That’s a really smart point to bring up. Leveraged crypto ETFs are basically built for quick, short-term trades, not for long-term holding.
After a big drop, it’s a good time to step back and assess whether you’re comfortable with those massive swings and the way the value can "decay" over time. You just want to ensure it doesn't end up interfering with your larger investment goals.
@Liam_Z I totally agree ! It makes sense to keep our feet on the ground. Stablecoins have potential for quick payments and international transactions, but they aren't widely used for everyday purchases like coffee yet. The rules and getting banks on board take way longer than all the excitement makes it seem. Instead of getting caught up in all those flashy "trillion-dollar" stories, let’s pay attention to the real stuff that’s actually working. Steady progress beats all the hype, for sure!
If you’re worried about adventure coverage, focus on the specific benefits rather than just the brand names.
My advice: Read the fine print on sports and claim timelines for both before you decide what’s best for your trip.
@Harper IMG and Seven Corners are both great choices for long trips, but they differ in some ways.
IMG offers high coverage limits and allows you to pay monthly, which is quite nice. They even have plans for adventure riders, so if you're planning to dive or go parachuting, you’re covered.
On the other hand, Seven Corners also covers adventure sports but works with fixed payouts. Just make sure those payouts will cover what you need for any services you might use.
When it comes to claims, reviews for both companies are a bit of a mixed bag. So, definitely take a moment to read the fine print, especially regarding the sports you're into, before making a decision.
Refund timing can depend on both Walmart and your bank, but here’s what generally happens in the U.S.:
@Jack To shop online without a bank account, use a trustworthy reloadable card. Bluebird by American Express is a great choice because it’s budget-friendly and avoids most of those annoying hidden fees. You can effortlessly load cash and use it wherever American Express is accepted. Always read the fine print on prepaid options to avoid surprises with monthly fees.
@William You’re definitely on the right track with your thinking here. I wouldn't rush to close that Capital One Platinum card just yet; doing so can actually hurt your credit history and increase your utilization, which might lower your score. It’s better to keep it open, use it for the occasional small purchase, and pay it off. That way, you keep your credit profile strong while you wait to snag a rewards card with better perks later on.
@Samuel Look, it’s not that the Avalanche Card is totally broken, but a lot of people have been running into some pretty annoying glitches lately. I’ve seen reports of app freezing, delayed refunds, and support being a bit hit-or-miss. Some of that might just be normal processing lag, but the technical bugs are definitely frustrating. Don't give up just yet; check their official support channels to confirm if your transaction timelines align with their terms.
@Isabella said in Can I grow my business without a formal marketing plan?:
Since my main strengths are super-fast delivery and my own hands-on service, I’m concerned about how this can actually scale. If the business relies this much on me personally, what happens if demand explodes or I need to step away? Can I even grow it without a formal marketing plan or a defined product?
You’re definitely onto something by thinking about scaling now. If you don’t, you might end up slowing down your own business.
First off, try writing down how you do things so that someone else can follow your "secret sauce." Once you've got that laid out, consider bringing on a small team to help with the workload while you keep the quality in check.
And don’t worry about needing a big budget — just start testing a few local marketing ideas to see what works. Keeping your services simple will make it way easier to grow and a lot less stressful too.
@SophiaK said in How to avoid big tax bills when forming a Delaware C-Corp?:
I've heard that messing up a Delaware C-Corp can lead to huge tax bills, but I also know investors hate LLCs. Since I’m new to startups, wouldn't it make sense to just use Stripe Atlas or Clerky instead of trying to DIY the legal stuff and risking a disaster?
If you're starting your own business, I recommend using Stripe Atlas or Clerky instead of navigating everything on your own. They simplify the setup of your Delaware C-Corp and compliance issues from the beginning.
Investors typically favor a C-Corp for stock options and funding, so hiring professionals demonstrates your commitment. Doing it yourself may save money at first, but a minor mistake with taxes could result in serious and costly problems later on.
@AvaB I’m so sorry you're dealing with this — that sounds incredibly frustrating. The good news is that you actually have some solid rights here. In the U.S., insurance companies aren't allowed to just surprise you with rate hikes; they’re legally required to disclose premium changes and cancellation terms in writing before they happen.
If I were in your shoes, I’d start by demanding a clear written explanation from The General and digging through your policy’s disclosure fine print. If they aren't playing ball or are billing you for a canceled policy, don't hesitate to file a complaint with your state’s Department of Insurance. It’s also a good idea to dispute those charges now so they don't end up affecting your credit.
Hey, @Emma don’t stress about that Zillow number! It’s just an automated look at the market, not a real appraisal, and it's totally normal for prices to dip a bit in the U.S. sometimes. A random drop here and there isn't the end of the world; it's usually just a little blip in the market. Instead of obsessing over the daily price, try to keep your focus on the real value of your home and your long-term equity. When it comes to real estate, a bit of patience and perspective usually wins out over relying on just one online estimate.
@O_livia3 I’d definitely give this a shot first. Before you look into high-interest loans or anything too drastic, try talking directly to U.S. Bank or the folks at Zwicker. You’d be surprised how many people actually manage to negotiate a way out.
You could ask them for a hardship plan that fits your current income or even offer a lump-sum settlement that’s lower than what you actually owe. Look into getting temporary relief to avoid escalation to garnishment.
Be honest about your situation, have your income documents ready, and remain polite yet assertive. It’s not a guaranteed fix, but it’s definitely worth a try before you commit to more expensive options.
@Noah Thinking about international fixed deposits is a smart move, but you should definitely consider some trade-offs:
First off, there's currency risk. Even if foreign interest rates look tempting, a stronger dollar can actually diminish your returns when you exchange your money back.
Then there's the issue of regulations and safety. U.S. Treasuries and domestic bank CDs have the backing of the U.S. government and the FDIC, making them pretty secure. On the flip side, foreign deposits might not have the same level of protection.
Also, consider access and liquidity. Retrieving your money quickly from overseas can take longer and might incur extra costs.
If you value simplicity and government support, choosing domestic options may provide you with peace of mind in the long run. International deposits can increase your returns, but only if you’re okay with the extra complexity involved.
@Liam Since you’re only 22 and have plenty of time on your side, keeping things simple is honestly the best move. A really solid "set-it-and-forget-it" mix could look like this:
These are all low-cost and super easy to manage. At your age, the goal is to let long-term compounding work its magic without getting distracted by all the daily market noise.
hey @Ethan that’s a great question, and honestly, a lot of people in the U.S. get hung up on the same thing. It helps to think of it like this: Ethereum is decentralized in how it operates — no single person runs the network — but its price is still at the mercy of global markets.
In the U.S., big institutional players and ETFs drive most of the trading. So when the Fed moves interest rates or the economy feels shaky, people’s "risk appetite" changes, and ETH's price moves right along with everything else. Decentralization keeps the technology running fairly, but it doesn't control how humans value it on an exchange.
@Jackson Treasuries are a handy tool, but how you use them really depends on what you’re after. Choosing the right Treasury strategy comes down to matching your investments to your goals. Here is a breakdown of how to think about it:
For Short-Term Needs: If you just need a safe place to stash extra cash, T-bills are an excellent choice. They are highly liquid (easy to sell) and currently offer solid returns with low risk.
For Long-Term Stability: If you’re building a lasting portfolio, longer-dated bonds serve as a great "anchor." They provide much-needed stability to balance things out when the stock market becomes volatile.
Focus on Your Timeline: Since you’re just getting started, don’t worry about trying to "time" or predict the market. Instead, keep it simple and choose the bond that aligns with when you actually need the money back.
For context, as of today, December 23, 2025, the 3-month T-bill is yielding about 3.60%, while the 10-year Treasury is yielding around 4.15%.
@Mason said in 1040-NR Delays with IRS:
I filed a 1040-NR using a temporary SSN and have been waiting for a long time. At this point, is calling the IRS repeatedly actually helping? Should I try contacting a Taxpayer Advocate or re-file electronically? Has anyone else in this exact situation found a real solution to this long delay?
Long delays with 1040-NR filings and temporary SSNs are a huge headache in the U.S. Calling the IRS usually doesn't help once things hit manual review, but reaching out to the Taxpayer Advocate Service can be a lifesaver if the wait is hurting you financially.
And hey, don’t re-file electronically unless they tell you to; it just complicates things. Just stay organized with your records and keep an eye on your transcripts for any updates.
@David said in Is my new U.S. Bank login linked to an old account?:
I keep getting an error when setting up my new U.S. Bank login. Does this mean the system is still linked to my old, locked account details? Did anyone else encounter this issue, and did customer support actually resolve it, or did they just keep transferring you around?
It sounds like U.S. Bank’s system is still flagging your information from that old, locked account, which is likely why it won’t let you set up a new login. To fix this, try clearing your browser cache or switching devices. Also, make sure you're entering your details exactly as they appear on your new paperwork. Since standard support representatives often get stuck in a loop, politely ask for a tech specialist to clear your old profile for a proper fix.
@Sam In the U.S., cash back from debit transactions is usually included in the total charge, which is very frustrating. The fastest way to clear it up is to check your bank app for a "merchant note" or digital receipt. If that doesn't work, a quick chat with your bank's support can confirm the breakdown instantly. You could also swing by the store and ask them to reprint your receipt.
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Capital One — these major U.S. banks don't have a specific "Digital Receipt" button for every debit purchase, but they do have tools to help you find that missing cash back information.
If the app can't provide an answer, a quick chat with your bank's customer support can usually clarify things right away. You can always visit the store for a reprint of your original receipt, which will show the cash back as a separate transaction.