What Is Ahead? Is It More of the Same or Something Else?

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StrategyDriven Editorial Perspectives Article | What Is Ahead? Is It More of the Same or Something Else?

As executives and business leaders there is a lot on our plate.  In business there are many needs and urgent matters to attend to.  As business leaders this is a fast based Olympic like game we play. Then we add family, children, grandchildren, personal hobbies, social time, and some vacation to this mix.  We are clearly “Big People” and have “Big Lives.”  When is it time for something else? When is it time for that dream or that possibility, which has been a thought and a yearning, but has never happened?   This is the question I am putting before you.

As you may or may not know, 2023 is the year of my partial sabbatical. As a celebration of my 45 years of working, I am working less and focusing on other activities. 2023 is a blank chapter. It is like a farm field near where I live in the winter…newly covered with crystal white unmarked snow…. the trees on the other side…. dark and mysterious.

You know how life will end. It ends in dust. Yet what is in between? This unwritten future, which is what matters. This is the year for me, largely unscripted. My purpose is rediscovering love, life, and contribution. I have been working for forty-five years, raising a family, running a company. Turning seventy, that was the wake-up call.

This is the year I have been talking about.

For the most part I have my health and stamina; I can (still) walk for miles at a time. I can do a 30-minute strength class on Peloton. I have my brain.  When am I going to commit time to something beyond making money and surviving, waiting for dust? In January, I saw that I was doing 2023 like any other year. Working a lot; running the company; creating a future with it.

I needed an interruption.  I needed something to break me up. I needed a statement to myself, my company, my family, and the world that this is a different year. I looked at trips. Lapland and Finland, while different, was too cold. Hiking in Cambodia and Vietnam seemed too placid. Biking in Cambodia and Vietnam hmm…

I had not been on a bike in two years, I had not biked over ten miles in twenty-five years, I was dealing with an injury to my knee and was not sure I would be able to bike long distances. I had little connection to Cambodia or Vietnam. I did not know the language. I had never been there. For the most part, it was a mystery. My ex and daughter both expressed concern at my ability to do the trip, but for me it was all perfect. A challenge coming together.

I had forgotten how great travel is for getting out of your rut, getting uncomfortable and seeing the world from a new perspective. Bike riding in Cambodia and Vietnam fulfilled the above. There I was riding a bike among thousands of scooters coming at me from all angles and sides. The street of Hanoi redefines chaos.  Think of a school of fish and sticky rice as tools to cross a street and navigate.  Being able to discern a hello honk from an I am about to run you over honk.  I learned to bicycle in this environment.


Seeing a new, foreign country from the seat of a bike is the way to see a new, foreign country!  There were water buffalo wandering, many temples, a Vietnamese cemetery dedicated to soldiers who fought against us, and the Hanoi Hilton.

There was this hot day and after a 30-mile bike ride we were being blessed by a Buddhist Monk.  The Icy water cascaded down upon us.  This is called a water blessing and what had been blessed before us was a new car. I love being in unfamiliar territory that I cannot fathom or understand.

As you can see, there were so many new sights, sounds and experiences. I came away revitalized, refreshed, and newly engaged. I highly recommend Adventure Travel for getting out of the rut, being able to see things new and getting reenergized. Yet as I sit with CEOs and business leaders, I see many other options.

Bill wants to meaningfully engage in racial equality and with systemic racism.   Sally’s passion is mental health and ensuring that all have access to support and services.  Rick wants to coach entrepreneurs.  Joe has a start up in the pet industry – a bootie for dogs that will revolutionize pet shoes.  Miriam just wants time to do whatever.

As these executives ponder the possibilities there is always the lurking issue of Time.   When is there Time?  When is the Time?  When is the Time for that trip you want to take?  For me next, it could be Antarctica or perhaps Mongolia or going back to Cuba or the national parks in America, which I have never been to.  Time for that passion whether it’s making a difference, playing in a band or just chilling.

Recently I have been diagnosed with A-fib.  This is heart condition while not immediately threatening, it could be.  There are few symptoms and some procedures, doctor visits, crowded offices, and appointments. These are all distractions demanding attention. For the first time in my adult life my returning to health is a focus.  It has made me think that now is all we have and that the future is totally unwritten.

So, my beloved business leader and executive, when is the time? You have your success, your grandkids and all that is gratifying.  However, that is not what I am talking about.  Is there a Buddhist water blessing in your future?  Is there a Cambodian ten-year-old girl on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere waving joyfully and practicing her English by saying hello?

When is it time to have your dreams go from someday maybe I will do that to this is it and now is the time to do that.  When do you go from a someday maybe life to a this is it life?  When is booking the trip, playing the instrument, or having the conversation the thing that happens right now?  Let me know what actions you are taking that light you up, excite you and free you from resignation and just another day.  Let me know what your adventure will be.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Keep causing and creating.

About the Author
StrategyDriven Expert Contributor | Bruce HodesBruce Hodes, President and Founder of CMI, is dedicated to helping companies grow. The focus of his work is developing work teams, business leaders and executives into powerful performers. Bruce has an MBA from Northwestern University and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work.

The Rise of Stablecoins: What You Need to Know

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StrategyDriven Editorial Perspective Article | The Rise of Stablecoins: What You Need to Know

For a long time, when you asked people about cryptocurrency, all that came to their mind was Bitcoin. This notion was understandable as Bitcoin was the one who ushered in the cryptocurrency dynasty. However, many people need to be educated that the industry has grown massively and that Bitcoin is no longer the only talk of the town. 

Bitcoin has done great things in the industry, and there is no doubt about that, but numerous technological advancements are pushing other digital assets to the limelight. As a result, the digital assets space has diversified with many options like altcoins and NFTs, and one that is becoming quite popular is stablecoins. Furthermore, the growth of Stablecoins refers to the fact that traditional currencies were limited in many ways. 

Another factor responsible for this growth is that many people were looking for fresh possibilities after using Bitcoin for a long time. So, now that stablecoins are becoming more dominant in the financial sector, you need to know many things about them. Therefore, this crypto guide will discuss the rise of stablecoins, giving you everything you need about the coin. 

What are Stablecoins?

Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency that maintains a stable value relative to its holding the asset. It could be pegged to any investment, primarily traditional currencies like dollars or a commodity like gold. You can check here to learn of the different ways you can make use of stablecoins in today’s ever-changing financial space. 

These coins are known for having a stable price value, hence the name stablecoins. They aim to provide a better alternative to Bitcoin and other highly volatile currencies. One of the main aims of cryptocurrency is to provide a better option for using Bitcoin to process everyday transactions. 

Types of Stablecoins

Stablecoins are now mainly in circulation due to the high consumer demand. Four types of stablecoins are available below.

1. Fiat-Backed Stablecoins 

Fiat-backed stablecoins are cryptocurrencies with ties to traditional or fiat currencies. These coins have government-issued coins back them, like the US dollar. Furthermore, each fiat-backed stablecoin relies on particular conventional money in a one-to-one ratio. 

An example of a fiat-backed stablecoin is Tether (USDT) which is tied to the American dollar reserves. Tether is the largest and most populous stablecoin in the industry. It presently has a market cap of over 80 billion, making it the third most popular cryptocurrency by market capitalization. 

2. Commodity-Backed Stablecoins 

These cryptocurrencies are tied to physical commodities like gold, real estate, or metals to ensure stability.  However, gold is the most predominantly used commodity as it already has a significant price value. Therefore, through the help of these coins, their holders can participate in the gold market. One thing worth noting is that gold is volatile, which is probably why fiat-based stablecoins are the most popular. 

3. Cryptocurrency-Backed Stablecoins 

Cryptocurrency-backed stablecoins are digital currencies tied to one or more crypto coins as collateral to provide stability. An example of this option is the DAI stablecoin which is linked to the US dollar but backed by Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies. 

4. Algorithmic Stablecoins 

Algorithmic stablecoins are the only odd ones out of the group. They are not tied to any collateral to achieve their stability but rather obtain their price stability by using algorithms to control the flow of their coins in the crypto market. When the price of the stablecoin goes above its intended price, the algorithm issues new tokens to reduce its cost and vice versa. 

The Benefits of Using Stablecoins

Stablecoins offer many benefits that are way better than Bitcoin and Ethereum. Many of these benefits have been why stablecoins are rising seriously in the crypto market. Some of these benefits include:

Maintains a Stable Value

Their stable value makes them the perfect coin to use as a means of exchange without you worrying about their value fluctuating. So, if you are looking for a currency for everyday payments, stablecoins like Tether and Binance (USD) are best. 

Transactions are quick

Stablecoins also operate on blockchain technology because it is a cryptocurrencies. As a result, people can process transactions quickly without the involvement of any bank or government institution. 

Cross Border Transactions

 With stablecoins, it is possible to send money across borders without stress. Cross-border transactions, especially with traditional currencies, are known to take a long time because it might take a while to confirm the transaction. However, with stablecoins, these transactions are way faster. 

Know the Risks Surrounding Stablecoins

Stablecoins do not go without some risks, but it only affects you based on your intended use for the coin. For example, they can be used as a payment means or for investment. Therefore, one risky feature of stablecoin is that they need to be more suitable for trading purposes. 

The ability to make profits from crypto investments is using the fluctuation in value to your benefit. But with stablecoins, there is little margin for earnings as it does not experience frequent rise and fall in value. 

Also, with stablecoins, there is a considerable possibility that traders may subject these coins to potential drawbacks because of the collateral they relate to. For example, if the US dollar reserves experience a dip, it might affect the value of the stablecoin to which it is linked. 

Conclusion 

As the cryptocurrency market continues to improve, it would be interesting to know the state of stablecoins. Furthermore, many traders are interested in the reliability of stablecoins and if they would be sustainable as a traditional means of payment. Therefore, according to this Bitcoin education recommendation guide, there are severe high hopes for stablecoins as they are perfect alternatives to fiat currency or Bitcoin payments.

5 Reasons Why Asphalt Paving is a Sustainable Choice for Road Construction

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StrategyDriven Editorial Perspective | 5 Reasons Why Asphalt Paving is a Sustainable Choice for Road ConstructionAsphalt is a non-toxic material that does not leach chemicals into the groundwater and water bodies from which we get our drinking water. It also does not pollute the air with global warming gases (GHG), such as CO2, CH4, nitrous oxide, or waste materials, such as petroleum-based solvents or hazardous debris.

Environmentally Friendly

Asphalt paving requires less energy to produce and construct than other pavements. It uses recycled materials, emits fewer greenhouse gases, and conserves natural resources.

The asphalt binder used in a typical mix is a blend of complex hydrocarbons derived mainly from petroleum. Acquiring, transporting, and refining these hydrocarbons generates emissions of greenhouse gases and volatile organic compounds. Heating the mixture of aggregates and the asphalt binder during paving causes additional emissions.

When an asphalt road reaches the end of its life, it can be rehabilitated using a process known as rubblization. This process recycles the worn-out asphalt, reusing it to build a new road base, saving the energy and natural resources required to haul away and replace the old concrete pavement.

Durable

Asphalt is a durable choice for pavement construction because it holds up well over time. This helps to minimize the need for costly repairs or reconstruction.

Smooth roads are safer to drive on and make for a great ride. They also add to an area’s visual appeal, and a clean, paved surface shows that someone cares about a community.

Compared to concrete, asphalt uses less energy to produce. This helps to limit fossil fuel dependency and greenhouse gas emissions. It’s also easier and faster to maintain asphalt roads. For example, asphalt paving can be done at night to avoid causing traffic delays during the day. Moreover, asphalt roads are better at absorbing sound and can reduce highway noise by seven decibels. This significantly cuts down on the need for expensive and unsightly sound barriers.

Versatile

Asphalt is a versatile choice for road construction because it can be tailored to specific traffic loads and climatic conditions. For example, it can be formulated to withstand rutting in the summer and freeze/thaw cycles in the winter.

Furthermore, asphalt pavements can be laid down relatively quickly compared to concrete pavement surfaces, as it doesn’t require curing time. This helps reduce the energy required for laying down and repairing a road.

Using asphalt pavements can also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many of these gases have global warming properties, including carbon dioxide, commonly produced by humans and can affect productivity, sleep, infectious disease, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Asphalt pavements can greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by properly designing roads and maintaining them and reducing vehicle congestion.


Easy to Maintain

Asphalt is easy to maintain and will last a long time when properly maintained. It is easily repaired, allowing for a quick return to use, and it looks great with regular seal coating.

Asphalt pavements are made from a mixture of aggregate, binder, and fillers. The aggregates are processed mineral materials, including rock, sand, and gravel. The binder is a black sticky petroleum byproduct called bitumen. Fillers are used to add strength and durability.

Asphalt is more environmentally friendly than concrete because it produces less energy. This is because it is melted at a lower temperature, and because of this, the production of asphalt requires less energy. This means fewer greenhouse gases are produced. The same goes for its maintenance, as it is much easier to repair cracks and potholes in asphalt than in concrete.

Recyclable

Asphalt is a recyclable material that can be reheated and reused for road construction. It also helps reduce the quarrying, mining, and oil consumption of making new asphalt, saving energy, machinery, transportation, and labor costs. This reduces the need to use non-renewable resources, protecting natural areas and resources like aggregate and asphalt.

Installing asphalt paving takes 20% less energy than other paving materials. This is great news for our environment, as it reduces GHG emissions contributing to climate change and lowers vehicle noise pollution.

Another earth-friendly aspect of asphalt paving is its ability to absorb noise. This reduces traffic noise and noise pollution, which can disrupt sleep and productivity.

Do Australian Brokers Use Forex Robots?

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StrategyDriven StrategyDriven Editorial Perspective Article |Forex Robots|Do Australian Brokers Use Forex Robots?Yes, Australian brokers do use forex robots. These automated trading systems are designed to minimise the time and effort taken to analyse data from the global financial markets, enabling traders to make more informed decisions while trading.

The technology is becoming increasingly popular in Australia due to its ability to provide traders with a comprehensive overview of their investments and help them identify potential opportunities without investing hours in analysis. This article will explore how forex robots work, their benefits and risks for trading on the foreign exchange market.

How forex robots work

Forex robots are computer programs that use algorithms based on mathematical formulas and historical data sets to open and close positions in the foreign exchange market. They are designed to handle transactions quickly and accurately, helping traders manage their investments. The robots also use technical indicators such as moving averages, support and resistance levels or pivot points to decide when to open and close trades.

Setup

The first step to using a forex robot is to set up the program with your trading platform, link it to data feeds, input parameters such as risk tolerance, and set money management rules. Once the program is configured, it can begin autonomously operating following its instruction.

Trade execution

Once the parameters have been set, the robot will execute trades based on market conditions. The software may enter and exit positions automatically or provide trade signals that traders can follow manually or automatically according to their preferences.

Optimisation

Forex robots are constantly being improved as new algorithms are developed, and information becomes available, allowing traders to optimise their robots’ performance and better manage their investments.

Benefits of using forex robots

Investors can benefit from several advantages when trading with a forex broker using forex robots. These allow investors to save time, reduce risk and improve their overall trading performance by automating trading decisions.

Increased Speed

One of the main advantages of using a forex robot is increased speed, as it can quickly execute trades and provide trade signals without needing manual input from traders. It allows investors to take advantage of market opportunities more quickly than they would otherwise be able to do manually.

Reduced Risk

Another benefit of using a forex robot is that it can help reduce risk by executing trades in a predetermined manner. The software also enables traders to control their risk through money management rules such as stop-losses, enabling them to manage their investments more effectively.


Automation

The most significant benefit of forex robots is that they automate the trading process, which eliminates the need for traders to spend time analysing the markets, allowing them to focus on other tasks or enjoy free time while their investments are managed autonomously.

Improved accuracy

Forex robots use algorithms and mathematical formulas to analyse data from the financial markets, which can increase accuracy when making decisions. It can help minimise losses and maximise profits for investors.

Flexibility

Robots are designed with parameters that brokers can adjust according to changing market conditions or individual preferences, allowing traders to tailor their strategies and adjust their investments as needed.
Risks of using forex robots

Despite the potential benefits, there are some risks that investors should be aware of before investing in a broker with forex robots. These include potential losses due to a lack of expertise, unexpected market conditions and incorrect settings.

Losses due to lack of expertise

One risk associated with trading with a forex robot is that it can generate significant losses if there isn’t sufficient knowledge or expertise in the foreign exchange markets. It could occur if the programmer needs to consider important factors such as economic or political news. In this case, traders may need to adjust their strategies manually or seek expert advice.

Unexpected market conditions

Some robots may be unable to cope with unexpected market conditions, such as sudden news announcements or changes in volatility. It could lead to significant losses for traders who need to monitor their investments more closely.

Incorrect settings

Another risk is that the robot’s parameters may be set incorrectly and lead to a trading strategy unsuitable for the current market conditions. Traders should ensure they understand how the robot works and adjust its settings periodically to minimise potential losses.

Top Rated Investments with Precious Metals

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StrategyDriven Editorial Perspective | Top Rated Investments with Precious MetalsWhether you’re looking for the best gold ETFs or looking to invest in gold and silver, there are many different choices available. Here are a few of the top rated investments with precious metals that you can consider.

Types of Precious Metal Investing

Investing in precious metals can be a lucrative way to protect your wealth and diversify your investment portfolio. However, this asset class comes with its own set of risks and opportunities. Before deciding on a strategy, you’ll want to identify your goals, risk profile, and potential returns.

For example, investors can use physical precious metals as a hedge against currency devaluation or inflation. These assets can also be used as a store of value and a potential hedge against geopolitical risks.

There are two main ways to invest in precious metals: physical bullion and exchange traded funds. Bullion is typically bought and sold differently than ETFs. ETFs provide investors with exposure to metals, but not to the actual metal itself.

Another option is investing in numismatic coins. These unique coins are often rare and have unique characteristics. They have a higher investment power and are often sold for a small price. They are also easy to purchase and add a fun element to investing.

Investors can also invest in precious metals by purchasing shares of mining companies. These companies trade on the stock market and are leveraged to the price of the underlying metals. When the price of a precious metal increases, a mining company can become profitable.

There are also precious metals royalty companies. These companies hold a large portfolio of future streams. These companies are riskier because they are younger and have a larger share of the potential streams. However, these companies also have a high potential for upside.

For many investors, investing in gold and silver is a way to protect against inflation and stock market volatility. However, gold and silver mutual funds tend to gain popularity in uncertain economic times.

Physical Gold and Silver

Investing in physical gold and silver is a good way to add security to your investment strategy. Both can be a hedge against inflation. They can also help protect your portfolio when stocks fall.

If you want to be a wise investor, make sure to understand the various aspects of investing in these precious metals. There are many factors to consider, including the size of your investment, the cost of storage, and the required return to break even.

The first thing to know about physical gold and silver is that they can be purchased in many different ways. You can buy them as bars, coins, or through a third-party depository. You can also find a dealer online. However, you need to take a look at all of the costs associated with each option.

In the US, there is a strong demand for physical gold. Many of the major brokerage firms also buy and sell precious metals.

There are also a number of exchange-traded funds available that allow investors to get exposure to silver and gold. These ETFs charge an expense ratio, but provide investors with an easy way to access the metals without the hassle of physical storage. However, some ETFs don’t offer the same returns as physical metals.

The price of gold and silver fluctuates as a result of market conditions, economic factors, and inflation. This can be a good thing for short-term traders. However, it can also be a bad thing for long-term investors.

The best way to get exposure to the metals is to buy them through a reputable dealer. The right dealer will offer you a number of different options, such as a buy-and-store program. However, it’s important to choose a dealer that has a proven track record and that offers you great customer service.


Gold and Silver IRAs

Investing in precious metals is a smart way to diversify your retirement savings. However, a gold IRA is not for everyone. The key is to find a company that fits your needs and budget by reviewing a list of the top companies like the one here.

A gold IRA company can help you find the best gold for your needs. Many companies offer a wide variety of IRS-approved coins and bullion. If you have questions, call a representative. They will be able to explain your options to you.

Gold IRA companies should have competitive pricing. You should also check out their customer reviews and testimonials. It is important to choose a company that has a solid reputation and a good track record. It is also important to find out about the fees associated with IRA investments.

A gold IRA can provide protection against inflation and market volatility. However, it is important to keep in mind that the investment does not pay dividends. Also, withdrawals may be subject to tax penalties.

Gold IRAs are becoming popular among retirees and younger investors. Most investors roll over a portion of their retirement account to a gold IRA. Ideally, your investment should be less than 5% of your total retirement account. You should also consider a broader wealth-management strategy.

The best gold IRA companies are ones that offer responsive customer service and educational resources. In addition, you should make sure the company you choose has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. They should also have glowing client testimonials.

Gold IRA Advisors offers a variety of web conferences that will teach you about investing in gold. They also have a free investment guide that will help you get started. You can also speak with an advisor to find out what is best for you.

Precious Metal ETFs

Investing in precious metals is a great way to diversify your investment portfolio. This can help reduce your losses in the event of a market crash. These investments are also a good hedge against inflation. However, before investing in precious metals, there are a few things to keep in mind.

These investments are not guaranteed to increase in value. This is because precious metals are not backed by any entity. They also tend to be volatile. They are susceptible to investor sentiment and can swing a lot. They are also not income-producing assets.

Precious metals can be used as a currency or a store of value. They also have practical uses in technology. Many wealthy investors allocate a percentage of their investment portfolio to precious metals. These metals can be sold for profit when prices rise.

The best way to invest in precious metals is to buy a basket of precious metals ETFs. This can give you exposure to all four of the main precious metals: gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.

These ETFs provide diversification in one investment fund. The expense ratio of GraniteShares Gold Trust fund is 0.17%, making it the lowest in the industry. The fund also tracks the spot price of gold. The iShares Silver Trust provides daily exposure to silver bullion, making it convenient to invest. The fund has $12.7 billion in assets.

While the price of silver may be more volatile than gold, it retains value over time. It is also an industrial metal. As more solar panels are installed, the demand for this metal could increase.

The price of silver can be a good hedge against inflation. However, while gold can help protect you from inflation, it can also be a good hedge against currency devaluation.

Gold Mutual Funds

Investing in precious metals is a very popular investment opportunity. However, these investments have their own unique risks.

Precious metals and minerals industries can be impacted by global economic and financial developments, political events, trade imbalances, and central bank movements. These developments and events can result in price changes. Therefore, gold and silver mutual funds are not always a reliable investment option. However, these funds can diversify a portfolio and lower the risk of catastrophic losses.

The Gold Miners Fund invests at least 80% of its assets in gold mining companies. It also invests in international gold holdings. However, a portion of the assets may be allocated to a single issuer.

The Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund focuses on income generation and capital appreciation. It also invests in stocks of companies that produce gold and other precious metals.

The Fidelity Select Gold fund invests at least 25% of its assets in gold equities. It also invests in gold bullion ETFs.

Other precious metals mutual funds have stocks in platinum and silver. Platinum is a popular investment option. However, platinum and silver mutual funds are not as popular as gold funds.

These funds are a great option for investors seeking a safe investment option. Buying gold or silver can be a great addition to a portfolio, especially in a down market. However, it is important to keep in mind that past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Before making an investment, it is important to understand the risks involved. Some of these risks include currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk, and capital loss from currency fluctuations. International investing also involves risks from differences in accounting principles and political uncertainty.