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Casino: The house always wins; investing your money instead of gambling is better.

casino

It is often said that “the house always wins.” The house does not always win but it wins more often than the players. What are the odds of winning at the casino, and why is it better to invest?

What is the expected value of playing casino games, and how is this concept measured in investments? Besides the inherent probabilistic laws that govern them, what commonalities exist between these two activities?

The house always often wins.

Interestingly, both casino games—colorful and vibrant—and what some might consider the duller financial assets can be statistically analysed and compared. Each has an expected value, but how is this calculated, and for which asset is it higher?

It’s often said that “the house always wins.” This popular saying underscores the undeniable advantage of gambling establishments (or the state) and effectively illustrates the underlying reality.

The fundamental statistical concept related to this is expected value. This concept is also prevalent in the investment world, where it is referred to as expected return. It is an essential tool for investors seeking to evaluate the potential outcomes of their decisions.

What is the expected value?

Before we delve into the formal definition, let’s consider a practical example to understand the concept better. Imagine we’re in a casino playing Craps, a game in which players bet on the outcome of a roll of six-sided dice. What is the probability of rolling a two?

The answer to this question is ⅙, as there are six faces on a die, and the probability of rolling each number is the same. To find the expected value, we sum the possible outcomes (the numbers on the die) and multiply each by the probability of that outcome occurring, which, as we mentioned, is ⅙.

Here is the calculation to be performed: 

(1*⅙) + (2*⅙) + (3*⅙) + (4*⅙) + (5*⅙) + (6*⅙) = 3.5

The next time you see a die rolled in a casino, you’ll understand that the expected value is 3.5. This means that if you roll a six-sided die many times, the average result will be 3.5. Now, let’s focus on a more formal definition.

“In probability theory, the expected value (also called mean or mathematical expectation) of a random variableX is a number denoted byE(X) formalises the heuristic idea of mean value of a random phenomenon.”

In summary, the expected value of an event is calculated by multiplying each possible outcome by the probability of its occurrence and then adding those products. In simpler terms, it can be understood as the weighted average of all possible outcomes. This definition will be helpful when discussing investments.

The house always wins: why it is not worth playing at the casino

Let’s teleport to a casino. Now that we understand expected value, everything shines a new light on the situation: this value is always negative for players but always positive for the house.

If this point went unnoticed, you may have missed an important detail: We have just scrutinised an industry that generated EUR 131 billion in revenue in Europe alone in 2023.

The explanation is straightforward. Gambling games are structured to give the casino an advantage, known as the house edge. This house edge ensures the casino’s business model remains viable; if the expected value were positive for players, running a casino would mean giving money away to customers over time.

However, not all games are the same. Some, like roulette, have only a slightly negative expected value, while others, such as SuperEnalotto, have such unfavorable odds that winning big is virtually impossible. Let’s look at the expected value of the most popular casino games.

A practical example: the expected value of Roulette

One of the most generous casino games for players is European roulette, which features a single zero. To illustrate this, let’s calculate the odds of a simple bet, such as on red or black, even or odd, or the ranges 1-18 or 19-36. In European roulette, there are 37 possible numbers: 18 red, 18 black, and 1 green zero.

For example, when betting on red:

  • Since there are 18 red numbers, the probability of winning is 18 out of 37 (approximately 48.65%).
  • The probability of losing is 19 out of 37 (approximately 51.35%) because, in addition to the 18 black numbers, there is also the zero, which causes red bets to lose.

The payout for a winning bet on red is 1:1. If you place a bet of 1€, you will receive a total of 2€ if you win, which includes a net profit of 1€. Conversely, if you lose, you forfeit the entire amount wagered.

Therefore, the total expected value will result from the difference between the expected value of the probability of victory (18/37) and defeat (19/37), resulting in a loss of 0.027€ per euro wagered. To simplify matters, we have not given the formula, but you can check it by calculating this difference after applying the same procedure as we did for the dice.

The Expected Value in Financial Investments

Now that you’re familiar with the concept of expected value in casino games, it’s time to discuss investments. Similar probabilistic principles estimate the future performance of financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, indices, and even cryptocurrencies.

First, it’s important to note that changing the reference system alters the approach to probability. We cannot analyse the financial world in a purely objective probabilistic manner, as it does not consist of perfectly symmetrical and well-constructed events (like a coin toss). In this context, probabilities are modeled based on historical data.

The expected value of investments, also known as the expected return, is the weighted average of the possible returns on an investment, factoring in the probability of each potential outcome. This definition closely resembles the one used in the context of casino games.

This article will explore the concept of expected value in finance using one of the longest-running stock indices: the S&P 500. The S&P 500 is one of the most significant stock indices globally, tracking the performance of the 500 most prominent and capitalised companies in the United States. With a historical data record spanning nearly a century, it is a reliable tool for estimating long-term stock returns. Historically, the S&P 500 has provided a positive average annual return.

The expected one is currently about +10%, considering historical data from 1928 to today, including reinvested dividends, over long periods. It would be interesting to do the same with Bitcoin, but unfortunately, fifteen years of history is minimal to evaluate a financial phenomenon from a statistical point of view. To date, the expected return would be 85%, analysing its performance from 2011 to the present.

Buy Bitcoin!

Why investing is not like gambling: conclusions

While both investing and gambling involve risking capital to make a profit, the key difference lies in the nature and sign of the expected value.

In gambling, the expected value is negative for the player. The system is effectively closed and operates as a negative-sum game: the house always keeps a portion of the bets as its margin. No matter how long a person plays or their betting strategies, the expected value remains unchanged. Systems like the Martingale can alter the short-term distribution of winnings but do not affect the predicted value in the long run.

In the long run, players tend to lose, on average, a percentage that reflects the house’s advantage. The saying “the house always wins” is not just a cliché; it is a mathematically proven reality due to the structure of casino games.

In contrast, financial investments, particularly in the stock market, typically offer investors a positive expected value. This is because the economy continuously generates new wealth: Companies grow, produce profits, and innovate, contributing to a long-term increase in value. Investors can participate in overall economic growth by investing in a diversified market index.

While there is always the risk of choosing the wrong investment or facing short-term downturns, these risks can be managed through diversification, setting long-term goals, and maintaining discipline. This level of strategic planning is impossible in gambling, where each bet is independent and inherently disadvantageous.

Volatility and expected value: the relationship

The final point to consider when comparing casino games with the world of investments is volatility, particularly in contrast to the certainty of incurring losses. In casino games, including scratch cards and Superenalotto, the long-term outcome is predictable—players can expect to lose a fixed percentage of their total wagers. As wagering increases, the volatility typically decreases relative to the volume played.

In investments, however, volatility does not diminish over more extended periods. It can lead to more significant uncertainty regarding outcomes in the medium term. Nevertheless, the likelihood of achieving a positive return increases over time because the expected value of investments is positive.

Holding a stock for just one day is akin to flipping a coin—it usually results in a 50% chance of a positive day and a 50% chance of a negative one. However, if you hold a stock for a year, there’s a good chance of achieving a positive return, although it’s not guaranteed. On the other hand, holding stocks for 10 or 20 years has historically always ensured a significant return.

In contrast, if you play roulette repeatedly for 10 or 20 years, you will likely have a negative net result that approaches the theoretical expected value unless you experience extraordinary and unrepeatable events.

In conclusion, wise investing is statistically successful over the long term, while gambling is guaranteed to lead to losses. Investment creates wealth within the economic system, whereas gambling merely redistributes value and often diminishes it, with a portion of the losses going to the banks. It’s important to note that investing involves risks; however, investors are rewarded with a premium for the risks they take. In contrast, gambling typically results in further disadvantages without any expected rewards.

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Investing is simple but not easy: 5 paradoxes of personal finance and the crypto world

5 paradoxes of personal finance

Laziness is a virtue in the investment world! Discover five other paradoxical and counterintuitive (but true) assumptions from the world of personal finance.

What are the central paradoxes of personal finance? Our blog primarily focuses on cryptocurrencies but occasionally explores other areas of the vast investment landscape.

Recently, we came across an intriguing article by Dedalo Invest. The author, Andrea Gonzali, outlines personal finance’s 10 contradictions (or paradoxes). We decided to revisit this article because many of its points resonate strongly with the crypto world.

The investment world can often be counterintuitive. 

While the primary goal of those exploring the markets is logical—maximising returns and minimising losses—many investor actions can seem irrational, especially without the benefit of hindsight. In summary, the objective is clear, intuitive, and rational, but its methods can be complex.

There isn’t a single reason for this complexity. Historically, humans have developed intuition for two key purposes: to ensure the survival of our species and to perpetuate it through procreation. This focus does not include increasing financial capital. To quote the original article’s author, “The fundamentals are intuitive: save regularly, invest wisely, diversify your portfolio, and maintain it over the long term. It is the management of money that is complex.“

Laziness is a virtue.

Let us start with perhaps the most paradoxical statement: laziness often maximises performance, while hyperactivity tends to hinder it. Of course, this observation is not meant to generalise; exceptions certainly exist, such as the highly active meme coin trader who is our friend’s cousin. However, when analysing broader investment and personal finance trends, many of society’s beliefs about the value of hard work and commitment are challenged.

It is essential to clarify that in this context, laziness refers specifically to the operational side of investing, such as the frequency of buying and selling or rebalancing, rather than the time spent studying concepts or theories. This idea also applies to the world of cryptocurrency. The more trades one makes in a particular timeframe, the greater the risk of making mistakes that can lead to significant losses, especially when dealing with certain types of cryptocurrencies.

In traditional finance, so-called “lazy portfolios”—portfolios that simply diversify among a few asset classes using financial instruments that require minimal intervention—have historically outperformed many more complex, actively managed strategies. The same can be said for portfolios predominantly composed of Bitcoin and a few altcoins, even over shorter investment horizons.

Several reasons account for this phenomenon. First and foremost, every trade made on a brokerage platform or a crypto exchange incurs costs and increases the likelihood of making errors. Due to the unpredictable nature of the markets, even professional investors do not try to time the market effectively—that is, they do not attempt to sell assets at their peak value or buy them at their lowest point. Finally, it’s important to note that any capital gains realised from trading are subject to taxation.

You have to follow your intuition

Intuition is crucial for our safety, alerting us to danger before it becomes apparent. However, relying on intuition can be risky when it comes to investments. While humans have only recently begun investing their money, our intuition and the cognitive biases linked to it have developed over hundreds of thousands of years. In simpler terms, our intuition evolved to protect us from threats like wild animals or poisonous plants, not to navigate the complexities of the post-Trump trade market crash.

These cognitive biases are mental shortcuts that shape our beliefs and influence quick decision-making, significantly affecting our investment choices:

1. Anchoring: We assign excessive and irrational value to specific price points. A notable example is the $100,000 threshold for Bitcoin, where many investors made mistakes during the 2021 bull market because they believed BTC would reach this level.

2. Overconfidence Bias occurs when we overestimate our knowledge, decision-making abilities, or predictions’ accuracy.

3. Confirmation Bias: This bias leads us to selectively seek information supporting our existing opinions while ignoring data that contradicts them.

For this reason, rigid investment approaches characterised by clear, unbreakable rules—such as a recurring and buy-and-hold strategy—tend to yield better results than those based on an investor’s instincts or subjective perceptions.

Sales do not attract buyers.

In finance, especially in cryptocurrency, a price decline often drives buyers away, contrary to what typically occurs in other markets. For instance, if we are interested in a pair of shoes and their price drops by 50%, we will likely welcome this reduction and make a purchase. This creates a paradox where, in the markets, the opposite behavior is observed. The well-known meme illustrating a long line of buyers when Bitcoin’s price is $100,000 and an empty line when it falls to $6,000 effectively captures this reality.

The herd effect can explain the concept: when everyone is selling, our instinct prompts us to follow suit, even though we know rationally that it might be the best time to buy. Discounts can be intimidating in the markets because falling prices are typically linked to negative news or behaviors, altering the perception of investors anticipating further declines.

Investing near the highs is the norm, not the exception.

Let’s shift our focus from the crypto sector to traditional financial markets, particularly the stock market. This shift isn’t because the concepts we’re discussing are exclusive to traditional markets but because crypto assets are relatively young compared to stock indices. As a result, we have insufficient historical data to support our thesis fully.

Those entering the investment world for the first time often fear buying at market peaks or feel they are entering too late. However, this concern is unfounded mainly when we examine the history of the S&P 500, the leading stock index that tracks the performance of the 500 largest companies in the United States and, in many ways, reflects general market trends. 

The S&P 500’s chart, which begins in 1957, shows that it spends a significant amount of time near its all-time highs. Between 1957 and March 2025, the index recorded 1,242 new highs. Typically, these all-time highs are separated by very short periods, although there have been a few notable exceptions, such as the seven-year gaps between 2000 and 2007 and between 1973 and 1980. 

In summary, reaching new all-time highs in traditional finance is not an extraordinary event but the norm.

The notion that investing during a bearish market is easier is often misleading. When markets collapse, fear and uncertainty prevail, making investing paradoxically more challenging, even when prices are significantly lower.

What about the world of cryptocurrency? Currently, Bitcoin cannot be compared to the S&P 500 due to the 50-year history that separates them. This difference contributes to Bitcoin’s value being more cyclical and subject to volatility. However, Bitcoin has recently reduced the time between reaching all-time highs, likely due to increased interest from institutional investors. Over time, although we cannot be sure, Bitcoin’s price movements will probably start to resemble those of traditional assets, with gold being a prime example, as both share the characteristic of scarcity.

Investing near the highs is the norm, not the exception

We arrive at the fifth and final point, aptly summarised by Daedalus Invest, in the following paradox:

  • It is essential to start investing as early as possible to benefit from compound interest. 
  • However, you cannot act blindly; you must fully understand what you are doing and educate yourself before you begin investing.

The first statement is straightforward if you know how compound interest works. It refers to the percentage return you earn on an amount that includes previously accumulated interest—essentially, it’s interest on interest. Nevertheless, jumping in without a solid foundation of knowledge can lead to mistakes that may be costly and disheartening, prompting individuals to step away from investing altogether.

So, how can you overcome this challenge? Start by exploring the wealth of resources available on our Academy and Blog!

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How to stake. All the ways to get rewards from your crypto

Learn how to stake cryptocurrencies, what staking is for, which service to use and which tokens can be locked up in staking.

Staking is a common crypto mechanism that permits the functioning of Proof-of-Stake blockchains. In fact, to achieve network consensus – which is necessary to validate transactions – these particular blockchains do not use an external source such as electricity or computational power; instead, they use internal resources, i.e., user guarantees. In other words, staking is the basis of a blockchain’s validation mechanism. However, staking can also refer to the process of locking up cryptos to obtain rewards without necessarily becoming a network’s validator. This article will look at how to stake and all the options available to obtain rewards from cryptos.

What is staking for? 

People who choose to stake might have different goals. Some people stake to become a validator, while others lock up their cryptos only to obtain a reward, delegating to other users the task of transaction validating. Let’s take a look at the different types of staking: 

1. Staking cryptos to become a blockchain validator

The validating nodes of a blockchain are responsible for finalising the network transactions. Contrary to what happens in Proof-of-Work chains, no special technical equipment is needed to validate transactions in Proof-of-Stake chains – it is sufficient to simply stake your crypto. In most cases, people or entities already have some experience in the blockchain field who become validators. You have to open a node after staking a certain amount of cryptocurrencies. This type of staking requires downloading a wallet that enables staking in the chain you want to become a node of, and staying online 24/7. Some blockchains also stipulate a minimum share of crypto to be staked, for example on Tezos it is 8,000 XTZ, on Ethereum 2.0 it will be 32 ETH. 

2. Delegating your stake

If you do not want to manage a validator node, you can delegate your stake to an existing node. Delegation is a convenient alternative if you wish to participate in the consensus mechanism of a blockchain with a lower investment of time and money. When you delegate a node, the amount of cryptocurrency you have staked joins the node’s stake. This way, the validating node will also use your cryptocurrencies to contribute to the functioning of the network. The rewards obtained for the validation work are distributed proportionally between the node and those delegated. You can delegate a node through platforms (decentralised or otherwise) that offer this service. 

3. Staking cryptos to take part in a blockchain’s governance 

In some cases, staking is used to let users participate in blockchain governance. Whoever stakes a certain amount of crypto earns the right to vote on updates, improvements and the direction of the blockchain’s roadmap. This way, staking increases the decentralisation of a project’s decisions.

4. Locking up cryptos to get rewards

Cryptocurrency staking can also mean simply locking up your cryptocurrencies for a period of time to obtain rewards, calculated annually and expressed in APY. These rewards are the equivalent of what traditional finance calls an annual percentage return. Locked cryptocurrencies cannot be traded or sold until the end of the staking period selected. How can I take part in this type of staking? This option is particularly suitable for people who are not particularly familiar with the crypto sector because it does not require any technical expertise, all you need to do is find out about the third-party service you choose. Now let’s see where you can stake! 

Where can you stake?

You can choose different third-party services for staking cryptocurrencies – there are decentralised platforms, dapp, and exchanges (centralised and not), as well as offline options such as external hardware.  

1. Staking via hardware 

Offline staking is called cold staking. In this type of staking, cryptocurrencies are locked up and stored in cold wallets, i.e. wallets that are not connected to the internet. Cold wallets can be hardware, paper wallets or offline applications. Cold staking is often used when locking up large amounts of crypto and to avoid the potential risk of cyber attacks. This type of staking is highly secure, but the staking is managed autonomously, without third parties mediating. For this reason, you need to be familiar with the mechanisms. Even if they are offline, cryptocurrencies in cold wallets are always connected to the blockchain and rewards are earned as in online staking. 

2. Staking via a CEX or DEX

One of the most commonly used services for staking online is through exchanges. Whether centralised or decentralised, exchanges often provide step-by-step guides on how to use staking tools. Each exchange has its features, differing in the type of solution, supported cryptocurrencies, and offered APY. You can choose the one that best suits your needs.

On Young Platform, you can access a simple and intuitive staking solution directly. Currently, you can lock various cryptocurrencies that support staking and earn rewards calculated based on APY, proportional to the amount you decide to stake.

Young Platform offers two staking methods:

  • Liquid Staking allows for greater flexibility with staked crypto without long-term locking.
  • Proof of Stake enables active participation in network security while earning higher rewards than other solutions.

For more information: Staking introduction: an innovative way to put your crypto to work

3. Staking Pools: decentralised protocols and dapps

Many decentralised protocols and dapps offer different staking opportunities. For example, you can lock cryptocurrencies up in Staking Pools, i.e. smart contracts or features that aggregate stakes of other users. Staking pools are usually used by blockchain nodes to increase the size of their stakes and, thus, the probability of being chosen as validators. Furthermore, DeFi protocols and platforms also offer options for Derivative Staking and Liquid Staking, in which rewards are earned through derivative products.  

Staking NFTs

Staking doesn’t end at coins or tokens – the latest frontier of decentralised finance also includes NFT staking. This works similarly to traditional staking – you lock up your non-fungible tokens on unique platforms to obtain rewards in crypto. Not all NFTs are suitable for this practice. Moonbirds, by the startup Proof, is a collection that has implemented a staking feature. Staking NFTs allows people to maximise their digital artwork and sometimes participate in the governance of their projects. 

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Young Platform: from crypto exchange to payment account

young platform payment account

Download the new version of the app. In addition to the Crypto section, we are developing the Save and Cash sections that will change how you manage your finances! 

In recent years, Young Platform has emerged as one of the leading players in the European cryptocurrency industry. Founded in 2018 as an exchange, the platform has always aimed to make the world of cryptocurrency accessible to everyone. Today, Young Platform is taking a significant step in its evolution by transitioning from a simple exchange to a crypto-native payment account. This change marks the beginning of a new era for the platform and its users, who will have access to more comprehensive and integrated financial tools.

Download Young Platform app

The new interface

Young Platform’s new interface features three main sections: Crypto, Save, and Cash. This structure allows users to manage their finances in a more organised and intuitive manner:

  • Crypto: This is the platform’s core, focused on buying, selling, and managing digital assets. Users can easily trade cryptocurrencies and utilise advanced tools like Smart Trades and Staking to enhance their trading experience. 
  • Save (coming soon): This upcoming section will enable users to manage their savings, set financial goals, and create automatic accumulation plans.
  • Cash (coming soon): This section will be dedicated to cash management in euros and equipped with advanced payment tools. Users will be able to receive salaries, make transfers, and use the Young card for everyday expenses.

This transformation marks a significant evolution in the industry, bridging the gap between traditional finance and cryptocurrency.

A revolutionised user experience

The platform has been redesigned to provide a smoother, more intuitive user experience. The interface ensures simple and accessible navigation, even for less experienced users. Users will be able to customise their homepage by setting up widgets and specific preferences to monitor their portfolios, profits, losses, and market performance.

Additionally, Young Platform has introduced a notification system that keeps users updated on portfolio performance and new opportunities, as well as the release of new features. Don’t forget to activate these notifications from the profile section and the newsletters!

Access to financial education is also a key focus of the platform. With a dedicated section for guides and insights, Young Platform aims to equip users with the necessary skills to make informed financial decisions.

The Box competition: win the Young Card!

To celebrate this significant change, Young Platform is launching “The Box” competition and offering exclusive prizes to participants. One of the most coveted prizes is the Young Card, which provides cashback of up to 3.6 %* and real benefits on everyday purchases.

The competition rewards our most loyal users and encourages them to explore the platform’s new features and embrace the ongoing changes. Participating is simple: Follow the instructions on the platform to accumulate gems and stand a chance to win exclusive prizes, including Apple devices, Sony products, Amazon vouchers, and more!

Discover The Box

Security and innovation 

With the transition to a crypto-native payment account, security has become a greater priority for Young Platform. The platform employs advanced protocols to safeguard users’ funds and data, and new authentication systems have been introduced to provide even more secure access.

Another significant innovation is obtaining a personal IBAN, enabling users to receive payments directly to their Young account. This feature enhances the platform’s versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of users, from experienced traders to those who simply want to manage their liquidity more effectively.

Towards the future: the integration of traditional assets

Young Platform’s evolution is ongoing. By the end of 2025, the platform intends to incorporate investments in traditional assets, providing an increasingly comprehensive experience. This shift will establish Young Platform as a leader not only in the cryptocurrency space but also in overall financial management.

Integrating ETFs and other traditional financial instruments will allow users to diversify their investments without switching between multiple platforms. The aim is to create a complete financial ecosystem in which every investor, regardless of experience level, can find the right tools to grow their capital.

This expansion is crucial to attracting a wider audience, particularly those who have previously viewed cryptocurrencies with scepticism. By bringing traditional assets into a native crypto platform, the aim is to break down the barriers between these two worlds and offer a practical solution for asset management.

The impact of regulation and Young Platform’s vision

Young Platform has recently achieved payment account status, enhancing its compliance with European regulations and providing users with a secure and regulated environment. By adhering to the MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulations and obtaining the necessary licenses, the platform is taking significant steps toward being recognised as a key player in the financial sector.

This regulation offers excellent consumer protection and enables Young Platform to operate in a more stable and transparent environment. Young Platform aims to set an example of compliance and transparency, distinguishing itself from many international platforms functioning in unregulated settings.

Another essential aspect of Young Platform is the decentralisation of financial management. Drawing from the principles of the blockchain ecosystem, the platform empowers users to maintain control over their funds and investment decisions.

A new way of experiencing digital finance

The future of digital finance goes beyond technology and involves the mindset with which people manage their capital. Young Platform is redefining wealth management by providing tools that enable anyone to invest with knowledge and security.

In a world where bureaucratic barriers and rigid institutions often hinder access to financial services, Young Platform presents an innovative and inclusive solution. It aims to create an ecosystem where blockchain technology can coexist with traditional financial tools, all while maintaining security, reliability, and accessibility.

Download the new version.

Young Platform is evolving from a sole exchange to a complete ecosystem integrating traditional and crypto finance into a single interface. With the introduction of the payment account and the restructured Crypto, Save, and Cash sections, users will gain access to more advanced and organized investment tools.

The ‘Box’ competition marks just the beginning of this new phase. Young Platform is committed to continuous innovation and aims to provide an increasingly competitive, cutting-edge solution. In this true financial hub, users can develop their wealth growth strategies by combining traditional and innovative approaches.

*Cashback depends on club membership and level: the higher the level, the higher the percentage. Platinum Club members get up to 3.6%.

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The Best Budgeting Apps in the UK: Top Picks for 2024

The Best Budgeting Apps in the UK: Top Picks for 2024

Managing a personal budget is essential for anyone looking to save, invest, or simply gain control over their finances. If you’re wondering how to effectively handle your budget, we’ve compiled a list of the top budgeting apps that make money management effortless. These applications not only simplify tracking expenses but also help you avoid unnecessary spending—essential for those striving for financial security.

Forget about complex spreadsheets! With these apps, managing a budget is easy, enabling you to save more and plan for future investments. Here’s our top five picks for the best budgeting apps in the UK in 2024.

1. Spendee

Spendee is a highly effective budgeting app that stands out for its versatility. It enables users to link bank accounts, including some cryptocurrency wallets, making it easier than ever to track transactions and spending. This seamless connectivity means that users can stay updated on their finances in real time, eliminating the need for manual entry.

Spendee provides useful visual aids, such as graphs and dashboards, which offer insights into spending patterns. These tools make it simple to identify where most of your money goes, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to reduce unnecessary expenses.

Key Features:

  • Bank account and cryptocurrency integration
  • Customisable charts and dashboards
  • Real-time transaction tracking

2. Copilot

Among the top budgeting apps, Copilot is unique due to its integration of artificial intelligence. This app acts as a digital personal finance assistant, offering spending insights and customised budget recommendations. While currently only available in the United States, Copilot has set a new standard for budget apps by providing tailored financial advice on the go.

As a finalist in Apple’s App Store Awards, Copilot’s cutting-edge features make it a standout option. With AI assistance, users gain personalised budgeting tips that help them stay on track with their financial goals.

Key Features:

  • AI-powered budget tracking and insights
  • Personalised financial advice
  • Winner of App Store Awards (US only)

3. YNAB (You Need A Budget)

YNAB is widely considered one of the best budgeting apps for those committed to financial discipline. The app’s core philosophy is to give every pound a purpose, encouraging users to allocate each penny towards specific goals. By dividing expenses into categories—such as savings, bills, or investments—YNAB enables a structured approach to budgeting.

For those who want a comprehensive tool, YNAB is ideal. It includes monthly planning features, educational resources, and workshops on financial literacy. YNAB aims not only to track expenses but also to improve your relationship with money.

Key Features:

  • Goal-oriented budgeting for each pound
  • In-depth tutorials and workshops
  • Monthly planning and detailed budgeting categories

4. Money Manager

For users who prefer simplicity, Money Manager is an excellent choice. It’s a straightforward budget app that allows for easy logging of daily income and expenses. The app categorises transactions automatically, giving users a clear overview of their spending patterns.

Money Manager provides helpful visual reports, making it easy to identify where you could cut back on spending. This lightweight app is perfect for anyone looking for a no-fuss way to manage their finances.

Key Features:

  • Simple transaction logging
  • Expense categorisation and visual reports
  • Lightweight design, ideal for users wanting a straightforward app

5. Wallet

The final app on our list is Wallet, another great choice among the best budgeting apps in the UK. Like Spendee, Wallet supports automatic bank account linking for real-time expense tracking. Wallet also allows for shared budgeting, which can be handy for families or couples managing joint expenses.

One unique feature of Wallet is its savings goals, where users can set financial milestones and track their progress. Push notifications provide reminders of your financial commitments, helping you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases.

Key Features:

  • Automatic bank account linking
  • Shared budgeting for group finances
  • Savings goals and notifications to keep you on track

Why Use Budgeting Apps?

Utilising one of the best budget apps can make financial management significantly easier. These tools can help you categorise expenses, identify overspending, and set financial goals—all essential for those aiming to boost savings and cut out unnecessary costs. Whether you are looking for a simple tracker or a comprehensive financial planner, there is an app that meets your needs.

With any of these apps, you’ll gain better visibility over your finances, helping you lay a foundation for more informed spending and saving decisions. When your budget is under control, you can consider exploring investments. A practical approach for beginners is recurring purchases, a strategy that allows you to invest incrementally and consistently.

Discover the Moneybox

By choosing the best budgeting app for your lifestyle, you can make financial management more straightforward and enjoyable. Start today with one of these budgeting apps and take the first step toward a secure financial future.

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Differences between Mortgage Rates: Eurirs, Euribor, ECB and Inflation

The central reference rates for mortgages, Eurirs, Euribor, and ECB, differ. How do they vary with inflation, and how do they affect the cost of a mortgage?

The interest rate on your mortgage is one of the most important aspects to consider when deciding to borrow money. Understanding the differences between Eurirs, Euribor, and ECB rates can make a big difference in choosing the most suitable loan. 

Let’s examine in detail how these rates work, how they vary, and what influence inflation has on them.

Euribor: variable-rate mortgages

The Euribor, or Euro Interbank Offered Rate, is the average interest rate paid by banks in the Eurozone to lend money to each other. Or, in simple terms, it represents the cost of money in the Eurozone at a given time. The Euribor is calculated daily by the European banking federation through the weighted average of the interest rates of the most active banks in the Eurozone. This index varies daily and can have different reference durations, from one day up to 12 months. For example, the three-month Euribor rate was 3.7% on 10 July 2024. 

But what does this have to do with mortgages? The Euribor interest rate is the benchmark (or reference) used to calculate the interest rate of financial products such as personal loans, mortgages and variable-rate bank deposits. In other words, the instalments that those who have taken out a variable-rate mortgage have to pay vary directly to Euribor; if Euribor falls, they become cheaper. 

Eurirs: fixed-rate mortgages

On the other hand, the Eurirs (Euro Interest Rate Swap) is the reference rate for fixed-rate mortgages. Like the Euribor, it represents the cost at which banks and other European credit institutions borrow money from each other at a predetermined cost. The Eurirs is calculated daily by the European Banking Federation and varies depending on the loan duration. The longer the period, the higher the rate applied. For example, as of 10 July 2024, Eurirs rates for a 20-year mortgage were 3.6%.

ECB interest rates

Finally, we come to the ECB interest rates, the ones we hear about most often, especially from 2021 onwards, as they have been raised to fight inflation. These are decided monthly by the European Central Bank and represent the rate at which commercial banks can borrow money from it. To understand the difference between previous lending rates and ECB interest rates, the ECB interest rate can be interpreted as the ‘wholesale price’ of money for European banks. 

However, to understand how these vary, we cannot ignore inflation, an economic phenomenon that represents the general increase in prices over time and reduces the purchasing power of currencies. 

But why does inflation affect interest rates? The relationship between these two values is not direct. Interest rates do not automatically change in relation to inflation since they are decided by the ECB. However, the world’s central banks intervene when the cost of money reaches worrying levels, in most cases, by raising them.In conclusion, choosing the right mortgage requires understanding the different reference rates and their variations. Eurirs offers stability for fixed-rate mortgages, while Euribor represents variability for variable-rate mortgages. The ECB rate directly influences the short-term cost of money, and inflation plays a crucial role in the economy, affecting all interest rates.

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Self-Improvement Books: Which Are the Best?

Which are the best self-improvement books? A list of ten titles you absolutely must read.

Identifying the 10 best self-improvement books is a challenging, nearly impossible task given that every reader has their tastes and may be driven by specific needs. However, given the incredible literary output in this field, it can be helpful to make a selection, especially for those who need to choose their first book of this type and don’t know where to start.

Here is our list of the 10 best self-improvement books.

  1. “Deep Work” by Cal Newport

“Deep Work” explores the importance of dedicating oneself intensely to complex and meaningful tasks to achieve extraordinary results. Newport provides practical strategies for cultivating concentration and improving productivity.

This book is perfect for those who want to reduce distractions and increase the effectiveness of their work. It helps them develop the ability to work deeply and manage time better.

After reading this book, you might start exploring the world of cryptocurrencies. Through this work, Cal Newport provides very effective tips for studying and delving into the most complex topics of our time. What could be better than this innovative sector where various disciplines mix, mainly computer science and economics?

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  1. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear

“Atomic Habits” offers a detailed guide on how to build positive habits and eradicate negative ones through small daily changes. Clear uses scientific research and personal stories to illustrate how habits shape our lives. This book is essential for those who want to improve gradually and achieve lasting results, offering simple and practical strategies that can lead to significant changes in their lives.

  1. “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle

“The Power of Now” is a classic in all bookstores in the self-improvement section. It teaches the importance of living in the present to achieve inner peace and happiness.

Tolle combines elements of philosophy and psychology, offering a practical guide to living a more mindful and fulfilling life. Through the book, Tolle helps readers free themselves from the chains of the past and worries about the future, focusing on the only moment that truly matters: the present.

  1. “Your Erroneous Zones” by Wayne W. Dyer

“Your Erroneous Zones” is a fundamental book for those who want to free themselves from self-limiting thoughts and behaviours. Wayne W. Dyer offers practical strategies to identify and overcome “erroneous zones,” or those ways of thinking that prevent achieving full personal fulfilment. This book invites you to take control of your life and live it more authentically and freely.

  1. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey

This book is a comprehensive guide to improving personal and professional effectiveness through seven fundamental habits. Covey provides tools and strategies to develop a balanced and productive life, making it a must-read for anyone who wants to improve their time management and leadership skills.

  1. “Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life” by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans

Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, professors at Stanford University, present an innovative approach to designing a fulfilling life using design thinking principles.

“Designing Your Life” offers practical tools for fully exploring your passions, overcoming obstacles, and building a rewarding career and life. This book is ideal for those seeking a structured method for tackling important life decisions with creativity and confidence.

  1. “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill

A classic of motivational literature, “Think and Grow Rich” explores the fundamental principles of financial and personal success. Hill analyses the habits and philosophies of great businessmen and suggests to readers how to apply them in their daily lives to achieve ambitious goals.

Based on decades of research, this book offers practical strategies for achieving success.

  1. “Tools of Titans” by Tim Ferriss

“Tools of Titans” is a collection of advice and strategies from some of the world’s most brilliant and successful people, gathered and commented on by Tim Ferriss.

The book covers many topics, including health and professional life, offering practical insights and the right inspiration to improve your lifestyle. Ferriss distils information from over 200 interviews with world-renowned athletes, entrepreneurs, and artists, making this book a treasure trove of valuable knowledge.

  1. “The Elephant in the Brain” by Kevin Simler and Robin Hanson

“The Elephant in the Brain” analyses the unconscious motivations that drive our behaviour. The authors argue that many of our actions are guided by hidden motivations we do not know. This book offers a fascinating perspective on how the human mind works and how our true motivations influence our daily behaviour.

  1. “Principles: Life and Work” by Ray Dalio

Ray Dalio, one of the world’s most renowned investors and entrepreneurs, shares the principles guiding his life and career. The book is a collection of lessons on how to face personal and professional challenges with wisdom and integrity, offering valuable teachings on leadership, risk management, and innovation. Dalio presents a structured approach to life and work based on clear and tested principles, which can help anyone improve their decision-making skills and succeed.

These books represent some of the best resources available for those looking to improve themselves and succeed in various life aspects. Each offers practical tools and strategies that can be immediately applied to begin one’s journey of personal growth.

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Is now a good time to take out a variable-rate mortgage? Euribor forecasts

Euribor forecasts: variable-rate mortgages

How will the cost of variable-rate mortgages vary in the coming months? To predict this, it is necessary to analyse the central forecasts on Euribor, the European reference interest rate.

What the latest forecasts tell us about the Euribor, or Euro Interbank Offered Rate, which is the average interest rate paid by banks in the eurozone to lend money to each other and the benchmark for variable-rate mortgages.

In recent months, Euribor forecasts, particularly three-month ones, have attracted the attention of many financial industry experts, who have analysed various factors to predict future fluctuations. What is the current Euribor forecast for the last months of 2024?

Euribor forecasts: what will happen in the short term?

The first actor to provide its Euribor forecast is, as one would hope, the European Union, through the ‘Spring 2024 Economic Forecast’, a report analysing, in a broad sense, the economic situation in Europe. 

The executive summary of the document provides an overview highlighting the most important data for the Union, such as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate and the inflation rate. It also includes some forecasts on Euribor and the factors that will influence it. 

Of course, the future of the Euribor is closely linked to the decisions of the European Central Bank (ECB) regarding interest rates. These were already reduced by 25 basis points in June and currently stand at 4.25%. According to the Union, these will reach the threshold of 3.2% by the end of the year and 2.5% by the end of 2025.

Chatham Financial expects Euribor to decrease to 3% by early 2025 and 2.7% by the end of next year. 

Erste Group, one of the leading financial institutions in Central and Eastern Europe, has a slightly more optimistic Euribor forecast. After the first interest rate cut in June, the lending institution expects Euribor to reach 3% by the end of the year and 2.6% by July 2025.

Most banks and credit institutions’ forecasts for the last months of 2025 are similar. They all expect the three-month Euribor to fall, possibly dropping below 3% after next summer. This suggests easing the ECB‘s restrictive monetary policies in response to lower inflation.

The impact on variable-rate mortgages

Why are Euribor forecasts important for those who have taken out a variable-rate mortgage or intend to do so shortly? Because the mortgage cost varies precisely according to the fluctuations of this value. Therefore, a decrease in Euribor would reduce the monthly mortgage instalments, thus enabling holders of variable-rate mortgages to save money.

In short, the Euribor forecasts suggest that a favourable market phase for variable-rate mortgages is ahead of us after a few years of very steep repayments! As mentioned in the previous paragraphs, this trend is closely linked to ECB policies and global economic conditions. This information is crucial for borrowers to plan their finances better and consider possible switches to fixed-rate mortgages if more stability is desired.


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Keep track of your wallet’s performance with Young Platform’s new Profit and Loss feature

profit and loss young platform

The update of the P&L (Profit and Loss) feature on Young Platform is designed to provide you with a clear and detailed view of your cryptocurrency portfolio’s performance. This article will explain all the features that make the P&L function an essential tool for monitoring and analysing your profits and losses.

What is the Profit and Loss feature?

The P&L feature is the barometer of your cryptocurrency portfolio. It intuitively displays the wallet’s overall performance, from realised gains to potential ones. This helps you make more informed decisions, setting orders based on data presented in simple pie charts, saving you time.

Profit and Loss is located within the Analytics section. Thanks to a convenient menu, you can quickly view data and charts by clicking icons. Let’s examine all the new sections.

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Profit and Loss

Total yield is the core of the Profit and Loss feature. It shows you the total sum of your profits and losses in percentage and monetary terms (€). This function considers all value changes in your crypto, thus both realised and unrealised gains and losses.

By “unrealised”, we mean the counter value of the cryptocurrencies you own but have not yet converted into euros. Only when you sell them does that profit or loss become “realised”. The values shown here are net of fees.

If you have only deposited fiat without placing orders, the values reported here will be zero. However, if you have deposited crypto, profits or losses will be recorded as the price fluctuates.

The breakdown by categories, in the section immediately below, shows how your capital is distributed among different strategies: Spot, Moneyboxes, and Smart Trades. In this case, it is the total latent profit of your cryptos. At a glance, you know which strategy is yielding the best results.

profit and loss

Volume Analysis

Monitor your portfolio’s volumes by following deposits, withdrawals, and purchase, sale, and exchange orders. For complete control over your operations, you can select the month and transaction category you wish to view in the chart.

volumes analysis young platform

Crypto Allocation

The cryptocurrency distribution chart shows the percentage breakdown of your portfolio among the different cryptocurrencies held. Each chart segment represents a specific cryptocurrency, highlighting its proportion relative to the total portfolio. This lets you quickly see which cryptocurrencies make up the most significant part of your overall portfolio and evaluate whether to add or shift capital based on those generating a gain or a loss.

crypto allocation app young platform

Transactions

Summarises the total transaction volumes. This summary is useful for evaluating a potential upgrade to a higher identity verification level or enrolling in a Club that offers fee discounts tailored to our needs.

Balance Distribution

The balance distribution chart, across different strategies, shows how your portfolio’s capital is allocated among various strategies. Each chart segment represents a specific strategy, highlighting its proportion relative to the total balance. This lets you quickly see which strategies constitute the most significant part of your portfolio, facilitating the analysis and management of diversification, risk, and returns associated with each strategy.

balance distribution

Portfolio Diversification

The chart shows the division of your capital among euros, cryptocurrencies, and stablecoins. Each chart segment represents one of these categories, highlighting their proportion relative to the total portfolio. Cryptocurrencies are subject to volatility and can vary significantly in value, while stablecoins tend to have a stable value as they are pegged to a fiat currency or a physical asset like gold.

young platform wallet diversification

Definitions and Examples

Focusing on some key terms is necessary to better understand actual profits and losses or whether the decisions made have proved successful generally.

Unrealised Gain

Unrealised gain (or loss) indicates the growth or decline in the value of the cryptocurrencies in the portfolio, calculated on the difference between the purchase or deposit price and their current value. If sold or converted, such gain (or loss) becomes “realised” net of fees.

Example:

  • You buy 0.5 BTC at 15,000 EUR (30,000 EUR per 1 BTC).
  • The current value of 0.5 BTC is 17,500 EUR (35,000 EUR per 1 BTC).
  • Unrealised gain: 17,500 EUR – 15,000 EUR = 2,500 EUR.

Realised Gain

The total gain or loss generated by the portfolio through sales or conversion transactions is calculated based on the purchase and sale prices of the cryptocurrencies at the time of the operations. Transaction fees are included in the calculation as a loss.

Example:

  • You buy 0.5 BTC at 15,000 EUR (30,000 EUR per 1 BTC).
  • You sell 0.5 BTC at 17,500 EUR (35,000 EUR per 1 BTC).
  • Realised gain: 17,500 EUR – 15,000 EUR = 2,500 EUR.

Purchase Price

The purchase price represents the actual cost of buying a cryptocurrency, including only those bought through Young Platform and not those deposited or withdrawn from/to external wallets.

Example:

  • You buy 0.4 BTC at 12,000 EUR (30,000 EUR per 1 BTC).
  • You have already deposited 0.3 BTC in your wallet at 9,600 EUR (32,000 EUR per 1 BTC) (this is not included in the purchase price calculation).
  • Purchase price considered only for BTC purchased on Young Platform = 30,000 EUR per 1 BTC.

Average Price

A LIFO (Last In, First Out) methodology calculates the average purchase price. It is assumed that the units sold or withdrawn are the last ones bought or deposited, with variations in the average price of the assets with each transaction.

Example:

Case 1: only purchases

  • You buy 0.3 BTC at 9,000 EUR (30,000 EUR per 1 BTC).
  • You buy 0.2 BTC at 7,000 EUR (35,000 EUR per 1 BTC).
  • Initial average price = (9,000 EUR + 7,000 EUR) ÷ 0.5 BTC = 32,000 EUR per 1 BTC.

Case 2: sale (LIFO method calculation)

  • You sell 0.3 BTC.
  • BTC sold at 35,000 EUR per 1 BTC (0.2 BTC = 7,000 EUR) and part at 30,000 EUR per BTC (0.1 BTC = 3,000 EUR).
  • The remaining average price after the sale = (9,000 EUR – 3,000 EUR) / 0.2 BTC = 30,000 EUR per BTC.

Case 3: new purchases

  • You buy 0.4 BTC at 16,000 EUR (40,000 EUR per BTC).
  • Updated average price = (6,000 EUR + 16,000 EUR) / 0.6 BTC = 36,667 EUR per BTC.

Case 4: subsequent sale

  • You sell 0.3 BTC.
  • BTC sold at 40,000 EUR per BTC (0.3 BTC = 12,000 EUR).
  • Remaining average price = (6,000 EUR + 4,000 EUR) / 0.3 BTC = 33,333 EUR per BTC.

Case 5: deposits and withdrawals

  • You deposit 0.3 BTC at 9,600 EUR (32,000 EUR per BTC).
  • Updated average price = (6,000 EUR + 9,600 EUR) / 0.6 BTC = 26,000 EUR per BTC.
  • You withdraw 0.3 BTC.
  • BTC withdrawn at 32,000 EUR per BTC (0.3 BTC = 9,600 EUR).
  • The remaining average price = (6,000 EUR) / 0.3 BTC = 20,000 EUR per BTC.

Conclusion

With the update of the Profit and Loss feature on Young Platform, monitoring and analysing the performance of your cryptocurrencies is simpler and more accessible. The interactive charts allow you to keep a clear and intuitive view of your gains and losses. Whether you are a beginner or an expert in the crypto world, this new feature will help you better manage your portfolio and make more informed decisions.