When you think about investing in crypto, you might have heard about its incredible security. However, you might not know that over $100 billion in Bitcoin has been lost. And there’s no printing more – that crypto is gone forever.

So with the risk of never seeing your money again, you might hesitate on your purchase. Fortunately, there are ways of adding extra layers of protection to your digital currency. Keep reading to learn how to store crypto safely.

What Is Crypto?

Crypto, short for cryptocurrency, is a digital token representing the value of a transaction. The currency uses encryption and decentralization to skip intermediaries. This allows for safer and quicker transactions.

While this sounds great on the surface, it also means that if your crypto is lost or stolen, there’s no way to get it back. When you think about using it, you’ll have to know how to store crypto safely. Investigating security measures allows you to take advantage of the benefits that crypto brings to your transactions.

What Are Crypto Wallets?

Digital currency works differently than traditional currency. There is no centralized vault where your tokens go, and you don’t have to buy a leather wallet and carry it around. Instead, your crypto is stored on a digital public ledger, or a blockchain, which is secured with a variety of methods. 

To access your collection of crypto, you are provided with a public and private digital key. Losing this key means losing access to your money, and without security measures, there is no way to retrieve it. Crypto wallets provide an extra measure of safety in the event your key goes missing.

A few types of crypto wallets exist ranging in level of security and ease of use. The types of wallets include:

• Custodial wallets
• Cold wallets
• Hot wallets

When you purchase crypto on an exchange platform such as Coinbase, you get default storage called a custodial wallet. The platform ensures your crypto is safe in exchange for them having partial access to it. Visit this homepage to learn more about Nested, an exchange that makes using your crypto easy.

There are other ways to ensure your digital currency is secure without giving your key to someone else. Hot and cold wallets are intermediaries that store your crypto online or offline, depending on your preference. They give you sole control of your money and provide extensive security measures.

How to Store Crypto Safely

Even with the use of crypto wallets, you can always add extra layers of security to your digital money. Actions that you can take to further protect your crypto include:

1. Enable two-factor authentication on all of your accounts.
2. Store sensitive information in a secure offline location.
3. Use a variety of passwords.
4. Update the security of your email accounts.

In addition to these effective security measures, it is important to know the common scams involving crypto. Never give away your personal information and use caution when entering your password on unknown websites. When in doubt, use trusted service providers.

More on Crypto Security

As currency continues to go digital, knowing how to store crypto safely is imperative. For more on digital wallets and what to do with crypto, check out our Finance section.

Veterans are some of the most important people in America. But unfortunately, they don’t always get the respect that they deserve. Nor do they get many benefits for having risked their lives to serve our country, and many other countries around the world.

Luckily, one place where they do get preferential treatment is the loan industry. Specifically, veterans get access to the best possible mortgage deal in America, known as the VA loan.

And while VA mortgages are the most common loans for veterans, they aren’t the only loan options available for veterans. Keep reading below to learn more about veteran loans today, and to see what opportunities are available to you. 

VA Home Loans

Again, the most common type of loan made available exclusively to past or present military service members is the VA home loan.

This is a mortgage loan that is guaranteed (or insured by) the Department of Veterans Affairs, aka the government. They don’t provide the funding. Normal mortgage lenders, such as banks provide the loan.

But mortgage lenders are able to offer this loan thanks to the guarantee from the VA to pay them back, should you default on the loan.

What makes this loan so special? It’s the only mortgage loan that allows qualified borrowers to buy a house for a 0% down payment.

That means you don’t need to put any cash down, though you will need to pay for some of the closing costs.

Normally, when borrowers put less than 20% down on a home purchase, they are required to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI), which is an additional monthly payment.

But VA loans don’t require it. Plus, interest rates are very low, another perk of these loans.

If you’re a veteran, this is one opportunity you don’t want to miss. And your benefit stays with you, long after your time of service. You can use it again and again as you move throughout your life.

Obtaining a VA Loan

To get a VA loan, the home you are purchasing needs to act as your primary residence. It can’t be a vacation home, second home, or rental property.

However, if you’re goal is to generate income from the property, you are able to purchase a duplex, triplex, or quadplex, and rent out the remaining units while living in one unit. 

This can be a great way for veterans to live mortgage-free, or even generate a profit while living at home. 

The home also needs to be conventional, and in good repair. No rundown homes that aren’t considered liveable at the money. And no geodesic domes or converted churches or barns will qualify for this program.

Individual lenders will set their own credit score requirements. If you have a low score, apply with multiple lenders to see if you can get approved. 

There is also a database of condo associations that qualify for VA loans if you don’t plan to purchase a single-family home. 

To get started with a VA loan application, you’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which you can obtain through your benefits portal. You can check your eligibility status on the VA website. 

Personal Loans for Veterans 

Taking out a loan for a home isn’t the only option for those with veteran status. Personal loans are available as well.

Personal veteran loans function the same as standard personal loans. However, the rates and terms are more favorable.

You’ll get access to fast cash. You’ll likely pay lower rates than those applying for a standard personal loan. And the better your credit score and borrowing history, the lower it will be.

Not all lenders offer personal loans specifically for veterans. You’ll need to do some research as to which lenders off this great deal. 

Business Loans for Veterans

After their time of service, many veterans look to put the skills and discipline they’ve acquired to good use. Starting a business is one of the best ways for veterans to stay motivated and focused, particularly after difficult spells of service or combat.

It’s by no means easy to start a business. But thankfully, business loans for veterans are available to help them get the jumpstart they need.

SBA loans are those guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. They offer loans up to $350,000.

There are many benefits to SBA loans for veterans over standard SBA loans. For one, they are processed and approved much faster than standard loan applications. Funding can happen in days, not weeks, if approved.

Also, the fees for taking out an SBA loan are much lower for veterans than other business owners. 

For the most part, these loans are intended for existing businesses with at least two years of business history. The goal of these loans should be to expand your business, not to start one.

However, veterans that have a track record in the industry they are starting a business in may be eligible. 

You can use the proceeds for real estate, working capital, purchasing equipment, and more. 

Starting a Business as a Veteran

Starting a business is not an easy feat. The good news for veterans is that there is an ample amount of resources available to prepare them for the journey.

Numerous training programs are available for free to veterans to help them plan and start their companies. Some are offered by the SBA, though most operate through non-profit organizations. 

There are even programs available to women veterans specifically. 

Once you’re in business and are looking to expand, you can apply for SBA loans. The SBA doesn’t offer loans directly but guarantees them. YOu’ll need to find local lenders that offer SBA loans, such as banks or credit unions. 

Veteran Status is a Lifelong Benefit

Certain lenders may offer additional loans for veterans, but these are the most common types of loans you’ll see. All of them offer benefits over standard loans. 

So if you qualify for veteran status, or are close to qualifying, know that it will benefit you throughout your life.

Looking for more tips like this? Head to our blog now to keep reading. 

The last time inflation moved higher was back in April 2021, when it hit 4.2%. It’s now been 13-months since there has been double-digit inflation. Inflation continues to be well below the Fed’s target range of 2% to 3%.

But if history is any indication, things are about to change. The current level of low inflation could change quickly. A lot of investors know that a globally diversified portfolio is a smart way to grow their money.

But where are the best places to invest as we face this next period of inflation? We will dig into the asset classes to find where you must put your money.

Asset Classes on Inflation Investment Strategy

There are many asset classes that can help to inflation-proof your investment portfolio. One important asset class is real estate. Real estate has a long history of protecting against inflationary pressure and can be a very effective inflation hedge.

Real estate is a good investment, and If you are in real estate, you are considered wealthy in America.

Other asset classes that can be used to inflation-proof your investment portfolio include commodities, gold, and silver. These asset classes can all help to provide a buffer against inflation and help to keep your investment portfolio afloat during periods of high inflation.

Recognizing the Early Signs of Inflation

Over time, inflation erodes the purchasing power of money, which means that each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services. The earliest signs of inflation are often an increase in the prices of raw materials and commodities.

This is followed by an increase in the prices of finished goods, and, finally an increase in the prices of services.

Another early sign of inflation is an increasing demand for money. This increased demand can lead to higher interest rates and a decrease in the money supply. When this happens, the prices of goods and services increase, and the value of money decreases.

What to Do When Inflation Hits

Review your budget and make necessary adjustments. Inflation can cause prices to go up, which means your budget may need to be adjusted in order to account for these changes.

Invest in commodities. When inflation hits, commodities tend to go up in value. This can be a good way to protect your finances and even make some money.

Keep an emergency fund. Inflation can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to have an emergency fund to fall back on.

Portfolio Diversification

The best way to inflation-proof your portfolio is by diversifying your investments among all asset classes. That way, if one asset class is doing poorly, chances are, one of the others is doing well. For example, if stocks are losing value because of inflation, bonds and cash may be gaining in value.

Remember, the key to successful investing is to create a diversified portfolio that meets your risk tolerance and return objectives. By investing in a mix of asset classes, you can help protect your portfolio from the effects of inflation.

If you’re interested in learning more about creating an inflation-proof investment portfolio that is designed to help you, please read more of our blogs.

The best personal finance hashtags differ from other topics, so you must choose the ones that fit your content. However, there are plenty of fun and unique ways to create content that can go viral and work very well in bringing promotion to your site or service.

It’s also important to note that if you are looking to gain real TikTok followers for your personal finance content, make sure to use hashtags that are competitive with others and tailored to the content.

While you are scanning social platforms for the top hashtags, also don’t forget to consider your option with influencer marketing as well. See how many top accounts you can find in the finance space, and start following them to see what type of content they create.

To get started in this process, be sure to take a look at some of the top finance hashtags being used.

#debtfreecommunity

Among the latest social media trends are debt-free communities. These groups have sprung up on Instagram and Facebook and use hashtags to connect like-minded individuals. They include #debtfreecommunity, #debtfreejourney, and #debtfreeisthenewsexy. These groups provide motivation and support for those trying to break the cycle of debt.

While revealing financial struggles has traditionally been a taboo, a recent rise in transparency in the financial world has made it easier for individuals to connect with one another. The trend of transparency is also a great opportunity for brands and marketers to improve their product utility and engagement. Luckily, the movement is growing in popularity and demonstrates a unique model for viral growth.

#financialindependence

If you’re looking to spread the word about your financial independence, you’ve come to the right place. This trending hashtag has been circulating across social networks, from Twitter and Facebook to YouTube and Instagram. You can use it with photos and videos, too. Here are a few ways to make your posts stand out among your friends:

Financial literacy has become an important part of life for the youth. They’re searching for investment opportunities, investing their money wisely, and getting guidance through various social media platforms. The pandemic is partially responsible for the change in perspective, and also how businesses manage their finances. This pandemic has helped people learn to divide their money wisely and invest wisely. Thankfully, many have jumped on the bandwagon, taking to the social media landscape to guide others. Hundreds of thousands of videos have been posted using the #FinTok hashtag on Instagram.

Another popular hashtag for personal finance is #early retirement. This online community has grown rapidly and contains many hashtags that promote early retirement. While scrolling through the content can be overwhelming, keep in mind that people with useful tips are not charging for their services. The goal of financial independence is to be financially independent and free. With this mindset, you can take advantage of the hashtags that are trending on social media to help you get there sooner.

#sidehustle

If you’ve looked around social media lately, you’ve likely noticed that personal finance and side hustles are hot topics. It’s no wonder then that you’ll see #sidehustle trending all over the place. The good news is that the hashtag has left its nerd-dom and is now out in the world! However, you must keep in mind that the best hashtags for your business will not necessarily be the same as those used by other people. It’s important to choose hashtags that can compete with others and that match the content of your own account.

One of the top social media sites to use #sidehustle is Facebook. But it’s also effective on other platforms. In addition to Facebook, you can use the hashtag with your photos and videos. Since sidehustle hashtags are popular across multiple sites, you can use them on any social media site. This will help you get more likes and followers, and boost your visibility.

While many people are afraid to start their own business, there are several benefits of side hustles. First of all, they help people gain a unique sense of purpose. You are the boss of your business, and you can learn from mistakes. Second, it will give you confidence and self-reliance. If you fail, you can try again later on if it doesn’t work out.

Winning Social Media on a Daily Basis

It doesn’t matter if you are using Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest or even Instagram, you must have a winning content creation and social media marketing strategy in place. To learn more about this process, be sure to check out the latest trending content on the main page of our blog daily.

Internationally, money transfers are one of the most used payment methods. They are less expensive, safer, and more dependable than other payment options. A bank transfer is a method of moving funds between accounts. A great deal occurs behind the scenes when money is exchanged, despite its simplicity.

As a company owner, you must understand the bank transfer procedure in your nation, including how long it takes and why it takes so long, to determine if it is worthwhile to provide bank transfers as a payment option.

1. The Bank

A bank may facilitate a variety of transfer kinds. For example, if you are merely moving funds from one account to another within the same financial institution, you may do it for free at your bank. It may be accomplished in person at a bank by taking funds from one account and depositing them into another, or it can be initiated online.

International money transfers are also possible through your bank. However, you will typically need more information. For example, international wire transfers made in U.S. dollars cost around $45. Sending funds in a foreign currency will cost around $35. Rates fluctuate and may vary according to your bank.

Customers want you to enable transfers between financial institutions as fast as possible without forcing them to visit a branch when they live in a world where many individuals have accounts at many financial institutions.

With Payveris, you become your customers’ financial hub. Account-to-Account external transfer services connect all their external financial institutions to your own. This enables individuals to move cash to and from their accounts and financial investment accounts and create new accounts using monies stored at other institutions.

Technically, all immediate payments are made via A2A (account-to-account) transfers, which might occur between two different individuals or organizations. The term A2A, on the other hand, is most usually used to refer to financial transfers between two accounts held by the same person or organization. For example, you can find more information on A2A vs P2P on the involved platforms.

2. Wire Transactions

A wire transfer is one of the quickest methods to electronically transfer money from one person to another using bank or nonbank services such as TransferWise and Western Union.

For a domestic wire transfer, you will need the routing number, account number, and recipient’s name. You may additionally need the address of the receiver. You may be able to transmit this through the Internet, or you may need to visit a bank location.

Wire transfers are fast and may enable you to send more money than other options, but they may be costly. For example, consider that your bank may impose a midweek deadline for wire transfers, which cannot be made on weekends or Federal Reserve holidays.

Sending a cheque over the mail might be a dangerous proposition. Although it is unlikely, there is always the potential that a check may be lost or stolen while in transit from your mailbox to the receiver. For example, your check may be lost in the mail, and you will be charged late penalties while attempting to persuade your creditors that you made your payment on time.

If your check is taken, the criminals obtain access to your routing number and account number, and they may use this information to empty your bank account if they so want. Using cash transfers instead of checks avoids these issues and provides you with the immediate assurance that your payment has been received and processed.

3. Email Transmission of Funds

Your bank may provide a service that enables you to transfer money by email or mobile phone.

In most circumstances, you will be able to transmit this money directly from your bank’s app. This may be a speedy choice for transferring money to another individual, but you should know the transfer speed and your bank’s sending limitations.

The transaction speed is one of the most critical advantages of money transfers. Unlike checks, which may take up to a week to be received and processed, money transfers can be made immediately and completed within two days. The rapidity of the money transfer makes managing your finances and paying your invoices on time considerably simpler. In turn, this may help you avoid late penalties and other expenses that may have resulted from sending payments in an old-fashioned manner.

The most incredible bargain for money transfers may be found by comparing prices and researching available solutions. Take your time and search online for the most recent fee information. In one case, the cheapest way of sending funds may not be the same as another. So do your research to ensure that you are not surrendering your hard-earned money to large financial institutions or money transfer companies.