CoinTalk

So the tokenized gold market’s blown up past $1 billion as people hunt for something steady to balance out crypto’s wild swings. But here’s what I’m wondering: if you want a safe-haven asset on the blockchain, why go for a token tied to physical gold instead of just grabbing more Bitcoin, the OG “digital gold”? Is tokenized gold a solid, stable piece to add to your crypto portfolio, or is it just a shiny distraction from Bitcoin’s true decentralized vibe?

In the volatile theater of crypto, market downturns are where narratives are forged and power shifts in the shadows. While retail investors stare at bleeding portfolios and capitulate in fear, the institutional titans with deep treasuries and even deeper conviction make their moves.

This is the crypto equivalent of a corporate raid, and today's news is a seismic one. BitMine, a notoriously selective digital asset fund, has just publicly disclosed a staggering acquisition: 2.9% of the entire Ethereum supply.

Let's be clear—this isn't casual accumulation. This is a strategic land grab executed at a moment of maximum pessimism. It's a bet that goes far beyond a simple price prediction on ETH. It's a wager on the entire future of the Ethereum ecosystem—its scaling solutions, its DeFi primitives, and its role as the foundational layer for the next generation of the internet. But it also raises a profound and potentially unsettling question.

Are we witnessing the early stages of a quiet takeover? When a single, non-transparent entity can amass a percentage of a supposedly decentralized network that would be considered a controlling interest in any traditional company,

what does that mean for the creed of "decentralization" we all hold dear? Is this a monumental vote of confidence that will stabilize and legitimize Ethereum, or is it the moment the network's soul begins to be commoditized and concentrated in the hands of a few powerful funds?

Starting a business is thrilling, but if you’re like me—a first-time entrepreneur—you quickly realize that getting the money to turn your idea into reality is the biggest hurdle. When I asked myself, what do I need to get a business loan? the answer wasn’t simple. But after digging deep and learning the ropes, I want to share my story and tips on how to qualify for a business loan, especially if you’re just starting out.

The Startup Struggle: Facing Business Loan Requirements Head-On

Like many startup founders, I didn’t have years of business history or piles of financial statements to show lenders. I was basically asking for money based on an idea and my personal credit. That’s a tough spot, but not impossible.

Here’s what I found out: lenders want to see a few key things before handing over a loan, even for startups. These business loan requirements include:

• A decent personal credit score (ideally in the mid-600s or higher). Some lenders accept lower scores, but your options shrink.
• Proof of reliable income—usually around $30,000 a year or more.
• A solid debt-to-income ratio (under 43% is best).
• A business plan that clearly shows how you’ll make money and repay the loan.
• Sometimes, collateral or a personal guarantee is needed.

Since my business was brand new, I had to lean heavily on my personal finances and credit history.

How I Prepared to Qualify for My Startup Loan?

I realized that to improve my chances, I had to get organized and professional. Here’s what helped me:

1. Boost my credit score: I paid down credit cards and fixed errors on my report. A score over 680 is ideal, but I learned some SBA loans accept scores starting at 630.
2. Created a solid business plan: I used free templates and made sure to include market research, revenue forecasts, and clear loan usage.
3. Gathered all financial documents: Even though I was new, I prepared personal tax returns, bank statements, and a budget for my startup expenses.
4. Explored loan options: I looked into SBA loans, which offer great terms and sometimes don’t require collateral. I also checked alternative lenders and government-backed startup loans.
5. Kept debt low: I avoided applying for multiple loans at once, which can hurt your credit and approval chances.

What I Learned About Business Loans for Startups

• You don’t always need years in business to qualify, but personal credit and a strong plan are critical.
• SBA loans are a great option if you meet their eligibility (business in the U.S., sound credit, legal registration). They offer competitive rates and flexible terms.
• Unsecured loans don’t require collateral but usually have stricter credit requirements2.
• Government-backed startup loans can provide smaller amounts ($500 to $25,000) to get going, especially if you’re in the UK or U.S.
• Beware of predatory lenders with high fees or pressure tactics. Always read the fine print and compare offers3.

Final Thoughts: Your Business Loan Journey Starts Now

If you’re ready to turn your startup dream into a reality, understanding business loan requirements is step one. Get your credit in shape, craft a strong business plan, and explore trusted loan programs like SBA loans or government-backed startup loans.

For years, the promise of Bitcoin DeFi has been a paradox. We've watched the explosive, innovative growth of decentralized finance on chains like Ethereum, building a sprawling ecosystem of lending, borrowing, and trading—all while the king of crypto, Bitcoin, sat largely dormant in its cold storage. Its immense value was a fortress, but one with very few gates. The barriers were monumental: how do you securely bring a non-custodial asset into a trustless financial system without creating catastrophic risk?

The answer, until now, has been a patchwork of complex, often clunky solutions that limited both institutional participation and the scale of capital that could be deployed. But a seismic shift is underway. The recent approval of regulated, licensed custody solutions for tokenized Bitcoin is not just another product launch; it's the master key that could unlock the fortress.

I see this as the missing link we've been waiting for. This isn't about creating another wrapped Bitcoin on an obscure chain. This is about bridging the trillion-dollar world of institutional Bitcoin with the permissionless innovation of DeFi, all under the watchful eye of regulators.

We're talking about pension funds, asset managers, and corporations being able to use their Bitcoin as productive, yield-generating collateral in a way that meets their compliance standards.

The potential is staggering—an estimated $11.5 billion of currently idle Bitcoin capital could flood into DeFi protocols, supercharging liquidity and legitimizing the entire space in the eyes of traditional finance.

But is this the glorious fusion of TradFi and DeFi we've been promised, or are we simply building a new, more sophisticated trap? Are we inviting the very regulators who once scorned us to now govern our most foundational asset, potentially centralizing the decentralized?

And when this much capital enters the arena, does it not also paint a target on Bitcoin's back for the next systemic black swan event?

the narrative was simple. Meme coins were the degenerate, frothy fringe of crypto—a playground for retail gamblers, utterly divorced from any fundamental value or serious macroeconomic thesis.

Their cycles were predictable: a violent pump, followed by an even more violent dump, leaving bag-holders chasing the next shiba-themed ghost. But something has shifted.

The recent explosion of meme coin mania, ignited by a single whale's $19 million bet and supercharged by Donald Trump's full-throated endorsement of the crypto industry, feels different. This isn't just a retail-driven frenzy anymore.

I see this as the final, chaotic merger of crypto and mainstream culture. We are no longer in the era of anonymous crypto-Twitter influencers shilling dog coins.

We've entered a phase where former U.S. Presidents are now the most powerful meme coin influencers on the planet. A single post from a political figure can move billions of dollars more effectively than any blockchain upgrade or technical analysis.

The whale, in this case, isn't just a crypto OG; it's a symbol of institutional-grade capital deciding that the highest-alpha trade isn't in Bitcoin or DeFi, but in the pure, unadulterated virality of a joke. So, does this represent a dangerous new paradigm where politics and celebrity completely decouple asset prices from reality?

Or is it a brilliant, if chaotic, absorption of crypto into the mainstream attention economy, proving that narrative and community are the ultimate fundamentals?

How I Realized I Needed to Know My Net Worth—and What It Taught Me

A few years ago, I was scrolling through social media, seeing people flaunt their wealth and wondering, “Am I rich for my age?” I had savings and some investments, but was I truly on track? That’s when I started researching US net worth, median net worth, and tools like the net worth by age calculator. Understanding where I stood compared to others my age gave me clarity and motivation. If you’re asking, “What should my net worth be?” or “Am I rich for my age?” this guide will help you make sense of your financial standing.

What Is Net Worth and Why Does It Matter?

Your net worth is the total value of your assets (like savings, investments, property) minus your liabilities (debts, loans). It’s a snapshot of your financial health and a key indicator of wealth.

• Median net worth represents the middle point where half of people have more and half have less.
• Average net worth can be skewed by very wealthy individuals, so median is often a better benchmark.

US Net Worth by Age: What the Numbers Say

According to recent data, here’s a rough idea of median net worth by age in the US:

• Under 35: Around $13,900
• 35 to 44: About $91,300
• 45 to 54: Approximately $168,600
• 55 to 64: Roughly $212,500
• 65 to 74: Around $266,400
• 75 and older: About $254,800

These numbers vary by location, income, and lifestyle but provide a useful benchmark.

Am I Rich for My Age? How to Use Net Worth as a Guide

If your net worth is higher than the median for your age group, you’re doing well compared to many peers. But “rich” is subjective—what matters most is whether your net worth supports your goals and lifestyle.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Are you saving and investing consistently?
• Do you have a plan for debt management?
• Are your assets growing over time?

How to Calculate Your Net Worth and Track It Over Time

You can use a net worth by age calculator online or simply list your assets and liabilities in a spreadsheet. Track your net worth regularly to see progress and adjust your financial plans.

What I Learned: Net Worth Is a Tool, Not a Trophy

Comparing my net worth to averages helped me set realistic goals without feeling pressured by others’ success. It’s about progress and planning, not just numbers.

Key Takeaways: What Should Your Net Worth Be?

• Median net worth varies widely by age—use it as a benchmark, not a rule.
• Focus on building assets and reducing liabilities steadily.
• Use tools like net worth calculators to monitor your financial health.
• Being “rich” is personal; financial security and growth matter most.
  

I’ve been collecting AliExpress coins for a while and want to know how to use my coins on AliExpress when shopping. I live in Europe and often buy tech gadgets and clothes from AliExpress. I heard that you can use your coins to get discounts or even pay for items, but I’m not sure how it works in 2025.

Can someone explain how to use your coins on AliExpress and if there are any restrictions? Also, is it possible to use my coins on AliExpress directly or do I need to convert them somehow? Any tips for beginners would be appreciated!

If you’re running a business or side hustle in the U.S. or anywhere else, knowing how to accept payment online is a game-changer. Whether you’re selling products, services, or digital goods, making it easy for customers to pay you securely and quickly is key to growing your sales. But with so many options out there, what’s the best way to take payments online? Let’s break it down.

What Does It Mean to Accept Payments Online?

Simply put, to accept online payments means you can receive money from customers through digital methods—like credit cards, bank transfers, or even cryptocurrencies—without needing cash or checks. This convenience opens your business to a global market and speeds up cash flow.

Ways to Accept Payments Online

Here are the main methods your business can use to accept online payments:

1. Online Credit Card Processing

This is the most common method for businesses with online stores or those that take orders ahead of time. Platforms like Stripe, Square, and Helcim make it easy to accept credit cards online. While there are fees for processing transactions, this method is popular for retail shops, restaurants, and service providers.

2. Online Invoicing

If you work on projects or sell goods to other businesses, online invoicing might be your best bet. You can send invoices with payment buttons through your accounting software or payment processor. Customers can pay with credit cards or other methods, but keep in mind invoices don’t require immediate payment, so funds might take longer to arrive.

3. ACH Transfers

For larger, one-time payments, ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfers are a cost-effective option. These bank transfers usually have lower fees than credit card transactions, making them attractive for businesses handling big payments.

Step 1: Choose the Right Merchant Account Type

To accept credit card payments online, you’ll need a merchant account where customer payments are held before reaching your bank. There are two main types:

• Individual Merchant AccountTailored to your business, this option offers more customization and stability but requires a detailed application process.
• Payment Service Provider (Aggregator)These providers pool multiple businesses under one account, allowing you to start accepting payments quickly with almost instant approval. However, this can lead to occasional account freezes due to shared risk.

Step 2: Understand Payment Processing Costs

Payment processors charge fees for handling transactions. Here are common pricing models:

• Interchange-PlusYou pay the card network’s interchange fee plus a small markup. This model can save you money if you have low-rate cards or high volume.
• Flat-RateYou pay a fixed percentage per transaction, making costs predictable but sometimes higher.
• Subscription-BasedA monthly fee plus low transaction fees, ideal for businesses processing many payments.

Always read the fine print to avoid surprises.

Step 3: Select a Payment Gateway

A payment gateway is where customers enter their payment info securely on your website. Some processors like Stripe and Square include a gateway; others may charge extra. Choose a gateway that integrates well with your website or e-commerce platform.

Step 4: Make It Easy for Customers to Pay

Think about how your customers shop:

• Online Shopping CartsPerfect for e-commerce sites, allowing customers to add items and check out quickly.
• Payment Links and QR CodesGreat for pop-up shops or social media sales. You can send customers a link or code to pay instantly.
• Online InvoicesBest for project-based work or B2B sales, letting customers pay at their convenience.

You might use a mix depending on your business.

Accepting payments online is easier than you think and can unlock new growth for your business. Ready to get started?