 

In some networks, addresses can even represent automated programs called smart contracts. The cool thing about wallet addresses is that they let anyone see and verify transactions, but they keep your real identity private.

Safety tips for keeping your crypto safe

1. Double-check addresses

Always verify the recipient's address before sending cryptocurrency. Even a small error can result in permanent loss of funds.

2. Never share your private keys

While addresses (also referred to as public keys) are designed for public use, sharing your private keys is like sharing your pin code. 

3. Beware of phishing

Don't trust addresses received through unsolicited emails or messages. Always verify address information through official channels when making payments.

4. Use hardware wallets

For large amounts, consider using hardware wallets that generate and store addresses offline.

5. Understand address formats

Be aware that different cryptocurrencies use different address formats. Sending funds to the wrong type of address can result in lost funds.

6. Use QR codes

When possible, scan a QR code to reduce the risk of typos.

7. Monitor your addresses

Regularly check the activity associated with your wallets to detect any unauthorised transactions.

Whether you’re an active trader or have bought Bitcoin once, it's important to understand wallet addresses - they're key for sending and receiving crypto. While they help keep you somewhat anonymous, you still need to be cautious to keep your crypto safe.

Users with a Tap account automatically gain access to a unique crypto wallet for all the currencies supported. These wallets can be managed from one secure location, making it not only convenient but also accessible at all times, leaving you in control.

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What is market cap?

Market cap (short for market capitalisation) measures the total value of a company or cryptocurrency. For traditional companies, it's calculated by multiplying the total number of outstanding shares by the current market price per share. In the cryptocurrency world, the market cap is determined by multiplying the circulating supply of tokens by the current price per token.

For example, if a cryptocurrency has 10 million tokens in circulation, each valued at $5, its market cap would be $50 million.

Why is market cap important?

Here are several reasons why the industry uses the market cap metric system:

Valuation metric

Market cap provides a quick snapshot of a company's or cryptocurrency's total value. It allows investors to compare different assets on an equal footing, regardless of their individual token or share price.

Risk assessment

Generally, larger market caps indicate more established and potentially less volatile assets. Smaller market caps often suggest higher growth potential but also higher risk.

Investment decisions

Many investors use market cap to categorise their investments. For instance, they might allocate a certain percentage of their portfolio to large-cap stocks or top market cap cryptocurrencies.

Index inclusion

Many stock market indexes, like the S&P 500, use market cap as a criterion for including a business. Similarly, cryptocurrency indexes often rank assets by market cap.

Liquidity indicator

A higher market cap often correlates with better liquidity, meaning it's easier to buy or sell large amounts without significantly impacting the price.

What does market cap mean within the industry?

In both traditional finance and the cryptocurrency sector, market cap plays a crucial role in how assets are perceived and categorised:

1. Asset Classification

Large-cap: Generally considered the most stable and established.

Mid-cap: Often viewed as having good growth potential with moderate risk.

Small-cap: Typically seen as higher risk but with potential for significant growth.

In the stock market, these categories might be defined as:

Large-cap: Over $10 billion

Mid-cap: $2 billion to $10 billion

Small-cap: $300 million to $2 billion

The cryptocurrency market uses similar classifications, though the specific thresholds may vary.

2. Market dominance

In the crypto world, market cap is used to calculate the dominance of a particular cryptocurrency. Bitcoin's dominance, for instance, is its market cap as a percentage of the total cryptocurrency market cap. This metric helps gauge the relative strength and influence of different cryptocurrencies.

3. Project legitimacy

While not foolproof, market cap can be an initial filter for assessing a project's legitimacy and adoption. Projects with higher market caps have generally attracted more investment and may have more established use cases.

4. Investment strategies

Different market cap segments often attract different types of investors. Large-cap assets might appeal to conservative investors or institutional players, while small-cap assets might attract risk-tolerant investors looking for high growth potential.

5. Market trends

Shifts in market cap distribution across different types of cryptocurrencies can indicate broader market trends and investor sentiment.

6. Fundraising and valuation

For startups and new crypto projects, projected market cap is often used in fundraising to justify valuations and token prices.

7. Regulatory attention

Regulators often pay more attention to assets with larger market caps due to their potential impact on investors and the broader financial system.

8. Media coverage and public perception

Assets with larger market caps tend to receive more media coverage and public attention, which can further influence their perceived importance and value.

It's important to note that while market cap is a useful metric, it has limitations. It doesn't account for factors like circulating supply vs. total supply in cryptocurrencies, the impact of large holders, or the fundamental value proposition of a company or project. Therefore, while market cap is a crucial indicator in both traditional finance and the crypto industry, it should be considered alongside other metrics and qualitative factors when making investment decisions or assessing the overall health and potential of an asset.

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