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Author: blogs2025

  • Bitcoin Annual Total Returns (1

    Bitcoin Annual Total Returns (1


    Explore Bitcoin’s fascinating journey from its inception to its recent highs and learn about its impressive historical returns. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to cryptocurrency, this article provides insights into Bitcoin’s milestones and how it stacks up against other asset classes.

    From its humble beginnings in 2008 to today, Bitcoin’s history has been relatively short but very eventful. The original protocol for this popular digital currency was created in 2008 by Satoshi Nakamoto, believed to be a pseudonym for an unknown developer or group of developers. 

    Nakamoto launched the Bitcoin network just a year later and began mining the currency— an estimated 1 million bitcoins were mined in the early years.

    The creator(s) of this first-of-its-kind asset developed the cryptocurrency in response to the Great Recession of 2007-2009, spurred by a distrust of the traditional banking system and concerns about its stability. 

    Given the recent values of Bitcoin, it’s hard to believe the currency first started trading on exchanges in 2010 at under $0.10. Since then, it’s experienced astronomical growth and some pretty wild price swings.

    At its most recent high, one bitcoin was worth over $64,000—a far cry from trading for pennies in its earliest days. 

    Whether you’re thinking of investing in Bitcoin or you’ve held this cryptocurrency for several years, it’s fun to look back at this groundbreaking asset’s history. Read on for insights on Bitcoin milestones, historical returns, and how its returns compare to those of other assets.

    Bitcoin Performance Milestones

    Since being created, Bitcoin has experienced several milestones. Here’s a look back at some of the most significant moments in the short history of this cryptocurrency:

    • In June 2011, Bitcoin saw its first significant price spike, climbing to a value of $29.60 (up from just $0.30 in January) before declining again later that year.
    • The second half of 2013 marked another major spike—from $68 on July 4th to $1,237 on December 3rd before declining again.
    • One of Bitcoin’s most significant increases happened in 2017, with its value surging from around $1,000 at the start of the year to $19,345 by mid-December. 
    • The Bitcoin hype cooled in 2018, resulting in significant declines—its lowest value was around $3,232 in December of that year.
    • In 2019, Bitcoin saw another spike, hitting $13,813 on June 26th before declining.
    • Bitcoin dropped by over 75% in 2022
    • Bitcoin continues to hover around the $30k mark in 2023

    Bitcoin Total Return (10 Year, 5 Year, 3 Years, 1 Year)

    While Bitcoin isn’t exempt from the volatility cryptocurrencies often experience, it’s delivered some impressive returns over the years. Here’s a look at Bitcoin’s annual returns from 2010 to 2022:

    Bitcoin 10-Year Return Chart
    Year Return (%)
    2011 1,473
    2012 186
    2013 5,507
    2014 -58
    2015 35
    2016 125
    2017 1,331
    2018 -73
    2019 95
    2020 301
    2021 90
    2022 -81.02
    2023

    And here’s a look at monthly returns, if you feel like getting a deeper dive:

    Bitcoin Monthly Returns
    Year Jan. Feb. Mar. April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
    2010 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 210.99% N/A 44.09%
    2011 73.33% 65.38% -8.77% 346.09% 149.71% 84.21% -17.08% -38.58% -37.32% -36.77% -8.62% 58.92%
    2012 16.10% -11.31% N/A N/A 4.65% 29.15% 39.76% 8.66% 22.05% -9.68% 12.23% 7.48%
    2013 51.07% 63.55% 178.70% 49.66% -7.48% -24.31% 8.92% 32.76% 0.64% 48.82% 470.94% -33.15%
    2014 16.49% -38.87% -22.53% 0.22% 10.90% 1.15% -7.18% -18.28% -19.43% -12.96% 10.97 -15.12%
    2015 -31.34% 16.27% -3.90% -3.43% -2.52% 14.91% 7.42% -19.12% 2.82% 31.92% 21.44% 13.75%
    2016 -13.98% 17.95% -4.71% 7.91% 17.92% 26.68% -7.19% -7.72% 5.97% 14.89% 6.27% 29.75%
    2017 0.22% 23.18% -9.26% 25.28% 70.38% 7.70% 16.23% 64.23% -7.91% 47.94% 54.18% 39.25%
    2018 -25.88% 0.67% -32.86% 33.25% -18.85% -14.71% 20.79% -9% -5.67% -4.06% -36.54% -8.18%
    2019 -7.34% 11.04% 7.49% 29.70% 60.85% 36.41% -6.81% -4.84% -13.65% 10.48% -17.55% -4.64%
    2020 29.91% -8.62% -24.94% 34.56% 9.57% -3.38% 24.06% 2.74% -7.46% 28.04% 42.77% 46.97%
    2021 14.37% 36.41% 30.11% -1.78% -35.38% -6.09% 18.63% 13.42% -7.02% 39.90% -7.22% -18.75%
    2022 -16.70% 12.18% 5.41% -17.3% -15.56% -37.32% 16.95% -13.99% -3.1% 5.53% -16.26% -0.86%
    2023 39.83% 0.02% 23.1% 2.73% -6.96% 11.97% -4.07% -11.29% 3.91% 28.52% 8.81%
    2024

    While Bitcoin has experienced some wild monthly price swings and a couple of years where its value has declined, you can see that its declines have been eclipsed by some incredible gains. Now let’s explore how Bitcoin’s value has changed over 10, 5, 3, and 1 years.

    Bitcoin 10-Year Return

    Let’s say you bought one bitcoin on August, 3rd 2013, for $1,106.75, its price at the time. If you held that one bitcoin until August 3rd, 2023, it would’ve been worth $29,310.44, and your total ROI for the 10 years would be 2,546.8%.

    Bitcoin 5-Year Return

    We’ll also assume you purchased one Bitcoin for this example. A single bitcoin was valued at $965.31 on August, 3rd, 2018, and its value climbed to $29,310.44 by August 2023. Using our calculation above, your total ROI for those five years would be 294.1%.

    Bitcoin 3-Year Return

    A single bitcoin was valued at $11,246.20 in August 2020, and its value climbed to $29,310.44 at the end of 2021. Your total ROI for those three years would be 160.6%.

    Bitcoin 1-Year return

    If you purchased a single bitcoin in August 2022, you would’ve paid around $22,626.83. In one year, that value would’ve increased to $29,310.44. Your total returns for that year would be 29.54%.

    Bitcoin Multi-Year Returns Compared

    Initial value Final value ROI (%)
    15 years (2008-2023) $0.000764 $29,310.44 3,839,387,524,500%
    10 years (2013-2023) $1,106.75 $29,310.44 2,546.8%
    5 years (2018-2023) $7,438.67 $29,310.44 294.1%
    3 years (2020-2023) $11,246.20 $29,310.44 160.6%
    1 year (2022-2023) $22,626.83 $29,310.44 29.54%

    How Much You’d Have If You Invested $1,000 in Bitcoin 10, 5, 3, or 1 Year Ago

    Instead of buying one bitcoin, let’s say you decided to invest $1,000 into Bitcoin. Here’s a look at how this $1,000 investment would’ve performed if you bought and held your Bitcoin for 10, 5, 3, and 1 years.

    Initial Price Number of Bitcoins purchased Final Value
    10 years (2013-2023) $13.30 75.19 $2,203,358.14
    5 years (2018-2023) $13,880 0.072 $2,110.35
    3 years (2020-2023) $7,200 0.139 $4,073.15
    1 year (2022-2023) $16,605.10 0.0602 $1,765.11

    While Bitcoin’s earliest investors would have benefitted the most from buying and holding their Bitcoin, those who’ve invested recently also fared well.

    How Does Bitcoin Compare to Other Asset Classes?

    If you’re curious how Bitcoin returns compare to those of other asset classes, here’s how its annual and total returns compare to gold, real estate, and the S&P 500.

    (Spoiler alert: Bitcoin outperformed all three assets by an enormous margin.)

    Bitcoin vs. Gold

    If you compare Bitcoin’s returns to gold’s returns, you’ll notice a stark difference. Bitcoin has an average annual return of 1,576% and a total return of 18,912% from 2010 to 2022, while SPDR Gold Shares had an average annual return of just 5.14% and a total return of 61.67% over the same period. 

    Year Bitcoin
    Return (%)    		 SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) Return (%)
    2005 – 17.76
    2006 – 22.55
    2007 – 30.45
    2008 – 4.92
    2009 – 24.03
    2010 9,900 29.27
    2011 1,473 9.57
    2012 186 6.6
    2013 5,507 -28.33
    2014 -58 -2.19
    2015 35 -10.67
    2016 125 8.03
    2017 1,331 12.81
    2018 -73 -1.94
    2019 95 17.86
    2020 301 24.81
    2021 90 -4.15
    2022 -81.02 -0.77
    2023 156.15 12.69

    Bitcoin vs. Real Estate

    Let’s see if real estate fared any better compared to Bitcoin. The cryptocurrency delivered a whopping 1,576% average annual return and an 18,912% total return from 2010 to 2021, while the Vanguard Real Estate ETF had an average annual return of 13.49% and a total return of 161.91% over the same period.

    So, real estate saw slightly higher returns than gold, but it still didn’t come close to Bitcoin’s returns.

    Year Bitcoin
    Return (%)    		 Vanguard Real Estate ETF
    Return (%)
    2005 – 12
    2006 – 35.2
    2007 – -16.38
    2008 – -36.98
    2009 – 29.76
    2010 9,900 28.44
    2011 1,473 8.62
    2012 186 17.67
    2013 5,507 2.42
    2014 -58 30.29
    2015 35 2.37
    2016 125 8.53
    2017 1,331 4.95
    2018 -73 -5.95
    2019 95 28.91
    2020 301 -4.72
    2021 90 40.38
    2022 -81.02 -26.21
    2023 156.15 11.79%

    Bitcoin vs. S&P 500 (Stock Market)

    The S&P 500 didn’t fare too much better in its head-to-head with Bitcoin. From 2011 to 2023, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF delivered an average annual return of 15.74% and a total return of 173.14%. While those numbers aren’t too shabby, Bitcoin’s average annual return for the same period was a whopping 819%, and its total return was 9,012%.

    Year Bitcoin
    Return (%)    		 VOO, Vanguard SP500 ETF
    Return (%)
    2011 1,473 2.09
    2012 186 15.98
    2013 5,507 32.33
    2014 -58 13.63
    2015 35 1.35
    2016 125 11.93
    2017 1,331 21.78
    2018 -73 -4.42
    2019 95 31.46
    2020 301 18.35
    2021 90 28.66
    2022 -81.02 -18.15
    2023 156.15 26.33%

    How Does Bitcoin Compare to The Best Performing Stocks?

    We’ve analyzed how Bitcoin compares to gold, real estate, and the stock market, but how does it stack up against some of the best-performing stocks? Here’s how this popular cryptocurrency stacks up against major companies like Amazon, Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, JP Morgan, Microsoft, Visa, and Walmart.

    We looked at the average annual and total returns for each asset. This data assumes you bought the asset in 2010 and held it until 2023. 

    Asset Average annual return (%) Total return (%)
    Bitcoin 1,576% 18,912%
    Amazon 35.54% 426.48%
    Apple 33.22% 398.61%
    Berkshire Hathaway 14.31% 171.76%
    JP Morgan 13.53% 162.40%
    Microsoft 23.92% 287.04%
    Visa 23.10% 277.37%
    Walmart 10.08% 120.94%

    The Bottom Line – Bitcoin Historical Returns

    While some investors may be skeptical about cryptocurrency, citing concerns over market volatility and a high risk of loss, Bitcoin’s performance over time paints a rosy picture. With its longevity and astronomically high returns, Bitcoin has been worth the risk for many investors—especially early adopters. 

    Of course, historical performance doesn’t guarantee future returns. So if you’re considering investing in cryptocurrency, only invest what you can afford to lose.

  • DIY Natural Cleaning Products: Simple Recipes That Actually Work

    DIY Natural Cleaning Products: Simple Recipes That Actually Work


    Sharing DIY Natural Cleaning Products that actually work.

    Hi friends! How are you? I hope that you’re enjoying the morning. I have a packed day of appointments and P has an orthodontist appointment. Hoping we can hop in the pool afterwards!

    For today, I wanted to talk about cleaning products. The more I learn about conventional cleaning products, the more creeped out I am. If you’re interested in cleaner DIY options, I wanted to talk about how to make your own DIY natural cleaning products that work just as well (if not better!) than store-bought versions, without all the harsh chemicals. These are safe for kids, pets, and the planet, and many can be made with ingredients you already have at home.

    DIY Natural Cleaning Products

    Why Switch to Natural Cleaning Products?

    Conventional cleaners often contain toxins and harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, phthalates, and formaldehyde, which can cause irritation and long-term health issues. Switching to natural alternatives helps reduce your toxic load, supports a healthier indoor environment, and cuts down on plastic waste and packaging.

    Top Ingredients to Stock for Natural Cleaning

    Before you start mixing, here are some essential ingredients to have on hand:

    White Vinegar – antibacterial and great for cutting through grease

    Baking Soda – excellent for scrubbing and deodorizing

    Castile Soap – natural, biodegradable soap base

    Essential Oils (like tea tree, lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus) – for fragrance and antimicrobial properties

    Hydrogen Peroxide – a natural disinfectant

    Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl) – kills germs and evaporates quickly

    Washing Soda – stronger than baking soda; useful in laundry and tough jobs

    Distilled Water – prevents mineral buildup in spray bottles

    Glass spray bottles — I get ours from Amazon

    5 Easy DIY Natural Cleaning Recipes

    1. All-Purpose Cleaner

    Great for countertops, sinks, and bathroom surfaces.

    1/2 cup white vinegar

    2 cups distilled water

    1 tsp castile soap

    10 drops tea tree oil + 10 drops lemon essential oil

    Combine in a spray bottle and shake gently. Avoid using on marble or granite.

    2. Glass + Mirror Cleaner

    Streak-free and natural.

    1/4 cup white vinegar

    1/4 cup rubbing alcohol

    1 tbsp cornstarch

    2 cups distilled water

    Optional: 5 drops essential oil

    Shake well before each use and spray onto glass or mirror surfaces.

    3. Natural Disinfecting Spray

    Perfect for high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and light switches.

    1 cup rubbing alcohol (70% or higher)

    1 cup distilled water

    20 drops tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil

    Combine in a spray bottle. Let sit on surfaces for 30 seconds before wiping.

    4. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

    Fights odors and stains naturally.

    1/2 cup baking soda

    1/4 cup white vinegar

    Pour into the bowl and let fizz. Scrub with a toilet brush and flush.

    5. Soft Scrub for Bathtubs + Sinks

    Great for soap scum and tough grime.

    1/2 cup baking soda

    2 tbsp castile soap

    5 drops lemon essential oil

    Mix into a paste, apply with a sponge, scrub, and rinse well.

    Bonus: Natural Air Freshener Spray

    Tired of synthetic fragrances?

    Try this:

    1/2 cup distilled water

    2 tbsp rubbing alcohol

    15 drops lavender + 10 drops orange essential oil

    Spray into the air or onto fabric surfaces (test first).

    Making your own natural cleaning products is a small change that makes a big impact. Not only will you reduce your exposure to harmful toxins, but you’ll also save money and cut down on environmental waste.

    Also, if you’re reading this and are like, “I love this idea but I won’t actually do it,” here are some of my favorite natural options:

    – Branch Basics (the best everything cleaner!!)

    – Thrive Market brands <— this link gets you 40% off your first order

    If you try any of these recipes, let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to pin this post or share with a friend  🙂

  • 10 Biggest IT Outages in History: Who Pulled the Plug?

    10 Biggest IT Outages in History: Who Pulled the Plug?


    Modern business continuity hinges on the reliability of technology.

    (more…)

  • Cisco Services and Support Demos at Cisco Live: A Recap!

    Cisco Services and Support Demos at Cisco Live: A Recap!


    What an incredible time we had at Cisco Live in San Diego recently! For those who joined us, you know Cisco Customer Experience (CX) brought its A-game with a lineup of interactive demos designed to help you tackle your biggest IT challenges and achieve your business goals. Whether you’re looking to build AI-ready data centers, create future-proof workplaces, or strengthen digital resilience, we had something for everyone.

    If you couldn’t attend, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a quick recap of demo highlights from the World of Solutions.

    At its core, CX is here to help you optimize your IT environment, maximize your investments, and drive real business outcomes. From simplifying IT operations and keeping networks running smoothly to accelerating transformation with automation and expert support, we’ve got the solutions you need to succeed.

    Here’s a look at some of the exciting demos we showcased at Cisco Live this year:

    AI-Ready Data Centers

    • AI Data Center Services: We demonstrated how to modernize data centers for the demands of AI. From implementation to optimization to AI-powered support, these services are designed to help you stay ahead in the AI era.

    Future-Proof Workplaces

    • Workplace Modernization Services: Attendees got a firsthand look at how Cisco Services can help deploy and optimize workplace technologies like Cisco Spaces, SD-WAN, Wi-Fi 7, and Webex. Plus, with AI-powered support, operations stay resilient and ready for whatever comes next.

    Digital Resilience

    • AI-Powered Support for Uptime and Risk Reduction: These demos highlighted how modern AI-powered support can minimize downtime and proactively address security risks with assessments, mitigation strategies, and fast remediation.
    • Accelerate Resiliency with Professional Services: We showed how our expert-led design, deployment, and optimization services help boost assurance, observability, and security, keeping your business resilient and ready.

    Missed Cisco Live? No Problem!

    If you couldn’t make it to the event, no worries! We’re always here to help you explore how Cisco Customer Experience can support your IT environment and business goals.

    Curious to learn more? Reach out to your Cisco Account Executive or contact us to start the conversation.

    We can’t wait to help you transform what’s next for your business

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  • Olivia Rodrigo among celebrities spotted at Wimbledon’s Royal Box

    Olivia Rodrigo among celebrities spotted at Wimbledon’s Royal Box


    Olivia Rodrigo smiles as she sits in the Royal Box

    Singer Olivia Rodrigo smiles as she sits in the Royal Box at Centre Court during the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Wednesday, July 2, 2025.(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

    LONDON — Filipina-American singer Olivia Rodrigo. John Cena. Dave Grohl. Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas. There was as much star power — or maybe even more? — in the Royal Box at Wimbledon as there was down below on the Centre Court grass on Wednesday, July 2.

    And that was on an afternoon that featured two-time defending men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz, No. 1-ranked woman Aryna Sabalenka, and 2021 U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu of Britain all winning matches at the grass-court Grand Slam tournament’s main stadium to reach the third round.

    Article continues after this advertisement

    “It’s so special in the Royal Box to have those kind of people in there. It definitely adds a bit of pressure, I guess, if you look up and you kind of recognize (them),” Raducanu said. “That’s why I try and stay with my eyes on the court as much as possible. Only after, you kind of look up and take it all in, if they’re still there.”

    The seats in the Royal Box behind one of the baselines are by invitation only, and there was quite a list of celebrities on hand for Day 3 of competition.

    “I was trying not to look today,” Sabalenka said about the collection of boldfaced names, explaining that she might be distracted while competing. “I was just trying to focus on my game. Later on, I’m going to open the social media (and ask), ‘OK, who was there?’”

    Well, Aryna, here’s a rundown:

    Rodrigo, fresh off headlining at music festival Glastonbury while on tour for her GUTS album, sat next to her boyfriend British actor Louis Partridge and Cena, the professional wrestler and movie star. Rodrigo chatted at one point with former England soccer coach Roy Hodgson (the current person in that job, Thomas Tuchel, also was in attendance).

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    Grohl, a member of the rock bands Foo Fighters and Nirvana, made an appearance, too, as did the married couple Chopra and Jonas. Hollywood’s Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann, who also are married, were on the Royal Box list, along with actor Dominic Cooper.

    Others taking in a day of tennis at the most famous court in the world included British athletes from other sports, such as Olympic gold medalists Sophie Bray (field hockey) and Tom Daley (diving), and Paralympic gold medalist William Ellard (swimming).

    Article continues after this advertisement

    Oh, and there was actual British royalty there Wednesday: Princess Michael of Kent. /ra



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  • Potential Impacts and Innovative Solutions for Continued Profitability

    Potential Impacts and Innovative Solutions for Continued Profitability


    This post is part of a series sponsored by AgentSync.

    Since his inauguration in late January, President Donald Trump has imposed (and pledged to impose) several tariffs affecting nearly all U.S. imports. While the somewhat sporadic nature of these actions makes predicting the full extent of their future consequences difficult, examining what we know about tariffs, their impact on prices, and the ins and outs of the P&C insurance sector can give us a general idea of what may be in store.

    Spoiler alert: There could be rougher times ahead for P&C insurers and policyholders.

    Tariffs: What are they and how do they impact prices?

    Today’s Econ 101 lesson: Tariffs—aka taxes charged on goods imported from other countries. Typically, tariffs are represented as a percentage of a product’s value and are paid directly to the government by the company bringing the foreign goods into the country. While the general idea of tariffs is that the importer pays the duties, the reality is that often the end consumer bears at least some of the cost.

    To illustrate the effect on end consumers, let’s use the Trump administration’s 25 percent tariff on all agricultural imports from Mexico. In this example, a U.S. grocery store that imports 20-lb bags of bell peppers from a farm in Guadalajara now has to pay for the price of a bag plus a 25 percent tax that goes directly to the U.S. government. To safeguard their profit margins, the grocery store may choose to pass some (if not all) of the increased expense onto its patrons by raising the price of bell peppers. All of a sudden, family dinner night costs a little bit more.

    But what does any of this have to do with P&C insurance? Trump’s tariffs would affect more than just agricultural imports, with analysts predicting higher prices across a range of goods from lumber, to sneakers, to chocolate, to cars. The on-again, off-again actions regarding new levies have thrown the stock market into turmoil as investors grapple with increasing levels of uncertainty regarding the future of the U.S. economy. Property and casualty insurers are no less concerned, as any increase in the cost of imported home and auto building and repair materials will ultimately drive up claims costs, putting already-strained solvency ratios to the test. Let’s explore the impact Trump’s tariffs could have on the value of two commonly insured assets: homes and cars.

    How tariffs impact homeowners insurance premiums

    According to the National Association of Home Builders, the U.S. imported an estimated $14 billion in residential construction materials in 2024, including lumber from Canada and lime and gypsum products from Mexico. Builders expect the new tariffs to increase the cost of construction materials for the average U.S. home by just under $11,000. When the price of materials increases, so does the price of repairing property damage. In other words, a homeowner that needed $500,000 in dwelling coverage in 2024 would now need at least $511,000 to cover tariff-related price increases. Economists predict these price increases will lead to higher claims payouts for P&C carriers in the short term and ultimately increase premiums for homeowners.

    How tariffs impact auto insurance premiums

    With a 25 percent tariff on all imported cars, the auto industry is set to feel the impacts of Trump’s tariffs pretty directly. Add to that the millions of domestically assembled cars that rely on imported parts and materials, including aluminum and steel, which face a 25 percent tariff, plus a baseline 10 percent tariff on all imports in general, and suddenly purchasing a new car is now $2,500 to $12,000 more.

    Higher auto-repair costs mean higher claims costs, which could necessitate higher premiums as carriers adjust their pricing models to more accurately reflect their risk. Premium hike predictions are already rolling in, with industry experts at Insurify forecasting a 19 percent increase in full-coverage auto insurance prices by the end of 2025. However, the changing nature of the tariffs makes it impossible to pinpoint an accurate number at this time.

    Tariffs threaten an already-fragile P&C landscape

    The P&C industry relies on affordable materials for property repairs and replacements as part of claims settlements. The higher claims costs for construction materials and auto parts directly impact carriers’ profitability as they scramble to re-define their pricing models to keep up with price increases and battle with state regulators attempting to shield policyholders from unfair premium hikes.

    To make matters more complicated, P&C insurers are already facing tight profit margins due in large part to the increased frequency and severity of large-scale natural disasters. Coming off a rather volatile past few years, insurers that were just starting to see an improvement in their combined ratio are now left bracing for a further blow to their profitability as a result of the new tariffs.

    The path to profitability: 3 options for P&C carriers

    Given the above, things may be feeling a bit bleak for P&C carriers at the moment. But one thing that we know for certain is that the insurance industry and the 3 million or so people working in it are nothing if not resilient.

    Below are three paths carriers could take to limit their risk and remain profitable despite shifting market conditions. The most proactive carriers will implement some combination of all three to not only survive current tariff-related threats to profitability, but to better face future challenges head-on.

    1. Practice more proactive underwriting

    The rapid nature of tariff fluctuations makes it difficult for insurers to respond both quickly and accurately to their increased risk. But, by prioritizing frequent actuarial reviews and periodically modeling best- and worst-case scenarios, carriers and state regulators can better understand the financial impact various tariff actions may have on claims costs.

    When it comes to more accurate underwriting, data is key. Successful carriers are already leveraging data and analytics to improve their underwriting and, as data collection and analysis tools continue to advance, we expect more carriers to harness their large volumes of real-time and historical data for improved underwriting and claims predictions. In the case of impending tariffs, P&C insurers may consider incorporating data points like geopolitical risk scores and supply-chain exposure measures into their underwriting models.

    2. Get innovative with policy offerings and design

    To get ahead of the rising cost of construction and repair materials, carriers might turn to innovations in their policy offerings and pricing models. One option is for P&C insurers to introduce escalation clauses into their policies that automatically adjust coverage limits in the event of increased costs. These clauses leverage Producer Price Index data in their pricing models to offer financial protection despite construction material tariffs for:

    • Carriers: by allowing them to adjust policy prices to more accurately reflect their risk
    • Policyholders: by preventing them from being underinsured against future damages

    Other options for carriers include expanding their coverage offerings. Some contingent business interruption insurance policies already factor rises in geopolitical uncertainty into their terms. And some companies already offer supply chain insurance and trade credit insurance.

    3. Fortify operations for greater resilience

    In response to ongoing P&C market volatility, carrier and agency boardrooms are shifting their focus to operational efficiency and risk reduction. When market uncertainty threatens profit margins, carriers should consider any opportunity to increase efficiency in their internal processes and reduce their overhead costs. With so many moving parts, understanding your insurance business’ current state is a challenging but crucial first step toward improving resilience and reducing risk.

    Luckily, carriers can assess the strength of their current distribution channel strategy using this interactive assessment. Once you’ve received your results and diagnosed your level of maturity across five key areas of distribution strategy and execution, you’ll gain a clearer picture of where and how to mitigate risk and expense from your operations.

    In sum, while the goal of the tariffs may be to increase domestic production, they’ll also introduce significant inflationary pressures on the price of consumer goods that’ll impact P&C insurers and policyholders. The insurance sector will need to find innovative ways to adapt to the changes if it wants to keep its long-standing promise of protecting policyholders while also remaining a stable and profitable career field.

    For a more in-depth look at the challenges currently facing the P&C sector, check out our e-book: The Future of P&C Insurance: The Race to Contain Costs Amid Rising Catastrophic Losses.

    Topics
    Property Casualty

  • Never Ever Hoard Loyalty or Rewards Points

    Never Ever Hoard Loyalty or Rewards Points


    I love participating in loyalty and reward programs. They’re almost always free, gets you free “stuff,” and there’s really no downside. The only risk is that you overspend, which I’m not prone to do.

    And if you don’t participate, you invisibly subsidizing the folks who do. It’s like not using a rewards credit card, you still pay a premium but you don’t get any rewards.

    What gets especially challenging is when you start hoarding points. This happens a lot with travel rewards because you want to wait until there are transfer bonuses you can take advantage of, less so with reward points from coffeeshops or restaurants.

    Look at what happened to this poor soul:

    After six months of inactivity, nearly 5 entrées worth of points expired in his Chipotle account!

    Points never go up in value. You should spend them!

    There are two risks with hoarding points:

    1. They expire worthless, or,
    2. They devalue those points.

    And what makes it even harder is that programs have different expiration policies. Some expire a set time after the point is earned. Some expire if there’s a period of inactivity (you haven’t shopped there in a while). Some do both.

    As for devaluation… it is common for companies to adjust their policies. Sometimes they devalue points and miles outright. Sometimes they change how the redemption process works. Sometimes they change what you can redeem the points for!

    It’s hard to keep track of each stores policy so I’ve put together this guide to helping you understand them. Take note of the expiration policy as well as the last time they devalued points.

    It’s important to verify anything you see with the company directly because programs change constantly and I won’t be able to keep it 100% up to date.

    Table of Contents
    1. ☕ Coffee Shops
      1. 1. Starbucks Rewards
      2. 2. Dunkin’ Rewards
      3. 3. Costa Coffee Club
    2. 🍔 Fast Food Restaurants
      1. 1. McDonald’s Rewards
      2. 2. Burger King Royal Perks
      3. 3. Wendy’s Rewards
      4. 4. Chick-fil-A One
      5. 5. Panera Bread MyPanera
      6. 6. Pizza Hut Hut Rewards
      7. 7. Chipotle
      8. 8. Church’s Texas Chicken Real Rewards
    3. ✈️ Airline Loyalty Programs
      1. 1. Delta SkyMiles
      2. 2. American Airlines AAdvantage
      3. 3. United MileagePlus
      4. 4. Southwest Rapid Rewards
      5. 5. JetBlue TrueBlue
    4. 🏨 Hotel Loyalty Programs
      1. 1. Marriott Bonvoy
      2. 2. Hilton Honors
      3. 3. World of Hyatt
      4. 4. IHG One Rewards
      5. 5. Choice Privileges

    ☕ Coffee Shops

    1. Starbucks Rewards

    • How it works: Earn 2 Stars per $1 spent with a registered card or app.
    • Expiration: Stars expire 6 months after the month they were earned.
    • Last devaluation: In February 2023, Starbucks increased the number of Stars required for most redemptions, with some items requiring up to 100% more Stars. <a href=”https://onemileatatime.com/news/starbucks-rewards-devaluing/” target=”_blank”>Learn more</a>​One Mile at a Time

    2. Dunkin’ Rewards

    • How it works: Earn 10 points per $1 spent.
    • Expiration: Points expire 6 months after they are earned.
    • Last devaluation: In October 2022, Dunkin’ overhauled its rewards program, increasing the points required for free drinks and eliminating free birthday drinks. Learn more.

    3. Costa Coffee Club

    • How it works: Collect 1 Bean per drink purchase; 10 Beans earn a free drink.
    • Expiration: Beans expire 12 months after the last transaction.
    • Last devaluation: No recent devaluation reported.

    🍔 Fast Food Restaurants

    1. McDonald’s Rewards

    • How it works: Earn 100 points per $1 spent.
    • Expiration: Points expire 6 months after the month they were earned.
    • Last devaluation: No significant devaluation since the nationwide launch in July 2021.​

    2. Burger King Royal Perks

    • How it works: Earn 10 Crowns per $1 spent.
    • Expiration: Crowns expire 6 months after they are earned.
    • Last devaluation: No recent devaluation reported.

    3. Wendy’s Rewards

    • How it works: Earn 10 points per $1 spent.
    • Expiration: Points expire 12 months after they are earned.
    • Last devaluation: No recent devaluation reported.​

    4. Chick-fil-A One

    • How it works: Earn points with every purchase; the amount varies based on the item.
    • Expiration: Points do not expire, but rewards do.
    • Last devaluation: No recent devaluation reported.​

    5. Panera Bread MyPanera

    • How it works: Earn rewards based on visit frequency and spending.
    • Expiration: Rewards typically expire 60 days after issuance.
    • Last devaluation: No recent devaluation reported.​

    6. Pizza Hut Hut Rewards

    • How it works: Earn 2 points per $1 spent.
    • Expiration: Points expire 6 months after they are earned.
    • Last devaluation: No recent devaluation reported.

    7. Chipotle

    • How it works: Earn 10 points per $1 spent.
    • Expiration: Points expire after 180 days of account inactivity.
    • Last devaluation: Last devaluation was in October 2022, when the free entree went from 1,400 to 1,625 points. Learn more.

    8. Church’s Texas Chicken Real Rewards

    • How it works: Earn 10 points per $1 spent.
    • Expiration: Points expire 9 months after they are earned.
    • Last devaluation: Program launched in 2023; no devaluation reported since inception.​

    ✈️ Airline Loyalty Programs

    1. Delta SkyMiles

    • How it works: Earn miles based on the ticket price and Medallion status.
    • Expiration: Miles do not expire.
    • Last devaluation: In 2024, Delta discontinued Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) and introduced changes to the Medallion Status qualification process. Learn more.

    2. American Airlines AAdvantage

    • How it works: Earn miles based on the ticket price and elite status.
    • Expiration: Miles expire after 24 months of inactivity.
    • Last devaluation: In 2022, American Airlines introduced Loyalty Points, changing how elite status is earned. Learn more.

    3. United MileagePlus

    • How it works: Earn miles based on the ticket price and Premier status.
    • Expiration: Miles do not expire.
    • Last devaluation: No recent devaluation reported.​

    4. Southwest Rapid Rewards

    • How it works: Earn points based on the fare and fare type.
    • Expiration: Points do not expire.
    • Last devaluation: In March 2025, Southwest adjusted the number of Rapid Rewards points customers earn per dollar spent on flights. Learn more​.

    5. JetBlue TrueBlue

    • How it works: Earn points based on the fare and fare type.
    • Expiration: Points do not expire.
    • Last devaluation: No recent devaluation reported.​

    🏨 Hotel Loyalty Programs

    1. Marriott Bonvoy

    • How it works: Earn points for stays and other activities.
    • Expiration: Points expire after 24 months of inactivity.
    • Last devaluation: In 2025, Marriott increased award costs at some top properties, with some hotels now requiring up to 200,000 points per night. Learn more.

    2. Hilton Honors

    • How it works: Earn points for stays and other activities.
    • Expiration: Points expire after 24 months of inactivity.
    • Last devaluation: No recent devaluation reported.​

    3. World of Hyatt

    • How it works: Earn points for stays and other activities.
    • Expiration: Points expire after 24 months of inactivity.
    • Last devaluation: No recent devaluation reported.​

    4. IHG One Rewards

    • How it works: Earn points for stays and other activities.
    • Expiration: Points expire after 12 months of inactivity.
    • Last devaluation: In 2023, IHG revamped its rewards program.

    5. Choice Privileges

    • How it works: Earn points for stays and other activities.
    • Expiration: Points expire after 18 months of inactivity.
    • Last devaluation: No recent devaluation reported.

    If there is another company you want added to the list, let me know!

  • What Death Taught Me About Life: A Mindful Approach to Grief, Loss, and Aging

    What Death Taught Me About Life: A Mindful Approach to Grief, Loss, and Aging


    What Death Taught Me About Life: A Mindful Approach to Grief, Loss, and Aging

    Note: The post below references my experiences with and thoughts on death and dying. These are topics we each must approach in our own way and in our own time. If you feel ready to dive in with me, read on.

    “All we know is that everything ends. Our collective death denial inspires us to behave like we can live forever. But we don’t have forever to create the life we want.”
    ― Alua Arthur, Briefly Perfectly Human: Making an Authentic Life by Getting Real About the End

    Facing the Fear: Turning Toward Death

    Like people in the world of Harry Potter saying “He Who Must Not Be Named” instead of “Voldemort,” in our culture death is often treated as if the mere mention of it will bring it upon us. We speak in euphemisms and tiptoe around the topic.

    Not talking about something gives it power. It makes it feel scary. But like birth, death is part of the human experience. Its certainty is what gives life its shape, meaning, and urgency.

    When the Call Comes

    When our kids were little, my sister and I would take turns visiting each other—kids in tow—for a week or more. I’d drive to Massachusetts in July to stay with my parents in our childhood home, and she’d come down to New Jersey in August. We were both stay-at-home moms then, and summer felt like a shared exhale. I don’t know who enjoyed the freedom of summer more—us or the kids.

    That particular August, my sister and nephews had just arrived. We’d moved into a new home in a new town, and I was craving the ease and familiarity of time with family. Our first outing was to a local “spray-ground”—a water playground I’d recently discovered. We waited until late afternoon when the crowds had cleared. The kids had just run off into the sprinklers when my phone rang.

    It was my stepfather. He never called.

    I showed my sister the screen, already bracing for news about our mom.

    But it wasn’t about her. His voice broke as disjointed words tumbled out: “He’s going to die… Mike… accident… head injury… medevac… Boston Medical Center… come home.”

    Mike. My brother.

    I don’t remember leaving the park. Just numb motion. Calling my husband, who had just landed in California. He booked the next flight to Boston. My sister and I rushed back to my house and began throwing clothes into bags.

    My eyes landed on a black skirt. Head reeling, I walked into the hallway and called to my sister, “Am I… am I packing for a funeral?”

    “I think so,” she said softly.

    The Shock of Sudden Loss

    Mike was 37, just a year younger than me. I had seen him barely a month before at our family’s annual Fourth of July gathering. His death was a searing lightning bolt. A brutal reminder that life is never promised. That we are not to assume another moment beyond this one.

    His loss left an ache that will never fully heal—but it also reshaped the way I live. I hold my hugs longer. I say the words that truly matter. I try to let people know they’re appreciated while I still can.

    My Sister Kelly: The Grief That Was Erased

    My family’s relationship with death began long before Mike.

    Before I was born, my parents lost their first child—my sister Kelly—to a staph infection when she was only weeks old. The grief was so consuming that my father insisted everything connected to her be thrown away. There are almost no reminders of her brief time on earth.

    Kelly was loved with such intensity that remembering her was too painful. It felt easier for my father to erase her than to endure her absence. My mother grieved in silence.

    This way of coping is not unusual. It’s part of a wider cultural discomfort with grief. We’re taught to push it away, expected to “move on” too quickly. We pretend we’re okay to save others from feeling uncomfortable.

    When my father died in 2019, my first thought was of Kelly. I don’t know exactly what their reunion looked like, but I believe—with my whole heart—that there was one.

    Seeing the Beauty in Loss

    Grief is not only pain. It’s also love in its purest form. In the wake of Mike’s death, our family and community came together in ways that still bring me comfort. We cried, yes—but we also laughed. We told stories. We remembered Mike’s kindness, his humor, the way he showed up for people. We learned things about him we might never have known otherwise.

    There was beauty there—in the brokenness. And in the connection. In the memories.

    Inner Work: Mindful Practices for Embracing Mortality

    In 2020, I studied with a former Buddhist monk to attain my Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification. At one of our mentoring sessions, he asked if there was a meditation that “brings up a lot of energy for me.” I told him about a meditation in the book Guided Meditations, Explorations, and Healings by Stephen Levine called “A Guided Meditation on Dying,” and how it evoked both curiosity and fear. He suggested I work with it.

    This meditation asks you to find a place in your home where you would want to be when you die. You then feel into your physical body and distinguish it from the part of you that is pure awareness—the part animated by the same divine spark as all life.

    With this distinction made, you turn your attention to the breath, letting go of each exhale as if it is your last. After some time, you shift your focus to each inhale as if it were your first. Wondrous. New. Full of possibility.

    Even though I was nervous and fearful going in, I came out feeling connected and grateful. Meditating on dying reminded me what really matters in the end: love. It also reminded me not to waste time on things that don’t fulfill me or bring me joy.

    Aging as a Gift and a Privilege

    Mike’s sudden departure changed how I see my own aging. I state my age without shame. I know what the alternative to aging is. I will never take a birthday for granted.

    As for the crow’s feet, the smile lines, the gray hairs—I’ll take them too. They’re all evidence that I’m still here. Still breathing. Still loving. Still learning. Still part of this awe-inspiring, complicated, precious life.

    Each day is another chance to show up fully. To appreciate what we often take for granted. To live, not in fear of death, but in reverence for it—and gratitude for the significance it brings to life.

    A Sacred Reminder to Live Fully

    We may not get to choose how or when death arrives, but we can choose how we relate to it.

    We can meet it with fear or with reverence. We can avoid thinking or talking about it. Or we can let it sharpen our awareness and clarify our values. Death is not just the end—it is also a sacred reminder to live fully while we’re here.

    To speak the words. Hug the people. Laugh loud. Cry freely. Feel the sun. Risk joy.

    In this light, aging becomes a privilege. Grief becomes a mirror of our love. And death—rather than a shadow we run from—becomes a teacher. A quiet guide showing us how to live, fully and presently, while we still can.

    Shifting Your Relationship with Death

    If you feel ready to shift your relationship with death, you don’t have to jump right into meditation.

    Find a safe person who can hold space for you—a good friend, trusted mentor, therapist, or spiritual leader—and gently begin sharing your ideas surrounding death. Because here’s what I know: avoidance doesn’t make something go away—it just makes it loom larger.

    We don’t have to be fearless—just honest.

    And when we stop running, we might find that the reality of death enlivens and enriches every moment of life. —Karin

  • Boeing 737’s ‘Violent’ 26,000-Foot Plunge Left Passenger’s Legs ‘Shaking’ As Japan Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing, 191 Survive Midair Pressure Failure – Spirit AeroSystems Hldgs (NYSE:SPR), Boeing (NYSE:BA)

    Boeing 737’s ‘Violent’ 26,000-Foot Plunge Left Passenger’s Legs ‘Shaking’ As Japan Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing, 191 Survive Midair Pressure Failure – Spirit AeroSystems Hldgs (NYSE:SPR), Boeing (NYSE:BA)



    Japan Airlines Co. flight JL8696 made an emergency landing at Kansai Airport on Monday evening after a pressurization system failure forced the Boeing Co. BA 737-800 into a rapid descent from 32,800 feet.

    What Happened: The aircraft, operated by Spring Airlines Japan on a code-share service from Shanghai to Tokyo, diverted to Osaka around 8:50 p.m. local time. All 191 passengers and crew survived without injuries, according to Japanese government officials, reported the South China Morning Post.

    Pilots alerted air traffic controllers after the aircraft’s pressurization system triggered an irregularity alert. The system maintains cabin air pressure at safe levels during flight. Passengers reported oxygen masks deployed as the plane descended from above 10,000 meters to 3,000 meters within 20 minutes.

    “The plane started plummeting violently at around 7pm,” one passenger said, according to the report, describing the descent as life-threatening.

    Spring Airlines Japan, established in 2012 through joint investment between Shanghai-based Spring Airlines and JAL, offered passengers 15,000 yen ($104) compensation. Japan Airlines became the holding company in June 2021, retaining a 67% stake.

    “My body is still here, but my soul hasn’t caught up. My legs are still shaking. When you face life or death, everything else feels trivial,” the passenger wrote, according to the report.

    See Also: Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan Weighs Ending Marketing Of Expensive Chip Manufacturing As Losses Mount And Rival TSMC Surges Ahead: Report

    Why It Matters: The incident adds to Boeing’s ongoing safety concerns. The 737 series has experienced numerous global incidents, including at least 12 fatal crashes since 2000. Recent disasters include the December 2024 Jeju Air crash in South Korea, killing 179 people and China Eastern Airlines flight MU5735 in March 2022, which killed 132.

    Boeing faces additional scrutiny following the June 12 Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people.

    Indian authorities recovered the aircraft’s black box data last week, with investigators from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau collaborating with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board to analyze flight data and cockpit voice recordings.

    Read Next:

    Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors

    Photo courtesy: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com

  • States sue to stop health data sharing with DHS : NPR

    States sue to stop health data sharing with DHS : NPR


    California Attorney General Rob Bonta at a news conference in San Francisco on Dec. 4, 2024. Bonta is leading 20 state attorneys general in a lawsuit seeking to block federal health officials from further sharing Medicaid data and DHS from using it for immigration enforcement.

    California Attorney General Rob Bonta at a news conference in San Francisco on Dec. 4, 2024. Bonta is leading 20 state attorneys general in a lawsuit seeking to block federal health officials from further sharing Medicaid data and DHS from using it for immigration enforcement.

    Jeff Chiu/AP


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    toggle caption

    Jeff Chiu/AP

    Twenty states, led by California, sued the Trump administration Tuesday after federal health officials shared sensitive data about Medicaid recipients with the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees immigration enforcement.

    “The Trump Administration has upended longstanding privacy protections with its decision to illegally share sensitive, personal health data with ICE,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta in a statement announcing the lawsuit.

    “In doing so, it has created a culture of fear that will lead to fewer people seeking vital emergency medical care,” Bonta said.

    A person pushes a shopping cart up a refrigerated foods aisle at a grocery store.

    The data transfer, which happened last month, was first reported by The Associated Press. Top Health and Human Services officials directed the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) to share data with DHS from California, Illinois, Washington and Washington, DC, about millions of their Medicaid recipients, according to the AP’s report.

    Those jurisdictions allow some low-income immigrants, including some without legal status, who do not qualify for Medicaid to access state-funded health programs.

    States routinely must share extensive data about Medicaid enrollees with CMS, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, immigration status and healthcare information — but say that data is supposed to stay confidential.

    The suit, which was filed in federal court in San Francisco, asks the court to stop HHS from sharing Medicaid data with any other federal agency and to stop DHS, any other federal agency, or the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from using the data for immigration enforcement or “population surveillance.”

    It also asks the court to order the “impoundment, disgorgement, and destruction of all copies of any Medicaid data containing personally identifiable, protected health information that has already been unlawfully disclosed to DHS and DOGE.”

    Bonta and almost all the other state attorneys general bringing the federal lawsuit are Democrats.

    DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin sent NPR a statement that said, in part: “CMS and DHS are exploring an initiative to ensure that illegal aliens are not receiving Medicaid benefits that are meant for law-abiding Americans.”

    The Department of Health and Human Services said it does not comment on litigation, but last month, spokesperson Andrew Nixon said in a statement that the data transfer was legal, and that CMS is “aggressively cracking down on states that may be misusing federal Medicaid funds to subsidize care for illegal immigrants.”

    “This oversight effort — supported by lawful interagency data sharing with DHS — is focused on identifying waste, fraud, and systemic abuse,” Nixon said in the same statement. “We are not only protecting taxpayer dollars — we are restoring credibility to one of America’s most vital programs.”

    All states, however, receive emergency Medicaid funds that reimburse hospitals for emergency care regardless of someone’s immigration status.

    The lawsuit comes the same day the Senate passed deep cuts to Medicaid and other federal benefit programs in President Trump’s signature domestic policy bill. The sweeping bill now heads to the House for a final vote.

    The Senate side of the U.S. Capitol is seen in Washington, D.C., early Monday, June 30, 2025, ahead of a final vote on President Trump's signature domestic policy bill.

    The other states joining the lawsuit are Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

    The Trump administration, led by the DOGE effort, has taken unprecedented steps to access and aggregate data across the federal government, and more recently, from states. Critics have raised security, privacy and legal concerns about the effort, and there are more than a dozen federal lawsuits against the administration alleging privacy law violations.

    “It has been widely reported that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been amassing federal benefit data, such as Social Security recipient information, and individuals’ tax information, to build a searchable database of Americans’ information for several purposes, including to assist ICE in immigration enforcement actions,” the lawsuit said.