CoinTalk

I’m looking to buy my first car and keep seeing people talk about “apple for car loan” and using apps to get approved fast. I want to know how to get a car loan, especially from a bank, and if there’s a way to apply for a car loan right from my iPhone. I’m based in the US, and I’m not sure if I should go with a credit union, a bank, or use a car loan app.

Can anyone share their experience on how to get a loan for a car, what steps to follow, and if using an app really makes it easier? I’m also curious about what documents I’ll need and if there are any tips for getting approved quickly. Any advice for someone new to this would be awesome!

Frankly, I had to reread that headline three times to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. Cathie Wood, the high priestess of  disruptive innovation  investing, is teaming up with entities from the UAE for a $300 million bet on a football business called Brera, all facilitated via crypto. For a moment, it felt like we've reached the peak of absurdity in this market cycle. We're talking about a mashup of three incredibly disparate worlds: Cathie Wood's high-risk, high-reward investment strategy, massive UAE sovereign capital, and the traditional, emotional world of football, with a dash of  crypto  sprinkled on top to make it all sound innovative.

This doesn't feel like a genius investment thesis; it feels like a buzzword salad tossed in a blender. What problem is crypto solving in a football club that the dollar can't? Is this just another iteration of the fan token narrative that saw tokens collapse in value and leave actual fans holding the bag? This deal feels like it was engineered for headlines rather than for actual returns.

It has Cathie Wood's name to attract the speculators, the UAE's money to signal seriousness, and the allure of football to attract the masses. It's a perfect marketing combination, but it could be an investment disaster. So are we really witnessing a genius move to revolutionize the financing of the trillion-dollar sports industry? Or is this the ultimate "top signal," a sign that we've run out of sensible ideas and are now just throwing money at the strangest combinations imaginable?

Gold has long been a trusted safe haven for investors seeking stability amid market volatility. In 2025, gold’s allure remains strong, with prices breaking records and investors looking for ways to gain exposure without the hassle of storing physical bullion. If you’re curious about gold stocks, gold investment stock, or want to find the best gold investment company, understanding how gold stocks work and how to invest in them can open doors to smart wealth protection and growth.

What Are Gold Stocks?

Gold stocks are shares of companies involved in gold mining or gold-related businesses. These companies fall into three main categories:

• Junior miners: Smaller companies exploring or developing new gold mines. They carry higher risk but offer potentially bigger rewards.
• Senior miners: Established companies with active gold production. They tend to be more stable and track gold prices closely.
• Gold streaming companies: Firms that provide upfront financing to miners in exchange for future gold royalties, often paying steady dividends.

Investing in gold stocks offers a way to benefit from rising gold prices while also gaining exposure to the operational success of mining companies.

How to Buy Gold Stock?

If you’re wondering how to buy gold stock, it’s simpler than you think:

1. Open a brokerage account with platforms like Robinhood for gold stocks, or traditional brokers such as Charles Schwab.
2. Research gold investment companies to find those with strong financials and growth potential. Some top performers in 2025 include SSR Mining Inc (SSRM), New Gold Inc (NGD), and AngloGold Ashanti Plc (AU).
3. Choose between individual stocks or ETFs. ETFs provide diversified exposure to multiple gold stocks, reducing risk.
4. Place your order through your brokerage’s trading platform.
5. Monitor your investments regularly, keeping an eye on gold prices and company news.

Where to Buy Physical Gold?

For those who prefer tangible assets, where to buy physical gold matters. Trusted options include:

• Reputable bullion dealers like APMEX or JM Bullion
• Local coin shops with certified gold bars and coins
• Banks or financial institutions offering gold products

Remember to consider secure storage solutions such as safety deposit boxes or home safes.

Best Gold Investment Company: What to Look For?

Choosing the best gold investment company depends on your goals. Look for firms with:

• Transparent fees and pricing
• Strong reputations and positive customer reviews
• Secure and insured storage options for physical gold
• Easy online access for buying and selling gold stocks or bullion

Companies like Franco-Nevada Corporation stand out for their stable dividend payments and unique royalty business model.

How to Invest Money Wisely in Gold?

• Diversify your portfolio by including gold stocks alongside other assets.
• Understand the risks: Gold stocks can be volatile and influenced by mining costs and geopolitical factors.
• Stay informed by following gold investment stock news and market trends.
• Use reputable platforms for trading and managing your investments safely.

Gold stocks provide a compelling way to invest in gold’s rising value without the challenges of physical ownership. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned investor, knowing how to buy gold stock and where to buy physical gold can help you build a resilient portfolio.

Just read a wild statement from Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong—he says AI is now generating 40% of their daily code. My first reaction? Pure panic. Seriously, are they insane? We're talking about the code that's supposed to be a fortress for billions in user assets, not some marketing fluff. Personally, I think this is a disaster waiting to happen. Trusting AI, which is notorious for glitches and  hallucinations,  with something this critical feels like prioritizing speed and profits over protecting people's money. It makes you wonder what other corners they're cutting. So, am I overreacting, or is this the biggest red flag we've seen in crypto security this year?

You've seen the incredible yields offered in Decentralized Finance, but you've also heard the warnings about extreme volatility and the risks of chasing the [highest APY in crypto]. So, is there a middle ground? Is there a way to earn an attractive yield on your capital without being exposed to the wild price swings of assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum? The answer is yes, and it is a cornerstone of the entire DeFi ecosystem: stablecoin lending. This guide will show you how it works and how you can get started.

The Core Idea: Becoming a Decentralized Lender

The concept is simple. In the DeFi world, there is a constant demand from traders and other protocols to borrow stablecoins like USDT or USDC. They use this capital for various strategies, such as arbitrage or leveraged trading. DeFi lending protocols, like Aave or Compound, are decentralized platforms that act as a bridge between these borrowers and people like you who have stablecoins to lend. By depositing your stablecoins into one of these protocols, you are essentially becoming a lender to the DeFi economy. In return for providing this liquidity, you earn a variable interest rate, paid for by the borrowers.

How to Get Started: A Step-by-Step Process

Participating in stablecoin lending is a direct way to interact with the core of DeFi. Here is a general overview of the steps involved.

1. Acquire Stablecoins: The first step is to own the asset you want to lend. You will need to acquire a major stablecoin like USDT or USDC. This can be done easily on a secure and liquid exchange like BYDFi.
2. Set Up a Web3 Wallet: To interact with DeFi protocols, you need a non-custodial wallet, such as MetaMask or Trust Wallet. You will then withdraw your stablecoins from the exchange to your personal wallet address.
3. Choose a Lending Protocol: This is your most important decision. You should choose a "blue-chip" lending protocol that has been audited, has a long track record of security, and has billions of dollars in total value locked (TVL) as a sign of community trust.
4. Supply Your Stablecoins: Once you've chosen a protocol, you will connect your wallet to their application. From there, you will navigate to the "Supply" or "Lend" section for the stablecoin you hold and confirm the transaction.
5. Monitor Your Earnings: Once your transaction is confirmed, your stablecoins are now in the lending pool, and you will begin to accrue interest in real-time. You can monitor your earnings and withdraw your capital and interest at any time.

A Responsible Look at the Risks

While stablecoin lending is significantly less volatile than other yield-generating strategies, it is not risk-free. As a responsible investor, you must understand the risks involved. The primary risk is smart contract risk; if the lending protocol you use has a bug or is hacked, your funds could be lost. This is why choosing a battle-tested, highly audited protocol is non-negotiable. There is also stablecoin de-peg risk, where the stablecoin itself could lose its 1:1 peg to the US dollar. Finally, the interest rates are variable, meaning they fluctuate based on the real-time supply and demand for borrowing within the protocol.

The Prudent Path to DeFi Yield

For many, stablecoin lending is the ideal first step into earning with DeFi. It allows you to participate in the ecosystem and earn a competitive yield without the constant worry of market volatility. It is a foundational strategy that should be understood by any serious crypto investor. For a complete overview of the DeFi ecosystem, you can always refer to our main guide: [What Is DeFi? A Beginner's Guide to Decentralized Finance].

To begin your journey into DeFi lending, the first step is to acquire the stablecoins you wish to supply. You can find a secure and liquid market for top stablecoins on the BYDFi spot exchange.

In the competitive world of premium travel cards, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card stands out for one compelling reason: it makes its $395 annual fee incredibly easy to justify. For many cardholders, it’s a card that essentially pays you for keeping it in your wallet.

But how does that work? It’s all about a simple and direct value proposition. If you’re considering the Capital Venture X, understanding its core benefits is the key to unlocking its full potential. Let's dive into the perks that make this card a powerhouse.

The Core Benefits That Define the Venture X Card

The card's value rests on two powerful, recurring annual credits that are straightforward and easy to use.

1. The $300 Annual Travel Credit

This is the cornerstone of the Venture X benefits. Each year, you receive a $300 statement credit for travel bookings made through the Capital One Travel portal. The portal is a comprehensive booking engine where you can reserve flights, hotels, and rental cars.

Unlike other cards with restrictive credits tied to specific airlines or ancillary fees, this one is simple: book at least $300 worth of travel through the portal, and you get $300 back. For anyone who takes even one trip a year, this benefit alone effectively reduces the annual fee to just $95.

2. The 10,000-Mile Anniversary Bonus

This is the perk that pushes the card's value over the top. Starting on your first anniversary, you receive 10,000 bonus miles every single year you keep the card.

These miles have a minimum value of 1 cent each when redeemed for travel, making them worth at least $100. When you add this to the $300 travel credit, you're getting a guaranteed $400 in value each year.

The Simple Math: Why the Venture X Pays for Itself

This is the calculation that convinces most people to get the card.

Annual Value: $300 (Travel Credit) + 100(AnniversaryMiles)=∗∗100(AnniversaryMiles)=∗∗400**Annual Fee: $395Net Result: +$5

You read that right. By simply using the two main credits, you come out ahead each year before even accounting for the card's other premium perks or the miles you earn from spending.

Beyond the Credits: The Premium Travel Perks

The Capital One Venture X benefits extend far beyond the annual credits.

• Unlimited Lounge Access: This is a huge perk for travelers. You get unlimited access to Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and Plaza Premium lounges for yourself and two guests. This benefit alone can be worth hundreds of dollars.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit: Receive up to a $100 statement credit for the application fee once every four years.
• Hertz President's Circle® Status: Get top-tier elite status with Hertz for car rental upgrades and perks.

Earning Rewards with the Venture X Card

The Venture X Card also has a simple and powerful rewards-earning structure:

• 10x Miles on hotels and rental cars booked via the Capital One Travel portal.
• 5x Miles on flights booked via the Capital One Travel portal.
• 2x Miles on every other purchase, with no limit.

This makes it an excellent "catch-all" card for everyday spending, ensuring you get a solid return on every dollar you spend.

Is the Venture X Card Right for You?

If you're a traveler who can easily use the $300 travel portal credit each year, the Venture X is arguably one of the most valuable and straightforward premium travel cards on the market. Its ability to pay for itself through direct credits removes the pressure often associated with high-fee cards.

Are you considering adding the Venture X to your wallet? Let us know what feature you find most compelling in the comments below

You've learned about the Internet Computer's ambitious vision to become a "World Computer." You know that the ICP coin isn't just an asset; it's the key to governing the entire network.

Now, it's time to move from being an observer to being a participant. Staking ICP is your way to get a vote, help steer the future of the internet, and earn ICP staking rewards for your active contribution.

The process is unique and different from other blockchains. This guide will walk you through exactly how to stake ICP using its powerful governance system, the Network Nervous System (NNS).

Before You Start: Understanding Neurons

In the ICP ecosystem, you don't just "stake" your coins. You lock them up to create a neuron.

Think of the Network Nervous System (NNS) as the decentralized brain that controls the Internet Computer. A neuron is your voting share within that brain. By creating a neuron, you are committing
your ICP to the governance of the network. The NNS then rewards you for this commitment.

The 5 Steps to Staking ICP and Earning Rewards

Step 1: Acquire ICP (The Prerequisite)

Before you can create a neuron, you need the ICP coin. Your journey into ICP
governance starts on a secure and reliable exchange. Acquiring your ICP on a
platform like BYDFi ensures you get a fair market price and a safe environment
for your initial purchase.

Step 2: Access the NNS dApp

The entire staking and voting process happens on a special decentralized
application.

1. Go to the official NNS dApp

2. You will be prompted to create an "Internet Identity." This is your secure, blockchain-based login for the ICP ecosystem. Follow the instructions carefully and save your credentials.

Step 3: Transfer ICP to Your NNS Wallet

Inside the NNS dApp, you will find your personal ICP wallet address. Withdraw your ICP from BYDFi to this NNS wallet address.

Step 4: Create Your Neuron

This is the core of the staking process.

1. Inside the NNS, navigate to the "Neurons" tab and click "Stake Neuron."
2. Choose the amount of ICP you wish to stake (the minimum is 1 ICP).
3. Set the Dissolve Delay (CRITICAL STEP): This is the most important decision you will make. The dissolve delay is the length of time your neuron will be locked after you decide to "dissolve" it. A longer delay gives your neuron more voting power and earns you higher rewards.
• Minimum: 6 months (lower rewards)
• Maximum: 8 years (highest rewards)
• Warning: You cannot access your ICP principal until the dissolve delay timer has  finished. Choose a duration you are comfortable with.

Step 5: Configure Voting and Start Earning

Your neuron must vote on governance proposals to earn rewards. You can do this
manually, but for most users, the easiest way is to "follow" other
trusted neurons.

1. In your neuron's settings, choose to "Follow" other neurons on all topics.
2. The NNS provides default follow recommendations (like the DFINITY Foundation and the Internet Computer Association), which is a great, simple way to  start.

Once you have configured your neuron to vote, you're all set! It will now vote automatically on your behalf, and you will begin to accrue staking rewards daily.

[To refresh your memory on the core technology, read our full guide: What Is Internet Computer (ICP)?]

Ready to become a voting member of the World Computer? The first step is to acquire the asset. Buy ICP on the BYDFi spot market today.

A tiny, virtually unknown company called Eightco (OCTO) just skyrocketed from a $4 million valuation to a mind-blowing $8 billion. And why? Because one single Wall Street analyst decided to cover it. One. This is the kind of story that makes people think crypto is a complete circus. Personally, this smells fishy from a mile away. We're supposed to believe that one report can create billions in value overnight out of thin air? I'm not buying it. It feels less like a savvy financial discovery and more like a perfectly timed hype machine kicking into gear. So, what are we really looking at here: Is this analyst a visionary who just found the next 1000x gem, or are we watching a massive, coordinated pump designed to lure in retail investors before the bottom falls out?

Personally, my alarm bells aren't just ringing; they're screaming. This smells fishier than a seafood market in a heatwave. We are being asked to believe that a single report, a collection of words and projections, can organically create billions of dollars in tangible value overnight from thin air. I'm not just skeptical; I'm calling it out as fundamentally absurd. This doesn't feel like a savvy financial discovery uncovering a hidden gem. It feels like a meticulously planned, perfectly timed hype machine being switched on. It's the 2024 version of a struggling company adding ".com" to its name in 1999 and watching its stock go supernova. So, what are we, the retail investors, really looking at here? Are we witnessing a once-in-a-generation call from a visionary analyst who just found the next Amazon in its garage phase? Or are we, more likely, watching the opening act of a massive, coordinated pump designed to build a mountain of hype, lure in FOMO-driven buyers, and then dump on them from a great height, leaving them with worthless stock and shattered dreams?