Feb
15
2023
Strategic Overview: What Is a Cash-Secured Put?

Strategic Overview: What Is a Cash-Secured Put?

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing, Terminology | Comments Off on Strategic Overview: What Is a Cash-Secured Put?

A cash-secured put is an income options strategy in which an investor sells a put option on a stock while setting aside the cash to buy that stock, in case the stock price drops below the strike price of the put option and is assigned to the investor.

This strategy is useful for investors who believe a stock may drop in price over the short term and then increase long term. It allows the investor to generate income on the sale of the put, set the price (strike price) at which they will buy the stock if assigned, and enter a stock position at a lower price than when the trade is initiated.

The Details of Selling a Cash-Secured Put

Put options and call options are a type of derivative that may allow investors to gain — not by owning the underlying asset and waiting for it to go up, but by strategically using options contracts to profit from the asset’s price movements.

Similar to the strategy of shorting stocks, the way investors use options reflects their view on whether the price is likely to go up or down.

Selling cash-secured puts is a bullish options trading strategy that involves selling a put option with the hope that it either expires, or the underlying security temporarily drops in price and lets the investor purchase the security at the lower price.

Selling a put obliges an investor to purchase a certain number of stock or ETF shares at a specific price (the strike price) by a specific future date (the expiration date). Investors will choose a put that is out-of-the-money, i.e., with a lower strike price than the current stock price.

What to Consider With Cash-Secured Puts

Investors earn a premium immediately when they sell the cash-secured put. This is a strategy where investors generally sell cash-secured puts associated with securities they don’t own, that they expect to decrease in value in the near future but increase over the long term.

The contract may also require the investor to purchase the security prior to the exercise date if the price of the security drops to lower than the strike price. If the market price of the security is lower than the strike price at the exercise date, the investor still has to purchase the security at the strike price.

If the market price of the security is higher than the strike price at the exercise date, the investor is not obligated to purchase the security and the put expires. In this case, the investor has earned the premium amount and profited from the trade, as they say in options terminology.

Investors are required to have enough cash in their trading account to cover the full purchase amount. The investor must maintain that cash amount in their brokerage account for the duration of time they hold the put, which is why it’s called a cash-secured put.

Recommended: The Meaning of a Bullish Market

Some investors in puts don’t ever plan to purchase the underlying security, they simply want to profit off of the options premium. In that case they would generally write a naked put, which doesn’t require them to hold the cash to purchase the security.

The investor would hope that the put expires without obligating them to buy, and they could pocket the premium amount. Cash-secured puts are geared towards investors who actually want to purchase the underlying security on or before the exercise date at a price of their choosing.

There are some benefits to selling cash-secured puts, and they can be profitable, but investors should understand the risks before trying this investment strategy.

Finally, user-friendly options trading is here.*

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Pros & Cons of Cash-Secured Puts

Options strategies require the investor to be aware of multiple issues and cash-secured puts are no different.

What Are the Pros of Cash-Secured Puts?

•   The investor earns the premium amount regardless of whether they end up purchasing the security.

•   If the stock price decreases below the strike price, the investor can purchase the security at the strike price of the put which will be lower than the stock price when the trade was initiated.

   Note that if the stock price drops below the strike price and the shares are assigned, the investor will still pay the strike price for the shares. Be sure to think about what determines the stock price of the underlying.

•   If the price ends up increasing instead of decreasing, the put will expire worthless and the investor keeps the premium and the cash set aside for the stock purchase.

•   If an investor thinks a security is going to decrease in value in the short term but increase over the long term, cash-secured puts are a way they can purchase the security at a price less than the current market value.

•   Maximum gains from the put option have a limit, but potential long-term gains after the put option is exercised are unlimited.

Recommended: Learn About the Greeks in Options Trading

What Are the Cons of Cash-Secured Puts?

•   The security might drop below the strike price, it could even fall to $0. It might seem unlikely that a large corporation would go bankrupt, but it has happened before and can happen again.

   In this case the investor would still be obligated to purchase the security at the higher strike price, and would then hold a worthless security. However, even if the security plummets, the investor would still earn the premium amount, and their losses would be less than if they’d simply purchased the security instead of selling the put option.

•   When entering the trade the investor must be prepared to accept the strike price no matter what happens in the market before the exercise date.

◦   Maximum loss = strike price x 100, minus the premium amount

◦   Maximum gain = premium amount

•   A cash-secured put allows the investor to wait for a dip in the security’s price. If the security ends up increasing in value without a short-term dip, the investor has missed out on the opportunity to purchase the security. The put will expire worthless and they will need to make a decision whether to buy at the new, higher price or enter a different trade.

   If an investor knows they want to purchase the security they may want to consider other investing strategies or simply purchase the security at the current market price instead of using the cash-secured put strategy.

•   The investor must hold enough cash to cover the cost of the security for the duration of the trade. This means they can’t invest that cash into other trades.

•   From a short-term perspective, the potential losses from a cash-secured put option trade are high and the potential gains from the put option itself are low.

Tips for Employing a Cash-Secured Put Strategy

•   If an investor is bullish on a security, they should choose an out-of-the-money put option with a strike price below the current market price of the stock.

•   When an investor sets a strike price that is far out-of-the-money, they receive a lower premium and the option is less likely to be exercised.

•   Investors who are very bullish on a security in the short term should choose other investing strategies. Cash secured-put options are best if the investor has a neutral to slightly bullish view of the security.

•   It’s best to sell cash-secured put options when implied volatility of a security is high, because this results in higher option premiums. One way to find securities with high implied volatility is to look for high-quality stocks that have recently declined. The decline is likely to be somewhat temporary but the investor can get in at a lower market price with a higher premium. However, just because a company is large doesn’t mean its stock can’t continue to drop, so it’s important to do a detailed analysis before choosing any securities.

•   Due to the risk of a security’s price dropping more than the investor expects in the short term, it’s best to only sell put options for companies that the investor has researched.

•   Investors generally sell puts with 30-90 day time frames, but some investors choose to sell weekly put options.

Looking to Start Trading Stocks? Invest Today with SoFi

Cash-secured puts are one possible way to generate income while an investor waits for a stock to drop to their desired entry price. Selling cash-secured puts is a bullish options trading strategy that involves selling a put option with the hope that it either expires, or the underlying security temporarily drops in price and lets the investor purchase the security at the lower price.

And while this strategy is not without risk, it can allow the investor to generate short-term income on the sale of the put, set the price (strike price) at which they will buy the stock if assigned, and enter a stock position at a lower price than when the trade is initiated.

If you’re ready to try your hand at options trading, SoFi can help. When you set up an Active Invest account with SoFi, you can start investing online today. You can trade options from the SoFi mobile app or through the web platform. You can also buy and sell stocks, ETFs, and more. And if you have any questions, SoFi offers educational resources to learn more.

Trade options with low fees through SoFi.

Photo credit: iStock/Vanessa Nunes

SoFi Invest®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Before an investor begins trading options they should familiarize themselves with the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options . Tax considerations with options transactions are unique, investors should consult with their tax advisor to understand the impact to their taxes.
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Feb
15
2023
What Is a Call Debit Spread?

What Is a Call Debit Spread?

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off on What Is a Call Debit Spread?

A call debit spread — also referred to as a bull call spread or a long call spread — is an options trading strategy where a bullish trader purchases a call option at the same time as they sell another call option with a higher strike price and the same expiration date.

Essentially the call debit spread is a long call with the addition of a hedge of a short call to reduce risk. The level of risk is well defined; but it has limited profit potential.

This options strategy can be a good way to profit from increases in underlying asset prices.

Call Debit Spread Definition

Like some other common options strategies, call debit spreads may be traded out-of-the-money (OTM), at-the-money (ATM), or in-the-money (ITM).

To understand this strategy it helps to review the basics of call and put options. The basic steps of the strategy are:

•   Purchase a call option

•   Sell a call option with a higher strike price

The reason they are called debit spreads is the trader will incur a debit (cost) equal to the price of the purchased call option less the price of the sold call option when they enter the trade. An investor loses the entirety of their debit if the underlying stock closes below the strike price of the long call (the lower strike price).

The closer the strike prices are to the price of the underlying asset, the higher the debit payment is. But a higher debit also means a higher potential profit.

Recommended: Guide to Writing Put Options

Entering and Exiting a Call Debit Spread

To enter a call debit spread, a trader purchases a buy-to-open (BTO) call option and a sell-to-open (STO) call option that has a higher strike price and the same expiration date. The way the trade is structured, the trader is paying a debit. The entry can be at any strike price.

If a trader is more bullish, they can choose to purchase a spread that is more out-of-the-money. By selling the call option with the higher strike price, the trader gets into the trade at a lower cost and defines their risk and profit level.

To exit a call debit spread, the trader sells-to-close (STC) the long call option and buys-to-close (BTC) the short call option.

Traders have some ability to adjust their trade prior to the option expiration date, but they will pay an additional amount to do so, thereby increasing their risk and lowering their profit potential.

Additional flexibility exists in the ability to roll out spreads to a later expiration date. A trader might choose to do this if the option’s underlying asset price hasn’t moved enough to make the trade profitable.

In order to do this, the trader can sell the bull call spread they own and buy a new spread that has an expiration date further in the future. This can potentially increase the potential for profit but the trader will have to pay an additional fee, so this adds some amount of risk to the trade.

This is just one of many strategies traders can consider when thinking about how to trade options today.

Call Debit Spread Examples

Let’s look at two examples.

Example 1

Stock XYZ is currently trading at $100 per share. To enter into a call debit spread, a trader could purchase a $103 call for $1.00 at the same time as they sell a $105 call for $0.40. This would create a net debit, which is why it’s called a call debit spread.

The maximum loss and net debit for this call debit spread is:

   Premium paid = Cost of Long call – Cost for Short Call

   Premium paid = $1.00 – $0.40 = $0.60 net debit

   Note: The $0.60 net debit is per share. Since an option contract is for 100 shares, the debit will be $60 per option contract.

The maximum profit for this call debit spread is:

   Maximum profit = Width of strike prices – Premium paid

   Maximum profit = $105 – $103 – $0.60 = $1.40 per share or $140 per option contract

The breakeven point for this trade is when the stock price reaches:

   Breakeven = Strike price of long call + Premium paid

   Breakeven = $103 + $0.60 = $103.60

Finally, user-friendly options trading is here.*

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Example 2

A trader buys a call option for $50 and sells a call option for $55. The trade costs them $2. This makes their maximum loss for the trade $200, which they will lose if the stock option expires at a price below $50. If the stock option closes above $55, the trader will profit $300. The trader will break even at a closing price of $52.

The maximum loss and net debit for this call debit spread is:

   Premium paid = $2.00 (we don’t know the costs of each call but the total debit is given as $2.00)

The maximum profit for this call debit spread is:

   Maximum profit = Width of strikes – Premium paid

   Maximum profit = $55 – $50 – $2 = $3 per share or $300 per option contract

The breakeven point for this trade is when the stock price reaches:

   Breakeven = Strike price of long call + Premium paid

   Breakeven = $50 + $2 = $52

Maximum Gain, Loss, and Break-Even for Call Debit Spread

The maximum profit for a call debit spread is:

   Width of Strikes – Premium (Debit) paid

The maximum loss for a call debit spread is:

   Premium paid

The break-even point for a call debit spread is:

   Premium paid + Strike price of the long call

Recommended: How to Trade a Bull Put Spread

Why Trade Call Debit Spreads?

Traders choose to use the call debit spread option strategy when they are bullish on the underlying stock or asset.

Traders will also use the call debit spread strategy if they want to take a long position on an asset without actually spending all the money required to buy the asset itself. This gives them exposure to the asset with less risk and lower capital requirements.

Traders also use the strategy as a way to hedge against the risk of volatility collapse. If volatility collapses in a long call position, this can go poorly for an investor. But with the structure of a call debit spread, changes in volatility don’t have much effect.

Call Debit Spread Tips

Here are some tips for trading call debit spreads and some additional factors to be aware of before opening your first call debit spread.

Sensitivity to Theta (Time) decay

One factor that impacts call debit spreads is time decay, or theta decay. Theta is one of the Greeks in options trading.

If the underlying asset price is near to or below the long call (lower strike price) the trade will decrease in value as the expiration date nears. However, if the asset price is near to or above the short call (higher strike price) the trade will increase in value as the expiration date nears.

If the asset price is near the middle of the strike prices, time decay of the long and short call is offset and time erosion will have little impact on the price of the call debit spread.

Closing Call Debit Spreads

It’s generally a good strategy to close out a call debit spread before it expires if it is profitable. If it has reached its maximum possible profit, the position should be closed out to capture the maximum gain.

Another reason to close a call debit spread position as soon as the maximum profit is reached is due to the risk of your short call being assigned and exercised. To avoid this situation you may close the entire call debit spread position or keep the long call open and buy to close the short call.

If the short call is exercised a short stock position is created. You can close out the position with stock in your account, buy back stock in the market to close out your short position, or exercise the long call. Each of these options will incur additional transaction fees that may affect the profitability of your trade, hence the need to close out a maximum profit position as soon as possible.

Call Debit Spread Summary

Below is a summary of the key factors involved in a call debit spread:

Maximum Profit

 Limited
Maximum Loss Defined
Risk Level Low
Best For Prediction of an upward movement in stock price
When to Trade When bullish on a stock
Legs Two legs
Construction Short call + Long call
Opposite Position Call credit spread

The Takeaway

A call debit spread is a commonly used options trading strategy that can help traders have predictable risk and profits when they are bullish on the underlying asset.

If a trader wants to take a long position on an asset, but not have to buy the asset itself, they can use the call debit strategy — which gives them exposure to the asset with less risk and lower capital requirements.

It’s also possible to use this strategy as a way to hedge against the risk of volatility collapse.

If you’re ready to try your hand at online options trading, SoFi can help. You can trade options from the SoFi mobile app or through the web platform. And if you have any questions, SoFi offers educational resources about options to learn more.

For a limited time, opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.

Photo credit: iStock/SDI Productions

SoFi Invest®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Before an investor begins trading options they should familiarize themselves with the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options . Tax considerations with options transactions are unique, investors should consult with their tax advisor to understand the impact to their taxes.
Claw Promotion: Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $25 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.

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Feb
09
2023
What is Ethereum Classic (ETC)? ETC vs ETH

Ethereum Classic vs Ethereum 2.0: What’s the Difference?

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off on Ethereum Classic vs Ethereum 2.0: What’s the Difference?

Ethereum 2.0 is the new and improved version of the original Ethereum project, while Ethereum Classic is a smaller, less well-known fork from the original Ethereum blockchain, dating back to 2016. The native coin of Ethereum 2.0 is ETH, unchanged from the original Ethereum project. The native coin of Ethereum Classic is ETC.

Ethereum 2.0 features a series of innovations and upgrades that became known as The Merge, when the project shifted from a proof-of-work system to a more efficient proof-of-stake algorithm in September 2022.

Ethereum Classic, meanwhile, still exists, but ETC has a much smaller market cap and lower price compared with ETH.

What Is Ethereum 2.0 (ETH)?

Although Ethereum is the second-largest crypto by market cap, the road to Ethereum 2.0 has been long and complicated.

History of Ethereum 2.0 and Ethereum Classic

It helps to think of Ethereum as evolving in three stages:

•   The original Ethereum project and crypto (ETH) were created by Vitalik Buterin and launched in 2015 as the first programmable blockchain.

•   In 2016, a hacking incident resulted in a hard fork of that original blockchain, which divided the Ethereum project in two. Users loyal to the original blockchain became part of Ethereum Classic — essentially the original Ethereum, untouched — creating a new coin ETC.

   Those who favored the upgrade, which reconfigured the blockchain to address the hack and cyber theft, built a version known simply as Ethereum, which kept ETH as its native coin. Call it Ethereum 1.0.

•   Then in late 2022 the Ethereum 1.0 blockchain completed a major shift from its legacy proof-of-work system, migrating to proof-of-stake. This more efficient blockchain is sometimes called Ethereum 2.0 — but that moniker is fading now that some of the major changes are in place.

So when people talk about Ethereum 2.0, they are referring to the latest upgrade to the far more energy-efficient, proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. But Ethereum 2.0 is really the same big crypto competitor that has been #2 in size and scope to Bitcoin’s #1 for years.

What Is Ethereum Classic (ETC)?

Ethereum Classic was created from a hard fork of the original Ethereum blockchain, and ETC is its native token. The hard fork was an effort to cope with a cyber attack in which $50 million was stolen.

ETH and ETC shared the same blockchain record prior to the hard fork. Since they both stem from the same project, Ethereum Classic has many of the same features as Ethereum 2.0. But owing to the substantial technological differences between the two chains, Ethereum Classic wasn’t able to support the kinds of innovations that have built Ethereum into the DeFi powerhouse it is today.

Ethereum is best known as one of the most successful programmable blockchain platforms, with the capacity to support smart contracts, dApps (decentralized apps), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other DeFi projects. For these and other reasons, Ethereum remains a crypto industry leader, pointing to some of the reasons investors may consider crypto.

As of February 7, 2023, ETC was the #23 largest cryptocurrency, with a price of $22 and a market cap of just over $3.1 billion. By comparison, Ethereum (ETH) is the second-largest cryptocurrency with a price of $1,638 and a market cap of about $200 billion. Both tokens can be traded as speculative assets and both are listed on many of the most popular crypto exchanges.

Bitcoin remains the oldest and still the largest cryptocurrency, with a market cap of $442 billion, as of February 7, 2023.

What Is a Smart Contract?

A smart contract is an agreement between two parties written in code. The blockchain will execute the terms of the contract automatically, when certain conditions agreed upon by the two parties are met.

Because blockchain technology is also immutable (a blockchain’s records cannot be changed, at least in theory), smart contracts create many opportunities for businesses to do things faster, more efficiently, and in a way that doesn’t require the time and money costs of third-party oversight.

Smart contracts are a critical part of how crypto works. Many different types of cryptocurrencies can use smart contracts, but Ethereum was the first and remains the most prominent leader in the space.

How Ethereum Classic Works

Ethereum Classic is the original Ethereum, and still adheres to the rules and functions of the original Ethereum blockchain. As such, the upgrades that have been implemented over time, leading to Ethereum’s current incarnation (Ethereum 2.0), are not compatible with Ethereum Classic.

Accordingly, Ethereum Classic retains a proof-of-work consensus mechanism, in which miners can generate additional ETC through crypto mining.

Ethereum Classic also doesn’t adhere to the ERC20 token standard. The primary purpose of ERC20 tokens is to work with smart contracts and define a common list of rules that all tokens on the Ethereum blockchain abide by.

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Ethereum Classic History

The history of Ethereum Classic is complicated and technical. A simplified summary of the altcoin might go something like this:

•   Developers created the DAO, or decentralized autonomous organization, on Ethereum with the goal of funding future development of decentralized applications.

•   The DAO had its own tokens that were interchangeable with ETH tokens and executed contracts using proof-of-work.

•   In 2016, after hackers took advantage of a flaw in the DAO smart contract and stole $50 million worth of ETH, the community decided that the network would create a hard fork to solve its security challenges.

•   The new blockchain, created as a result of the fork, would be called Ethereum. Ethereum began a bigger evolution in 2021 and shifted to proof-of-stake consensus algorithm in 2022. The old blockchain is called Ethereum Classic.

Difference Between Ethereum 2.0 and Ethereum Classic

If you’re looking to build a well-balanced crypto portfolio, you probably want to choose one but not both Ethereum and Ethereum Classic.

While the Ethereum 2.0 and Ethereum Classic networks allow software developers to use smart contracts to build applications, one advantage of Ethereum 2.0 is that it has a larger market cap and user base than Ethereum Classic. This may make ETH less volatile overall. Certainly the token has higher liquidity, and is more popular on exchanges.

ETH also has the added use case of being fuel or “gas” for decentralized applications (dApps). Many developers build decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols on top of Ethereum.

To use those kinds of apps, users need ETH tokens. Sometimes ETH is the only token that users can exchange for other tokens necessary for participating in the platform. Other times, dApps require small amounts of ETH to perform certain functions.

For example, Crypto Kitties was one of the first big decentralized applications, or dApps. The game allowed users to buy, sell, and trade virtual cats that could be “bred” with one another, creating new, unique virtual cats. To participate in the game, users needed ETH tokens.

Ethereum 2.0 also has stronger support from something called the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance, which counts many large companies among its members.

Choosing Which Ethereum to Invest in

If you want to invest in one of the two Ethereums — Ethereum 2.0 or Ethereum Classic — the decision will ultimately come down to your personal preferences and goals as an investor. As discussed, the two are similar, but there are some stark differences that may make one more attractive than the other.

For the average crypto investor, though, it may make sense to stick to the larger cryptocurrency, which is Ethereum 2.0. It has more liquidity and a larger market cap, which might make it a more attractive choice. On the other hand, if you’re interested in being able to mine crypto, Ethereum Classic may be more suited to your tastes.

Price of Ethereum Classic vs Ethereum 2.0

In terms of price or value, Ethereum 2.0 (ETH) is more valuable than Ethereum Classic (ETC). As noted above, Ethereum 2.0 tokens were trading for roughly $1,638 each as of Feb. 7, 2023. That is down significantly from its all-time high of more than $4,600 in the fall of 2021.

Ethereum Classic, conversely, trades for around $22. That, too, is far off its all-time high, which was around $120 in the spring of 2021.

Recommended: Top 30 Cryptocurrencies Based on Market Cap

The Future of Ethereum Classic

What is the future of Ethereum Classic? It’s hard to say.

Looking at Ethereum Classic vs. Ethereum 2.0, it’s not hard to see that Ethereum appears to have better prospects for the future. For instance, there’s more trust in the ETH network, it has more backing, and it has a much larger market cap when compared to the Ethereum Classic value. There are also a lot of DeFi platforms and other dApps built on Ethereum 2.0 — more so than on any other smart contract platform.

To make matters worse, the Ethereum Classic network has suffered several 51% attacks. This can happen when attackers gain enough hashing power to control the majority of the network. Then they can alter the blockchain, leading to potential problems like double spent transactions, where users can send the same coins more than once.

The Takeaway

Ethereum Classic is the original version of Ethereum, which itself has undergone several upgrades and is now Ethereum 2.0. The two are similar, and have their roots on the same Ethereum blockchain, but now are two different cryptocurrencies entirely, operating on their own blockchains.

Ethereum Classic still adheres to the original Ethereum’s standards and protocols, including its proof-of-work consensus mechanism. Ethereum 2.0, on the other hand, has adopted new and improved standards, including a proof-of-stake model. It’s also vastly more popular and valuable.

FAQ

Is Ethereum Classic the same as Ethereum?

No, Ethereum Classic is its own project on a separate blockchain network, that adheres to the original Ethereum’s standards and protocols. It’s more accurate to say that Ethereum 2.0 is the “original” Ethereum, as it is the old Ethereum having undergone upgrades and updates.

Which is better: Ethereum 2.0 or Ethereum Classic?

It’s impossible to say which is better, as that’s a subjective call. But Ethereum 2.0 has many advantages over Ethereum Classic, since it’s bigger, more widely used, and more valuable. But prospective miners may give Ethereum Classic the edge.

Is there a future for Ethereum Classic?

Ethereum 2.0 appears to be winning over more investors and market participants. Ethereum Classic is still one of the largest crypto, however, so it’s not time to rule it out.

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SoFi Invest®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Crypto: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies aren’t endorsed or guaranteed by any government, are volatile, and involve a high degree of risk. Consumer protection and securities laws don’t regulate cryptocurrencies to the same degree as traditional brokerage and investment products. Research and knowledge are essential prerequisites before engaging with any cryptocurrency. US regulators, including FINRA , the SEC , and the CFPB , have issued public advisories concerning digital asset risk. Cryptocurrency purchases should not be made with funds drawn from financial products including student loans, personal loans, mortgage refinancing, savings, retirement funds or traditional investments. Limitations apply to trading certain crypto assets and may not be available to residents of all states.

2Terms and conditions apply. Earn a bonus (as described below) when you open a new SoFi Digital Assets LLC account and buy at least $50 worth of any cryptocurrency within 7 days. The offer only applies to new crypto accounts, is limited to one per person, and expires on December 31, 2023. Once conditions are met and the account is opened, you will receive your bonus within 7 days. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate the offer at any time without notice.
First Trade Amount Bonus Payout
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$50 $99.99 $10
$100 $499.99 $15
$500 $4,999.99 $50
$5,000+ $100

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Feb
06
2023
Opening a Brokerage Account for Your Child

Opening a Brokerage Account for Your Child

By | Family Finances, invest, Investing | Comments Off on Opening a Brokerage Account for Your Child

Brokerage accounts for kids are generally custodial, with the parent or guardian managing the assets until the child reaches adulthood. Only the parent or guardian can open the brokerage account, even when the account bears the child’s name. When the child reaches maturity — the legal age varies by state — they would take possession of the account.

Overall, the process for how to open a brokerage account for a child is fairly straightforward.

Why open a brokerage account?

A brokerage account is an investment account that operates through a brokerage firm. When you open a brokerage account, you deposit money into it, then use that money to buy securities. You can also sell securities that you’ve purchased. Depending on where you open a brokerage account, you might be able to trade:

•   Stocks

•   Mutual funds

•   Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)

•   Real estate investment trusts (REITs)

•   Bonds

•   Foreign currencies

•   Options

•   Futures

•   Cryptocurrency

Some brokers may allow you to trade on margin, meaning you can borrow money to execute trades. (Trading on margin and investing in certain asset categories may not be available for custodial accounts, however.)

You may be charged commissions or other fees to execute trades, but there are no limits on how much you can invest. That’s roughly how a brokerage account works.

A brokerage account is not the same thing as a retirement account. When you sell assets at a profit in a brokerage account, you may have taxes due or other tax impacts. You can buy and sell investments at your own pace, withdrawing money as needed.

With an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you can invest in many types of assets, but certain items (such as collectibles) are disallowed in most accounts. IRA holders must wait until age 59 ½ to withdraw funds without any tax penalty (some exceptions apply, such as disability). Early withdrawals from a traditional IRA are taxed at your ordinary income tax rate, plus you’ll generally incur a 10% additional penalty. When deciding on a taxable brokerage account vs. IRA, choose the one that furthers your financial goals.

Recommended: Popular Types of Retirement Plans

Can Children Have Brokerage Accounts?

They can, but they are not allowed access to the account’s money or assets. In almost all cases, such brokerage accounts are custodial, meaning the parent is responsible for managing the money until their child reaches adulthood.

Numerous discount brokers offer investment accounts for kids online. Some brokers have also introduced hybrid products for teens that allow them to save money, spend, and invest all in one place with the supervision of their parents.

If you’re looking for a hands-on way to teach kids about how markets work, a brokerage account could be a great idea. But if you want to teach them about money more gradually, a kids’ savings account might suffice for now.

Can a Child Have a Brokerage Account in Their Name?

A custodial account is technically in the child’s name, even though it’s controlled by the parent. So yes, a child can have a brokerage account in their name. Of course, they themselves can’t open the account without the help of a parent.

How to Open a Brokerage Account for a Child

Once you know how to open a brokerage account for your child, doing so isn’t too difficult.

The first step is choosing a brokerage that offers investment accounts for kids. Factors to consider in making your decision could include the range of investment options, how easy it is to access the account, and the fees.

The next step is deciding which type of account to open. There are three possibilities to choose from when opening a brokerage account for a child.

Opening a Guardian Account

A guardian account allows you to invest money on behalf of your child. All of the money in the account technically belongs to you, as does any tax liability associated with the sale of assets in the account. You (but not the child) can withdraw money from the account for any reason. Once the child turns 18, you can decide whether to hand the money in the account over to them.

Opening a Custodial Account

With a custodial account, the parent opens the account but the assets in it belong to the child. You can direct investment decisions while the child is a minor, and any tax liability is assessed at their rate. Withdrawals are allowed only for expenses benefitting the child. Once the child reaches adulthood, they automatically become the owner of the account.

Opening an IRA Account

If your child has earned income from a part-time or summer job (even babysitting or lawn mowing) for at least a year, you might consider opening a custodial IRA for them. With a custodial IRA, you direct the investments until the child turns 18 (or 21 in some states). At that point, the account becomes their property.

One key distinction: The IRA has annual contribution limits, but other types of custodial accounts do not. Each year the maximum contribution is the amount equal to the child’s total earnings; in 2023 the amount is capped at $6,500. (If a child earns no money in a given year, the maximum contribution is $0.)

The Roth IRA, which holds post-tax dollars, may be a better choice for a kid than a traditional one funded by pre-tax dollars. The benefits of the traditional IRA — such as lowering your taxable income during your earning years — won’t help a young person very much.

Types of Brokerage Accounts a Parent Can Open for a Child

When opening a custodial account for a child at a brokerage, you have two options: a Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) account and a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) account. Most states recognize both account types. With either one, you control the account until the child reaches the age of termination, which in some places may be later than the age of majority.

UTMA Account

UTMA accounts allow minors to hold securities without the creation of a separate trust. This type of account permits you to hold many types of assets, including:

•   Stocks

•   Bonds

•   Mutual funds

•   Real estate

•   Fine art

•   Precious metals

•   Patents

•   Royalties

•   Shares in a family limited partnership

The IRS taxes earnings in a UTMA at the child’s tax rate, up to a certain limit. For 2023, the limit is $2,500. Any gifts made to a UTMA on behalf of your child are irrevocable, meaning once you put the money in it becomes theirs; you can’t take it back out again. Any withdrawals must be used to pay expenses for the child, such as school tuition.

UGMA Account

A UGMA account is similar to a UTMA account in terms of tax treatment and who actually owns the assets in the account. The main difference between a UGMA and a UTMA account lies in what you can invest in. For a UGMA account, those are typically limited to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. So if you’re choosing between a UTMA and a UGMA, it’s important to consider which types of assets you’d like to keep in the account.

Investing for Kids

A brokerage account can be a useful teaching tool for helping kids to grasp such concepts as:

•   How investing works

•   Compound interest and why compounding matters

•   The importance and value of saving money

Kids who learn about money when they’re young are likely to have better financial habits as adults. Also, a study from Brigham Young University found that they have more satisfying interpersonal relationships in early adulthood because they’re less likely to stress over money.

Tips for Choosing the Right Broker

If you’re navigating how to open a brokerage account for your child for the first time, you may not be sure what an investment broker does or how to decide where to keep the account. When you’re seeking out the right broker, here are a few key questions you could ask as you narrow down the options:

•   Does this brokerage firm offer investment accounts for kids?

•   What types of brokerage accounts for kids are available?

•   Is there a minimum initial deposit to open the account?

•   What are the fees?

•   Which investments will I be able to trade in the account?

If you have an existing brokerage account for your child, consider whether moving it to a different broker makes sense. For example, you may want to move if you believe your current brokerage is charging too much in fees. If you do decide to switch, it’s easy to request a brokerage account transfer online.

The Takeaway

A brokerage account for your child would probably take the form of a guardian account or a custodial UGMA or UTMA account. Knowing what types of assets you intend to deposit may help you determine what kind of account works best for you. For kids earning wages, a custodial IRA may be a good fit, allowing 2023 contributions of up to $6,500.

Hybrid save-and-spend accounts designed for teens can help them learn about investing while under adult supervision. In all of these cases, the parent oversees the accounts until the child reaches adulthood.

If you’re looking to open an online brokerage account for yourself, SoFi offers easy all-in-one investing. You can open an investment account with SoFi and start trading stocks, ETFs, or IPOs, if you’re 18 or older. SoFi does not offer custodial accounts. SoFi doesn’t charge management fees, and SoFi members have access to complimentary advice from professionals.

Invest with as little as $5 with a SoFi Active Investing account.

FAQ

Can I open a brokerage account in my child’s name?

Yes, you can open a custodial brokerage account for your child in their name. Transfers to a custodial account are irrevocable, but you’ll have control of the account and make the investment decisions until the child reaches adulthood. In the meantime, the assets in the account will belong to the child.

Can I open a brokerage account for a family member?

Generally, you can open a brokerage account for a family member only if that person is your minor child. You are allowed to establish a 529 college savings plan on behalf of other family members, including siblings, nieces, nephews, or cousins.

Can I buy stocks for my child?

Yes, you can purchase stocks for your child. You can make the purchases through a custodial account. There are also financial apps that allow you to purchase full or fractional shares of stock for your child.

Photo credit: iStock/Morsa Images

SoFi Invest®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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03
2023
What Is Ethereum 2.0 and When Will it Be Released?

Guide to Ethereum 2.0

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off on Guide to Ethereum 2.0

Ethereum 2.0 is the latest upgrade to the Ethereum blockchain network, shifting it from a proof-of-work to a more efficient proof-of-stake consensus mechanism.

As Ethereum gained widespread recognition and adoption within the crypto space in recent years — it’s the second-largest crypto project after Bitcoin — some elements of the network required upgrades. As one of the most innovative blockchains in the DeFi space, Ethereum struggled with transaction times and scalability, among other issues.

The move from a proof-of-work consensus system to a less energy-intensive, more efficient proof-of-stake model aims to address those challenges. This massive overhaul has been termed The Merge.

What Is Ethereum 2.0?

To understand Ethereum 2.0 and its upgrades, you must have a basic understanding of what Ethereum is.

What Is Ethereum?

Ethereum is a form of crypto, of course, but Ethereum is best known as one of the most successful programmable blockchain platforms, with the capacity to support smart contracts, dApps (decentralized apps), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other DeFi projects.

The Ethereum native token is the Ether (ETH), and it’s used to fuel operations on the blockchain.

The Ethereum platform launched in 2015, and it’s now the second largest form of crypto next to Bitcoin (BTC), with a market capitalization of about $193 billion, as of Jan. 30, 2023.

Ethereum’s History of DeFi Innovation

The larger idea for Ethereum was to create a programmable blockchain that would enable a sort of free market environment, where developers could create decentralized applications (dApps), smart contract, and other DeFi programs without any control or interference from a third party.

Historically, Ethereum relied on a proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanism in order for miners to validate transactions and earn Ether (ETH) or gwei, a denomination of ETH used to pay for DeFi goods and services on the network.

In proof-of-work mining, high-powered computers solve complex mathematical puzzles needed to validate blocks of data or transactions.

Ethereum users can also create code used to build dApps and smart contracts. Smart contracts can execute transactions without a middleman, like a bank or regulator, once certain conditions are met. This innovation set Ethereum apart from other crypto projects, and it has inspired other crypto platforms to launch similar features.

Limitations of Ethereum

Because the Ethereum network has long attracted developers and other innovators, it has experienced growing pains, so to say, that have limited its ability to scale efficiently. In particular, Ethereum has been criticized for long transaction times and high fees.

Ethereum 2.0, or The Merge,”aims “to improve the network’s scalability, security, and sustainability,” according to its creators. As such, it’s hoped that improvements in those areas will be the primary ETH merge impact.

Those goals address several of the network’s key limitations: It needs to be faster, less vulnerable to threats, and eat up fewer resources. Of course, there are challenges to put these changes in place. Programmers have spent many years working on Ethereum 2.0, and though some changes have already been implemented, others will be phased in over the coming years.

How ETH 2.0 Solves Some Limitations

The most critical element of the move to Ethereum 2.0 is the transition from a proof-of-work algorithm that allows the network to be more nimble and efficient. While the proof-of-work system is still used by other crypto networks (most notably Bitcoin), many others are adopting alternatives.

The move to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism eliminates the need for miners, which reduces the amount of resources required to keep the network’s integrity in check.

While the discussion about proof-of-work versus proof-of-stake algorithms is worthy of a conversation in and of itself (see below), the adoption of a the proof-of-stake system by Ethereum helps solve many of the issues (again, scalability, security, and sustainability) that the network previously experienced.

When Was Ethereum 2.0 Released?

The upgrades to the Ethereum network are being implemented in phases, and many features of the new network were established by late 2022.

The transition began with the introduction of the Beacon Chain in December 2020. During 2022, other upgrades were phased in, including a merge with Ethereum’s mainnet with the proof-of-stake Beacon Chain. The next phase will include a blockchain management strategy known as sharding sometime in 2023 or 2024.

What Are the Upgrades to Ethereum?

As noted above, the move toward Ethereum 2.0, or the Merge, has been accomplished in stages.

The Beacon Chain

The Beacon Chain introduced a new staking concept (proof-of-stake) to the platform. It launched before many other upgrade components because it’s a cornerstone to Ethereum 2.0’s system and needed to be in place for other components to work on top of it. The Ethereum merge date was in September 2022.

The Ethereum Mainnet Merge

The merge concerns the marriage of the existing Ethereum mainnet (Ethereum’s main network) with the Beacon Chain’s proof-of-stake protocol, as discussed.

This change is now live, and as a result, crypto mining is no longer needed to generate ETH, and instead, the network uses a staking system in order to create additional Ethereum tokens. This change has reduced the network’s energy consumption by more than 99.9%.

These two steps — the launch of the Beacon Chain, and the mainnet merge — paved the way for the next part of the transition: The introduction of shard chains.

Shard Chains

By introducing shard chains, which is scheduled to happen within the next year or two, the Ethereum network will have more capacity and speed, giving it the ability to handle more traffic.

“Sharding” is a bit technical, but it basically means that a database will split up to disperse the load of transactions on the network. Sharding reduces congestion and speeds up transactions, allowing the network to store and process more data in a shorter amount of time. Plus, more people will be able to participate on the network after it is sharded.

Ethereum 2.0 Staking

Remember: Ethereum 2.0 represents a full transition to a proof-of-stake protocol from a hybrid system that uses both proof-of-stake and proof-of-work.

Staking, in general, is the process of locking up cryptocurrencies to earn rewards. It’s like putting your cash in a savings account and accruing interest. Staking is a process used to validate data and transactions in a blockchain network, which is why and how Ethereum uses it.

Recommended: What Is Crypto Staking?

Understanding Proof-of-Stake

With a proof-of-stake system, users validate block transactions based on the number of coins they hold. Basically, the more ether a user has, the more mining power they possess. As discussed, mining isn’t necessary under a proof-of-stake algorithm (not the case for proof-of-work).

That means that the process requires less energy and mining power — fewer resources overall — to keep the network running.

The Difference Between Proof-of-Stake and Proof-of-Work

Proof-of-work, conversely, is the original algorithm used by blockchain networks. On this protocol, users “mine” new coins, as they would on the Bitcoin blockchain, to earn rewards.

Mining is extremely energy intensive, which is one reason Ethereum 2.0 is moving to proof-of-stake.

Recommended: Is Crypto Mining Still Profitable in 2023?

A proof-of-stake algorithm will also bring less risk onto the network, has stronger support for sharding, and is more efficient — all upgrades over the proof-of-work system.

Summary: Ethereum vs Ethereum 2.0

To wrap it all up, Ethereum 2.0’s rollout is designed to make some significant improvement over the old Ethereum network, and make it more secure, sustainable, and increase its scalability. Here’s a brief rundown of the major differences, as they relate to crypto investors:

Ethereum vs. Ethereum 2.0
Ethereum

 Ethereum 2.0
Proof-of-work algorithm Proof-of-stake algorithm
Required mining to generate ETH Users stake tokens to earn ETH rewards
Slower and more resource-intensive More secure and energy-efficient

What Will Happen to My ETH?

There is no immediate impact to ETH holders as a result of the rollout of the Ethereum 2.0 project. While the network is getting upgrades, there’s no change to ETH itself, and investors shouldn’t need to do anything. Be suspicious of anyone who says otherwise, as crypto scammers may try to take advantage of the transition.

As for how the rollout has impacted prices for Ethereum? It’s hard to say for sure, as there are numerous factors affecting crypto prices at any given time. You can, however, check the ETH price now to get a sense of the value of your Ethereum holdings.

The Takeaway

Ethereum 2.0 is a series of upgrades to the Ethereum network, which introduces a new proof-of-stake system that makes the network, as a whole, more efficient and secure. While the multi-year rollout of the upgrade has begun, hopes are that Ethereum will become bigger and safer over time, while reducing its environmental impact, setting it apart from other types of cryptocurrency.

FAQ

Has Ethereum 2.0 come out yet?

Ethereum 2.0 is a series of upgrades that are being rolled out in phases, some of which have come out, or have gone live. The process is not complete, though, and likely will finish within the next couple of years.

Did Ethereum 2.0 replace Ethereum?

Yes and no. Ethereum and Ethereum 2.0 are still more or less the same as they were, but the network has changed or been replaced, in a sense. Ethereum 2.0 isn’t so much a replacement for Ethereum, as it is an upgrade to its system.

How are Ethereum and Ethereum 2.0 different?

The most impactful difference between Ethereum and Ethereum 2.0 is the introduction of a proof-of-stake consensus system, which makes the network faster, more secure, and more scalable, while reducing the amount of resources needed to generate new ETH.

Photo credit: iStock/Pekic

SoFi Invest®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Crypto: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies aren’t endorsed or guaranteed by any government, are volatile, and involve a high degree of risk. Consumer protection and securities laws don’t regulate cryptocurrencies to the same degree as traditional brokerage and investment products. Research and knowledge are essential prerequisites before engaging with any cryptocurrency. US regulators, including FINRA , the SEC , and the CFPB , have issued public advisories concerning digital asset risk. Cryptocurrency purchases should not be made with funds drawn from financial products including student loans, personal loans, mortgage refinancing, savings, retirement funds or traditional investments. Limitations apply to trading certain crypto assets and may not be available to residents of all states.

2Terms and conditions apply. Earn a bonus (as described below) when you open a new SoFi Digital Assets LLC account and buy at least $50 worth of any cryptocurrency within 7 days. The offer only applies to new crypto accounts, is limited to one per person, and expires on December 31, 2023. Once conditions are met and the account is opened, you will receive your bonus within 7 days. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate the offer at any time without notice.
First Trade Amount Bonus Payout
Low High
$50 $99.99 $10
$100 $499.99 $15
$500 $4,999.99 $50
$5,000+ $100

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