Mahi Sall, Advisor, Fintech-Bank Partnerships, Payments and Financial Inclusivity
January 25th, 2023
Mahi Sall is the CEO & Founder of FinXpair, a Berlin-based strategic advisory boutique firm focu[...]
Category Archives: Personal Finance
How Learning About Coupon Shopping Can Help You Manage Your Money Better
Dec 23, 2022
Image: Unsplash/Tamanna Rumee
Shopping with coupons is one of the best ways to save money on everyday items. It can help you stretch your budget and get more for less. Coupon shopping allows you to find the best deals available so that you can maximize your savings and still get quality products. In this blog post, we will explore some tips and tricks for successful coupon shopping. We will also look at some of the common mistakes that people make when using coupons, and how to avoid them. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to maximize your savings without spending a fortune. Let's get started!
You Can Save On Luxury Brands
Many people think that coupon shopping is only for everyday items, but it can be used to save even on luxury brands. With a little research and savvy shopping tactics, you can find coupons that will help you get designer clothes, accessories, and other items at discounted prices. Look out for coupons in magazines, newspapers, online stores, and websites, and use them when shopping at luxury retailers to save a bundle. You can find Dior deals, Gucci discounts, and more by searching for coupons. To ensure you are getting the best deal, compare prices at various retailers. With a little effort, you can get great high-end items at discount prices!
Food Coupons Help The Pantry Budget
Food coupons can be a great way to help stretch the grocery budget. They make it easier to buy more while spending less. Not only do they save money, but they also support local businesses. Many people don't realize that when they use their food coupons at the grocery store, they are helping keep local businesses afloat as well.
By using food coupons to buy items that the pantry has on its shopping list, shoppers can help provide much-needed groceries to families in need. Food coupons are a great way to make sure that everyone has access to healthy, affordable grocery options while helping support local businesses.
Using A Coupon In Addition To A Sale Is Great
Shopping with coupons in addition to taking advantage of a sale can be an incredibly effective money-saving tactic. Combining the two will often result in a greatly reduced price for the item you’re purchasing, so it pays to keep an eye out for both opportunities when shopping. Coupons are especially useful if the store is offering a sale on something you already wanted to buy, as the coupon can make it even cheaper.
Shopping with coupons and sales is also a great way to stock up on items like paper towels or cleaning supplies at a significantly reduced cost. By doing this, you’ll be able to save money in the long run while still getting the quality product that you need. So, next time you’re shopping, don’t forget to check for coupons in addition to the sales that may be available. It could mean big savings for your wallet!
Image: Unsplash/freestocks
Some Stores Will Let You Use Duplicate Coupons
Many stores will allow shoppers to double up on coupons, meaning they can use two identical coupons for the same item. This is a great way to save even more money when shopping with coupons! To be able to do this, you'll need to check each individual store's policy (which may change often) and make sure that they allow duplicate coupons.
It's also important to check that the coupon is valid and unexpired before using it. If you are able to use duplicate coupons, be sure to stack them up for even bigger savings! With a little bit of research and proper planning, this money-saving strategy can pay off in big ways.
Don't Be Afraid Of Bartering
Bartering is a great way to save money when shopping with coupons. You can use coupons to get discounts on items and then barter with the store or retailer for an even better deal. Don't be intimidated by the process—it doesn't have to be complicated. Start by looking around at competing stores and websites, as they may be willing to offer better deals.
You can also try asking for a discount or offering to pay cash instead of using a credit card. Finally, don't be afraid to walk away if you're not getting the deal that you want—you never know when another opportunity will come along. Once you get comfortable with the process, bartering for coupon shopping can be an incredibly effective way to save money!
See: Best Online Payment Processors For Small Business In 2022
In conclusion, coupon shopping can be a great way to save money and support local businesses. With a little bit of research and effort, you can take advantage of discounts on items like Gucci and more. You can also use coupons in addition to sales for further savings, as well as double up on identical coupons at certain stores. Finally, don't forget about bartering for discounts or special offers—it can be an easy way to get the best deal possible on an item. So, next time you go shopping, don't forget about coupons!
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Legal & Financial Tips to Help You Handle a Road Crash
Dec 22, 2022
Image: Unsplash/Karsten Würth
No one expects to be involved in a car accident, but it happens more often than you think. It can be challenging to determine the next steps if you've been an unfortunate road crash victim. You must know your legal and financial rights when dealing with an automobile accident. This blog post focuses on some tips on how to handle a road crash legally and financially so that you get the best possible outcome from such an unfortunate event.
Call the Police and File a Report
Informing the authorities is the first step towards handling a road crash. Calling the police will help to document any evidence, such as witness accounts and photographic evidence. It also means that your legal rights are protected and that you can bring a case against anyone who was at fault for the crash.
Filing a report is essential for receiving insurance money or other financial compensation. You will also need to make a statement documenting what happened from your perspective.
Seek Medical Support
Your health needs to be your top priority in the event of a car crash. Even if there are no visible injuries, it is crucial that you seek medical advice and support to rule out any potential internal or unseen damages.
Make sure to keep all your medical records, as they will be helpful when filing for compensation from insurance companies or other parties at fault. Remember that even if you don't feel any pain or discomfort immediately, the effects of car accidents can take days or even weeks to show up.
Seek Legal Support
Given the complexity of legal matters regarding road crashes, hiring a lawyer is often advisable. You must clearly understand your rights and the best way to get the compensation you are entitled to.
When choosing a lawyer, find one who specializes in car crash cases and has a high success rate. Read reviews and ask for references to ensure that you are working with the best possible person for your case. The best car accident attorney will also be familiar with local laws and regulations, which will help your case. Target a legal team that will fight for your rights and ensure you receive the most favorable outcome. Look also at the level of exposure.
Understand Your Insurance Policy
It is essential to read through your insurance policy to know what is covered and what isn't. Understanding your policy means knowing how much coverage you have and what kind of financial support you can expect in the event of an accident.
If you need more clarification, contact your insurer or talk to a legal advisor who can explain things more clearly. Knowing what is covered by your insurance policy will also help you determine any potential costs that may have to be met out of pocket.
Concentrate on Evidence Compilation
If you can, take pictures and video footage of the accident scene. This will help strengthen your case if it goes to court. It would be best to gather witness statements from people who saw the accident or were involved.
It is also essential to save any documents related to the crash, such as medical bills and repair costs. This will allow you to understand better any financial losses you have incurred due to the incident.
Get the Lawsuit Valuation Right
To receive the compensation you deserve, you must ensure that the compensation calculation is correct. This means ensuring that all your losses, such as medical bills and repair costs, are considered.
It can be difficult to calculate an accident-related injury's monetary value accurately. Therefore, it is essential to have a legal expert with experience in these cases to ensure that the lawsuit valuation is accurate and fair. A legal team can also help you by negotiating with insurance companies and other parties involved.
Censor Your Conduct
Image: Unsplash/Erik Mclean
It is important to remember that anything you say or do can be used against you in court or when filing for compensation. Therefore, you must avoid making any statements that could be interpreted negatively and refrain from doing anything that could hurt your case.
Ordinarily, avoiding talking to the other party involved in the accident is also advisable. If necessary, remain polite and cordial but don't make any commitments or provide details. The same applies when speaking to insurance companies. Let your legal team handle all negotiations on your behalf.
See: Global Reinsurance Giant Calls for More Innovation, Capital, and an Insurance-Linked Securities (ILS) Marketplace
By following these tips, you can ensure you get the best possible outcome from a road crash. Knowing your legal rights and understanding your insurance policy is key to ensuring you receive the compensation you are entitled to for any damages or losses. Feel free to seek professional help if necessary to handle your case correctly.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Why You Should Never Invest Your Emergency Fund
Guest Post | Dec 20, 2022
Credit: Austin Distel via Unsplash
It’s a tough time for people who like to save. Thanks to a 40-year-high inflation rate, the money sitting in your emergency fund is rapidly losing value.
It’s simple math. Inflation has been hovering around 7% for some time now, while a basic savings account barely scrapes together 1% interest. That means the rising price of a latte, a week’s groceries, or a car outstrips any gains you make on your emergency fund by a long shot.
With your savings actively losing value, you might consider investing your emergency fund to maximize your growth potential. But should you? Generally, it’s a bad idea. Here’s why.
You Might Not Be Able to Access it Quickly Enough
The typical emergency fund is an urgent backup of savings to help you as soon as something goes south. If your dog gets hit by a car and needs immediate care, you can dip into this cash to cover your vet bills without delay.
You can withdraw cash from a personal savings account with relatively few hurdles or time delays, but the same can’t be said about all investments.
While some investments are nearly as liquid as savings, others are not. Depending on your investment, you may not be able to cash out as quickly as you expect.
Borrowing Comes with Interest and Finance Charges
When your investments are on hold, it can feel like you’re fielding an emergency without any savings at all. If your trip to the vet can’t wait, borrowing a line of credit may be the only way to save your pet.
The lenders at Fora Credit host simple and quick applications that may fast-track your access to a line of credit. If approved, you can draw against your limit and receive your money quickly.
A line of credit is a popular safety net used by millions of Canadians. However, like any personal loan, a line of credit comes with interest and finance charges. These extra fees mean you pay more this way than if you use basic savings.
You May Pay Taxes on Your Withdrawal
Usually, when you take out money from the ATM, you don’t have to worry about paying taxes on your withdrawal. At most, you may have to pay the earned interest on your account.
Cashing out your investments doesn’t go as smoothly from a tax perspective. If you sell at a higher price than what you initially paid, you’ll have to pay taxes on 50% of your capital gains.
While taxes aren’t the same as the interest and finance charges applied to a line of credit, they serve the same purpose. Capital gains tax adds to the cost of your emergency; you’ll pay more to access these funds than if you withdraw cash from a basic savings account.
You Could Lose a Lot of the Money You Save
Historically, stocks increase over the long term despite momentary ups and downs in the economy. But you have to endure these dips to capitalize on the eventual rise.
See: Do employees pay less taxes by exercising stock options pre-IPO?
Unfortunately, the nature of emergencies means you might have to cash out fast, long before you can see improvements over time. Worse yet, your investment may fall on the day you need to withdraw, meaning you have less money than what you started with.
Bottom Line
The stock market isn’t an ideal holding for your emergency fund. If you’re still worried about losing value on your savings, search for high-interest savings accounts instead. They earn more than the average basic account, so they’re a better defence against inflation.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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TransUnion: US Credit-Card Loan Delinquencies to Rise in 2023
BNN Bloomberg | | Dec 14, 2022
Image: Pexels/Monstera
US credit-card and personal-loan delinquencies are likely to rise in 2023 to the highest in a dozen years, with lenders cutting back on originations as a potential recession looms.
- Forecast released Wednesday by credit-reporting firm TransUnion:
- Serious card delinquencies are expected to climb to 2.6% at the end of next year from 2.1% at the close of 2022.
- Delinquency rates for unsecured personal loans are also expected to gain, to 4.3% from 4.1%.
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See: Walmart-backed Fintech Startup to Launch BNPL Loans
- Credit-card originations are expected to slump 7.6% next year while still remaining higher than last year’s total. The projected dropoff would follow two years of aggressive loan growth, especially for credit cards and personal loans, and serious-delinquency rates close to pre-pandemic levels.
- Outside of credit cards and personal loans, another area of lending is seeing a dropoff in originations: mortgages. The Federal Reserve has been boosting interest rates in an attempt to damp inflation, increases that have made their way into home-loan costs. The average rate for a 30-year, fixed loan surged past 7% this year — the first time it’s broken that level in two decades.
- Opportunity for lenders is in auto-loan originations, TransUnion said, with an expected growth of 6% across all borrower risk tiers in the fourth quarter of next year.
Continue to the full article --> here
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Support NCFA by Following us on Twitter!Follow @NCFACanada |
6 Profitable Ways You Can Use Your Extra Money
Dec 12, 2022
Image: Pixabay/stevepb
A lot of people deal with financial stress, meaning they lack money. That’s definitely an unenviable situation. And then there are those who have either gotten a raise, or they’ve received an annual bonus, and now they’re not sure what they’re supposed to do with it.
In these types of situations, you have two options at your disposal. You can either treat yourself and purchase something you’ve been longing for, for a while, or you can use that cash in a smarter way.
What do we mean by “smarter way”? Well, there are so many things that you can do that will help you build wealth and secure a much better financial future. Want to uncover them? Then scroll below!
Smart Things That You Can Do With Extra Cash!
Consider P2P Lending
What do we know about it? In a nutshell, when someone wants to lend money to other companies or individuals, then this whole process is known as peer-to-peer lending. Normally, when someone needs to urgently borrow some cash they would go to a particular financial institution (a bank, for instance) to apply for a loan.
However, that’s not the case with P2P lending. Namely, in these instances, you do not need any mediator, but instead, it will directly connect people who have cash and individuals who seek loans.
This is generally a great alternative for both borrowers and lenders. For instance, if you are a lender, once you loan your money to someone, you can receive a return in form of interest. If this sounds like an excellent way to earn more bucks, yet you would like to know more, it would be advisable to rely on the information from P2P Empire website because out there, you’ll quickly figure out how to invest in P2P loans. After all, it is the number one site when it comes to this.
Don’t Forget Your Emergency Fund!
Anyone no matter how great/bad their situation may be should have an emergency fund to cover their living costs for at least a couple of months. If you do not already have one, now is a great time to add some money to it.
Even though this isn’t an actual investment, it will definitely help you safeguard all your other investments.
What Are Your Other Options?
Consider Investing
If you’ve never done it before, then for starters, you can opt for products such as mutual fund systemic investment plans, which are known as SIPs, and fixed deposits. What's great about mutual funds is that they provide you with a vast range of funds to invest in, depending on how much you are willing to risk.
On the other hand, fixed deposits have much lower risks in comparison to other investment tools, plus you will be slowly working on expanding your nest egg for the future.
Opt For Other Investment Alternatives
If the suggestion above, doesn’t seem too appealing, then maybe you should consider other options. For example, if you want to purchase individual stocks, you can research firms you’re optimistic about and believe will do better in the future.
On the other hand, if real estate piques your interest, then you can always gather more useful information regarding real estate investment trusts. Namely, REITs represent companies that either own or finance income-producing real estate.
A lot of them trade on stock exchanges, hence you can purchase them within your taxable brokerage account, or IRA account. If by any chance, you’re interested in the continuously evolving space of alternative investments, then you can take cryptocurrency into account.
Pay Off Debts Or Student Loans
According to the study we've stumbled upon on NerdWallet, physicians and dentists have some of the biggest student loan debt balances. Now, if you have a student loan with high-interest rates, then it would be advisable to use that cash you received to pay off your loans or at least refinance.
See: 3 Reasons Why Ethereum Is a Good Investment
Before you consider refinancing your loans, just be sure to take into account your eligibility for student loan forgiveness. On the other hand, if you currently have any debts (such as credit cards), it would be wise to pay them off.
Invest In Some Skills
One of the best investments that you can make is in yourself. It’s always a great idea to invest some money in your skills because precisely they can open up your career prospects, meaning that you’ll be earning more money in the future.
Image: Pixabay/stevepb
We know that right now you are probably too excited because you've just received some extra cash. But don't flush it away so quickly, instead, go through these suggestions and pick the one that currently seems like the best option.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Support NCFA by Following us on Twitter!Follow @NCFACanada |
What Is the Best Age to Begin Investing?
Guest Post | Dec 9, 2022
Image: Pixabay/Tumisu
Some people think about investing at a young age, while others only start considering saving money when retirement is around the corner. The general consensus is that the earlier you start investing — the better, but in reality, it is possible to invest successfully regardless of your age. If you want to invest money online and earn passive income for a certain goal, you can do that at any age. Read along to find out about the prime time to start investing.
When Should I Start Investing?
The short answer is that you should start investing right now if you have not already, as long as you are 18 or over. Luckily, investing is possible for all demographics, but your objectives and the amount of investment capital will differ depending on your age. One of the most popular goals for investing is saving up for retirement. If this is the objective, here is how this will work for different age groups:
- Twenties – there is as much time before your retirement as it could possibly be. You can experiment with different investment strategies and invest in various projects and markets. You can take higher risks for higher returns.
- Thirties – a few decades left before retirement still. People in their thirties usually have more savings than those in their 20s, which opens more room for investing and taking risks.
- Forties – there is still enough time before retirement, but you should definitely have a plan by this time to invest efficiently and save up the necessary amount of money regularly to have the desired capital in time.
- Fifties – believe it or not, people still can invest in their retirement in their fifties. However, it is recommended to cut on the risks and invest slowly but steadily toward your goal.
Of course, saving money for your retirement is considered a long-term investment even if you are in your fourties. However, there are many other investment objectives, and you should always consider your time limitations and starter capital carefully.
Investment Solutions
There are many different ways to invest, and each of them can be fitting for your specific age group. Nevertheless, it is always better to explore all the options and become familiar with the investment solutions available. Here are some of the most common money online investment types:
- Shares – while other investment solutions are safer and more stable, shares can provide great returns. As they are usually riskier and more expensive, it is advised to invest in stocks if you have some experience already.
- Bonds – when buying bonds from a business, you are essentially offering it the funds that they need to raise for a certain cause. In return, you receive regular payouts.
- Investment funds – many convenient services collect money from different investors and direct it towards different markets or companies. Quanloop is one of the alternative investment funds suitable for beginners as well. There are different investment plans based on the level of risks that you can use to invest more securely or aim for higher returns.
- Crypto – cryptocurrencies are extremely popular today, and while they can be used as a money alternative to paying for products and services, people often use them simply to invest their funds. With cryptos, it is common for certain tokens to grow in price rapidly and unpredictably, which is why holding on some coins might pay off if you are patient.
If you were out of ideas on where to invest money online, you can browse some of the options listed above to find what suits you best.
Bottom Line
Of course, it is best to start investing when you are young as you can learn from your mistakes. It is also possible to invest a small amount and let it grow over time even with a small return rate. But not everybody had the luxury to invest money when they were in college or struggling to pay rent in their twenties.
See: Investing Your Money: An Easy Guide For Beginners
People in their thirties and forties often have more means to invest in different projects and diversify their investments. In any case, experts advise that you should start thinking about investing now and look through your options available today. With convenient online investing, this process becomes accessible to everyone.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Support NCFA by Following us on Twitter!Follow @NCFACanada |
CFTC Commissioner: Average Retail Investor Protection Should Be Different Than Millionaires
Decrypt | Alys Key | Dec 1, 2022
Image: Pixabay/geralt
The CFTC chief has proposed that the average crypto investor should get different protection from professional and high-net-worth individuals.
- She added that she was not seeking to cut off the average investor’s access to the markets altogether but would seek public input on what kinds of extra protections should be afforded to these users. Initial ideas include easy-to-understand disclosures and limitations on leverage.
See: CSA releases 2022-2025 Business Plan focused on investor protection
- She was critical of the shift towards giving users direct access to the markets via trading apps, saying that a broker traditionally adds an extra layer of protection for the customer. I caution against market structures that remove a broker’s duties to retail customers without a full assessment of what will be lost,” she said.
- Romero also called for her agency to invoke “heightened supervision” of crypto exchanges, adding she had been calling for such a move internally for months.
Continue to the full article --> here
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Support NCFA by Following us on Twitter!Follow @NCFACanada |
