Välkommen till NFT:ernas fascinerande värld. NFT står för Non-Fungible Token, och är unika digitala tillgångar som har tagit internet med storm. Till skillnad från kryptovalutor representerar NFT:er unika objekt – från digital konst till virtuella fastigheter – och tack vare blockkedjetekniken är ägarskap och äkthet enkelt att verifiera.

NFT:er spelar en central roll i Web3-eran och har blivit ett kraftfullt verktyg för hur vi skapar, handlar och värdesätter digitala tillgångar. Nedan går vi igenom vad en NFT är, hur du navigerar på NFT-marknadsplatser, samt för- och nackdelar du bör känna till.

Vad är en NFT?

NFT står för Non-Fungible Token, vilket betyder att tillgången är unik och inte kan bytas ut mot något identiskt. Varje NFT har sina egna egenskaper, vilket skiljer den från andra och gör varje token oersättlig.

Till skillnad från kryptovalutor som Bitcoin och Ethereum – som är utbytbara och lika i värde – representerar NFT:er unika objekt med verifierbart ursprung och ägarskap. Det kan till exempel handla om konstverk, spelobjekt eller samlarföremål.

NFT:er har skapat nya möjligheter för digitala skapare, konstnärer och gamers – genom att möjliggöra direkt ägarskap av digitala tillgångar har NFT:er revolutionerat hur vi uppfattar värde på nätet.

Hur fungerar NFT:er?

En NFT skapas (“mintas”) via ett blockkedjenätverk, vilket innebär att hela dess historik sparas permanent och transparent på blockkedjan – oftast Ethereum.

Tack vare denna teknik kan man spåra varje NFT:s ägarskap, överföringar och äkthet. Smart contracts – alltså automatiserade digitala kontrakt – styr NFT:ernas regler, inklusive t.ex. royalty till skapare vid vidareförsäljning.

NFT:er följer vissa standarder, framför allt ERC-721 och ERC-1155 på Ethereum. ERC-721 gör varje NFT unik och odelbar, medan ERC-1155 möjliggör både unika och utbytbara objekt – något som bland annat gör spelupplevelser och massöverföringar mer effektiva.

Så köper du en NFT och navigerar på marknadsplatser

För att börja med NFT:er behöver du en digital plånbok, till exempel MetaMask, som kan hantera NFT:er och kopplas till rätt nätverk. Därefter väljer du en NFT-marknadsplats, exempelvis OpenSea eller Rarible – där kan du utforska olika projekt och samlingar.

När du hittat en NFT du vill köpa, följer du instruktionerna på plattformen och anger din plånboksadress. När köpet är klart skickas NFT:n till din plånbok, och blockkedjan bekräftar att du är dess nya ägare.

Vill du själv sälja eller skapa NFT:er, görs detta direkt via den valda marknadsplatsens gränssnitt.

Användningsområden för NFT:er

NFT:er har redan tagit plats inom en rad olika branscher:

• Konst & samlarföremål: Konstnärer kan skapa digital konst som går att äga, sälja och verifiera.
• Gaming & metaverse: Spelare kan äga unika föremål, mark eller karaktärer i spelvärlden.
• Musik & underhållning: Artister kan släppa album, biljetter eller exklusivt innehåll som NFT:er.
• Fastigheter: NFT:er används för att förenkla ägarskap och överföringar av fastigheter – ofta i kombination med andra tekniker.

Fördelar och nackdelar med NFT:er

Fördelar

• Ägarskap & transparens: Alla NFT:er har verifierbart ursprung på blockkedjan – det skapar förtroende.
• Direkt kontakt med skapare: Skapare kan sälja sina verk utan mellanhänder och automatiskt få royalty.
• Interaktivitet: NFT:er kan programmeras med extra funktioner – till exempel bonusar i spel eller exklusivt innehåll vid ägarskap.

Nackdelar

• Miljöpåverkan: Vissa blockkedjenätverk är energikrävande.
• Prisvolatilitet: Värdet kan svänga snabbt – marknaden är spekulativ.
• Bedrägerier: Den snabba tillväxten har lockat till sig bedragare, så var alltid noga med att kontrollera källan.
• Juridiska frågor: Ägarskap av en NFT innebär inte automatiskt att du äger upphovsrätten till det underliggande verket.

Sammanfattning

NFT:er har skapat nya möjligheter inom konst, spel, fastigheter och underhållning. De möjliggör digitalt ägarskap, direkt kontakt med skapare och smarta kontrakt för automatiserade villkor. Samtidigt kräver det noggrannhet – både vad gäller miljöpåverkan, säkerhet och förståelse för vad NFT:er egentligen innebär.

Vill du utforska NFT-världen? Det viktigaste steget är att sätta dig in i hur tekniken fungerar – för att göra smarta, medvetna val i en spännande digital framtid.

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Hey Tapper! 🎉

We've hit a milestone that we couldn't have dreamed of when we started this wild fintech adventure. We've reached the dizzying heights of 200,000 users, and we're still climbing!  To put this in perspective, that's roughly the population of a small city. If only we could host a city-wide party with virtual confetti and digital fireworks – that would be something, right?

This incredible journey hasn't been a solo expedition. It's been a collaborative and thrilling adventure filled with talented professionals, a supportive community, and a pinch of good old-fashioned fintech humor (yes, that's a thing). We wanted to take a moment to share our heartfelt gratitude and a peek behind the scenes of how we got here.

The Dream Team‍

To begin, let's shine a light on the incredible individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes – our talented team. Think of us as the Avengers of the fintech world (minus the capes, of course). Our journey started with a small but mighty group of financial enthusiasts. Picture us gathered around a conference table, armed with laptops and spreadsheets, brainstorming ideas that would transform the financial landscape.

Our engineers are wizards with lines of code, turning dreams into reality faster than you can say "crypto." Our designers are artists, making your digital experience a masterpiece. And our customer support team? Well, they're the real superheroes, dealing with every question, concern, and the occasional squirrel jumping in the office (yes, it happened 🐿️) with grace and humor.

To our team, we say this: Thank you for your unwavering dedication, your late-night coding sessions, your creative genius, and your limitless passion for making our vision of managing finance come to life. We couldn't have done it without you – not even close!

Our Community: The Wind Beneath Our Digital Wings‍

As we embarked on this journey, we stumbled upon something incredible – a community of users who believed in our vision as much as we did. They were the wind beneath our digital wings, the driving force that kept us going when the spreadsheets threatened to overwhelm us. From the first user who trusted us with their financial transactions to our 200,000th user who just joined the party, you've made this adventure worthwhile. 🙌

We've seen you share your success stories, engage in lively discussions on our social platforms, and even send us the occasional meme that made us snort coffee through our noses. Your feedback has been priceless, and your support has been our fuel when the fintech rollercoaster took a wild turn🎢 (trust us, it's been quite the ride).
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But here's the deal about fintech: it's not all about numbers and algorithms. It's about people, dreams, and the shared pursuit of financial freedom. So, as we celebrate this milestone, we also want to raise a digital cup to you, our amazing community.

Thank you for your trust, your patience, your loyalty, and your sense of humor. You've made this journey feel like a joyful adventure with friends.  

The Future: Buckle Up, There's More to Come‍

As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we want you to know that we're just getting started. We've got big plans, crazy ideas, and enough determination to make Elon Musk jealous (just kidding, Elon, we love your rockets). We're committed to improving your financial lives, one digital transaction at a time.

So, what's next? More features, a fresh app design, more innovation, and more reasons for you to smile while managing your finances. Because, let's face it, finances can be stressful, but with a dash of humor and a supportive community by your side, it becomes a thrilling adventure.

In closing, thank you, dear users and supporters, for being the heart and soul of our fintech journey. Here's to 200,000 users and beyond – we can't wait to see where the next part of this adventure takes us. Until then, keep those financial dreams alive and your digital wallets handy. We're here to make it all a little bit easier, a lot more fun, and we'll always be just a click away.

With heartfelt thanks and a virtual high-five,

The Tap Team ✨

Oavsett om du är en trogen datoranvändare eller föredrar mobilen, finns det tillfällen då du snabbt behöver skriva det brittiska pundtecknet (£) i ett mejl, dokument eller meddelande. I den här guiden visar vi hur du enkelt lägger till symbolen – oavsett om du använder Mac, PC eller smartphone.

Men först: om du vill skicka brittiska pund internationellt, erbjuder Tap – en reglerad och användarvänlig fintechplattform – snabba, smidiga överföringar med låga avgifter och konkurrenskraftiga växlingskurser. Överför pengar globalt eller gratis mellan Tap-användare, direkt i appen.

Var kommer pundtecknet ifrån?

Det brittiska pundet, symboliserat med £, har en över 1 200 år lång historia. Ursprungligen användes det som viktmått för silver i det anglosaxiska England och blev officiell valuta år 1694 under kung William III.

Pundet fick global betydelse genom det brittiska imperiets expansion, och trots historiska utmaningar – som valutadevalvering 1967 och Brexit – förblir det en stark och inflytelserik valuta.

Enligt Bank of England härstammar symbolen från bokstaven L, första bokstaven i det latinska ordet libra, som betyder "pund". Den horisontella linjen i symbolen tros ha tillkommit på 1600-talet och finns dokumenterad på ett checkexemplar från 1660.

I brittisk skrivstil placeras pundtecknet före summan – exempelvis: £10.

🎭 Kul fakta: År 1970 lanserades en ny £20-sedel med William Shakespeare, vilket lade grunden till traditionen att pryda sedlar med historiskt betydelsefulla personer.

Så skriver du £ i ett dokument

Låt oss nu gå igenom hur du faktiskt skriver pundtecknet (£) på olika enheter – oavsett om du använder Mac, PC eller mobil.

För Mac-användare

Använder du Mac? Här är det enklaste sättet:

• Håll in Option (⌥) (eller Alt) och tryck samtidigt på 3.

På vissa tangentbord kan det fungera med Shift + 3, beroende på layouten.

För Windows-användare

På en Windows-dator:

• Håll in Shift och tryck på 3 (överst på tangentbordet). På vissa tangentbord finns pundsymbolen tryckt ovanför siffran – som en visuell påminnelse.

💡 Värt att notera: Amerikanska tangentbord har oftast inte £ som standard. I så fall kan du alltid kopiera symbolen härifrån: £

För dig med smartphone eller surfplatta

På mobilen (både iOS och Android) är det ännu enklare:

1. Öppna tangentbordet i meddelandet eller appen du skriver i.
2. Växla till symbol- eller siffertangentbordet.
3. Leta efter £, eller håll in dollartecknet ($) för att få upp fler valmöjligheter.

Inget tangentbord? Inga problem

Skriver du i Word eller Google Docs utan tillgång till tangentbord? Så här gör du:

I Microsoft Word:

1. Gå till Infoga > Symbol.
2. Leta upp £ i listan och klicka för att infoga.

I Google Docs:

1. Gå till Infoga > Specialtecken.
2. Välj Symboler > Valuta och klicka på £.

Klart!

Nu vet du hur du snabbt och enkelt skriver pundtecknet (£) – oavsett vilken enhet du använder. Spara gärna den här guiden till nästa gång du behöver lägga till symbolen i ett mejl, dokument eller meddelande.

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As we delve deeper into understanding the global financial market and the investment opportunities within it, here we break down the difference between the capital market and the money market. Together, these two markets make up a large portion of what is effectively known as the financial market.

Capital market vs money market

As we break down the money market vs capital market debate, let's first cover the basics of what each entails.

The capital market is where stocks and bonds are traded between financial institutions, professional brokers, and individual investors with a focus on long-term price appreciation.

The money market centers around the exchange of short-term debt between governments, commercial banks, corporations, and other financial institutions. It entails borrowing and lending for a limited amount of time - anything from an overnight transaction to up to a year at maximum.

What is the money market, exactly? 

The money market refers to the market where short-term debt securities are traded among financial institutions, commercial banks and corporations. These securities typically have maturities of one year or less and are considered to be very low-risk investments.

Money market securities include instruments such as Treasury bills, commercial paper, certificates of deposit (CDs), and repurchase agreements (repos). These securities are issued by governments, corporations, and financial institutions as a way to raise capital quickly and at a relatively low cost.

How to participate in the market

Investors can participate in the money market by purchasing these financial assets directly or through a money market mutual fund. Money market funds invest in a variety of short-term debt instruments and are designed to provide a safe and liquid investment option for individuals and institutions looking to park their cash reserves or earn a modest return while maintaining a high level of liquidity.

What is the capital market, exactly?

The capital market refers to the market where long-term securities, such as stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments, are bought and sold among investors and institutions. Unlike the money market, which deals with short-term debt securities, the capital market deals with longer-term investments that typically have maturities of more than one year.

The primary market and secondary market are two different stages of the capital market where securities are bought and sold.

Stages: primary market and secondary market

The primary market is where securities, such as stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments, are first issued by companies or governments to raise capital. This is often referred to as an initial public offering (IPO) or a new issue. In the primary market, the securities are sold directly to investors through underwriters or investment banks.

The secondary market, on the other hand, is where previously issued securities are bought and sold among investors. This market allows investors to buy and sell securities with other retail investors, rather than directly with the issuing company. Stock exchanges such as the New York Stock Exchange is an example of a secondary market where investors can trade stocks that are listed on the exchange.

Equity market

The capital market can be divided into two main segments: the equity market and the debt market. The equity market, also known as the stock market, is where shares of publicly traded companies are bought and sold. 

Investors can purchase shares of stocks, which represent ownership in a company and entitle the shareholder to a portion of the company's profits, known as dividends. Investors can also profit from capital appreciation, which is the increase in the value of the stock over time.

Debt market

The debt market, on the other hand, is where companies and governments issue bonds to raise capital. Bonds are essentially loans made by investors to the issuer, which promises to pay back the principal amount with interest over a specified period. Bonds are generally considered to be less risky than stocks, but they also offer lower returns.

How to participate in the market

Investors can participate in the capital market through various means, such as buying capital market instruments like stocks or bonds directly, investing in mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or through alternative investment vehicles such as private equity or hedge funds. 

The key differences between the capital market and money markets

The capital market can be more volatile than the money market due to the longer-term nature of investments, but it can also offer the potential for higher returns over time. It is an important component of the global financial system and can play a significant role in economic growth and development.

On the other hand, the money market can be an attractive option for investors who prioritize safety and liquidity over high returns. Because money market securities are short-term and typically low-risk, they offer a lower yield than other investments, such as stocks or corporate bonds.

However, money market instruments can be an important component of a diversified investment portfolio, particularly for those who are looking to minimize risk and maintain a stable source of income in the financial market.

Which is best for you?

Determining which market to engage in will depend on each person’s financial goals, risk management levels, and interest in the markets. Speak to your financial advisor or conduct the research on your own to establish which investment options best align with your needs and goals. Both options present strong pros and cons, the ultimate decision will come down to your unique preferences.

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Money talks, wealth whispers. In the age of flashy displays of wealth and conspicuous consumption, a new trend has emerged that challenges our conventional notions of showcasing financial success. Stealth wealth, as it is commonly referred to, goes beyond the idea of being frugal and understated. It involves consciously avoiding overt displays of money while still enjoying the benefits of financial prosperity. 

In this article, we'll explore what stealth wealth is, how it manifests itself, and why it has become a growing phenomenon. The idea of stealth wealth can assist you in saving more money, making smarter investments, and cutting down on spending.

What is stealth wealth?

Stealth wealth is essentially the art of living a life of financial prosperity without drawing too much attention to it. It's about keeping a low profile even if you have the means to indulge in extravagant displays of wealth. Picture someone who drives a modest car, lives in a modest house, and dresses in an unassuming manner, despite being financially well-off. It's a deliberate choice to prioritize financial security and freedom over materialistic shows of opulence.

What does stealth wealth look like?

A person practicing stealth wealth focuses on essentials rather than indulging in conspicuous luxury. They lead a simple lifestyle and prioritize experiences and personal growth over material possessions

Stealth wealth enthusiasts carefully manage their finances, prioritizing long-term financial goals such as retirement savings, investments, and building wealth rather than spending lavishly on temporary gratification.

They might enjoy certain luxuries but do so in a discreet manner. For example, they may splurge on a nice vacation, but won't go out of their way to flaunt it on social media or discuss it in conversations.

Instead of trying to impress others with material possessions, stealth wealth embraces the importance of genuine relationships and connections. They focus on building meaningful connections, fostering friendships, and helping others in unique ways.

Why is stealth wealth an up-and-coming trend?

More and more people are recognizing the importance of financial independence. By adopting a stealth wealth lifestyle, individuals can accumulate wealth without the pressure to maintain an extravagant lifestyle, allowing them to have greater control over their financial future.

The rise of social media and the desire for privacy have made people rethink their approach to displaying wealth. Stealth wealth allows individuals to keep a lower profile, avoiding unnecessary attention and potentially increasing security.

As society becomes more conscious of overconsumption, and materialism, many individuals are reevaluating their own values and priorities. Stealth wealth aligns with the desire for a simpler and less materialistic approach to life.

Traditional markers of success, such as fancy cars or designer clothing, are being questioned. People are starting to realize that true success lies in financial security, personal fulfillment, and the ability to live life on one's own terms.

In conclusion

Stealth wealth is a rising trend that challenges our societal norms of displaying wealth. It's about finding a balance between financial prosperity and leading a modest, understated lifestyle. By prioritizing financial independence, privacy, and personal values, individuals embracing stealth wealth are redefining what it means to be successful. 

So, if you find yourself drawn to the idea of a more discreet and restrained approach to wealth, consider joining the ranks of the stealthy and prosperous.

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While everyone's wants and needs might be different, there is always a clear line in the sand between the two. When getting to grips with one's personal finance, distinguishing the key differences between the two becomes important.

Needs encompass basic needs like food while wants lean more toward things one desires, like luxury goods. Being able to distinguish between the two, and acting on this, is imperative to one's healthy financial standing. 

In this article, we take a look at these two categories and assist you in differentiating between the two.  

What falls under NEEDS?

The need category looks at living expenses that one needs to stay healthy in their day-to-day living. These include everything from rent to the utility bill, medication and healthcare needs as well as food, commuting, and any work-related expenses. 

These are the basics required by one in order to function, and these should make up the bulk of your expenses. These expenses are also used to determine the amount you'll need when establishing your emergency fund. It is generally accepted that emergency funds should cover six months living expenses.

What falls under WANTS?

‍The wants category is likened to goods we could live without but choose to buy. These are not required for day-to-day living, however, when funds allow they can provide a more enjoyable quality of life. These include vacations, buying a house or car, entertainment, memberships, streaming accounts, etc. 

How to determine needs from wants

While some needs will be glaringly obvious, it's often the case that some wants sneak into the needs category. Here are three simple tools to help you distinguish between the two. 

Form vs function

If in doubt, consider how a product or service will be used. Clothing for instance: if the clothing will be worn to work it falls into the need category, however, if it's a clothing item centered around going out or recreation use, this will fall into the want category. 

‍Embrace brand variety

Needs and wants will differ from person to person, so it's best to have a solid grounding on what falls into needs and wants specifically for you. For instance, if you were looking to upgrade your smartphone, someone working in the tech or digital marketing space might be required to have a certain product, while in other cases getting the latest and greatest will fall into the want category. In this case, it might be best to explore other devices that have a lower total value.

Should you split expenses?

Grocery shops will more often than not fall into the need category, as feeding yourself is essential to survival. However, if the grocery shop consists of wine, chocolate, and other treats, this will fall into the wants category. 

While we don't expect you to scour through each grocery bill, be mindful of what you're spending your money on and try to balance shops between the two. For instance, if you splurge on a grocery shop one week with wants but register it in the needs category, consider adding the next week's grocery bill to the wants category. 

Is saving a want or a need?

Saving for long-term financial objectives like settling debt, retirement plans, and emergency situations might be tough for someone who makes less money. Because these costs are not immediate, they are not always recognized as a necessity.

However, settling debt can be a necessity to ease the financial strain. Furthermore, an emergency may strike at any moment, and during that time, an emergency fund will save one from falling into further (if not crippling) debt. As a result, it's vital to understand that even if your earnings are low, saving is beneficial in the long run, therefore, savings fall into the need category. 

How to navigate spending between wants and needs

Here are two easy steps to help you navigate your spending habits:

Create a budget

Establish a realistic budget and decipher how much you can spend on wants, needs, and savings. By creating a framework you can stick to, you can easily avoid any financial problems and still enjoy a good quality of life. 

A common ratio used in the budgeting world is the 50:30:20 method. Use 50% of your income on needs (rent, food, bills), 30% on wants, and put the remaining 20% straight into your savings.

Be realistic about your wants

If you're looking to save more money or are working on building your emergency fund, consider adjusting your spending on wants. Being more strict with what you can and cannot buy or lowering your standards somewhat can assist you in saving money and rather allocating the funds to a retirement fund for example. Other ways to reduce spending habits are to get a roommate or use public transport. 

In conclusion

Spending intelligently is without a doubt one of the most important ways to make your money go further. The principles, on the other hand, are focused on saving more, spending moderately on necessities, and sparingly on wants. Paying more attention to desires might lead to issues and limit financial development.

Consider carefully what your needs and wants are and then gradually attempt to lower your standard of living. By focusing on your essential needs without disregarding the importance of saving, you'll be on the fast track to financial ease in no time.

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