Author: Journalist Benedict

Problem Statement Many Gen Z individuals struggle with understanding and managing their money. Most traditional financial tools feel too complicated, boring, or outdated for them. As a result, they often avoid using these tools altogether. What’s needed is a smart and modern solution—a personal finance assistant powered by AI. This assistant should feel easy to use, friendly, and helpful. It should offer personalized insights, make budgeting and saving feel simple, and combine social features and financial education in a fun and relatable way. This will help Gen Z take control of their money and build strong financial habits for the…

In most cases, the interest you pay on a personal loan is not tax-deductible. If you take out a personal loan to cover everyday personal expenses—like buying a car for personal use, paying medical bills, or financing a vacation—you cannot use the interest payments to reduce your tax bill. The same rule applies to credit card interest. In general, interest paid on credit card balances is also not tax-deductible. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the money you borrow through a personal loan is not treated as income, so it is not taxed. However, if part or all of…

At first glance, zero-interest loans might seem like an unbeatable deal. These loans are marketed as risk-free offers that let you spread out the cost of a big purchase over time—typically 12 months or even several years—without paying any interest. This makes the payments feel more manageable and less of a burden on your monthly budget. However, while these offers seem attractive, they often come with hidden risks and can encourage poor financial decisions—like impulse shopping, overspending, and facing steep penalties if the loan terms are broken. Understanding Zero-Interest Loans A zero-interest loan means you only pay back the amount…

Imagine you own Bitcoin or Ethereum. Instead of just holding it in a wallet and waiting for the value to go up, you can now use it to earn passive income or even borrow money without selling your coins. That’s what crypto lending is all about—it lets you make your crypto work for you. Crypto lending platforms connect people who want to earn interest on their crypto with people who need to borrow money but still want to keep their crypto assets. The process is simple: you can lend out your crypto and earn interest, or use your crypto as…

When a sudden home repair hits—like a leaking roof or broken heater—you’ll need to figure out how to cover the cost quickly. Two common choices people consider are using their emergency savings or taking out a personal loan. The best option for you will depend on a few key things: the total cost of the repair, your current credit score, and how comfortable you are with taking on more debt. Let’s break down both options so you can make the smartest decision based on your situation. Why You Should Consider Using Your Emergency Fund First Your emergency fund is money…

In today’s fast-moving global economy, international loan providers are more important than ever. They offer vital funding to individuals, businesses, and governments across borders—helping them meet financial goals, overcome economic challenges, and expand internationally. Whether you’re looking for a personal loan, support for a startup, or funding for a national project, these top financial institutions deliver a range of flexible loan solutions. This guide reveals the leading international loan providers to watch in 2025, including the rising star Artley Finance, and explains what makes them stand out in the evolving world of global finance. What Makes an International Loan Provider…

Open Banking marks a major shift in how banks and financial institutions operate, moving away from closed, proprietary systems to more transparent and collaborative environments. It allows third-party companies to securely access consumers’ financial data via Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Unlike the old model where banks tightly controlled user information, Open Banking encourages innovation by enabling fintech companies and developers to build new financial tools and services on top of traditional banking infrastructure. Understanding Open Banking and API Ecosystems In recent years, Open Banking has gained momentum as a foundational innovation in the financial sector. It empowers customers by giving…

Running an online store can be exciting, but growing it takes more than just effort—it takes money. If you want to expand your ecommerce business and take full advantage of the booming digital market, extra funding is often necessary. The good news? You no longer need to rely solely on banks or traditional investors. Today, there are several modern platforms specifically designed to offer quick and flexible financing for online businesses. Here’s a detailed look at some of the best platforms you can use to secure an ecommerce business loan. 1. 8fig 8fig is a fast-growing company founded in 2020…

In Kenya today, a side hustle is more than just a way to earn extra income—it’s a lifestyle, a survival strategy, and a path toward financial independence. Whether it’s a boda boda rider in Kisumu or a mitumba seller in Gikomba, many Kenyans are juggling more than one job to make ends meet. In fact, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reports that 40% of Kenyans engage in multiple income-generating activities (2023). But here’s the truth: hustling alone isn’t enough. If you want your side business to grow and actually make money, you need more than energy—you need a…

Are you thinking of launching a side hustle while keeping your full-time job? One smart way to fund it could be by taking a personal loan. Across South Africa, more and more young professionals are diving into side businesses—not just to make extra money, but also to chase personal dreams and build something of their own. In fact, statistics show that 1 in 3 South Africans with full-time employment is running a side hustle. They do this to make their incomes more secure, but also because they enjoy the process of building a business around something they’re passionate about. “Many…