Blogging remains an income option in 2025, but success requires more effort, planning, and patience than in earlier years. Income figures, the number of active blogs, and the methods for making money from blogging keep changing each year. Here’s a factual look at how blogging works as a source of income now.

Comparing Blogger Earnings in 2025

Recent data from July 2025 shows wide differences in what bloggers earn. About 45% of bloggers make less than $100 each month, 33% make nothing at all, and only 21% earn between $100 and $1,000. Larger, more established blogs perform better, but there are not as many at that level:

• Beginner blogs with up to 10,000 monthly visitors usually earn $100 to $1,000
• Blogs with 10,000 to 50,000 visitors earn $1,000 to $5,000
• Established blogs with over 50,000 monthly visitors reach $5,000 to $20,000 or more
• Large authority blogs can make $200,000 to $1 million per month

Income is closely tied to traffic. Blogs with over 250,000 visitors per month frequently earn at least $6,250 each month. Those with only about 10,000 visitors usually make $250 each month.

How Much Content Is Needed?

It now takes more work to reach income goals. In 2025, a blog needs more than 300 published posts to make about $1,000 each month. In 2023, many hit this mark after writing 50 to 99 posts. By 2024, this number rose to over 100, and by 2025, blogs often need 300 or more posts. Bloggers with over 1,000 published posts average $7,982 a month, down from $11,579 in 2024. These numbers show that a new or small blog will likely see slow growth before reaching the higher earnings of the more established blogs.

Reader Growth and Audience Size

Over 409 million people read over 20 billion blog pages every month. About 77% of internet users in the United States read blogs, so the habit remains strong. Many people keep starting blogs, but the number of new readers and audience growth has slowed compared to the large increases seen years ago. This is partly due to people spending more time on social media, using short-form content, and reading newsletters.

Top Niches by Income and Audience

Some blog topics perform better than others. Food blogs lead in both income and audience, with a median income of $9,169 per month and the biggest share of high-traffic blogs (over 50,000 visits a month at 42.8%). Other strong categories include:

• Lifestyle (13.3% of high-traffic blogs)
• Travel (10%)
• Online business, which is often the most profitable niche
• Personal finance, which is nearly as strong

Data shows that about a third of all bloggers try to make money from their sites. Around 10% make over $10,000 each year. A very small number, about 0.6%, make over $1 million. Most who try to monetize make less than $100 per month.

Monetization Strategies: What Works Now?

Bloggers use many different ways to earn income. Google AdSense is still common, but more professional bloggers now rely on higher-value methods. Among those earning $7,500 to $25,000 per month, only a third of their income comes from ads, and nearly half is from affiliate marketing. The most successful bloggers (earning $2,000 or more each month) often use ad management services such as Mediavine or Adthrive, with 72% of them using these tools for better results.

In 2025, many blogs make more money from direct sales, such as selling digital products, courses, or consulting services. This has become more reliable and profitable than ads or affiliate income, especially in business, personal development, and education topics. Top earners also build large email lists and offer special online groups or training.

Infrastructure Choices Behind Successful Blogs

Many blogs with high traffic and stable income use high-performance platforms such as premium website builders, established content management systems, and managed hosting services. For example, food bloggers with over 50,000 visitors often invest in professional themes, enhanced security, and reliable plugins. Some opt for managed options like powerful wordpress hosting, while others choose scalable cloud servers or website builders like Squarespace and Wix, depending on their technical skills and budget.

Choosing proper infrastructure supports faster page loads and easier site management. These tools help reduce downtime, maintain high SEO performance, and handle increases in visitor numbers, which is often seen in growing and authority blogs.

Post Volume and Quality

In 2025, very few bloggers are able to reach high monthly earnings with only a few posts. To reach $1,000 per month, a blog usually needs over 300 posts. Writers who publish long-form content, posts with at least 1,500 words, see the most organic search traffic. Thorough guides, tutorials, and in-depth product comparisons rank better in search engines and attract more links and shares. Even so, only a small number of blogs publish this type of content often. This means that both quantity and quality are important.

Regional Income Differences

Blogger pay varies by location. Bloggers in the United States and Western Europe make more on average than those in other regions. These higher earnings are due to larger ad budgets and easier access to payment methods.

Top Earners: What Sets Them Apart?

A small share of bloggers reach a high income. These blogs:

• Focus on content-rich, high-interest niches: food, business, finance, lifestyle, travel
• Are updated often, sometimes posting several times per week
• Make use of advanced tools and AI
• Invest in paid help, such as freelance writers, editors, and technical support
• Use more than ads, selling products, courses, and personal services

Top-earning bloggers often spend much more money on their business. According to reports, high-income bloggers pay up to 3.6 times more for content and tools than others. 

Is Blogging Still a Good Money-Making Option?

Blogging in 2025 offers a path to income, but the route takes time and hard work. Most people who start a blog earn little or nothing. Profitable sites usually have hundreds of posts, steady traffic, and use several sources of revenue, not just ads. Food, online business, personal finance, lifestyle, and travel are among the best categories for earning and audience size. Success in 2025 depends on picking the right niche, writing useful and long-form posts, using new tools, and trying more than one earning method.

In the ever changing world of property management you might wonder if property management software is necessary for your small rental property baselane. You’re a small landlord and you have a lot on your plate: from communicating with your tenants to addressing requests for repairs all the while making sure your bottom line is in the green. While we’re in a modern age where technology transformation is evident across various sectors property management software is on the cusp of making light work of these duties and to make them more efficient and bring more oversight. Yet is it really a necessity for smaller portfolios, or more of an indulgence? This post explores the pros and cons to give you the information you need to decide if adding this tool to your business strategy is the right move.

Understanding the Role of Property Management Software for Small Landlords

Streamlining Day to Day Operations

It’s often a tightrope to success for small landlords who run rental properties. The property management software for small landlords is an integral part of streamlining these daily operations. By automating elements such as rent collection, maintenance requests or tenant interaction, such platforms save time. This sort of efficiency allows landlords to focus on other important projects, such as upgrading their buildings, and caring for their tenants. With such a software in hand, there will be no manual listing for rent payment and maintenance issues. And with check boxes for automatic reminders and notifications, too, little issues are corrected faster when tenants do get that rent in on time. Not only is this an efficient solution, it also reduces the chance of error, making it the perfect tool for managing any properties.

Enhancing Financial Management and Reporting

The best reason for small landlords to look at property management software for small landlords is probably the strong financial management capabilities. Tools such as baselane provide full solutions for keeping track of your money, generating financial reports and tax management. This degree of financial scrutiny is invaluable and provides a transparent window into how financially healthy the property portfolio is. With simple data and analytics, landlords can understand how to adjust rent, what they need to invest and also how to budget. When all of your financial details are in one place, taxes are much easier to file and the likelihood of errors and audits decreases.

Improving Tenant Relations

Successful property management begins by having good tenants. This openness also builds trust and more satisfied management with tenants, which in turn increases the life of the lease new business and the length of tenant stays. In the end, that sort of strategic spend on property management software could change the way small time landlords manage their properties with enhanced efficiency financial savvy and tenant relations at the fore. platforms that provide a portal for tenants where they can view their leases, make requests and communicate with their landlords.

 Key Features to Look for in Property Management Software

Comprehensive Financial Management

You, as a small landlord, want property management software that has powerful financial management features. Seek rent collection, financial reports, and expense tracking that are automated. This way, you can ensure you know at all times what your cash flow and profitability is offing you. This is the kind of thing a software solution for small landlords, such as baselane, is perfect for it cuts the administration time and minimizes the risk of human error.

Efficient Communication Tools

Active communication is the heart of landlord tenant relations. Try to find property management software that includes internal messaging features or message portals that will help to make communicating with your tenants a little bit easier. This feature should provide you with the power to send quick updates, reminders, and congratulatory announcements seamlessly and thereby, keep everyone in the loop and maintain good terms of relationship between you and your tenants.

Maintenance Management

Quick and efficient management of maintenance requests is as important for pleasing a client as it is to the good condition of the property. Select software that allows renters to submit requests easily and for you to track them as they become in progress. Such a functionality should allow you to schedule and monitor work orders to ensure that problems are addressed in a timely manner.

Scalability and Customization

You will want software to be able to grow with your portfolio. Seek products that scale and can be customized to fit the bill as your needs change. This means your software will grow with you and the last thing you will need is to start over from scratch as your property portfolio grows.Choosing property management software for small landlords with these important functions can also increase the effectiveness with which you run your rental business, resulting in greater satisfaction among tenants and financially.

Benefits of Using Baseline for Small Landlords

Simplified Financial Management

For small landlords, accounting can get challenging when you have multiple properties to handle and as a landlord, you can get caught up in doing this, this, and this. baselane gives one simplified platform that brings everything personal finance related into one dashboard. This makes it convenient for landlords to monitor income, expenses, and profitability.Using the software for rent collections eliminates the need to do everything manually. By automating these processes, baselane allows landlords to make sound financial decisions without the complexity of keeping the books the old way.

Enhanced Tenant Communication

Landlords and Tenants need to learn to understand each other if they are to have a good relationship.baselane has aspects that ease the friction of engagement. Its service lets landlords push notices, reminders and updates directly to tenants using the platform so that no information gets lost. The solution also features automated rent renewals and maintenance requests, enhancing the overall tenant experience. A true paralegal doesn’t just help to fight off problem tenants, it can help to keep the good ones by adding professionalism and a sense of urgency to your management strategy.

Data-Driven Insights

Comprehensive information can be a crucial edge for small landlords in a competitive rental market.The property management SaaS software as a servic for small landlords provided by Baseline delivers analytics and KPIs to drive performance for your properties. Landlords can identify ways they can do better by monitoring trends and metrics, and then they can turn the dials on rent to maximize ROI. It’s these nuggets that give landlords the actionable information they need to make intelligent decisions that will drive the value of their property up and boost tenant satisfaction.

Security and Compliance

Both local compliance and safeguarding data are top of mind for landlords. Baseline solves these problems through strong security and compliance primitives. It focuses on keeping sensitive information safe, while making ensuring compliance with various laws easy. By Baseline, landlords will have complete peace of mind to manage their properties with confidence with the security protection and protection against liabilities. This peace of mind enables landlords to grow their rental business with the least effort.

Common Challenges Faced by Small Landlords Without Software

Inefficient Financial Management

For independent landlords, operating the finance without the help of a property management software is not a simple task. The manual monitoring of rental income, expenses and other financial activities results in loss making and inefficiency. When you’re dealing with spreadsheets and receipts its simple to forget the little details that matter such as overdue payments or deductible expenses. This unorganized way might cause financial losses and discrepancies. Ideally user friendly property management software for small landlords such as Baseline automates all of this and clearly records the ins and outs with precision.

Tenant Communication and Support

Speaking with renters is another specific arena where small landlords often get into trouble. Landlords may find it challenging to manage maintenance requests and communications without one centralized system. This may result in delayed response as well as tenant dissatisfaction which in turn may impact tenant retention rates. 10 Improve communication Adopting property management software can improve the way in which landlords communicate as they can set a reminder for a follow up conversation to ensure any issue a tenant may have is met. This leads to very good tenant relationships and happier tenants.

Legal and Compliance Issues

That can be a nightmare when you don’t have a tool to help you keep current with a lot of the laws and regulations in the environment. And the rules as well as what individual properties need to do to comply, appear to change every few months making it feel daunting, especially if you manage many properties. Petite landlord property management software also includes tools that look like the current legal requirements and send reminders regarding things you need to do such as inspections or lease renewal. This proactive strategy keeps landlords from fines and legal issues, and gives them the opportunity to concentrate on expanding their property business.Ultimately, although it appears possible to deal with properties without software tailor made for the task, its plain to see just how useful a platform like Baselane can be. It doesn’t just solve problems that are typical; it also raises the bar on effectiveness and efficiency.

Making the Decision: Is Property Management Software Right for You?

Weighing the Pros and Cons

For the small landlord, investing in property management software can make all the difference. On the one hand, such software provides efficiency by streamlining operations that would otherwise be tied up in time consuming administrative responsibilities. Whether it’s automated rent collection, tenant communication or maintenance requests these help to make the management process easier too. On the flip side, property management software costs may feel expensive, particularly if you manage only a handful of units.But the big picture is worth it. Such software can eliminate human errors, keep you in compliance with local laws and regulations and even help you gather great analytics. These products typically offer options that support tracking what’s going out and coming in, and can enable you to make decisions based on data that can actually help your bottom line.

Assessing Your Specific Needs

Your personal needs Consider your personal needs before you decide. Another question is: How many properties do you manage? and How sophisticated are your existing processes? If you’re feeling buried in paperwork or in the weeds when it comes to tenant communication, solutions such as Baseline provide all in one platforms for the small landlord.What’s more, small landlord property management software typically offers customization that can grow alongside your portfolio. This scalability, and the accompanying reduced total cost of ownership, will not just pay off your investment today it will continue delivering value as your business grows.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Not all rental owners may ultimately desire to use property management software, after all. Consider the immediate gratification and long term savings. Look through the different options and complement of support that companies like Baseline can offer in order to find the right fit for you. Choosing the best software for you can help you be more efficient, handle more properties successfully and raise your return on investment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, even as a mom and pop landlord, using property management software can change your business.Yes, setting it up is a bit of an investment, but efficiency and tidy drawers are priceless! This technology frees up your time to focus on growing your business, orchestrating plays in the leasing space to maximize value and tending to your tenants. At the end of the day, you are not just dealing with another tool you are dealing with learning how to take advantage of a strategic partner to help you cut through the ambiguity of real estate management. With the market expanding in the direction of technology, embracing this technology can allow for continued success and growth.

Planning for retirement is something everyone needs to do at some point in their life. Contrary to popular belief, it involves more than just saving money and hoping for the best. You need to consider other things, like when and how to use your income sources wisely. 

Every solid retirement strategy includes Social Security and required minimum distributions (RMDs). Understanding how these work together can help you avoid tax surprises and keep your retirement plan on track. In this article, we will talk about what Social Security and Required Minimum Distributions are, their relationship, and what strategies can help you secure your future. 

What Is Social Security?

Social Security is a government program that provides a monthly income after retirement. Your Social Security & required minimum distributions depend on your earnings history and the age at which you start collecting. Here are some key characteristics of social security:

• You can start receiving payments as early as age 62
• Waiting until full retirement age (usually 66 or 67) gives you a larger monthly amount.
• If you wait until age 70, your benefit increases even more.

What Are Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)?

RMDs refer to the minimum amount you must withdraw from retirement accounts. This applies to you once you reach a certain age. Here’s what you should know:

• RMDs apply to traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, and other tax-deferred accounts.
• For most people, RMDs start at age 73 (as of 2024).
• You have to withdraw a set amount each year. In most cases, this depends on your age and account balance.
• If you don’t take your RMDs, you may face a penalty. This is 25% of the amount you should have withdrawn. 

How They Affect Each Other

While Social Security and RMDs are separate, they do have an impact on each other. This particularly rings true for taxes. Here are some things to be mindful of: 

• Taxable income: RMDs count as income. It can push you into a higher tax bracket. When this happens, more of your Social Security benefits get taxed. 
• Medicare premiums: Higher income may also raise your Medicare premiums. RMDs could trigger these increases. 
• Timing matters: If you delay Social Security but must start RMDs, you might see a sudden spike in taxable income. It’s wise to plan for these things in advance to prevent this. 

Smart Strategies to Consider for Retirement 

In general, Social Security offers a stable source of income. Unfortunately, it’s rarely enough to cover all your expenses. That is where savings and other retirement accounts come in. Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to reduce the impact of RMDs and make better use of Social Security. Here are a few: 

• Withdraw earlier: Taking money from retirement accounts before RMDs begin can help evenly spread your income. It is a solid way to avoid sharp increases later.
• Roth conversions: Converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA before RMD age can reduce future RMDs. This can lower your taxable income.
• Plan with a professional: It’s okay to be confused about how retirement works. If you’re unsure about navigating your RMDS, talk to a professional. A financial advisor can help you time your Social Security benefits and RMDs for the best tax outcome.

Endnote

Your retirement plan should include more than just saving money. You also need to know how to put it to work. Social Security and RMDs are key parts of this puzzle. They can help you maintain a steady income, lower your taxes, and protect your long-term finances. By planning early, researching, and teaming up with a professional financial advisor, you can secure your future and peace of mind. 

Many wonder where to begin when personal finance management is involved, but it is a satisfying and enriching experience with the appropriate strategies. Regardless of whether you have a debt to manage or money to save, there are successful money-management habits that can potentially be the answer to long-term success. More than ever, making the wisest financial choices with today’s busy world demands is crucial. From budgeting fundamentals to expert advice, small steps can reverse your finances. Here are five tips to take control of your money:

1.Develop a Reasonable Budget

Sound personal finance begins with a simple and realistic budget. Create a detailed list of your income and actual spending every month. Properly categorize the utilities, food, fuel, and discretionary spending like dining out or going to the movies. It allows you to see areas where to cut back on spending.

Budgeting puts you in control of your money, regardless of your financial state. You will also be comfortable with the assurance that your necessities are taken care of. This also grants you greater control over your finances since you know where to stop.

2.Consult Financial Advisor

Even when working with your finances, a planner can provide professional advice specific to your case and objective. A planner can assist in planning the future regarding finances, have investments evaluated, and point out areas you need to improve on.

Consultation can be a good (and financially conscious) starting point if you don’t know where to begin. You can learn more here about how professional advice could enable you to make money choices simpler by probing your options and moving towards economic security.

3.Make Financial Goals Clear

Having monetary goals provides your finances with direction and meaning. Monetary goals can be long-term, such as saving for retirement or building a nest egg by investing in a Gold IRA account the home down payment, or short-term, such as purchasing a summer house. You can start with the more specific, measurable, and time-based goals.

Break your goals down into several small steps and check progress occasionally. Reward the small gains along the way to keep yourself motivated. Having a target keeps you making better spending and saving decisions for paying off debt or saving.

4.Set Up Emergency Fund

An emergency fund is a cushion of money that could prevent you from suffering unplanned losses such as losing your job, hospital bills, or surprise fixes to your house. Specialists suggest holding three to six months of living expenses in an accessible account.

Start with what you can manage and compound over decades. Consistency is the only determining factor. Having an emergency fund will keep your mind from being anxious while keeping you from borrowing money.

5.Review and Adjust Often

Financial needs keep evolving, and that is why you should consider your budgeting plans over time. It is good to practice checking your budget every month to see if you need to make any adjustments and whether you’re being consistent with your budget.

Your financial requirements can be established by what happens in your life. It might be marriage, a new career, or having a child. Having the transition to your money plan already taken care of has prepared you and put you on the right track. Being constant and adaptable maintains long-term financial health.

Endnote

The secret to financial freedom is financial discipline when handling funds. You want to be a better income planner, balancing the expenses accordingly. It’s also fundamental to consult a financial advisor for comprehensive guidance.

Many people wonder if relocating will bring more benefits than staying put. The answer is not always obvious. Each move involves financial, career, and personal trade-offs. For example, moving from a smaller town to a city like New York may promise higher pay but come with higher costs and faster living.  Making a smart decision requires comparing what you may gain versus what you will spend or give up. One effective way to do this is by calculating the long-term ROI of relocation. This method helps you measure the return you get over time compared to the total cost of moving. It considers income, living costs, career potential, and quality of life. The more clearly you understand your inputs and returns, the more confident your decision will be.

The Real Cost of Relocating: Beyond the Moving Truck

In contrast to what many expect, moving expenses go beyond hiring movers. You must factor in more than gas and boxes:

• Moving costs include deposits, travel, pet transport, setting up new utilities, and possible storage.
• Besides financial expenses, there is time loss. You might need to take days off work, handle delays, or live temporarily in a hotel. These are real costs, even if they don’t show up on a bill.
• Another key point is the social impact. Leaving behind friends, doctors, and local networks has a personal cost. Building new routines and relationships takes effort and time. If you move often, this becomes a pattern that affects your well-being.

Use a checklist to track both visible and hidden costs. Add items such as new furniture, daycare changes, transportation updates, and higher health insurance premiums. These shape the true cost profile of a move and must be weighed in your decision-making.

Setting the Stage for a Smart Start in Your New Space

Once you decide to relocate, the next phase shapes your experience. Your first few months can influence how well the transition works. These early choices affect your comfort, finances, and sense of control. Planning small details can protect the long-term ROI of relocation by reducing stress and avoiding extra costs.

Before you hire packers and start preparing for your move, take time to inspect the space. Check for hidden repair needs, outdated fixtures, or safety issues. Fixing small problems early prevents larger expenses later. If the floors look worn or damaged, consider scheduling light upgrades right away.

In many cases, you can refinish your floors fast before unpacking. Doing it now is quicker, cheaper, and cleaner than waiting. New floors also improve both comfort and rental value if you own the place. Preparing the space with smart upgrades can add hidden value over time.

How to Calculate the Long-Term ROI of Relocation

To understand if a move is financially wise, calculate the long-term ROI of relocation. The basic formula is: (Estimated Gain – Total Cost) / Total Cost = ROI. Your estimated gain may include a higher salary, better benefits, or lower living costs. The total cost includes all expenses tied to the move and the new location.

Let’s say your new job offers higher pay, and the area has lower rent and fewer taxes. These savings and gains are your benefit. Subtract the cost of moving and setting up your new life. Then divide that result by your original cost. A positive result shows potential value.

With this in mind, consider factors that grow over time. A modest raise now could increase your future income in a stronger job market. Housing in the new area may appreciate faster. In contrast, some costs, such as moving expenses, are one-time hits. Look beyond month-to-month figures. Use a five-year outlook to project savings or gains.

Alt: Couple packing items

Capt: To understand if a move is financially wise, calculate the long-term ROI of relocation

Career and Income Growth: The Hidden Value Multiplier

Moving can open access to stronger job markets. Some cities pay more for the same skill set. Others offer quicker career advancement, better training, and more stable industries. Of course, a move may also allow for a switch to a new field. That can increase your income over time, even if you start lower at first. In some places, it’s easier to switch jobs or move up faster.

As an illustration, people often relocate to larger cities or tech hubs for better roles. Over five or ten years, their pay increases faster than if they stayed in smaller markets. Compare job demand, average salaries, and promotion paths. If your field is growing in the new location, your earning potential may rise sharply.

Quality of Life: Measuring Non-Monetary Returns

Not every benefit is financial. Some gains come from better daily living. Quality of life includes clean air, low crime, less traffic, good schools, and access to nature. In short, lower stress and better health are worth a lot. Living near parks, public transit, or strong schools may improve your family’s life in big ways.

Still, these benefits depend on your values. Some people value calm towns, while others prefer busy cities. Think about what matters most. Will your daily routine be easier or harder? Will you save time on chores or commuting? Similarly, weather, local food, and social activities change the living experience. If the new location aligns better with your lifestyle, that increases your personal ROI, even if the money stays the same.

Alt: Woman holding a box

Capt: Some benefits of relocation come from better daily living

Social and Emotional ROI: The Intangibles That Count

Emotional health also affects return on investment and that’s why you need to have high emotional intelligence. Moving far away may mean losing support systems. This can make the first year harder. Even if the job pays more, stress may rise. Nevertheless, for some, starting fresh is a benefit. A new setting may reduce old tensions or open space for new habits. If you have family or friends in the new place, your transition may be smoother.

On the other hand, if you’re moving to a place where you know no one, loneliness is a risk. Consider your personality. Are you quick to build connections? Do you enjoy new social scenes? The long-term ROI of relocation includes this emotional factor. If a move improves mental health, that is a gain. If it causes ongoing stress, it may lower your true return.

Practical Tools to Support Your Decision

Use tools to map out your decision clearly. Many sites offer salary comparison data, cost-of-living calculators, and job market stats. Create a spreadsheet with two sections: current city and future city. List all major categories: income, rent, taxes, transport, health, schools, and food. Then compare.

As a matter of fact, a visual chart can help you spot big gaps. It shows if you are gaining $500 a month or losing $200. This helps remove guesswork. Another tip is to create a simple scorecard for non-money factors. Rate areas such as safety, weather, culture, and transit on a 1 to 5 scale. Add those results to your financial comparison.

Alt: Woman with boxes

Capt: Many sites offer salary comparison data and cost-of-living calculators

Summary: Making a Move with Confidence

To decide if moving is worth it, you need to weigh both numbers and personal factors. Use simple tools, project long-term gains, and compare full costs. Focus on income, lifestyle, emotional health, and opportunity. The long-term ROI of relocation helps you make a smart, informed choice. In short, a clear plan reduces stress and supports your goals. Relocation is a big step, but when done wisely, it can lead to lasting rewards.

We all want to see green in our numbers, which indicate that growth is happening, but sometimes, growth on its own isn’t enough. Spiking user numbers, more clicks, more traffic, and more customers is the stuff that startup founders dream about all night, but there is also something that nobody wants to admit.

Growth without a brand it’s like sprinting towards a dead-end in a fancy sneaker. Yes, it feels good, but the end result isn’t what we all want.

Think of it as a sugar rush. You feel invincible at first – until you crash. And if there is no brand underneath to anchor you, the crash doesn’t just hurt, it can evaporate your business.

So, if you are only focused on numbers without worrying about building a brand, you should rethink your strategy, and here is why.

When Growth Outpaces Identity

This happens more often than you’d think. Startups scale quickly thanks to clever ads, viral campaigns, or partnerships, but forget to ask one crucial question: What do we actually stand for? They acquire users, sure, but they don’t win hearts. They may get clicks, but not loyalty.

Studies suggest that 65% of customers feel emotionally connected to a brand that aligns with their values.

Here’s the telltale sign: if your company disappeared tomorrow, would anyone notice—or care?

If that question makes you squirm, keep reading.

The Risk of Being Forgettable

When you don’t build a brand, your product becomes a commodity. You’re just another option in a sea of options. Customers come in because it’s convenient, cheap, or trending. But when something newer, shinier, or cheaper comes along? They’re gone.

Without a brand:

• You rely heavily on discounts, deals, or gimmicks to retain users. 
• Your acquisition costs keep rising because no one’s sticking around. 
• Word-of-mouth dries up because there’s nothing memorable to talk about. 
• You end up shouting louder, spending more, and still being ignored. 

In other words, you start playing a losing game on someone else’s field.

So… What Is a Brand, Really?

Let’s clear up a common misconception. Your logo? Not your brand. Your color scheme? Cute, but also not your brand.

Your brand is the emotional imprint you leave on people. It’s the reputation that follows you around even when you’re not in the room. It’s how people describe you to others when you’re not part of the conversation.

At its core, brand is trust. It’s identity. It’s the reason customers come back even when a competitor has a better price. And without it, growth becomes fragile, because it has nothing holding it together.

Take some of the major horse racing events as an example. According to TwinSpires.com, the Kentucky Derby is the biggest horse race in the world that has survived for more than 150 years. Why? Well, because they were more focused on building a brand rather than making money.

That’s why this event has its official cocktail, food, dress code, and principles that are followed every year.

How to Turn Things Around (Without Killing Momentum)

The good news? You can course-correct. And no, it doesn’t mean slowing down your growth. It just means layering in meaning and memory as you move.

Here’s how:

1. Define What You Actually Stand For

This is not just some “mission statement” fluff. Ask yourself:

• Why does this business exist beyond revenue? 
• What problem are we obsessed with solving? 
• What do we never want to compromise on? 

Your brand’s purpose should be so clear that your team can recite it in their sleep—and your customers can feel it without you saying a word.

2. Stop Competing on Features. Start Owning a Feeling.

Plenty of companies sell sneakers. Only one sells Just Do It.

Your goal isn’t just to list what your product does. Your goal is to make someone feel something when they think of you. People remember emotions, not specs.

Are you the comforting friend? The bold disruptor? The misfit with a mission? Pick your personality—and live it everywhere.

3. Speak Like a Human (Not a Pitch Deck)

Tone matters. If your social media posts, website copy, or emails sound like they were written by a beige robot… no one’s paying attention.

Inject some flavor. Be playful. Be honest. Talk to your audience like they’re sitting across from you at a bar, not in a boardroom.

4. Build Community, Not Just a Customer Base

A customer buys once. A community comes back, tells friends, and fights for you when things go wrong.

Create ways for people to connect—with each other and with your brand. User-generated content, social shoutouts, VIP forums, brand ambassadors… these aren’t “extras.” They’re the glue that holds loyalty together.

5. Invest in Brand as a Real Channel

You can’t treat brand-building as a side project or a luxury you’ll “get to later.” Brand is the strategy.

That means:

• Hiring designers, writers, and marketers who understand emotion, not just funnels. 
• Running campaigns that spark conversation, not just conversions. 
• Spending time on stories, not just stats. 

If your budget is 90% performance marketing and 10% brand, don’t be surprised when growth flatlines once you stop feeding the ad machine.

What Happens When Brand and Growth Work Together

Here’s the best part: when you blend strong branding with smart growth tactics, magic happens. Your acquisition costs drop. Your customer retention improves. People talk about you because they want to—not because you paid them to.

You stop chasing attention and start attracting it. That’s the shift. That’s the difference between a brand people use and a brand people love.

Choosing a financial planner is a big decision, and it is important that you give it the correct care and consideration. To help you perform your due diligence and find the right financial planner for you, we have four things we think you should consider when choosing a planner. By considering these factors and following our steps carefully, you can ensure that you choose the right financial planner to help you achieve your goals. 

1.Consider what you want from a financial planner 

First, you should consider what you want from a financial planner. We recommend doing this before your search begins, considering the goals you want to achieve. You will also want to consider your stage of life and how much money you currently have when considering these goals to ensure they are attainable. 

Consider how you want your financial planner to help you achieve these goals. Do you want them to help grow investments or focus more on managing debt? Perhaps budgeting is more important to you now, but you also want to look at investments and growth in the future? Financial planners all have different areas of interest and expertise, so by carefully considering what you want from them, you can ensure you make the right choice and that the planner you choose can help you. 

Many financial planners can help you with budgeting, estate planning, superannuation, retirement planning, insurance, and taxation, but if you have specific goals or needs in mind, like exploring a personal loan for a 620 credit score to consolidate debt or fund a major purchase, or developing a strategy to retire as early as 55, make a financial planner aware of these from the start so they can determine if they can help you.

2.Consider what type of advice you want 

Next, you need to consider what type of advice you want from your financial planner. Financial planners typically offer two different types of advice: personal and general financial advice. Both types of advice and support they offer are outlined below: 

General financial advice 

General financial advice involves offering you generalised advice that does not consider your personal situation or any goals you have. It does not consider how the advice might affect you either. 

Personal financial advice 

Personal financial advice is the more popular option and is tailored to your specific goals and situations. Personal advice is considered in your best interest and typically includes the following: 

• Simple, single issue advice – helping you with contributing to your super, handling shares, or another single financial issue 
• Comprehensive financial advice – including developing a financial plan to reach your financial goals, like savings, investments, retirement planning, and insurance 
• Ongoing advice – including regularly monitoring and reviewing your financial plans 

3.Narrow your options 

After considering what you need and the advice you want, it’s time to narrow your choices. You will want to find a financial planner who offers the right services for you. You can rely on word of mouth to find your financial planner, or use your lender, super fund, or a financial advice professional association. When looking for a planner, we recommend asking for the Financial Services Guide (FSG). The FSG is an important document that shows you the following about any financial planner and the organisation they work for (if they are not self-employed): 

• How they charge, earn commissions, and receive benefits 
• How do they deal with complaints 
• Their AFS license number 
• Links to product providers
• The services they offer and the products they advise on
• Who owns the company 

Most financial planners have their FSG listed on their website, or you can contact them directly for a copy. The FSG is a vital document that allows you to narrow your choices and find financial planners who can help with your goals and needs. 

Meet planners to ask more about their services 

When you have narrowed your choices, we recommend meeting with potential advisors. Meet with a few so that you can compare them and ensure that you are making the right choice. The majority of financial planners do not charge you for the first meeting, allowing you to meet them with no obligation or charge. When meeting financial planners, you will want a list of questions you can ask them to ensure they are the right fit. We recommend asking the following: 

• How will they manage your money
• How often will you meet
• How will they consult you on decisions
• How will they manage your investments 
• How will they deal with complaints
• How to end your agreement with them 
• Their qualifications, speciality areas, and main client base 
• The fees you will pay 
• What information will you receive, and how often 
• What commissions or incentives do they receive if they sell a financial product
• Who will look after your account if they are away 

Find your financial planner today 

By using our four considerations, you can easily find the right financial planner for you. You can also turn to experts, like those at Solace Financial, to find your new planner. Their team of expert financial planners have different areas of expertise and a long list of glowing recommendations that allow you to find the perfect financial planner that aligns with your needs. Contact Solace Financial Planners to arrange your first meeting today. 

As blockchain technology continues to revolutionize industries and financial systems, one term consistently sparks debate: gas fees. Whether you’re swapping tokens on a decentralized exchange, minting an NFT, or sending funds across wallets, you’ve likely encountered this cost. For many, especially newcomers, gas fees are a frustrating roadblock. But for developers and network validators, they are a critical incentive that keeps decentralized systems running securely and efficiently.

In this article, we explore what gas fees are, why they exist, how they’re calculated, and what influences their volatility. We’ll also look at comparative networks, recent developments like Ethereum’s Layer 2 scaling, and how tools such as netherexpro can help traders and investors navigate fee-sensitive blockchain environments.

What Are Gas Fees?

Gas fees are transaction costs paid to miners or validators for processing and validating operations on a blockchain network. They are most commonly associated with Ethereum, but similar mechanisms exist on other networks like Binance Smart Chain (BSC), Polygon, Arbitrum, and Solana.

Why Do Gas Fees Exist?

• Security: They prevent network spam by assigning a cost to every transaction.
• Compensation: Miners or validators need to be rewarded for expending computational power.
• Prioritization: Higher gas fees can push a transaction to be confirmed faster during periods of high congestion.

How Gas Fees Are Calculated

On Ethereum, gas fees depend on three primary variables:

• Gas units: The computational effort needed for a transaction
• Base fee: Determined by network congestion
• Tip (Priority fee): Optional amount paid to incentivize faster processing

Following the EIP-1559 upgrade in 2021, Ethereum introduced a mechanism where the base fee is burned (reducing ETH supply) and users can include a tip for faster inclusion. This upgrade improved predictability but did not reduce fees during peak demand.

Case Studies: Gas Fee Events That Shaped the Industry

CryptoKitties Craze (2017)

One of the earliest examples of a network overwhelmed by gas fees. The popular NFT game clogged Ethereum for days, driving average gas costs to over $5—then considered extreme.

DeFi Summer (2020)

As yield farming and token swapping surged, users reported paying $100+ per transaction. Complex contracts like liquidity pools and token bridges consumed more gas, forcing some retail users out of the DeFi market.

Bored Ape Yacht Club Land Sale (2022)

A metaverse land mint caused Ethereum gas prices to spike above $2,000 per transaction, drawing criticism and accelerating Layer 2 adoption.

Alternatives and Layer 2 Solutions

Layer 2 Scaling

Technologies like Optimistic Rollups (Arbitrum, Optimism) and zk-Rollups (zkSync, StarkNet) batch transactions off-chain and settle them on Ethereum, reducing gas fees by 90% or more.

Competing Chains

• Binance Smart Chain: Lower fees but more centralized.
• Polygon: Uses sidechains and PoS to lower costs.
• Solana: Ultra-low fees but subject to downtime and centralization debates.

Pros and Cons of Gas Fees

Pros:

• Incentivizes validators to maintain network security
• Prevents spam and ensures economic prioritization
• Burns ETH (in Ethereum’s case), potentially increasing value

Cons:

• Expensive for users, especially during congestion
• Creates barriers for small or frequent transactions
• Complex for newcomers to understand and manage

Managing Gas Fees Strategically

Traders and investors often use analytics platforms like netherexpro to:

• Time transactions during low congestion periods
• Choose Layer 2 solutions or alternative networks
• Automate fee-optimized trading strategies
• Avoid costly interactions with inefficient smart contracts

Such strategies help minimize slippage and maximize returns, especially in DeFi environments where gas costs can significantly affect profits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a gas fee in crypto?

It’s a payment made to validators/miners for processing and confirming transactions on a blockchain.

Why are Ethereum gas fees so high?

Because Ethereum is the most widely used smart contract platform, leading to congestion and competitive bidding for block space.

Do I always have to pay gas fees?

Yes, for any on-chain action (swaps, mints, transfers). Some apps may subsidize fees temporarily, but they are generally unavoidable.

Can I reduce gas fees?

Yes. Use Layer 2 networks, conduct transactions at off-peak times, and use gas trackers to find optimal fee settings.

Are gas fees the same on all blockchains?

No. Solana, BSC, and others offer significantly lower fees compared to Ethereum.

What is EIP-1559?

An Ethereum protocol upgrade that improved gas price predictability and introduced a burn mechanism for base fees.

Are gas fees refundable if a transaction fails?

Partially. You’ll still pay for the computational cost up to the point of failure.

Can I avoid gas fees in trading?

Centralized exchanges don’t have gas fees, but they charge trading fees. DEXs and DeFi apps on Layer 2s offer reduced gas costs.

How do I know if I’m overpaying?

Use a gas tracker or automated trading assistant like netherexpro to assess real-time network conditions and optimal fee settings.

Will Ethereum 2.0 eliminate gas fees?

No. Ethereum 2.0 (now called the consensus layer) improves scalability and security, but gas fees still exist. Layer 2 scaling is the solution for lower fees.

Conclusion

Gas fees are an essential but often misunderstood element of blockchain technology. While they serve an important role in maintaining security and network functionality, high and volatile gas prices can hinder adoption—especially among retail users and small-scale traders.

Fortunately, the industry is evolving. With innovations like Layer 2 scaling, fee-burning protocols, and the rise of cost-effective alternative chains, users now have more choices than ever. Understanding gas fees—and how to manage them—is a fundamental skill for anyone operating in crypto, whether you’re minting NFTs, swapping tokens, or yield farming.

For active traders, using platforms like netherexpro can provide a competitive edge by optimizing trade execution, monitoring fee patterns, and automating strategies that account for network costs. In a space where every transaction counts, gas fees are more than a cost—they’re a strategy.

American couples with two incomes and no children, known as DINKs, are, on average, in the most comfortable financial position in the country. The median net worth of this group is $399,000, nearly $150,000 more than that of couples with children, according to an analysis of the Survey of Consumer Finances highlighted by Business Insider.

This financial leeway creates a privileged environment for shared investment decisions. And that’s because there’s no budgetary impact from childcare expenses like daycare or college.

Disposable income and crypto appetite among DINK couples

The aforementioned absence of dependents also means fewer fixed commitments. A study cited by Time notes that the average cost of raising a child until age 18 is now over $310,000 in the US, a figure calculated by the Brookings Institution based on USDA data.

In other words, each child that the couple chooses not to have can save the equivalent of more than US$17,000 per year in free cash. These resources are converted into monthly contributions for financial independence goals (FI/RE) or to boost their retirement.

Not surprisingly, some of this surplus has been migrating to digital assets. Twenty-six percent of American millennials already own Bitcoin, according to a survey by Morning Consult summarized by Bank rate, double the rate observed among adults in general.

So, a large portion of DINKs belong to the millennial and Z generations. And such an appetite for crypto is born from technological familiarity and the willingness to assume volatility in search of accelerated growth.

From surplus to investment: First contributions, ETFs and DCA

When couples discuss investments without the “opportunity cost” of their children, they tend to approach risks in a more strategic and joint manner. Regular conversations about allocation (fixed income vs. volatile crypto), defining stops, and using external wallets (cold wallets) replace the old logic of “his/her money.”

The result is a long-term plan that is less subject to individual shocks. If one partner loses his job, the other maintains the DCA in Bitcoin and Ether ETFs, for example. It’s also more aligned with common goals, such as buying a duplex or anticipating retirement at age 55.

Furthermore, exploring the crypto ecosystem as a couple can go beyond the purely financial sphere and into everyday life or entertainment. Nowadays, many platforms accept cryptocurrencies, both for purchasing products and for contracting services.

If we talk about entertainment, there are trusted bitcoin casino options for players who want to test BTC payments in a playful environment. This is something that many couples turn into a digital “game night”, without compromising the main portfolio. By combining high disposable income, tolerance for innovation and shared goals, investing in crypto as a duo stops being a passing trend and becomes one of the most efficient ways to capitalize on the “two incomes, zero diapers” lifestyle.

Co-management tactics: From first purchase to tax filing

Most DINKs begin or increase their crypto exposure soon after their first joint investment plan. Since the SEC approved Bitcoin ETFs on January 10, 2024, the couple, who already traded stocks through the same home broker, have been able to buy BTC with one click, without dealing with private keys.

The results were immediate. And that is because, in less than two months, the 11 listed funds attracted billions of dollars in net inflows, with daily volumes reaching nearly $10 billion in March, according to data compiled by Chainalysis. That reduced friction for newcomers and made dollar-cost averaging (DCA) in ETFs almost as straightforward an entry point as the old monthly S&P 500 investment.

After the inaugural purchase, many couples set a “target allocation” for Bitcoin and Ether and let the DCA run on auto-debit. This avoids emotional debates about market timing while also creating talking points for bi-weekly financial meetings. If the crypto holdings exceed the agreed-upon limit, simply sell the excess or add to fixed income.

Asset protection: Multisig security and dual governance

The Two-party governance also involves digital security. By 2024, more than 20% of all Bitcoin wallets already were multisig, a huge jump from 15% in 2022. The popularization of the 2-of-3 model means that even if a phone is lost, no transaction goes through without a second signature. This is particularly ideal for couples who share keys between hardware wallets and an institutional custodian service.

It’s not hard to see that there are many reasons for this level of zeal. Although the amount stolen in hacks fell 54% to $1.7 billion in 2023, the number of incidents rose to 231, according to Chainalysis’ Crypto Crime Report. In other words, the statistical probability of suffering an attack continued to grow, even with lower average losses.

Therefore, it is essential to protect yourself with multifactor authentication. In addition, segregated accounts and, when possible, crypto insurance are recommended; all of this has become part of the marital protocol, as common and necessary as checking bank statements.

Shared tax liability: Filing form 8949 together

Finally, no co-management strategy is complete without tax obligations. The IRS reminds, in fact sheet FS-2024-12, that all taxpayers must answer the new question about “digital assets” on Form 1040 and, in the case of a sale or exchange, record each transaction on Form 8949 before reaching Schedule D.

Skipping this step could result in fines and interest, since crypto is treated as property, not foreign currency. The updated February 2024 guidelines reinforce that the couple must choose the funding method (FIFO, LIFO, or HIFO) in advance and keep records of each transaction, including staking rewards, for at least five years.

Conclusion

Staking consolidated as passive income and DeFi to capture controlled alpha are things that fit into the financial reality of DINK couples, those with two incomes and no children. The secret is to document decisions and disciplined rebalance long-term assets. By following these principles, the couple transforms crypto volatility into an ally, and even gains stories to tell on the next digital date night.

The Canadian credit card market has seen significant innovation in recent years, with fintech companies introducing new products and partnerships designed to maximize consumer value. The NEO credit card is one such product, offering a rewards structure that revolves around a network of merchant partners. For individuals focused on savings, understanding how these partnerships work, who the partners are, and how to leverage them is essential for making informed financial decisions.

This article provides a factual, non-promotional overview of NEO credit card partners, referencing the comprehensive partner list curated by Finly Wealth. The analysis is rooted in savings advice, helping readers understand how to use the NEO card’s partner network to optimize everyday spending without overspending or falling into common credit card pitfalls.

What Is the NEO Credit Card?

The NEO credit card is a Canadian fintech product designed to offer flexible rewards, primarily through cashback on purchases made at a wide array of partner merchants. Unlike traditional credit cards that offer fixed-category rewards, the NEO card’s value proposition is closely tied to its dynamic partner network. This means the rewards rate can vary significantly depending on where you shop.

Understanding NEO’s Partner-Based Rewards Structure

How Partner Rewards Work

NEO’s rewards model is unique in that it provides elevated cashback rates at specific partner merchants. These rates are often higher than those found on standard credit cards, but only apply when shopping with participating partners. The standard cashback rate for non-partner purchases is typically lower.

Why the Partner List Matters

The effectiveness of the NEO card as a savings tool depends largely on how well its partner list aligns with your regular spending habits. If you frequently shop at NEO partner merchants, you can accumulate cashback at a faster rate, directly reducing your net expenses.

Overview of NEO Credit Card Partners

Finly Wealth maintains an up-to-date list of NEO credit card partners, which is a valuable resource for anyone considering the card or looking to maximize its benefits. The partner network includes a broad range of categories:

• Grocery and Food Retailers
• Dining and Coffee Shops
• Gas Stations
• Retail Stores (Apparel, Electronics, Home Goods)
• Online Retailers
• Health and Wellness Providers
• Travel and Entertainment

The breadth of the partner list is designed to cover common spending categories, but the specific merchants can change over time. Regularly checking the Finly Wealth NEO credit card partner list ensures you have the most current information

How to Use the NEO Credit Card Partner List for Savings

Step 1: Review the Current Partner List

Before applying for or using the NEO card, review the latest partner list on Finly Wealth. Identify which merchants match your existing spending habits. If your primary grocery store, pharmacy, or favorite coffee shop is a partner, you stand to benefit more from the card.

Step 2: Map Your Spending

Compare your monthly expenses with the partner categories. For example, if you spend $400 per month on groceries and your preferred store is a NEO partner offering 5% cashback, you could earn $20 in rewards monthly from that category alone.

Step 3: Adjust Spending Where Practical

If it’s convenient and cost-effective, consider shifting some of your regular purchases to partner merchants. However, avoid buying unnecessary items or paying higher prices just to earn rewards, as this can undermine your savings goals.

Step 4: Track Rotating and Limited-Time Offers

Some NEO partners may offer limited-time or rotating promotions with elevated cashback rates. Stay informed through the Finly Wealth partner list and NEO’s own updates to take advantage of these opportunities when they align with your needs.

Example: Calculating Potential Cashback Savings

Suppose you spend as follows each month:

• $300 at a NEO partner grocery store (5% cashback)
• $100 at a partner coffee chain (4% cashback)
• $200 at a partner gas station (3% cashback)
• $150 at non-partner merchants (1% cashback)

Your monthly cashback would be:

• Grocery: $300 × 0.05 = $15
• Coffee: $100 × 0.04 = $4
• Gas: $200 × 0.03 = $6
• Other: $150 × 0.01 = $1.50

Total monthly cashback: $26.50

Over a year, this adds up to $318, assuming consistent spending patterns and partner offers. This example illustrates how aligning purchases with partner merchants can meaningfully boost your savings.

Key Considerations for Savers

1. Don’t Overspend for Rewards

The incremental value from cashback should not justify unnecessary purchases. The best savings strategy is to use the NEO card for planned, essential expenses at partner merchants.

2. Compare Prices

Sometimes, partner merchants may have higher prices than alternatives. Always compare the net cost after cashback to ensure you are truly saving money.

3. Watch for Changes in the Partner Network

The NEO partner list is dynamic. Merchants may be added or removed, and cashback rates can change. Regularly consult the Finly Wealth partner list to stay current

4. Understand Cashback Redemption

Familiarize yourself with how and when you can redeem your cashback. Some cards allow instant redemption, while others may require a minimum balance or have specific payout schedules.

5. Consider Supplementary Cards

If the NEO partner network doesn’t cover all your major spending categories, consider pairing the NEO card with another rewards card that complements your needs, maximizing overall savings without sacrificing flexibility.

NEO Credit Card vs. Traditional Rewards Cards

This comparison highlights that the NEO card is best suited for those whose regular purchases align with the partner network. For others, a traditional rewards card may offer more predictable value.

Using Finly Wealth as a Resource

Finly Wealth provides a regularly updated NEO credit card partner list, which is essential for making informed decisions about where and how to use your card for maximum savings. Their resource helps you:

• Identify new partners or changes in cashback rates
• Plan your spending to coincide with the best offers
• Avoid outdated information that could lead to missed savings opportunities

Integrating NEO Card Usage into a Broader Savings Strategy

1. Budget First, Then Optimize

Start with a clear monthly budget. Use the NEO card to pay for expenses you would incur anyway, focusing on partners to maximize rewards.

2. Avoid Interest Charges

Always pay your balance in full. Interest charges can quickly outweigh any cashback earned, eroding your savings.

3. Monitor Your Rewards

Track your cashback earnings and redemption history. This helps you evaluate whether the card continues to provide value as your spending habits or the partner network evolves.

4. Reassess Regularly

As your lifestyle or the NEO partner list changes, periodically reassess whether the card remains the best fit for your savings strategy.

The NEO credit card’s partner-based rewards program offers a unique approach to earning cashback in Canada. By leveraging the comprehensive and up-to-date partner list provided by Finly Wealth, consumers can align their everyday purchases with elevated rewards opportunities, thereby enhancing their savings without altering their essential spending habits.

However, the key to maximizing value lies in disciplined spending, regular review of partner offers, and a commitment to using the card as a tool for savings—not as an incentive for unnecessary purchases. Used wisely, the NEO credit card can be a valuable component of a broader savings plan, especially for those whose spending aligns with its partner network. For the latest NEO partner list and more information, consult the Finly Wealth blog’s dedicated resource on NEO credit card partners