A Quick Introduction To Cryptocurrency

 Everyone knows that money just ain’t what it used to be, and as the global economic system continues to change in all sorts of ways, savvy investors are looking for alternatives to traditional models of investing and money management.

While the staples of property and stock market investing are far from behind us, how markets interact with each other and indeed all the way along the logistics chain from procurement to retail is changing and changing fast.

These changes are in no small manner spurred on by the rise and rise, of cryptocurrency. It seems strange that this side of ten years ago, we’d barely even heard about Bitcoin, now there’s Bitcoin, Etherium, and at least another dozen Cryptocurrencies that are being traded freely worldwide on a multitude of platforms. That this method of currency exchange is to all intents and purposes unregulated has not escaped the eyes of the authorities and various attempts at controlling the exchange of Cryptocurrency have been met with equally varying degrees of success.

But, if you’re something of a layman in the world of modern economics but you want to be a player on some level, (because one right move can make you a lot of money), you need to know a few things first, because while one right move can make you that money - just one wrong move can cost you it, and unlike traditional investing frameworks you have little, if any, protection.

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UNDERSTANDING THE JARGON

First, let’s have a look at what all of these new words mean because you have to get it right if you’re going to take on investing in Crypto, seriously and we’ll start at the top. So, what is Cryptocurrency? According to Investopedia:

“A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that is secured by cryptography, which makes it nearly impossible to counterfeit or double-spend. Many cryptocurrencies are decentralized networks based on blockchain technology—a distributed ledger enforced by a disparate network of computers. A defining feature of cryptocurrencies is that they are generally not issued by any central authority, rendering them theoretically immune to government interference or manipulation.”

Now, to fully understand what all of that means, we recommend going to the Investopedia page we got this from and following the links within the text to understand more about blockchain, what is means by virtual currency, and more. The field is entirely fascinating, but we don’t have the space to get stuck into each definition in this post.

WHO ARE THE MAJOR PLAYERS IN CRYPTOCURRENCY

This is where you’re going to need to be quite savvy in terms of your money management because there are new Crytpo’s appearing all the time, so until you become more au fait with the industry as a whole, maybe focus on the most well-known and most stable cryptocurrencies. Here are the top five:

#1 BITCOIN:     Probably the most well known and most successful of the virtual currencies, 

Bitcoin is now accepted by thousands of companies and individuals worldwide.

It was created back in 2009 and is the original Cryptocurrency. It runs on a blockchain like most cryptos which uses a ledger logging transactions distributed across a network of thousands of computers. Additions to the distributed ledgers must be verified by solving a cryptographic puzzle, Bitcoin is kept very secure and safe from potential fraudsters.

Bitcoin has a market cap of just over $1.07 trillion and trades around $ 50,000 for one, however, you can buy bits of Bitcoin and increase your hold over time.

Bitcoin interest: how it works and how to get the best rate.

#2 ETHEREUM:    Ethereum is both a Cryptocurrency as well as a blockchain platform and 

is a favorite among program developers. This is because of its potential applications. For example with smart contracts that automatically execute when conditions are met.

Ethereum has a market cap of over $557 billion and you can buy one for around $ 4,000 and like Bitcoin you don’t have to buy an entire unit at a time. If you're going to try this cryptocurrency, make sure you keep an eye on ETH Interest Rates.

#3 BINANCE COIN:    This form of Cryptocurrency can be used to trade and pay fees on 

Binance is also, one of the largest Crypto exchanges in the world. Since 2017 when Binance Coin was launched, it has expanded far beyond just facilitating trades, now it’s used for trading, payment processing, and paying for travel arrangements. It can also be traded for other forms of Cryptocurrency.

At its launch in 2017, you could buy one coin for just $0.10  but by the 30th of November 2021, it had risen to over $628 which means the unit has gained approximately 627,000% in less than then years.

#4 TETHER:        Unlike its other Crypto-siblings, Tether is a stablecoin. This means that itis 

back by fiat currencies like the US dollar and the Euro and so it could hypothetically keep its value against those denominations.

So this means that Tether’s value should be a lot more consistent than other Cryptocurrencies and so it is favored by investors put off by the extreme volatility that other cryptocurrencies face.

It has a market cap of over $73 billion and one Tether will cost you $1.00.

#5 SOLANA:        This Cryptocurrency was developed to help power decentralized finance. 

It runs on a highly unique hybrid proof-of-stake and proof-of-history mechanisms which helps it process transactions quickly and very securely.

It launched relatively early compared to its predecessors in 2020 and was then valued at $0.77, by November 30 in 2021 the price per unit was almost $213.42 which presents a gain of more than 26,500%. Solana has a market cap of over $64 billion.

You can trade Cryptocurrencies across many platforms, but you should do your homework and get some referrals and read a few reviews first. As with all providers in the service industry, not all are created equal. Bitcoin is currently enjoying a lot of recognition with the likes of Elon Musk giving it something of a nod, but if you want to gain a bit more skill before playing with the big boys, it may well be worth it to check out some of the others first.

There is so much to know about Cryptocurrencies and you must get yourself skilled before taking on any new investing ideas, but it does appear that Cryptocurrencies are going to be with us in one shape or another for some time, so the sooner you get started - the better.

The Importance of the Right Health Insurance

Everyone cares about their family’s health. Unfortunately, healthcare isn’t cheap. It’s easy to build up medical debts, especially if you’re uninsured or if your insurance doesn’t cover the care that you or your family needs. 

While finding the right health insurance won’t solve all of your money problems, it can help your family to receive better care when they need it. Here are some reasons why the right health insurance is so important and what to look out for when looking for an insurance plan.

 

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Health Insurance Matters

If at all possible, you should get health insurance for your family. Health insurance is important because it allows you to get the right medical care when you need it. You never know when you might need to go to the emergency room and, without insurance behind you, you could end up saddled with a horrendous amount of debt. 

The financial burden of being uninsured can get worse as some states have begun enforcing tax penalties for being uninsured. This had been enforced federally until 2019, so it does depend on where you live. 

Not only that, but you may get higher quality healthcare if you’re insured. However, you should always ask detailed questions about what kind of care is on offer and how much it will cost. While you want the best treatment possible, it’s worth asking about alternatives. 

But health insurance gives you these options. In 2018, 8.5% of Americans didn’t have any health insurance. That’s around 27.5 million people. According to a report by the CDC, one in five of these uninsured people skipped treatment because of how much it cost. Or, to put it in numbers, 5.5 million people skipped vital healthcare treatments because of the cost. 

In some cases, this can result in additional debts as a lack of treatment results in a chronic condition. If a diagnosis isn’t caught early because you couldn’t afford a test, for example, you might be saddled with that health condition and the costs of treatment for years. Some people have died because of this cost of treatment.

As you can see, health insurance can be a huge deal for your family. It stands to reason that the type of health insurance that you choose also matters.

How to Pick the Right Type of Health Insurance Plan

Often, a health insurance agency will guide you through finding the right plan for your circumstances. This is incredibly helpful as they will know all the ins and outs of health insurance plans and can find something that is affordable and covers your needs. 

You can get health insurance through your employer, which many people do. If this is the case, make sure that you have the details of your workplace’s health insurance policy so that you know exactly what your insurance covers. Even if your employer offers health insurance, you can still shop around if you have specific needs that aren’t covered in their plan.

The Affordable Care Act, established in 2010 and otherwise known as Obamacare, is designed to make health insurance plans available for everyone. It also covers preexisting conditions and preventative care, making it a great help to many families. You can enroll each year to see if you qualify for it. 

This is where picking the right health insurance plan comes into the picture. Different plans have different levels of coverage and may have different requirements. There are four main types of health insurance plans to choose from:

• HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): This plan requires you to stay in a set network to get coverage, except for emergencies. Procedures and specialists require a referral. So, while you have lower out-of-pocket costs and a doctor who can coordinate your care for you, you do have less freedom to choose your healthcare providers.

• PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): This plan doesn’t require you to stay in your network (although it’s more expensive outside of the network) and you don’t need a referral for procedures and specialists. So, you get more freedom, but higher out-of-pocket costs.

• EPO (Executive Provider Organization): You again have to stay in your network, outside of emergencies, but you don’t need a referral for procedures and specialists. It’s cheaper, but you’re restricted again with your healthcare providers.

• POS (Point of Service Plan): You can get coverage outside of your network, albeit at an increased cost, but you do need a referral for procedures and specialists. So, you have more provider options, and your primary doctor coordinates your care and any needed referrals. 

As you can see, a network is a huge part of your health insurance. Essentially, this network includes doctors who take your chosen health plan. So, if you have a preferred doctor, make sure that they’re in the network of your plan by asking them or checking the provider directories. Pay a lot of attention to these directories, as some plans might not have any in-network doctors close to you.

Your Family’s Needs

Every family is different and your family may have specific needs that better suit a certain health insurance plan. Again, an agency can help you out with this, but there are a few things to consider. 

First of all, you need to make sure that the healthcare network includes local doctors. If it doesn’t, then don’t go for that plan. You should also look at what you can afford. This includes the premium, which is what you pay each month, and out-of-pocket costs. Out-of-pocket costs are what you’ll have to pay out of pocket for services. 

Usually, the lower the premium, the higher the out-of-pocket costs. If you regularly need medical care, you’re likely better off going for a high premium plan as it will save you money in the long run. 

You also need to look at the benefits and what’s covered by your plan. If you have a preexisting condition that requires medication or regular treatments, make sure that it’s covered under your health insurance. Some plans also have a wider scope of services or better emergency coverage. 

10 Quick and Easy Self-care Tips for Busy Moms

 10 Quick and Easy Self-care Tips for Busy Moms

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Balancing your daily routine and work schedule as a busy mom can be challenging. As such, you may always be thinking of ways to save time and make your tasks more efficient, as you may not always have time for yourself. According to statistics, the average working mom puts in about 98 hours a week where family duties are concerned. Thankfully, there are some quick and easy ways to help you still look good without spending too much time and money or causing any aspect of your responsibilities to suffer. Here are some practical tips worth considering if you’re a busy mom.

1. Love your hair

Your hair is one unique trait about you, and how you treat it can help nourish it and keep it in good condition. More women are embracing their natural hair and finding ways to take good care of it without spending many hours at the salon. Depending on your hair type, you may not always have to blow dry your hair before your day starts. On the days you do, using a hair diffuser can help you save time while achieving the look you want, especially if you have curly hair. You can also try braiding your hair overnight, so it’s easier to handle in the morning when you wake up, saving you time. Additionally, you can consider washing your hair every other day instead of every single day. You only need to find out how others with your hair type handle their hair, so you can also do the same for the best results.

2. Go nail polish-free

Nail polish is a fun way of adding to your physical appearance as you can choose colors that celebrate your personality. However, if you’re a busy mom, it can also be a bit tiring to manage, as you constantly have to redo your nails if they get chipped and probably wait for your nails to outgrow the nail polish. You can also easily get bored with the colors, making you want to change them often. If you don’t have the luxury of time, you can consider going nail polish-free. On days when you’re free, you can pamper your feet with a pedicure and opt for a clear topcoat that’s convenient and lasts longer. 

3. Keep your eyeliner close by 

Eyeliner is an all-time makeup favorite for busy moms. Aside from adding a nice touch to your eyes, it also helps you look alert even when you haven’t had many hours of sleep, helping to reduce the appearance of any puffiness around your eyes. Applying eyeliner can help you feel more confident and even make you feel ready to conquer the day because you look the part. You only need about two minutes or less to apply your favorite eyeliner around your eyes and start your day. 

4. Don’t forget to moisturize

Moisturizing helps to keep your skin hydrated and looking healthy. Therefore, it’s best to have a moisturizer on hand so you can apply it a little while on the go. If you don’t have a moisturizing routine, one hack you can explore is rubbing coconut oil on your skin a few times during the week before you go to bed. Busy moms testify to it leaving your skin as soft as ever when you wake up the next morning, meaning you spend less time moisturizing. 

5. Try a low-maintenance haircut 

A great way to save time on your hair is by getting a low-maintenance haircut. It also allows you to try a new look. Such haircuts usually only require a quick blow dry, a little hair pomade, and a light comb through your hair in a matter of a few minutes, giving you the time to attend to other tasks. You can find a stylish option that suits you best without breaking the bank.

6. Don’t limit your beauty routine to only mornings

Mornings can be among some of the most hectic times for busy moms. Therefore, it would help if you found ways to spread your beauty routine, so it’s not limited to mornings. You can find times in between your busy schedule, such as a 30-minute break, to pamper yourself with a facial. You can also try a quick routine right before bed. As a tip, you can master quick hair techniques such as a messy bun, so you can easily concentrate on aspects of your beauty routine, like washing your face without worrying about getting your hair out of the way. 

7. Have your beauty items on the go

As you go about your daily schedule, it would help if you had on-the-go beauty solutions in your bag to save you time and make you feel less stressed. Some items that come in very handy include wipes, which you can use for various activities such as freshening up, cleaning any mess your kids make, etc. Having on-the-go beauty solutions will help you always be prepared in situations where you need to quickly apply some makeup while heading for a meeting. It’s best to place these items in places you can easily reach in your bag, so you don’t spend too much time looking for them. 

8. Purchase multi-purpose products

Buying double-duty beauty products can help you achieve many tasks at a go without spending too much time or compromising on quality. As a plus, they help you save space in your bag. Thankfully, there are several items available that can help you do that. For instance, you can get a moisturizer that also doubles as a sunscreen, so you can quickly hydrate your skin while protecting it from the sun’s rays before stepping out with your kids. Another favorite is the multi-tasking balm stain, which keeps your lips and cheeks looking radiant even when you’ve had a stressful day. 

9. Have accessories for every occasion 

Accessories are a quick and easy way to add a finishing touch to your look if you don’t have much time on your hands. You can add a few no matter the outfit you’re wearing while still reflecting your unique personality. Some of these accessories include earrings, necklaces, bags, etc. Don’t be afraid to get some bold ones as well, so you can easily make a statement when stepping out, even if you’re hard-pressed for time. If you don’t have time to go shopping for these accessories, you can easily look for your favorite accessories online from the comfort of your home. To help you save money while you shop, it would help if you looked out for perks such as coupon codes and discounts.

10. Eat healthily

As surprising as this may sound, healthy eating is another hack that can contribute significantly to your overall beauty routine without taking too much of your time. You can consider meal prep, so you minimize the number of times you opt for takeout and fast food. Meal prep will also help you be more intentional about your meals so you can eat foods that are good for your skin and overall health, such as carrots, avocados, beans, berries, and leafy greens. Doing this will also help save time you spend worrying about what you eat and reduce the likelihood of skipping meals altogether. While eating healthily, remember to drink lots of water as well to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing. 

As a busy mom, you can still look good while doing your daily tasks. These practical and straightforward tips will help you achieve this without spending too much time or money. 

5 Bad Real Estate Investments You Should Avoid

 

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Real estate investment is becoming more and more popular as a way to make money. Investors are always looking for places where the value of land has decreased and is worth less than what they would pay if they were to purchase it now. This is when they see an opportunity for themselves to purchase that property and then sell it later on for a profit.

For example, if the property they're purchasing now costs $100,000 and there's speculation that in 2 years, it will be worth $150,000, then those investors would be able to turn a profit of $50,000 by selling it in two years. 

However, this is just speculation, and since you're working with an ever-changing housing market, some real estate investments can be bad. Here are five examples of bad real estate investments you should avoid if you're thinking about becoming a serious investor:

Timeshares 

Timeshare investments are often considered bad because of the high upfront costs, which dissuade many would-be investors. A timeshare is a type of investment property, but it is different from others. It shares the same risks and rewards as other assets, but it also has an additional cost if you want to maintain your ownership.

The cost for upkeep and maintenance is also high. Therefore, timeshares are not considered great investments because they have high costs and low returns. It can also be very difficult to get out of a timeshare if you ever want to leave.

 Fortunately, there are services that can help you get out of such a situation, and you can search cancel Hilton timeshare or another timeshare to find one that can help you get out without an issue. 

Negative Cash flow 

A property generating a negative cash flow means that the cost of maintaining and operating it is more than the value of income generated from rents. A property with a negative cash flow will be a difficult investment to maintain and will likely be sold off at a loss.

A negative cash flow investment generates less income than the monthly cost of running it. This means that there will be no profit at all. For example, if you're paying $2,000 every month for your rental property but only bringing in $1,500 per month - then you have a negative cash flow investment.

Development Investments 

Developments are not bad investments for some people, but there are many risks associated with them. The biggest risk is the timing of the development completion. For example, suppose someone invests in a development project with a 20% down payment and 80% financing. If the construction is not completed on time, then this person will lose their investment.

Developers often underestimate the costs of completing their projects on time and overestimate how much they can sell their properties. Investors need to be careful when investing in developing projects because there are too many risks.

Condos 

While condos are seen as a good investment for some, there is a reason why they are on the list for bad real estate investments. Some people are under the impression that condos are safer than other properties.  

They believe this property type is less likely to lose value or depreciate, but this is not true. Condos are no different from other residences in the sense that they face many of the same risks associated with real estate investments.

In fact, many see condos as a bad investment in real estate because they don't appreciate in value the same way that single-family homes do. Condos are also difficult to resell, so it can be hard to get your money back when you need to sell.

Overseas Property

Overseas properties are seen as a bad investment because of the country's economic situation. For example, if the U.S. dollar is weak, then it will be difficult for foreign investors to make money on their overseas investments.

Overseas properties are often expensive and relatively distant from your home country, which can make it difficult to sell the property when you're ready to. Furthermore, owning overseas property can be considered an act of patriotism in some countries, which means the buyer needs to be aware of the politics and culture of the country they are purchasing in.

Bottom Line 

These are just a few examples of bad investments, and it's essential that if you decide to become an investor that you do the research, you need to make informed investments and not get trapped in any pitfalls that can get you in trouble. 

5 Methods For Relieving Aches And Pains During Pregnancy

 Aches and pains are an unavoidable part of any pregnancy. When you are carrying a baby, your body is under a huge amount of strain and you will feel pain in places that you never have before. Unfortunately, you'll never be able to avoid it altogether, but there are ways that you can make yourself more comfortable. Here are some simple methods for relieving aches and pains during pregnancy.

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Take A Walk

Exercise is a great way to relieve tension and pain. Taking a walk is one of the simplest exercises that you can do and it is perfect for pregnant women. Walking will help to stretch out your muscles and it will also improve your circulation. Make sure that you wear comfortable shoes and don't overstretch yourself. With a bit of regular exercise, you can stop your muscles and joints from seizing up and becoming painful.

Go Swimming

Swimming is another excellent exercise for pregnant women. The water will support your body and it will also keep you cool. Swimming is perfect for relieving tension in your back and neck, and it can also help to improve your circulation. These kinds of low-impact exercises are brilliant if you are struggling with aches and pains. Just remember, if you are experiencing a lot of discomfort, make sure that you get plenty of rest.

See A Chiropractor

If you are experiencing a lot of pain, it might be worth considering seeing a chiropractor. Chiropractors specialize in relieving tension and pain in the body, and they can do wonders for pregnant women. If you are feeling stiffness or discomfort in your back, neck, or hips, then a pregnancy chiropractor could be the answer. They can also work with you before you are pregnant to help you prepare your body and reduce the impact that pregnancy has.

Improve Your Sleep Setup

If you are struggling with pain, it is likely that you aren't getting enough sleep or you are not sleeping comfortably. Poor sleep can make the pain worse and it can also be very frustrating. One of the best ways to improve your sleep during pregnancy is to improve your sleep setup. When you are preparing for your pregnancy, make sure that you have a comfortable mattress and plenty of soft pillows. Try different sleeping positions to find one that is right for you.

Do Some Stretches

Finally, you should make sure that you are doing some regular stretches. This will help to keep your muscles from becoming tight and it will also increase the range of motion in your joints. After a good exercise session or before bed, spend some time stretching out your body, particularly your hips and back.

Staying healthy is essential for pregnant women, but when you are experiencing discomfort on top of the normal symptoms that we all face during pregnancy, then things can become even more difficult. Luckily there are many ways that you can relieve pain and ache during pregnancy and with a little bit of work and preparation, you can stay as comfortable as possible throughout this exciting period! 

Is Your Home Ready For The Market?

 Are you about to put your house on the market? Are you getting to that point where you’re not too sure if this is the right choice? Well, maybe it would be a good idea to stop and think. There’s no harm in taking your time, especially when it comes to a market as volatile as real estate! 

Your home might be ready to be put on the market, it might not be - you won’t know for sure until you check. The list below is a good way to help with that; all the important points of selling a home are on it, and it can also help you feel like you’re in a confident and powerful position. Most of all, it might help you to prevent your property from sitting on the market for long! 

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Decide the Price

The price is obviously the first thing to get out of the way. You’re going to have to consider many factors here; what your estate agent tells you might not be accurate, after all, and there are many home buyers out there that will turn away from a top price point property. 

Start by looking around. What have homes nearby sold for? Were they similar properties to yours? How long were they on the market for? And what has your estate agent told you? Mix all of the answers into a pot - the more you know, the more pricing and haggling power you have when a buyer does show interest. 

Get Your Certificates in Order

You’re going to need a lot of documents on your side at this point in time - have you got them all collected into a neat folder? If not, it’s time to purchase one and pack them in. Of course, depending on what county and/or state you’re in, the amount of documents you’ll need will vary. However, there are some general rules you can follow here; be sure to take the advice of your estate agent as well. 

At the very least, you should have proof you own the house, the original sales document from when you bought it, and if you’re in a HOA, documents that prove this as well. You may also need to prove the home insurance on the property, as well as any changes made to it during your time there. Simply put, anything that lets the buyer know what they’re in for! 

Cleaning Up for the Photos

Finally, and now you’ve got all the admin out of the way, it’s time to tidy up. You’re going to want to show off the space of the home most of all, so try to get as much clutter off of the floor as possible. Straighten things up to show how the home can be lived in, but what you want to focus on most here is future living potential. 

Is your home ready for the market? Only you can say so, once you’re confident about your decision to sell.