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A Daily Walk, a Wave to the Neighbors, Then Nothing: The Crucial Case for the Turquoise Alert

By
Keshav Harsh
-
0
A Daily Walk, a Wave to the Neighbors, Then Nothing: The Crucial Case for the Turquoise Alert
A Daily Walk, a Wave to the Neighbors, Then Nothing: The Crucial Case for the Turquoise Alert
A Daily Walk, a Wave to the Neighbors, Then Nothing: The Crucial Case for the Turquoise Alert

🧭 Article Outline

H1: A Daily Walk, a Wave to the Neighbors, Then Nothing

  • H2: Introduction: When Normal Moments Turn into Nightmares
  • H2: The Gaps in Our Current Alert Systems
    • H3: What is an AMBER Alert?
    • H3: What is a Silver Alert?
    • H3: Who Falls Through the Cracks?
  • H2: Enter the Turquoise Alert: A Lifeline for the Overlooked
    • H3: Who It Helps
    • H3: Why It’s Needed
  • H2: Why “Turquoise”? A Color With Meaning
    • H3: Color Psychology and Awareness Campaigns
    • H3: A Beacon for Cognitive Conditions
  • H2: The Scale of the Problem
    • H3: Dementia and Wandering
    • H3: Autism and Elopement
    • H3: Brain Injuries and Mental Illness
  • H2: How the Turquoise Alert Works
    • H3: Step-by-Step Activation Process
    • H3: Communication Channels
  • H2: States Leading the Way
    • H3: Florida’s Pilot Program
    • H3: Texas Initiatives
  • H2: Stories That Haunt and Inspire Change
    • H3: The Boy by the Pond
    • H3: The Grandma in the Field
    • H3: The Teen Who Wasn’t Found
  • H2: Designed With Compassion
    • H3: Cognitive Sensitivity in Implementation
    • H3: Role of Caregivers
  • H2: Common Challenges with Turquoise Alerts
    • H3: Alert Fatigue
    • H3: Bureaucratic Delays
    • H3: Need for National Integration
  • H2: What You Can Do
    • H3: Advocate for Change
    • H3: Share Alerts
    • H3: Educate Yourself and Others
  • H2: The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
  • H2: Conclusion: Every Second Counts, Every Life Matters
  • H2: FAQs

🧠 A Daily Walk, a Wave to the Neighbors, Then Nothing

Introduction: When Normal Moments Turn into Nightmares

Imagine this: a 70-year-old man walks out of his house for a routine stroll. He waves to his neighbor, just like every day. Only today, he doesn’t come back. Hours pass. Panic sets in. Where is he?

He has Alzheimer’s. He doesn’t know how to ask for help. He might not even know his own name.

This is not rare. It’s a terrifying reality that thousands of families face every day—and until recently, there was no reliable system to quickly spread the word unless they fit into strict criteria. That’s where the Turquoise Alert steps in.

The Gaps in Our Current Alert Systems

What is an AMBER Alert?

AMBER Alerts were created to help locate abducted children, and they’re incredibly effective—people notice them. However, this system doesn’t cover adults or non-abduction cases.

What is a Silver Alert?

Silver Alerts apply mostly to older adults—typically seniors over a certain age with dementia or Alzheimer’s. But what about younger adults or children with cognitive challenges?

Who Falls Through the Cracks?

People with autism, developmental disabilities, mental illness, or brain injuries often don’t meet the criteria for AMBER or Silver Alerts. They become invisible in the alert world—even though they’re equally vulnerable.

Enter the Turquoise Alert: A Lifeline for the Overlooked

Who It Helps

The Turquoise Alert is designed to protect any individual with a cognitive condition who may go missing, regardless of age or cause. This includes:

  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Alzheimer’s and dementia
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Schizophrenia
  • Other neurocognitive impairments

Why It’s Needed

These individuals might not recognize danger, might avoid rescuers, or lack the ability to communicate. The Turquoise Alert fills a massive void that was previously ignored.

Why “Turquoise”? A Color With Meaning

Color Psychology and Awareness Campaigns

Colors evoke emotion. Pink = breast cancer, purple = Alzheimer’s, and now, turquoise is stepping up as the color of cognitive awareness.

A Beacon for Cognitive Conditions

Turquoise has been widely used to represent autism awareness and mental health support. It signals protection, calmness, and clarity—all essential when a vulnerable person is lost.

The Scale of the Problem

Dementia and Wandering

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 60% of people with dementia will wander at least once. That’s millions of potential disappearances annually.

Autism and Elopement

The National Autism Association states that nearly 50% of children with autism have a tendency to wander. Some are non-verbal. Some are drawn to water. Many don’t understand boundaries or risk.

Brain Injuries and Mental Illness

Cognitive impairments from brain injuries or psychiatric conditions also increase vulnerability. And these individuals often aren’t under constant supervision.

Turquoise Alert for Missing Persons with Cognitive Disabilities

How the Turquoise Alert Works

Step-by-Step Activation Process

  1. Person goes missing.
  2. Caretaker contacts police.
  3. Police confirm cognitive diagnosis.
  4. Check for risk of harm and availability of info.
  5. Alert is activated.

Communication Channels

The alert is spread through:

  • Digital road signs
  • Local TV and radio
  • Social media
  • Eventually, mobile phone alerts (similar to AMBER)

States Leading the Way

Florida’s Pilot Program

Florida launched a Turquoise Alert system in 2023. Local police departments use it to notify the public and media when vulnerable people go missing.

Texas Initiatives

Texas also began integrating the system, especially after high-profile tragedies involving children with autism and elderly individuals with Alzheimer’s.

Stories That Haunt and Inspire Change

The Boy by the Pond

A 6-year-old, non-verbal autistic child wandered from his home in Florida. Hours later, he was found drowned in a retention pond. There was no alert in time. His family still grieves—publicly advocating for Turquoise Alerts.

The Grandma in the Field

In Texas, a 74-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s walked into an open field during a heatwave. She wasn’t found for two days—barely alive. Her son said, “If more people had known, they could’ve helped.”

The Teen Who Wasn’t Found

A 17-year-old with schizophrenia disappeared during a psychotic episode. He had no ID. A week later, he was found dead in an abandoned building.

These aren’t isolated events. They’re preventable tragedies.

Designed With Compassion

Cognitive Sensitivity in Implementation

Turquoise Alerts focus on how people with cognitive conditions behave—they may hide, wander silently, or avoid others. Rescuers are trained to approach with sensitivity.

Role of Caregivers

Caregivers are involved from the beginning—providing recent photos, triggers, and behavioral patterns to guide search teams.

Common Challenges with Turquoise Alerts

Alert Fatigue

Some worry that too many alerts might desensitize the public. But should we stop trying? Absolutely not. It’s about balance and education.

Bureaucratic Delays

Sometimes, delays in verifying cognitive conditions can stall alerts. Fast, informed response teams are crucial.

Need for National Integration

Not every state uses Turquoise Alerts—yet. A unified, national system would make it easier to share and act on these alerts fast.

What You Can Do

Advocate for Change

If your state doesn’t offer a Turquoise Alert, call or email your representatives. Ask for legislation.

Share Alerts

If you see a Turquoise Alert online, share it. That one click could help locate someone’s loved one.

Educate Yourself and Others

Talk to your family and friends about Turquoise Alerts. Help spread awareness. The more people know, the faster they act.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

With rising rates of autism, dementia, and mental health conditions, the risk of cognitive wandering is only growing. Social media isn’t enough. We need fast, effective, and compassionate systems to act when someone vulnerable goes missing.

The Turquoise Alert isn’t just a program—it’s a promise. A promise that we see you, we’ll find you, and we care.

Conclusion: Every Second Counts, Every Life Matters

The Turquoise Alert is more than a color or a campaign. It’s a lifeline, a way for society to say, “We’ve got your back.”

Because when a child with autism walks out the front door, or a grandfather with dementia forgets his way home, they shouldn’t be statistics—they should be protected.

Let’s push for national adoption. Let’s support the families going through the unthinkable. Let’s make Turquoise the color of action, not tragedy.

FAQs

1. What is a Turquoise Alert?

A Turquoise Alert is a public notification system used to locate missing people with cognitive disabilities who don’t fall under AMBER or Silver Alert categories.

2. Who qualifies for a Turquoise Alert?

Anyone with a diagnosed cognitive condition—like autism, Alzheimer’s, dementia, TBI, or severe mental illness—who goes missing and is at risk of harm.

3. Is the Turquoise Alert active nationwide?

Not yet. It’s currently in states like Texas and Florida, but efforts are ongoing to make it a nationwide system.

4. How can I get involved?

You can support local advocacy groups, contact your state legislators, share alerts, and educate others about the importance of the system.

5. Will I get Turquoise Alerts on my phone like AMBER Alerts?

Not yet, but integration with mobile emergency systems is in development. Currently, alerts are shared via media, signs, and online platforms.

Understanding Capital Gains Tax on Crypto

By
Keshav Harsh
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0
The Big Picture: What Even Is Capital Gains Tax on Crypto?
The Big Picture: What Even Is Capital Gains Tax on Crypto?
The Big Picture: What Even Is Capital Gains Tax on Crypto?

At its core, capital gains tax is what you pay on the profit you make from selling an asset. Think of it like selling a house or a stock – if you sell it for more than you bought it for, that profit is generally taxable. Crypto is no different in the eyes of the IRS.

Here’s the quick and dirty:

  • You bought Bitcoin for $10,000. That’s your “cost basis.”
  • You sold that same Bitcoin for $15,000. That’s your “sale price” or “proceeds.”
  • Your profit? $5,000. That’s your “capital gain.” And that’s what Uncle Sam wants a piece of.

However, it’s not always a straightforward sale for fiat (regular money, such as USD). The IRS has made it clear:

  • Selling crypto for USD: Taxable.
  • Trading one crypto for another (e.g., Bitcoin for Ethereum): Taxable.
  • Using crypto to buy goods or services: Taxable (yes, even that coffee you bought with Bitcoin!).
  • Receiving crypto from mining, staking, or airdrops: This is usually considered income at the time of receipt, and then a capital asset when you later sell or trade it. So, a double whammy!
capital gains tax on crypto

Short-Term vs. Long-Term: The Time is Money Rule

This is a significant one, and it can substantially impact the amount of tax you pay. The IRS differentiates between how long you held onto your crypto:

  • Short-Term Capital Gains: If you held your crypto for one year or less before selling, trading, or spending it, any gains are considered “short-term.” These are taxed at your ordinary income tax rates, which can range from 10% to 37% (for tax year 2024, subject to change). Ouch.
  • Long-Term Capital Gains: If you held your crypto for more than one year, your gains are “long-term.” These are taxed at much more favorable rates: 0%, 15%, or 20%, depending on your overall taxable income. Big difference, right?

The takeaway? “HODL” isn’t just a meme, it can be a tax strategy! Holding your assets for over a year can slash your tax bill.

The (Often Confusing) Steps to Calculation:

Right, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. This is where it can get tricky, especially if you’ve got a lot of transactions across different exchanges or wallets.

Step 1: Gather ALL Your Transaction History (Yes, All of It!)

This is the absolute foundation. You need a meticulous record of every single crypto transaction you made during the tax year. This includes:

  • Buys: When you bought crypto with USD.
  • Sells: When you sell crypto for USD.
  • Trades/Swaps: When you exchange one crypto for another.
  • Spends: When you use crypto to purchase anything.
  • Income-generating activities: If you received crypto from mining, staking rewards, airdrops, or hard forks, you’ll need the fair market value (FMV) in USD on the date you received it.

Where to find this data?

  • Exchange statements: Coinbase, Binance, Kraken, etc., usually have downloadable transaction histories.
  • Wallet transaction exports: If you use self-custody wallets like MetaMask or Ledger, you might be able to export transaction logs.
  • Blockchain explorers: For those really deep dives, you can sometimes trace transactions on the blockchain itself.

A human touch here: I know this sounds like a monumental task. You might feel like you’re drowning in spreadsheets. Many of us have been there! It’s easy to miss a tiny transaction, and that’s why this step is the most crucial, even if it makes you want to pull your hair out. Double-check everything. Triple-check.

Step 2: Determine Your “Cost Basis” for Each Transaction

This is arguably the trickiest part. Your “cost basis” is what you originally paid for the crypto, including any fees associated with acquiring it (like gas fees for transactions).

Example: You bought 1 ETH for $1,500 and paid a $20 gas fee. Your cost basis for that 1 ETH is $1,520.

The real challenge comes when you’ve bought the same type of crypto multiple times at different prices. Imagine you bought Bitcoin in January for $30,000, then again in March for $40,000, and then you sell some Bitcoin in July. Which Bitcoin did you sell?

This is where accounting methods come in:

  • FIFO (First-In, First-Out): This is the IRS’s preferred method. It assumes you sell the crypto you acquired first. So, if you bought Bitcoin in January and March, and then sold some, FIFO assumes you sold the January Bitcoin first.
  • Specific Identification (Specific ID): This allows you to specifically identify which exact units of crypto you are selling. If you keep meticulous records, this can be advantageous, as you can choose to sell the units that result in the lowest capital gain (or even a capital loss to offset gains).
  • LIFO (Last-In, First-Out) and HIFO (Highest-In, First-Out): While some software might offer these, the IRS generally doesn’t support them for crypto unless you have very specific documentation. For most of us, stick to FIFO or Specific ID. Important for 2025 tax year (filing in 2026): The IRS is moving towards requiring specific-wallet inventory methods, meaning you’ll need to track assets by the wallet or exchange they are in. This might complicate things further, so stay tuned for more updated guidance!
capital gains tax on crypto

Step 3: Calculate Your Proceeds from Each Sale/Disposition

This is simpler. It’s the fair market value of what you received when you sold, traded, or spent your crypto. If you sold for USD, it’s the USD amount. If you traded for another crypto, it’s the USD value of that new crypto at the time of the trade. Don’t forget to subtract any selling fees.

Step 4: Calculate Your Capital Gain or Loss

This is the moment of truth!

Capital Gain/Loss = Proceeds – Cost Basis

  • If the result is positive, it’s a capital gain.
  • If the result is negative, it’s a capital loss.

Good news about losses: If your capital losses exceed your capital gains, you can usually deduct up to $3,000 of that net loss against your ordinary income in a given year. Any remaining loss can be “carried forward” to offset future gains. This is a neat trick to keep in your back pocket!

Step 5: Report Your Crypto Transactions to the IRS

Once you’ve done all that grueling calculation, you need to tell the IRS about it.

  • Form 8949, Sales and Other Dispositions of Capital Assets: This is where you list each individual taxable crypto transaction (or aggregate them if you have tons and meet certain criteria). You’ll report the date acquired, date sold, proceeds, and cost basis.
  • Schedule D (Form 1040), Capital Gains and Losses: The totals from your Form 8949 are then transferred to Schedule D, which summarizes your overall capital gains and losses for the year.
  • Form 1040 (and possibly Schedule 1 or Schedule C): Your final capital gain or loss from Schedule D then flows onto your main Form 1040. If you earned crypto as income (mining, staking, etc.), you’ll report that on Schedule 1 or Schedule C (if it’s a business).

Heads up for 2025 onwards: Starting January 1, 2026 (for the 2025 tax year), crypto brokers (exchanges, payment processors) are mandated to issue the new Form 1099-DA to both users and the IRS. This is a game-changer! It means the IRS will have more direct visibility into your crypto transactions, making accurate reporting even more critical. No more hoping they don’t notice!

Making Life Easier: The Crypto Tax Software Solution

Honestly, unless you have a handful of simple transactions, trying to do all this manually is a recipe for disaster (and a lot of crying). This is where crypto tax software comes in. Tools like Koinly, CoinLedger, TokenTax, and others are designed to:

  • Connect to your exchanges and wallets: They pull in your transaction data automatically.
  • Calculate cost basis and gains/losses: They do the heavy lifting for you, often allowing you to choose your accounting method.
  • Generate IRS-compliant reports: They’ll spit out your Form 8949 and Schedule D, ready for you or your accountant.

While these tools aren’t free, the peace of mind and time saved are usually well worth the cost. Trust me on this one.

Some Final (Human) Thoughts and Warnings:

  1. Don’t ignore it! The IRS is getting serious about crypto. With new reporting requirements coming, trying to fly under the radar is a very risky game. Penalties for underreporting can be steep.
  2. Keep impeccable records. Even with software, having your organized records (spreadsheets, downloaded statements) is eessential. If you ever get audited (hopefully not!), you’ll need to back up your numbers.
  3. When in doubt, consult a professional. Crypto tax can be incredibly complex, especially with high-volume trading, DeFi activities, or unique situations. A qualified tax professional specializing in crypto can save you stress and money in the long run. They know the nuances and can help you navigate the ever-changing landscape. This ain’t financial advice, just common sense!
  4. Tax laws change. What’s true today might be tweaked tomorrow. Stay informed! Follow reputable crypto tax blogs, IRS updates, and financial news.

Navigating crypto taxes in the USA might seem like a beast, but with a bit of understanding, good record-keeping, and perhaps the right software, you can tame it. Don’t let tax fears stop you from exploring the exciting world of digital assets. Just be smart, be prepared, and happy (tax-compliant) in crypto trading!

The Best Micro-Investing Apps for Students in 2025

By
Keshav Harsh
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0
Smart Money Moves: The Best Micro-Investing Apps for Students in 2025
Smart Money Moves: The Best Micro-Investing Apps for Students in 2025

Smart Money Moves: The Best Micro-Investing Apps for Students in 2025

The world of finance can seem daunting, especially for students balancing classes, work, and social lives. But what if you could start building wealth with just your spare change? Welcome to the power of micro-investing! In 2025, a new wave of user-friendly apps is making it easier than ever for students to dive into the market, harness the “snowball effect” of compound interest, and pave their way to financial independence.

Gone are the days when investing was only for the wealthy. With low minimums, intuitive interfaces, and powerful educational tools, bets micro-investing apps for students in 2025 are democratizing wealth creation. Let’s explore the top platforms that can help you get started on your investing journey today.

Why Micro-Investing is Perfect for Students

As a student, your budget might be tight, and your time even tighter. Micro-investing addresses both challenges:

  • Low Entry Barrier: Many apps allow you to start with just a few dollars, making investing accessible without needing a large lump sum.
  • Fractional Shares: You can buy small “slices” of expensive stocks, so you don’t need hundreds or thousands of dollars to own a piece of your favorite companies.
  • Automated Savings: Features like “round-ups” (investing spare change from purchases) or recurring investments make saving effortless.
  • Learning Opportunity: These platforms are designed to educate, allowing you to learn the ropes of the market with minimal risk.

Now, let’s look at the top contenders for micro-investing apps for students in 2025:

1. Fidelity: Your Long-Term Financial Foundation

Smart Money Moves: The Best Micro-Investing Apps for Students in 2025

Fidelity is a titan in the investment world, managing trillions in assets for nearly 50 million investors. While it might seem traditional, Fidelity has evolved to offer an incredibly student-friendly experience, especially for those looking to build wealth over the long haul.

Why Fidelity for Students?

  • Zero Commissions & No Minimums: Trade stocks and ETFs without commission fees and open an account with $0.
  • Long-Term Growth Focus: Ideal for setting up foundational investments that benefit from compound interest over years, perfect even if “retirement” feels a lifetime away. Starting early, even with small amounts, can make a monumental difference.
  • Retirement Accounts (Roth IRAs, 401ks): It might sound premature, but opening a Roth IRA as a student allows your money to grow tax-free for decades. Fidelity is lauded as the best for these accounts, providing an incredible head start.
  • Robust Educational Resources: Fidelity offers extensive guides, articles, and webinars to help you understand market fundamentals and make informed decisions.
  • Excellent Customer Service: If you ever have questions, their highly-rated customer service and even in-person branches (a rarity!) provide invaluable support.
  • Robo-Advisor Option (Fidelity Go): For students who want hands-off investing, Fidelity Go builds and manages a diversified portfolio based on your risk tolerance.

Fidelity is best for students serious about building a strong, diversified portfolio for the future, especially those keen on maximizing early retirement savings.

2. SoFi: Seamless Savings and Smart Investing

SoFi stands out by seamlessly integrating high-yield savings with a comprehensive investing platform, making it a fantastic choice for students managing their daily finances alongside their investment goals.

Why SoFi for Students?

Smart Money Moves: The Best Micro-Investing Apps for Students in 2025
  • High-Yield Savings Account (4.6% APY): Keep your emergency fund or short-term savings growing significantly faster than traditional banks, and easily transfer funds to your investment account.
  • Automated Investing (Robo-Advisor): SoFi’s automated investing option requires just $1 to start and builds a diversified portfolio for you, with no advisory fees. This is ideal for busy students who want their money working without constant monitoring.
  • Recurring Investments: Set up automatic weekly or monthly contributions, ensuring consistent investing and taking advantage of dollar-cost averaging.
  • Dividend Portfolio Tracking: Easily see your contributions and the dividends you receive, and even choose to reinvest them back into your savings or other investments.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The platform is praised for its clean design and ease of navigation, perfect for beginners.
  • Student-Centric Initiatives: SoFi has been actively engaging with students, offering financial education and incentives to help them start investing early.

SoFi is a prime choice for students looking to integrate their saving and investing efforts, especially those interested in automated strategies and potentially generating dividend income.

3. Webull: Learn and Trade Like a Pro (Without the Risk)

Smart Money Moves: The Best Micro-Investing Apps for Students in 2025

For students with a budding interest in more active trading and in-depth market analysis, Webull offers a powerful platform with advanced tools, all while still being beginner-friendly.

Why Webull for Students?

  • Paper Trading (Simulated Trading): This is a game-changer for students. Practice trading with fake money ($1 million play money!) in a real market environment, allowing you to learn strategies and test ideas without risking your hard-earned cash.
  • Advanced Trading Tools & Research: While it offers sophisticated features like extended-hours trading and customizable layouts, its intuitive design still makes it accessible. Explore detailed stock information and in-depth market research to deepen your understanding.
  • Zero Commissions: Enjoy commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs, and options.
  • Fractional Shares: Invest in a wider range of companies with smaller amounts.
  • Cash Management Account (5% Yield): Webull also offers a competitive yield on uninvested cash, an attractive feature for students.

Webull is best for students who want to actively learn about the stock market, practice trading strategies, and potentially move beyond basic investing as their knowledge grows.

4. Coinbase: Your Gateway to Cryptocurrency Investing

Smart Money Moves: The Best Micro-Investing Apps for Students in 2025

If the world of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets sparks your interest, Coinbase is the go-to platform for beginners looking to invest in cryptocurrencies.

Why Coinbase for Students?

  • Beginner-Friendly Crypto Platform: Coinbase is known for its clean, reliable, and incredibly easy-to-use interface, making it simple for newcomers to buy, sell, and manage cryptocurrencies.
  • Portfolio Diversification: Gain exposure to the crypto market, which can offer diversification benefits to your overall investment portfolio.
  • Educational Opportunities (“Earn Free Crypto”): Coinbase offers a unique feature where you can earn small amounts of cryptocurrency by watching short educational videos and answering quizzes about different digital assets. It’s a fantastic way to learn and earn simultaneously.
  • Watchlists and Tracking: Monitor your crypto investments with features similar to stock apps, including watchlists and performance views.

Coinbase is ideal for students curious about the burgeoning cryptocurrency market and wanting a straightforward, secure way to get started. Just remember that crypto is a more volatile asset class.

Making Your Choice: Key Factors for Students

When choosing the best micro-investing apps for students in 2025, consider these factors:

  • Your Goals: Are you saving for retirement, a short-term goal, or just want to learn?
  • Your Risk Tolerance: How comfortable are you with market fluctuations?
  • Ease of Use: As a student, you need an app that’s intuitive and doesn’t require a steep learning curve.
  • Fees: Look for low or zero commission fees, especially with smaller investments.
  • Educational Resources: Platforms that teach you as you go are invaluable.

Start Small, Dream Big

The beauty of micro-investing is that it proves you don’t need to be rich to start investing. By leveraging these powerful and accessible apps, students in 2025 can begin building smart financial habits, understanding the market, and setting themselves up for a future of financial independence. The sooner you start, the more time compound interest has to work its magic. So, download an app, start small, and watch your financial future take shape!

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