https://www.carolinajournal.com/nc-moves-toward-cryptocurrency-adoption-with-new-bill-for-state-investments-in-digital-assets/
North Carolina Speaker of the House Destin Hall, R-Cladwell, introduced cryptocurrency legislation on Monday that would enable the state to invest in digital assets like Bitcoin, potentially making North Carolina a leader in aligning with the latest finance technology.
The NC Digital Assets Investments Act would diversify the state’s investments by allowing the state treasurer to include digital assets in the state’s investment portfolio. Reps. Stephen Ross, R-Alamance, Mark Brody, R-Union, and Mike Schietzelt, R-Wake, signed on as sponsors to HB92 .
“We are seeing a rapid shift towards embracing blockchain technology and digital assets across the United States,” said Hall. “Investing in digital assets like Bitcoin not only has the potential to generate positive yields for our state investment fund but also positions North Carolina as a leader in technological adoption & innovation. I am proud to sponsor this bill, and I thank my colleagues Representatives Ross and Brody for their work in previous sessions to set the stage for this bill now in 2025.”
According to a press release, key provisions of the bill include:
Notably, at just under $2 trillion in total market capitalization, Bitcoin is the only cryptocurrency that meets the requirements spelled out in the bill. The next largest crypto-asset, Ethereum, clocks in at approximately $317 billion.
Legislators pointed to a variety of reasons to invest in digital assets, such as the U.S. dollar facing periods of inflation and devaluation, as well as enhance the potential returns of our portfolio.
“Blockchain technology, decentralized finance, and other innovations in the crypto space will shape our future in many new ways. North Carolina is poised to capitalize on these emerging opportunities,” said Schietzelt.
Dan Spuller, Head of Industry Affairs at the Washington-based Blockchain Association and co-chair of the North Carolina Blockchain Initiative task force applauded House leaders for pushing the bill forward, noting previous legislation that aligned with the latest effort.
“North Carolina has led on digital asset policy, from the updated Money Transmitters Act of 2016 to the bipartisan Regulatory Sandbox Act of 2021 and last year’s HB 690, which prohibited Central Bank Digital Currencies,” said Spuller. “Passing HB 92 will further cement the state’s leadership in financial and technological innovation.”
The 3-month (partial) reprieve on tariffs between US and China sparked joy for the stock market, but saw the bond market sell off.
All this crazy volatility reminds me how nice it is to own a home: no daily investment stress & powerful long-term wealth creation.
Hope you enjoy my update on national and local real estate!
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Enjoy this compilation of amazing things to do in Hickory, NC
If you have a 3% mortgage rate, you’re probably pretty hesitant to let that go. And even if you’ve toyed with the idea of moving, this nagging thought may be holding you back: “why would I give that up?”
But when you ask that question, you may be putting your needs on the back burner without realizing it. Most people don’t move because of their mortgage rate. They move because they want or need to. So, let’s flip the script and ask this instead:
What are the chances you’ll still be in your current house 5 years from now?
Think about your life for a moment. Picture what the next few years will hold. Are you planning on growing your family? Do you have adult children about to move out? Is retirement on the horizon? Are you already bursting at the seams?
If nothing’s going to change, and you love where you are, staying put might make perfect sense. But if there’s even a slight chance a move is coming, even if it’s not immediate, it’s worth thinking about your timeline.
Because even a year or two can make a big difference in what your next home might cost you.
Each quarter, Fannie Mae asks more than 100 housing market experts to weigh in on where they project home prices are headed. And the consensus is clear. Home prices are expected to rise through at least 2029 (see graph below):
While those projections aren’t calling for big increases each year, it's still an increase. And sure, some markets may see flatter prices or slower growth, or even slight dips in the short term. But look further out. In the long run, prices almost always rise. And over the next 5 years, the anticipated increase – however slight – will add up fast.
Here’s an example. Let's say you'll be looking to buy a roughly $400,000 house when you move. If you wait and move 5 years from now, based on these expert projections, it could cost nearly $80,000 more than it would now (see graph below):
That means the longer you wait, the more your future home will cost you.
If you know a move is likely in your future, it may make sense to really think about your timeline. You certainly don't have to move now. But financially, it may still be worth having a conversation about your options before prices inch higher. Because while rates are expected to come down, it’s not by much. And if you’re holding out in hopes we’ll see the return of 3% rates, experts agree it’s just not in the cards (see graph below):
So, the question really isn’t: “why would I move?” It’s: “when should I?” – because when you see the real numbers, waiting may not be the savings strategy you thought it was. And that’s the best conversation you can have with your trusted agent right now.
Keeping that low mortgage rate is smart – until it starts holding you back.
If a move is likely on the horizon for you, even if it’s a few years down the line, it’s worth thinking through the numbers now, so you can plan ahead.
What other price point do you want to see these numbers for? Let’s have that conversation, so I can show you how the math adds up. That way, you can make an informed decision about your timeline.
The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Keeping Current Matters, Inc. does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Keeping Current Matters, Inc. will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.
https://www.rent.com/blog/pros-and-cons-living-in-hickory-nc/
Located in the scenic foothills of North Carolina, Hickory is a beautiful place to settle down. For anyone considering a move to this area of North Carolina, Hickory combines affordability with Southern hospitality, making it appealing to a range of people at different stages in life. That said, like any city, Hickory has its own set of advantages and challenges. Below, we’ll break down 13 of the top pros and cons of living in Hickory to help you make the best decision for you.
Walk Score: 28 | Bike Score: 26Median Sale Price: $319,500Houses for rent in Hickory | Apartments for rent in Hickory | Homes for sale in Hickory
Hickory has a notably lower cost of living compared to other cities in North Carolina. Housing is especially affordable, with median home prices well below the national average, making it a great place to stretch your budget.
One downside of living in Hickory is the lack of robust public transportation. Most residents rely on personal vehicles for commuting, which can be an issue if you don’t like getting behind the wheel on a daily basis.
Hickory is a hub for the furniture and manufacturing industries, offering plenty of job opportunities in these industries. The city has a long history in furniture production, and large employers like CommScope and Corning create a steady demand for skilled workers.
If you’re looking for a lively nightlife scene, Hickory may miss the mark. While there are a few local bars and restaurants that offer evening entertainment, options are relatively sparse compared to larger cities.
Hickory is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including Lake Hickory and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Outdoorsy types can enjoy hiking, boating, and fishing within close proximity to the city, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
Summers in Hickory can be uncomfortably hot and humid, especially if you’re not a fan of high temperatures. The humid climate may feel especially overwhelming during July and August, particularly for those who prefer milder conditions.
Hickory is home to several well-regarded schools like Lenoir-Rhyne University, making it one of the top North Carolina college towns. The city’s focus on education provides ample opportunities for students and families looking to settle down in a place that prioritizes continuing education.
While Hickory has some fantastic local Southern cuisine, the variety of restaurants offering international flavors is limited. You might find yourself traveling to nearby cities for more eclectic dining experiences.
There’s a strong sense of community in Hickory where neighbors know each other, and people often gather for local events. This tight-knit atmosphere is ideal for those seeking a slower, more personable way of life.
While Hickory has seen growth in certain industries, others haven’t experienced the same level of development. The economy can feel stagnant in areas outside of manufacturing, leading to fewer job opportunities for people in other fields.
Hickory is conveniently located near major highways, making it easy to take day trips to larger North Carolina cities, like Charlotte, Asheville, or Winston-Salem. You get the benefits of small-town living while still being close to bigger cities with more options.
Though Hickory does have a few cultural venues like the Hickory Museum of Art and a community theater, the selection of entertainment options can feel underwhelming. Residents often venture out of town for bigger concerts, shows, or events.
Compared to larger cities, traffic in Hickory is minimal, making commuting around town quick and easy. This is a great benefit for people who want to avoid long drives or heavy congestion.