The world has greatly moved from handling financial transactions physically to doing almost everything digitally. These days, people no longer need to stand in long queues at the bank and large amounts can be sent across continents by pressing a few buttons. This new era of technological advancement has influenced the financial sector, making people’s interaction with money less cumbersome and happen at greater speed.

Financial technological advancements such as online banking, investment applications, cryptocurrency, and more have not only changed how people manage money but also impacted how it is earned. In light of this, we will look at some important ways to stay ahead in this fast-changing financial environment with some smart money hacks to know in 2024.

Hack 1: Leveraging the Gig Economy

The gig economy describes a workforce or labour market that engages short-term workers or freelancers for temporary jobs. Individuals mostly access them through online platforms like Fiverr, Freelancer, Upwork, etc. As opposed to regular employment, gig workers or freelancers get hired to perform tasks for clients or companies on flexible terms rather than under long-term contracts. Many individuals take on gigs as a side hustle to supplement their income.

Most gig workers find their clients through applications created for that purpose, and we will be looking at some of the popular ones as well as opportunities to earn extra money below:

1. Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt, InDrive): These applications connect drivers to customers. Payment can also be made on the application without the driver or passenger having to exchange a word with each other.

2. Food delivery apps (Glovo, Chowdeck): Individuals can earn extra cash by registering to deliver food from restaurants or groceries from supermarkets to customers. Their services also sometimes get rewarded with tips from impressed customers.

3. Freelancer, Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal: These are examples of global freelance marketplaces that connect individuals to potential employers who need an endless range of services, such as writing, graphic design, software engineers, product managers, project managers, etc. Using these platforms has numerous benefits, including access to international clients.

Hack #2: Embracing Cryptocurrency for Growth Potential

The COVID-19 pandemic no doubt contributed greatly to the popularity of cryptocurrencies, with investors looking for alternatives after the quarantine and restricted movement affecting many financial markets and the world’s economy. This led to a recognition of the potential of a digital economy, and digital currencies soon became the order of the day, with many businesses operating online. Several investors also changed their investments to cryptocurrencies.    

The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies through the use of blockchain technology, removes the need for intermediaries like banks and the government, giving investors greater control over their transactions. Also, the transactional cost of cryptocurrencies can be very minimal or zero. Blockchain technology makes it almost impossible for unauthorised parties to access a person’s funds. In addition, anybody can make use of cryptocurrency as long as they have an internet connection, it gives individuals greater control over their funds.

Using cryptocurrencies as an investment vehicle has several benefits including diversifying a person’s investment portfolio, which helps to reduce the overall risk, and it has the potential for high return on investments. Cryptocurrency helps to lessen the effects of market risks. By including it in one’s portfolio, investors can reduce the impact of negative downturns in the financial market.

Tips to safely navigate the cryptocurrency market

To protect investors from getting affected by the crypto market, it is important to take some precautions. Below are a few tips to help in safe crypto investment.

1. Do some research: To invest smartly in crypto, it is best to learn about fundamentals like blockchain technology and market trends. As an investor, you should also stay informed about new developments in the market to make a more reasonable decision.

2. Use major and time-tested cryptocurrencies: Investors should largely invest in well-established crypto assets with a proven track record of reliability.

3. Diversify your investments: In other words, do not put all your eggs in one basket by spreading your investments across different assets.

4. Be alert for phishing scams: Several fraudulent websites appear to be legitimate crypto accounts and wallets by making small and unnoticeable changes in their URLs. Also, beware of providing sensitive information without careful vetting and clicking on suspicious links.

5. Trade cryptocurrencies like BTC, Ethereum and Solana on secure and trusted platforms like Zabira.

Hack #3: Harnessing the Power of Digital Assets like Gift Cards

In the realm of digital assets, gift cards are one of the smartest hacks you can have in your arsenal. Forget hiding cash under your mattress! Gift cards can be a surprisingly strategic way to store savings. They offer security, often in reloadable options, and some platforms even allow you to trade them for cash at a slight discount, turning them into a flexible, short-term investment with a guaranteed return. Think of Gift Cards as buying gold bullion that you can gift or store away to trade whenever you want for cash and when you think of trading gift cards for cash, look no further than Grip.ng.

Grip.ng is a trusted gift card trading platform that allows users to trade, pay bills, fund wallets and participate in sports betting while having safe and secure transactions. Available on Web, iOS and Android, Grip.ng’s user-friendly interface advantages allow users to enjoy a secure and seamless experience, some of which include:

• Buying and selling of gift cards
• Enjoying the best rates on all gift cards while trading with Grip.ng
• Make easy payments including cable subscriptions, airtime and data purchases, electricity bills and betting
• Security, safety and confidentiality of all transactions on the platform

Overall, by taking advantage of the gig economy to earn additional income with flexible jobs, making good use of AI to seek out great investment options and opportunities, embracing cryptocurrency to diversify one’s investment portfolio, and using the innovative solutions provided by Grip.ng’s gift cards, you can become one of those making smart financial decisions in 2024. Due to Grip.ng’s unbeatable rates and secure platform, its ease of use in daily transactions like subscriptions, Data purchases, electricity purchases, and more, it should be the first port of call for someone looking to make conscious money moves in 2024.