Barry Sternlicht’s Starwood Capital Group is nearing an agreement to sell a portfolio of single-family rental homes to Invitation Homes Inc.
The transaction would include roughly 2,000 homes and value the properties at about $400,000 each, one source told Bloomberg, which first reported the story. The deal hasn’t been finalized and may not go through.
If it does however, it would generate funds for Starwood Real Estate Income Trust, which is facing redemptions, Bloomberg reported. The REIT said in a March filing that it recognized a nearly $80 million impairment charge on various single-family rental properties “due to an increased probability of a near-term disposition.”
For Invitation Homes, the deal further illustrates the return of Wall Street firms to the SFR market, as highlighted by HousingWire in June. The publicly traded company had more than $1.3 billion in unrestricted cash and undrawn credit facilities at the end of March, which could be enough to complete a deal without seeking new debt or equity, Bloomberg reported.
In early June, Pretium Partners agreed to buy 4,000 D.R. Horton rental homes in a $1.5 billion deal.
[Note from editor: The “Mastermind Showcase” highlights companies and news from members of the GEM. Today’s showcase: RentZap.]
A lister of rental homes in the Phoenix area, RentZap enables home seekers to view professionally verified homes with on-demand showings available 7:30am to 6:30pm, any day of the week, accessed by answering a few questions and sending a photo ID.
RentZap works with home owners and property managers to market and lease homes quicker and more conveniently than traditional channels, alleviating most property manager’s biggest barriers to free hours to take on more listings.
What we like: Verifying rental listings is an effective strategy for increased certainty in the real estate ecosystem.
Robert Lawrence woke up on May 8 and found an eviction notice plastered on the door of the rent-stabilized apartment he has lived in since 2021.
“120 DAY NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF TENANCY,” it said.
Owners of the Barrington Plaza said it would evict all residents in the 712-unit complex in West Los Angeles so that it could add fire sprinklers and safety upgrades following two significant fires in 10 years.
Lawrence and many of his neighbors in the complex jumped into organizing to stop what would be one of the largest evictions in the city in years.
On Monday, the Barrington Plaza Tenants Assn. sued the complex’s owner, Douglas Emmett Inc., accusing the company of misusing a California law that allows landlords to evict tenants if they exit the rental market. Lawyers and advocates involved in the case warn that if the owners follow through with the eviction of over 500 tenants, landlords of other affordable apartments may do the same — and have in the past.
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“It’s a devastating joke for a lot of people who have managed to strike gold with being able to get an affordable home in Los Angeles,” said Nima Farahani, a lawyer representing the Barrington Plaza Tenants Assn.
The Ellis Act was created in 1985 to enable landlords to exit the rental business, often to convert apartments into condominiums. Landlords in Los Angeles have evicted tenants using the Ellis Act from over 28,000 units since 2001, according to data gathered from the city Housing Department by the Coalition for Economic Survival, a grassroots policy organization involved in the lawsuit.
Advocates have routinely accused landlords of abusing the act to transform older buildings — including rent-controlled units — into luxury apartments.
“They don’t need to make this many people homeless for an updating project,” Farahani said, noting the building has over 150 vacant units.
Eric Rose, a public relations representative for Douglas Emmett, said Barrington Plaza’s owner is unsure how it will use the apartments after renovations.
“To the extent that the units were brought back onto the rental market, the owner would follow all obligations relative to former tenants as provided in those state and local rules,” Rose said in an email to the L.A. Times.
Landlords must compensate tenants if they rent out an apartment after two years of evicting residents with the Ellis Act, but their liability decreases with time.
Lawrence works in entertainment and described his fellow residents — including hairdressers, dog walkers, waiters and an Uber driver — as people who “work in service industries for our more affluent neighbors.”
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Advocates like Larry Gross, executive director of the Coalition for Economic Survival, say that Douglas Emmett will likely reopen the units after renovation and jack up rents. Gross said this will open the “floodgates” for other landlords to follow suit.
“If we do not prevail, this literally puts a bull’s-eye on the back of every rent-controlled tenant in the city and state, who now will be vulnerable to landlords like this filing bogus Ellis evictions to get them out to raise rent,” Gross said.
Gross notes that Douglas Emmett donated $50,000 to fight Measure ULA, the so-called mansion tax, which voters ultimately passed and generates funding for affordable housing and homeless prevention.
In the coming weeks, Farahani said that lawyers plan to ask the court to stop all evictions until the lawsuit is resolved.
On the day of the eviction announcement, tenants found what Lawrence called the “iconic” Barrington Plaza sign painted over in black.
The real estate industry is constantly changing. And now, as the market shifts again, it’s important for you to take a hard look at how you’re managing your real estate business. On today’s podcast with Katherine Polsinelli, we talk business management, mindset, and adapting to the changing market. Kat also shares tips on making successful hires and strategically partnering with lenders to ensure that your clients make it to the closing table.
Listen to today’s show and learn:
Katherine Polsinelli’s start in real estate [2:07]
What the real estate industry lacks when it comes to training new agents [3:24]
Working solo versus working on a real estate team [5:39]
Advise on getting your real estate business organized [11:07]
How to find a quality VA or ISA [12:44]
Tips on finding a quality hire on Upwork or Fiverr [14:57]
How to help your VA succeed [15:20]
Advice on making engaging social-media posts [18:23]
Handling difficult clients [20:11]
How the market has changed since early 2022 [26:38]
Partnering with the right lenders [27:33]
Days on market starting to rise at the higher price points [34:17]
Appraisals still coming in higher than purchase prices [37:48]
Why it can be challenging to get a short-term rental in certain markets [42:10]
How mindset affects your business [47:45]
Stephanie and Kat’s predictions on the real estate industry [53:24]
Accepting change in an ever-changing industry [55:44]
Where to find and follow Katherine Polsinelli [57:43]
Katherine Polsinelli
Katherine helps realtors and business owners take apart the complications and simplify their business into an easier, more efficient strategy so that they can have more structure in the business and more time with their family. Her focus as a consult is not just on how to improve your business but how You would improve your business. Katherine’s take an individualized approach with each of her clients to make sure they are creating systems and strategies that you can personally continue to use and build upon long after.
Related Links and Resources:
Thank You Rockstars!
It might go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway: We really value listeners like you. We’re constantly working to improve the show, so why not leave us a review? If you love the content and can’t stand the thought of missing the nuggets our Rockstar guests share every week, please subscribe; it’ll get you instant access to our latest episodes and is the best way to support your favorite real estate podcast. Have questions? Suggestions? Want to say hi? Shoot me a message via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Email. -Aaron Amuchastegui
The Medieval period was a time characterized by rampant violence, widespread diseases, and limited technological advancements. Despite the various challenges of the era, people had to eke out a living and, as a result, often had to take on jobs that were perilous and repugnant. Many workers faced physical harm or even death. We’re exploring some of the most dreadful jobs that people had to endure during the Dark Ages.
1. Executioner
During the Dark Ages, one of the most dangerous and dreaded jobs was that of the executioner. The executioner was responsible for carrying out sentences of capital punishment, which often included beheadings, hangings, and burnings at the stake. The job was unpopular and considered taboo in society, resulting in executioners being ostracized and shunned. However, despite the risks and stigma, executioners helped to maintain law and order during this period of history.
2. Tanners
During the Dark Ages, tanners had the hazardous and unpleasant job of transforming animal hides into leather goods. They used toxic chemicals, such as lime, urine, ammonia, and formaldehyde, to remove hair and flesh from the skin and to tan the hides. Exposure to these chemicals led to chronic health issues, including respiratory problems and skin diseases. The pungent smell of tanneries made Tanner social outcasts, and they were shunned by others. Despite the risks and social stigma, tanners were in high demand as their products were essential to the economy.
3. Plague Burier
The Plague Burier was a dangerous and gruesome job during outbreaks of the bubonic plague. Workers were hired to collect and bury the dead, exposing themselves to the highly contagious disease. The job was also emotionally taxing, as they had to handle the bodies of friends and family members, often without protective gear or proper burial equipment. Despite the risks, the job was essential in preventing the spread of the disease and ensuring the health of the community.
4. Rat Catchers
During the Dark Ages, rat catching was a crucial profession that involved trapping and killing rats, which were considered significant problems and disease carriers. Rat catchers would use a variety of methods such as traps, trained animals like dogs and ferrets, and poison to catch rats, mainly in urban areas where there was a higher concentration of people and waste. Despite its importance, rat catching was often viewed negatively and stigmatized as a dirty job associated with the lower classes. Nonetheless, rat catchers played an essential role in controlling the rat population and preventing the spread of diseases.
5. Gong Farmer
The gong farmer was a profession during the Dark Ages that involved the cleaning and maintenance of privies and cesspits. The workers used shovels and buckets to remove waste and disposed of it outside the town or city. Although vital to public health, the job was stigmatized, and gong farmers were considered lower class and shunned by society. They often had to work at night to avoid being seen. Despite these challenges, gong farmers played an important role in promoting sanitation during the Dark Ages.
6. Leech Collector
Leech collectors were individuals responsible for gathering medicinal leeches from freshwater environments such as rivers and ponds. They would collect the leeches using their bare hands or special tools and then sell them to medical professionals for use in bloodletting procedures. The profession was physically demanding and potentially dangerous due to the risk of diseases and poisonous leeches. Although bloodletting was not always effective and could harm patients, leech collecting remained a common profession until modern medicine made it largely obsolete.
7. Sin Eater
During the Dark Ages, sin eaters were hired to eat food placed on the chest of a deceased person as a ritual to absolve the sins of the departed. The belief was that the sins of the deceased would be transferred to the sin eater, allowing the person to go to heaven without carrying their sins. Sin eaters were often outcasts from their communities and were paid a small fee or given food and drink for their services. Although the practice was not officially recognized by the Church, it was widely accepted among common people, particularly in rural areas. The tradition continued into the 19th century but eventually declined as Christianity became more widespread.
8. Groom of the Stool
The Groom of the Stool was a personal attendant to the English monarchs. The primary responsibility of the groom was to assist the king with his personal hygiene, specifically with the elimination of waste. This job was highly coveted, as it gave the Groom access to the king’s inner circle and could lead to positions of power and influence. However, the job was also considered unpleasant and degrading by many, and the role gradually lost its significance as the practice of private elimination became more common.
9. Fuller
Fullers were individuals in the Dark Ages who were responsible for processing raw wool and turning it into a finished textile. They used various techniques such as soaking, pounding, and stretching to clean and thicken the wool. The job was physically demanding and required long hours of labor, often with low pay. Fullers were also exposed to a variety of chemicals and harsh substances, such as urine and soap, that were used to treat the wool. This exposure led to a variety of health issues, including skin diseases and respiratory problems. Despite the dangers and difficult working conditions, fullers played an important role in the textile industry and were highly valued for their skills.
10. Lime Burner
The lime burner was a profession in the Dark Ages that involved producing quicklime by heating limestone in a kiln. This process produced a highly caustic substance that was used in various industries, such as construction and agriculture. However, the job was extremely dangerous due to the exposure to toxic fumes and the risk of explosions from the kiln. The lime burners were also looked down upon by society and were often associated with criminals and outcasts. Despite the hazards and stigma, lime burners played an important role in the economy of the medieval period.
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In our current state of “cancel culture,” many celebrities have gone under the axe for past behaviors returning to bite them. But what famous person essentially canceled themselves because they couldn’t stop being stupid? After a poll on the internet, these are the top-voted celebs.
1. Kanye “Ye” West
Someone noted that Kanye West went off the deep end so quickly it’s staggering. “It was like ruining his legacy was his full-time job.” Several Swifties confessed to hating Kanye since the infamous 2009 VMA scene, when he got on stage, took the mic from Taylor Swift, and announced it should have been Beyoncé.
However, the majority were primarily against his anti-Semitic rhetoric and statement about “liking” Hitler on Alex Jone’s show InfoWars in December of 2022.
2. Ezra Miller
There are conflicting beliefs about Ezra Miller. While many acknowledge that they canceled themself with the allegations of grooming a minor, their violent outbursts, and arrests, others defended him.
“Their friend took their own life, and they spiraled into a severe depression. I wouldn’t call that stupidity.” “How are they canceled? Warner Brothers are going ahead with The Flash movie.”
3. Azealia Banks
Azealia Banks was on the path to becoming the next big female rap name in the early 2010s after her ‘212′ song exploded onto the scene. Her EP received widespread acclaim and universal praise for her style and lyricism.
However, one user claimed, “But the woman is a literal sociopath, and Rihanna was ready to take her under her wing. She completely sabotaged that relationship so fast. Azealia Banks is a maniac.”
4. Anthony Weiner
Anthony Weiner lost his job in Congress because he sent pictures of his junk while married to a minor. Then, while on his campaign trail for New York City Mayor, he does it again and gets caught again because he’s a moron. One person joked, “Seriously, if my name was Weiner, I think I’d be hyper-conscious of the implications.”
5. Antonio Brown
Antonio Brown would be known as one of the greatest receivers in NFL history. However, he couldn’t stop burning bridges and doing dumb things. Someone noted, “Now all he’s thought of is the biggest running joke in NFL history.”
6. Andy Dick
Several people stated that Andy Dick lived up to his last name. He’s been in a lot of trouble for substance abuse. Rumor is that he gave narcotics to Phil Hartman’s wife, Brynn Hartman, after years of sobriety. Some alleged it may have pushed toward the tragedy in 1998 when she took bother her’s and Phil Hartman’s lives.
Additionally, Andy was sentenced to 90 days in jail after being convicted of sexual battery for groping an Uber driver and ordered to register as a sex offender. However, in January 2023, he still had not registered and was arrested for public intoxication.
7. Jussie Smollett
Jussie Smollett planned a hate crime with two Nigerian extras on the set of the show Empire. One user informed people that he filed a fake police report about two White Trump lovers.
He claimed that these men shouted racial and homophobic slurs, elaborating that one poured bleach on him while the other placed a noose around his neck.
“He also told police the men shouted “MAGA country” during the attack, a reference to the Trumpist political slogan “Make America Great Again.”
8. Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen is a notorious bad boy in Hollywood. He has been on a roller coaster of drug and alcohol abuse. Additionally, he had marital issues with Denise Richards and reports of domestic violence. Sheen also made derogatory remarks about Chuck Lorre, resulting in his termination from Lorre’s show, Two and a Half Men.
Charlie Sheen also announced in 2015 that he is HIV positive, resulting in an “increase of online search queries for HIV prevention and testing, later dubbed the Charlie Sheen effect.”
9. Chevy Chase
One user noted that Chevy Chase put some real effort behind his demise. That guy has put decades of work into canceling himself. Another noted he was an original cast of Saturday Night Live.
However, he alienated people during those days and returned as a guest host multiple times. “The last time he was so toxic, he was banned from appearing again.”
10. Roseanne Barr
We all remember when Roseanne Barr decided to Tweet some racism in 2018, following the release of her show’s reboot, The Connors. So she attempted to blame her words on the Ambien sleeping pills she took. Ambien said, “Racism is not a known side effect.” Ultimately, she was fired from the show that successfully went on without her.
Source: Reddit.
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Afro-pop music has been growing in popularity worldwide over the past few years, and Nigeria has been a hub for some of the genre’s most talented artists. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best Afro-pop musicians from Nigeria. From Burna Boy’s socially conscious lyrics to Yemi Alade’s activism and advocacy work, these artists have contributed to the rise and success of Afro-pop music in Nigeria and beyond.
1. Burna Boy
Burna Boy is a Nigerian Afro-pop singer, songwriter, and musician who rose to fame in 2012 with his debut album “L.I.F.E.” His music often addresses political and social issues, and he is known for his powerful vocals, socially conscious lyrics, and unique sound. Burna Boy has received several accolades for his music, including a Grammy nomination, and he is also involved in philanthropic activities through his organization “Reach.” He has collaborated with many international artists and is one of the most successful Afro-pop musicians of his generation.
2. Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade is a dynamic Nigerian singer/songwriter who took the music world by storm. Alade’s fame came in 2014 with her chart-topping single “Johnny,” which catapulted her to stardom and earned numerous accolades. Yemi Alade’s music is a mix of Afro-pop, R&B, and highlife with lyrics addressing love, relationships, and the meaning of life. Her hit albums include “King of Queens” (2014), “Mama Africa” (2016), and “Woman of Steel” (2019). But Yemi Alade is also an actress, with appearances in several Nigerian films and shows. Alade is a philanthropist too, and advocates for gender equality, working with organizations that support women and girls in Nigeria and across the globe. Alade has received countless awards and nominations for her music, including the Best Female West Africa at the 2015 African Muzik Magazine Awards and the Best International Act at the 2016 BET Awards. In 2020, Yemi Alade was honored with the ELOY Awards for Female Artist of the Year and the African Entertainment Legend Awards for Female Artist of the Year. Yemi Alade is an exceptional artist and activist who is using her talent to promote African culture and female empowerment.
3. Rema
Rema, whose birth name is Divine Ikubor, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter hailing from Benin City. He developed a passion for music at a young age and began creating music in his teenage years. In 2019, Rema became a sensation with the release of his self-titled debut EP, which featured chart-topping hits like “Dumebi,” “Iron Man,” and “Corny.” His distinctive blend of Afrobeat, trap, and pop propelled him to stardom in Nigeria and beyond. Since then, Rema has released several successful projects, including “Bad Commando EP” (2019), and the “Rema Compilation” (2021). He has also collaborated with numerous international artists, such as Becky G, Manny Norté, and Skepta. Rema’s music frequently addresses themes of love, youth, and success. He is recognized for his catchy melodies, smooth delivery, and versatile style. His seamless blending of various genres and distinctive approach to music have earned him praise. Rema is also engaged in various charitable efforts. He has leveraged his platform to advocate for better education and healthcare in Nigeria.
4. Simi
Simisola Kosoko, professionally known as Simi, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress, and she began her career as a gospel singer before transitioning to mainstream music and gaining fame with her hit single “Tiff” in 2014. Simi’s music combines afrobeats, pop, and R&B, with lyrics touching on themes of love, relationships, and societal issues. Apart from her music career, she is also an accomplished actress, having appeared in various Nigerian movies and TV shows. Simi has won numerous awards for her music, including Best Female Vocal Performance at the 2018 Headies Awards and Album of the Year at the 2019 Headies Awards, and has been actively involved in philanthropic activities supporting education and healthcare in Nigeria.
5. Fireboy
Fireboy, a Nigerian singer and songwriter, was born Adedamola Adefolahan in Abeokuta, Ogun State. After studying English language at Obafemi Awolowo University, he signed with YBNL Nation in 2018, founded by rapper Olamide. Fireboy’s music blends Afrobeat, R&B, and soul, exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. He gained recognition with his debut album “Laughter, Tears, and Goosebumps” in 2019, featuring hit songs like “Jealous” and “What If I Say.” Fireboy has won awards for his music and supports philanthropic causes like education and healthcare, making him one of Nigeria’s best artists.
6. Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. Tiwa began her music career as a backup vocalist for international artists such as George Michael and Mary J. Blige, before moving to Nigeria to pursue her own music career. She gained mainstream success in 2010 with her debut single “Kele Kele Love” and has become an influential female artist in Nigeria. Tiwa’s music is a blend of afrobeats, R&B, and pop, with lyrics that explore themes of love, relationships, and female empowerment. She has released a lot of successful work, including “Once Upon a Time” (2013) and “Sugarcane” (2017). Tiwa has won several awards and nominations for her music, including the Best African Act at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards. She has also been recognized for her involvement in the #EndSARS protests against police brutality in Nigeria in 2020.
7. Davido
Davido, born David Adedeji Adeleke, is a renowned Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, but grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. He comes from a wealthy family: his father was a successful businessman. Davido began his music career in 2011 and gained fame with his debut single “Back When” in 2012. He is known for his blend of afrobeats, hip-hop, and pop, with lyrics celebrating success and wealth. Some of his popular songs include “Dami Duro,” “Fall,” “Assurance,” and “Fem.” He has won numerous music awards, including the Best International Act at the 2018 BET Awards and the Artist of the Year at the 2018 Headies Awards. He has also collaborated with local and international artists such as Chris Brown, Meek Mill, and Nicki Minaj. Apart from music, Davido founded Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) record label, which helped launch the careers of many Nigerian artists. He also supports charitable causes such as education, healthcare, and youth empowerment.
8. Wizkid
Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He started his music career in 2001 and gained recognition in 2010 with the release of his debut album “Superstar.” Wizkid’s music is a blend of afrobeats, reggae, and hip-hop, and he is known for his unique voice, catchy hooks, and infectious beats. He has collaborated with several artists, including Drake, Beyonce, and Skepta, and has won numerous awards for his music, including the Best International Act at the 2017 MOBO Awards and the Best African Act at the 2016 MTV Europe Music Awards. Wizkid is also involved in philanthropic activities and has used his platform to support causes like education and healthcare.
9. Tems
Tems is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer known for her alternative R&B, soul, and afrobeats sound. She gained recognition with her debut single “Mr. Rebel” in 2018 and has since released successful projects like “For Broken Ears” and “If Orange Was A Place.” Tems has collaborated with several local and international artists and has won awards for her music. Tems’ music is also characterized by her powerful voice and soulful delivery, which have earned her comparisons to iconic singers like Nina Simone and Lauryn Hill. Her distinctive sound and artistic vision help her standout in Nigeria’s vibrant music scene, and she is poised for success in the years to come. She is also involved in philanthropic activities and advocates for social justice and human rights.
10. Falz
Falz, born Folarin Falana, is a multi-talented Nigerian artist who has made an impact on the music and entertainment industries, and the legal profession. His music blends afrobeats and highlife, and has been praised for lyrics that address corruption, inequality, and police brutality. Falz is also an accomplished actor, starring in several Nigerian movies and television shows, and a qualified lawyer, with a law degree from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom and a barrister and solicitor of the Nigerian Bar Association. Falz’s impact on Nigerian society extends beyond his artistic and legal achievements. He has been recognized for his involvement in the #EndSARS protests against police brutality in Nigeria in 2020. He has also been vocal about issues such as women’s rights and better governance in Nigeria. Falz has won numerous awards for his music and acting, including Best Supporting Actor at the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and Best Rap Album at the 2016 City People Entertainment Awards. He has also been named one of the most influential young Africans by Forbes Africa and included in the annual “30 Under 30” list by Forbes Magazine.
11. Kizz Daniel
Kizz Daniel is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer, whose real name is Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe. He gained mainstream success in 2014 with his hit single “Woju.” Daniel’s music is a blend of afrobeats, highlife, and contemporary R&B, with lyrics that focus on love and relationships. He has released several successful albums, including “New Era” (2016) and “No Bad Songz” (2018), and has collaborated with several local and international artists. Kizz Daniel has won numerous awards for his music and is considered one of the most popular and successful musicians in Nigeria today.
12. Patoranking
Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, also known as Patoranking, is a Nigerian reggae-dancehall singer and songwriter. Born on May 27, 1990, in Lagos, he started his music career in 2009 but achieved mainstream success in 2013 with the hit single “Alubarika” featuring Timaya. His music addresses themes of love, social justice, and personal struggles and has won him numerous awards, including the Best African Act at the 2015 MTV Europe Music Awards. Patoranking is also known for his philanthropic work, including the Patoranking Scholarship Programme, which supports underprivileged children’s education in Nigeria.
In conclusion, Afro-pop music is a genre that continues to grow and evolve, with countless talented artists contributing to its rich and diverse soundscape. From the socially conscious lyrics of Burna Boy to the infectious rhythms of Yemi Alade, these 12 musicians have made an indelible mark on the Afro-pop world. There’s no doubt these artists will continue to captivate audiences with their music, activism, commitment to promoting African culture.
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It’s difficult to visit any news site without seeing some mention of cryptocurrency. Most people sit there and simply think, nope, crypto’s way too much risk for me. And they’d be right. Crypto is an incredibly volatile asset, but, there’s a “safer” way to invest in it.
An investment in blockchain ETFs (blockchain is the technology cryptocurrencies run through) is a great way to diversify your portfolio. It’s also an excellent way to participate in the growth of this emerging technology while limiting your exposure to the potential risk that comes with cryptocurrencies and other ICOs.
In this article, I will discuss how investing in blockchain ETFs works, as well as the best ways for you to invest today.
What’s Ahead:
A step-by-step guide on how to invest in blockchain ETFs
If you decide to purchase a blockchain ETF, it’s a good idea to make sure you are buying one with an established track record of returns. Below, I’ve outlined a basic, step-by-step guide to investing in blockchain ETFs.
1. Open a brokerage account
To invest in a blockchain ETF, the first thing you need to do is open a brokerage account. If you already have one, that’s great. Otherwise, head on over to your preferred broker and open an account with them. Just make sure that you take note of any fees that the account charges.
You’ll also want to ensure they sell the specific blockchain ETF you’re looking to invest in. It’s important to remember that every brokerage account is different. Some may offer special promotions or have discounts on certain fees for new customers. You’ll want to consider this when choosing your broker.
2. Determine the amount you want to invest
Once you’ve opened a brokerage account, you should determine how much you’re willing to invest. Remember that a blockchain ETF is typically priced based on the total value of assets it holds. This means that if a share is worth $100 and an ETF has 100 shares, then each individual share would be worth $1.
It pays to do some research into what type of blockchain ETFs other investors are investing in and how much they’ve invested – this will give you a sense of where a good starting point is.
Public, for instance, allows you to track and follow other people’s investments. So, you can follow someone who knows the blockchain space and replicate their investments if you wanted.
Whatever you decide, make sure you don’t invest more than you can afford to lose. While blockchain ETFs may be “safer” than buying something like cryptocurrency directly, there’s still the potential for risk.
3. Find the ticker symbol of the blockchain ETF you want to buy
Okay, now you’ve figured out where you’re going to invest and how much you’re going to invest. So it’s time to search for the specific blockchain ETF you want to buy.
The first step is to find the ticker symbol of the blockchain ETF you’re looking for. This will be a short three- or four-letter abbreviation representing the fund and its corresponding company – it’s typically listed in small print at the top left corner of your screen. It looks like this: BLOK, for the Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF, if that’s one you’re interested in.
A quick Google search for “blockchain ETFs” should give you a list of some out there – so do your due diligence, and find one that looks the most appealing to you.
Once you’ve found it on your screen in front of you, look for a small box that says “symbol” or “ticker symbol.” It should be right under the fund’s name. Copy this string of letters into your browser by highlighting them with the cursor as selected, then paste it into your brokerage’s search bar.
4. Place an order for that ETF
Once you’ve located the blockchain ETF you want to invest in, it’s time to place an order. You have a few different options for order types when buying a blockchain ETF:
Market order – Market order is an order to buy or sell a security at the current best price available in the market.
Limit order – A limit order is an instruction to buy or sell a security at the specified price below or above the current market price.
Stop limit order – When you place stop and limit orders together, they work as one large trade with two parts: first, if the price reaches your set “stop” point, it will execute your “limit” instructions.
Do whatever makes the most sense for you and your investment goals, but don’t worry about the differences too much. The key here is to get invested in a blockchain ETF.
5. Set up automatic contributions and investments (if you can)
By now, you’ve hopefully invested in a blockchain ETF. But you’ll want to keep the momentum going. To do that, set up an automatic investment plan.
You can automate your investments so that when you set a new goal, say buying a house or saving for retirement, every week or month, the predetermined amount gets invested in blockchain ETFs on your behalf- and you never have to worry about it again.
This is also one of those things where doing something simple now could save you from some major hassles later. Because, before long, blockchain will be everywhere.
What is a blockchain ETF?
A blockchain ETF is a security that tracks the performance of blockchain-based assets. ETFs are composed of individual securities, such as stocks, bonds, or commodities.
An investment in a blockchain ETF is an indirect way to invest in the technology’s underlying infrastructure and protocols which currently power cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, but will soon be used for much more than just finance.
Right now, you can’t purchase a Bitcoin or cryptocurrency ETF in the U.S., so if you want to invest in blockchain ETFs, they’re best suited as a long-term investment.
The investments are decentralized and transparent, making them immune not just to manipulation but also to fraud. As a result, blockchain technology provides some of the greatest opportunities for investors who don’t have much time to delve into individual companies or venture capitalist firms with different levels of risk.
Two of the most popular blockchain ETFs are the Reality Shares Nasdaq NexGen Economy ETF (BLCN) and the Innovation Shares NextGen Protocol ETF (KOIN). Both of these ETFs track stocks that are involved in the implementation of blockchain technology.
The Reality Shares Nasdaq NexGen Economy ETF is made up of companies like:
Amazon.
Bank Of America.
Facebook.
Google.
The Innovation Shares NextGen Protocol ETF focuses on emerging startups rather than established firms and includes a wider range of investments as well.
Where to buy a blockchain ETF
If you want to buy a blockchain ETF, you can do so through your brokerage account or a robo-advisor.
The easiest way to invest in blockchain ETFs is by using online investment platforms such as E*TRADE.
E*TRADE offers access to specific funds that you couldn’t otherwise buy on exchanges like the Reality Shares Nasdaq NexGen Economy ETF and the Innovation Shares NextGen Protocol.
Many robo-advisors, such as Betterment, also offer access to blockchain ETFs in some of their portfolio options.
If you have a brokerage account with Robinhood or TD Ameritrade, then they may also provide investment funds that include blockchain ETFs within them. Regardless of the platform you are using, buying a blockchain ETF is the easiest way to invest in blockchain.
Benefits vs. risks of buying blockchain ETFs
There are many risks and benefits to investing in blockchain ETFs. But, first, let’s start with the benefits.
Benefits of investing in blockchain ETFs
They have a low cost. The biggest benefit of investing in blockchain ETFs is the low cost. You can invest as little or as much as you want, and it’ll all be allocated to your chosen stocks automatically by a fund manager, who will take care of everything for you.
ETFs are often less risky. There’s also very little risk involved with investing in these types of funds because they are highly diversified.
No minimum amount required most of the time. Another great aspect about them is that there’s no minimum amount required – so even if you only have $20 to spare, that could still make an impact. Finally, one last big upside is getting exposure to many different companies just from one company investment.
Risks of investing in blockchain ETFs
Less consistency. First, you will not get the same consistency as investing in a more traditional fund, like an S&P index fund, for instance. This is because blockchain ETFs (along with crypto) may sometimes move irrationally.
More unknowns. It’s hard to know what companies you’re specifically invested in, so if there is an issue with one company and it causes a domino effect, then your investment might take a hit. For this, I recommend doing deep research on the ETF and seeing which companies it holds and how they’re positioned in blockchain technology.
Higher fees than other ETFs. Finally, the fees can be slightly higher than other ETFs on the market because of how they work. They also have no minimum amount required, which could end up costing you even more money.
Summary
Blockchain ETFs are an exciting new way to invest in blockchain technology while also mitigating your overall level of risk. If you’ve been hesitant to jump into this space because you’re unsure where and how to buy Bitcoin, or if you don’t understand the difference between Ethereum and Ripple, now is a good time to learn more about these types of investments before it’s too late. Always research before jumping into any type of investment.
It’s difficult to visit any news site without seeing some mention of cryptocurrency. Most people sit there and simply think, nope, crypto’s way too much risk for me. And they’d be right. Crypto is an incredibly volatile asset, but, there’s a “safer” way to invest in it.
An investment in blockchain ETFs (blockchain is the technology cryptocurrencies run through) is a great way to diversify your portfolio. It’s also an excellent way to participate in the growth of this emerging technology while limiting your exposure to the potential risk that comes with cryptocurrencies and other ICOs.
In this article, I will discuss how investing in blockchain ETFs works, as well as the best ways for you to invest today.
What’s Ahead:
A step-by-step guide on how to invest in blockchain ETFs
If you decide to purchase a blockchain ETF, it’s a good idea to make sure you are buying one with an established track record of returns. Below, I’ve outlined a basic, step-by-step guide to investing in blockchain ETFs.
1. Open a brokerage account
To invest in a blockchain ETF, the first thing you need to do is open a brokerage account. If you already have one, that’s great. Otherwise, head on over to your preferred broker and open an account with them. Just make sure that you take note of any fees that the account charges.
You’ll also want to ensure they sell the specific blockchain ETF you’re looking to invest in. It’s important to remember that every brokerage account is different. Some may offer special promotions or have discounts on certain fees for new customers. You’ll want to consider this when choosing your broker.
2. Determine the amount you want to invest
Once you’ve opened a brokerage account, you should determine how much you’re willing to invest. Remember that a blockchain ETF is typically priced based on the total value of assets it holds. This means that if a share is worth $100 and an ETF has 100 shares, then each individual share would be worth $1.
It pays to do some research into what type of blockchain ETFs other investors are investing in and how much they’ve invested – this will give you a sense of where a good starting point is.
Public, for instance, allows you to track and follow other people’s investments. So, you can follow someone who knows the blockchain space and replicate their investments if you wanted.
Whatever you decide, make sure you don’t invest more than you can afford to lose. While blockchain ETFs may be “safer” than buying something like cryptocurrency directly, there’s still the potential for risk.
3. Find the ticker symbol of the blockchain ETF you want to buy
Okay, now you’ve figured out where you’re going to invest and how much you’re going to invest. So it’s time to search for the specific blockchain ETF you want to buy.
The first step is to find the ticker symbol of the blockchain ETF you’re looking for. This will be a short three- or four-letter abbreviation representing the fund and its corresponding company – it’s typically listed in small print at the top left corner of your screen. It looks like this: BLOK, for the Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF, if that’s one you’re interested in.
A quick Google search for “blockchain ETFs” should give you a list of some out there – so do your due diligence, and find one that looks the most appealing to you.
Once you’ve found it on your screen in front of you, look for a small box that says “symbol” or “ticker symbol.” It should be right under the fund’s name. Copy this string of letters into your browser by highlighting them with the cursor as selected, then paste it into your brokerage’s search bar.
4. Place an order for that ETF
Once you’ve located the blockchain ETF you want to invest in, it’s time to place an order. You have a few different options for order types when buying a blockchain ETF:
Market order – Market order is an order to buy or sell a security at the current best price available in the market.
Limit order – A limit order is an instruction to buy or sell a security at the specified price below or above the current market price.
Stop limit order – When you place stop and limit orders together, they work as one large trade with two parts: first, if the price reaches your set “stop” point, it will execute your “limit” instructions.
Do whatever makes the most sense for you and your investment goals, but don’t worry about the differences too much. The key here is to get invested in a blockchain ETF.
5. Set up automatic contributions and investments (if you can)
By now, you’ve hopefully invested in a blockchain ETF. But you’ll want to keep the momentum going. To do that, set up an automatic investment plan.
You can automate your investments so that when you set a new goal, say buying a house or saving for retirement, every week or month, the predetermined amount gets invested in blockchain ETFs on your behalf- and you never have to worry about it again.
This is also one of those things where doing something simple now could save you from some major hassles later. Because, before long, blockchain will be everywhere.
What is a blockchain ETF?
A blockchain ETF is a security that tracks the performance of blockchain-based assets. ETFs are composed of individual securities, such as stocks, bonds, or commodities.
An investment in a blockchain ETF is an indirect way to invest in the technology’s underlying infrastructure and protocols which currently power cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, but will soon be used for much more than just finance.
Right now, you can’t purchase a Bitcoin or cryptocurrency ETF in the U.S., so if you want to invest in blockchain ETFs, they’re best suited as a long-term investment.
The investments are decentralized and transparent, making them immune not just to manipulation but also to fraud. As a result, blockchain technology provides some of the greatest opportunities for investors who don’t have much time to delve into individual companies or venture capitalist firms with different levels of risk.
Two of the most popular blockchain ETFs are the Reality Shares Nasdaq NexGen Economy ETF (BLCN) and the Innovation Shares NextGen Protocol ETF (KOIN). Both of these ETFs track stocks that are involved in the implementation of blockchain technology.
The Reality Shares Nasdaq NexGen Economy ETF is made up of companies like:
Amazon.
Bank Of America.
Facebook.
Google.
The Innovation Shares NextGen Protocol ETF focuses on emerging startups rather than established firms and includes a wider range of investments as well.
Where to buy a blockchain ETF
If you want to buy a blockchain ETF, you can do so through your brokerage account or a robo-advisor.
The easiest way to invest in blockchain ETFs is by using online investment platforms such as E*TRADE.
E*TRADE offers access to specific funds that you couldn’t otherwise buy on exchanges like the Reality Shares Nasdaq NexGen Economy ETF and the Innovation Shares NextGen Protocol.
Many robo-advisors, such as Betterment, also offer access to blockchain ETFs in some of their portfolio options.
If you have a brokerage account with Robinhood or TD Ameritrade, then they may also provide investment funds that include blockchain ETFs within them. Regardless of the platform you are using, buying a blockchain ETF is the easiest way to invest in blockchain.
Benefits vs. risks of buying blockchain ETFs
There are many risks and benefits to investing in blockchain ETFs. But, first, let’s start with the benefits.
Benefits of investing in blockchain ETFs
They have a low cost. The biggest benefit of investing in blockchain ETFs is the low cost. You can invest as little or as much as you want, and it’ll all be allocated to your chosen stocks automatically by a fund manager, who will take care of everything for you.
ETFs are often less risky. There’s also very little risk involved with investing in these types of funds because they are highly diversified.
No minimum amount required most of the time. Another great aspect about them is that there’s no minimum amount required – so even if you only have $20 to spare, that could still make an impact. Finally, one last big upside is getting exposure to many different companies just from one company investment.
Risks of investing in blockchain ETFs
Less consistency. First, you will not get the same consistency as investing in a more traditional fund, like an S&P index fund, for instance. This is because blockchain ETFs (along with crypto) may sometimes move irrationally.
More unknowns. It’s hard to know what companies you’re specifically invested in, so if there is an issue with one company and it causes a domino effect, then your investment might take a hit. For this, I recommend doing deep research on the ETF and seeing which companies it holds and how they’re positioned in blockchain technology.
Higher fees than other ETFs. Finally, the fees can be slightly higher than other ETFs on the market because of how they work. They also have no minimum amount required, which could end up costing you even more money.
Summary
Blockchain ETFs are an exciting new way to invest in blockchain technology while also mitigating your overall level of risk. If you’ve been hesitant to jump into this space because you’re unsure where and how to buy Bitcoin, or if you don’t understand the difference between Ethereum and Ripple, now is a good time to learn more about these types of investments before it’s too late. Always research before jumping into any type of investment.
We hear a lot about the doubts over the future of Social Security. Here are a few I’ve come across:
“Three-fourths of those 18 to 34 don’t expect to get a Social Security check when they retire.” — USA Today
“My husband and I are both 28, and we laugh every time we hear [‘yes, you’ll receive Social Security’]. No, we won’t receive Social Security, even though we’ve both been paying into it since we were teenagers…I can’t think of one of my peers who expects Social Security to still be around when we’re retirement age. Call us bitter.” — A comment to my last column (“When Will You Be Able to Retire?”)
“Six in 10 Americans who have not yet retired believe they will get no Social Security benefits when they retire, more pessimistic than at any time since Gallup began asking this question in 1989.” — Gallup
“According to one survey, 100% of people married to Robert Brokamp wish he would shave his head rather than try to pull off a comb-over.” — My wife
If you’re among the doubters (of Social Security, not my hairdo), then listen up: The following paragraph is the most important group of words you’ll ever hear regarding Social Security. It’s key to understanding how the program works, and whether you’ll get anything. Here it is:
Social Security is predominantly a pay-as-you-go program. Most of the payroll taxes that are collected from today’s workers go into the checks of today’s beneficiaries. Thus, as long as there are people working and paying payroll taxes, there will be money to pay Social Security benefits.
According to the most recent Social Security Trustees report, from 2037 to 2084 payroll taxes will be enough to cover 75% of projected benefits. That’s not great, but that’s not nothing, either.
People who think that they won’t receive any Social Security benefits must believe one or all of the following three things:
In the future, people won’t work.
In the future, the government won’t collect payroll — a.k.a. FICA (Federal Insurance Contribution Act) — taxes. Currently, workers “contribute” 6.2% of their paychecks to the Social Security system, and their employers match with another 6.2%; the self-employed pay the whole 12.4%. Another 2.9% goes toward Medicare. As you know if you’ve looked at your paycheck, it’s a separate withholding from income taxes. In fact, the majority of Americans pay more in FICA taxes than they do in income taxes.
In the future, Social Security will be means-tested to such a degree that the “wealthy” (an arbitrary designation, to be sure) won’t receive any benefits. Those who don’t think they’ll receive Social Security assume they’ll be among these “wealthy.”
I don’t think Nos. 1 and 2 are likely. No. 3 is possible. The program is already means-tested to a degree, since the percentage of income that is replaced by Social Security decreases as lifetime earnings increase. However, I think that if changes to the means-testing formula result in a group losing their benefits completely, it will be a small group — certainly not 60% to 75%, as the aforementioned surveys suggest. I find it very unlikely that a future Congress — elected by future citizens — will change the program in a way that the majority of people who pay FICA taxes won’t get at least some benefits.
Those Crazy Trust Funds
For many years, the payroll taxes collected were more than needed to pay current benefits. The surplus went into the Social Security trust fund, which invested the money in special-issue U.S. Treasury bonds. However, this year — thanks to the stinky economy — benefits will exceed revenues. That’s projected to temporarily reverse, but at some point in the middle of the next decade, the retirement of the baby boomers will cause benefits to exceed taxes. This is where the trust funds come in. They’ll be sold to cover the shortfall.
In my opinion, this is the essence of questions about the future of Social Security: What, exactly, are we to make of these trust funds? Are they truly assets? Here are the two arguments:
Those who think that the Social Security system is essentially sound will point out that of course the trust funds are real assets. They’re full of U.S. Treasuries, which are considered the safest investments in the world.
Those who think otherwise point out that since Treasuries are federal government debt, the trust funds contain just worthless pieces of paper with a note written on them that says, “Dear Uncle Sam: I owe you lots of money. Love, Uncle Sam.”
I have to admit, I haven’t quite decided to which camp I belong. I’m inclined to go with the latter. After all, when, say, 2020 rolls around, and the Social Security Administration needs some money from the trust fund, it will take one of these special-issue Treasuries to Uncle Sam and want to exchange it for cash to be sent to retirees. Where will that cash come from? I almost think I need to see a spreadsheet or detailed flowchart or something to fully understand how all that will work. If you have suggestions for how to accurately think about the trust funds, I’m all ears.
For Now, Plan on Getting Less
That’s enough talk about Social Security for now (assuming you’re still reading). From a financial-planning perspective, I’ll reiterate my advice from my last post. If you are in or near retirement, plan on getting your benefit. If you’re younger, play it safe and plan on getting 25% to 75% of your projected benefit. But plan on getting something.
I’m sure you have your own thoughts and opinions about Social Security, and I encourage you to share them below. However, let me say this: Often, discussions following articles about Social Security turn into political brawls that degenerate into name-calling and general silliness. So please, all you right-wing nutjobs and left-wing commies, let’s keep it civil. Stick to the topic of Social Security and the facts. And maybe advice for creating a sweet comb-over.