This is why I hate LinkedIn. pic.twitter.com/fuk5udRueh
— BowTiedMara (@BowTiedMara) October 3, 2024
Brewing the Perfect Cup with the Hario Switch
The Hario Immersion Dripper Switch is a remarkable tool for any coffee aficionado looking to elevate their home brewing experience. Crafted with precision in Japan, this device combines the best of immersion and pour-over brewing methods to give you control over the extraction process and, consequently, over the flavor profile of your coffee.
Here’s a detailed guide to help you brew the perfect cup every time.
What you’ll need
- Hario Switch
- Jug/recipient/server
- Paper filter
- Freshly ground coffee
- Hot water
I use Cafec paper filters for the V60 and Switch. They produce better results than Hario’s filters. But if they’re not available in your area, then Hario’s V60 filters (size 02 is the most commonly used) will work fine as well. They sell two variants, natural and bleached. Most people prefer the bleached ones as they have a more neutral and less papery taste. But it’s worth trying both and seeing what you like best.
As for grinding the coffee, I use a 1Zpresso K-Max grinder which makes child’s play out of grinding beans for 1 or 2 cups. The grind size I use for the Hario Switch is 6.5, with slight variations up or down depending on experiments with each batch of coffee I’m trying out.
If you’re regularly grinding beans for the whole family then you might want to invest in a quality electric grinder like the Niche Zero or the Fellow Ode. If you want a budget pick I’d recommend the Baratza Encore which does a good job, especially if you won’t need to grind beans for an espresso machine, in which case I’d strongly recommend the other picks.
An essential trick is to spray the beans with water before putting them through the grinder (whether it’s manual or electric doesn’t matter here). It will almost completely eliminate any static and thus prevent the ground coffee beans from sticking to the insides of the grinder or the recipient. Seriously, if you’re having that problem, try this hack, it’s a game-changer. I am using a Muji 50ml spray bottle for this purpose.
Ok, Ensure all parts are clean and ready to use. Let’s get cracking.
Step 1: Prepare Your Dripper
Place a paper filter into the dripper. Pre-fold the crimped edge and fit it snugly against the walls. Make sure the switch is in the open position. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any paper taste and warm the server. Dispose of the rinsing water before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Add Coffee, Bloom and Brew
- First Pour (50% of Water):
- Add your ground coffee to the brewer and tare the scale.
- Start the timer and pour 50% of your total water amount (160ml of water).
- Keep the switch open during this pour.
- Start pouring in the center and circle towards the outer edge before circling back to the center. This pour extracts brightness and fruitiness.
- Second Pour (Remaining 50% of Water):
- At 45 seconds, close the switch to stop the flow.
- Pour the remaining 50% of water, following the same circular motion to ensure all grounds are agitated and fully involved in the brewing process.
- Allow the coffee to steep for a total of 2 minutes.
- Open the Valve and Draw Down:
- After the steep time, press the switch again to open the valve, allowing the coffee to draw down. The drawdown should take 30 seconds to a minute, depending on the batch size. Observe the coffee stream; it should be steady and even. If the coffee drips too quickly, consider a finer grind next time. If it drips too slow, go coarser.
Notes on Ratio and Adjustments:
- A 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio is a good starting point, especially for entry-level grinders.
- Adjust the ratio based on your grinder quality: 1:16 or 1:17 if you have a more advanced grinder.
- The recipe is flexible; adjust the grind size and ratios to fit your taste and bean type.
Final Cup Profile:
- This method results in a cup that combines the acidity and sparkling flavors typical of pour-over, with the fuller body that comes from immersion brewing, making it an excellent everyday brew.
Alternative Method:
Pour 240ml of hot water (ideally at about 93°C/200°F) over the coffee grounds to fully saturate them. Start your timer. After pouring, give the coffee a gentle stir to ensure all grounds are wet. Allow the coffee to bloom for 30 seconds. This step is crucial as it allows the coffee to de-gas, leading to a better extraction. After the bloom, pour in the remaining water and place the switch in the closed position. Let the coffee steep for an additional 1.5 to 2 minutes, depending on your taste preference.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Brew:
- Always use freshly roasted beans and grind them just before brewing.
- Adjust the brewing time to suit your taste. Longer brews extract more, leading to a stronger flavor, while shorter brews yield a lighter cup.
- Maintain consistent water temperature throughout the brewing process.
- Experiment with different coffee-to-water ratios to find your ideal strength.
- Remember, making coffee is an art form. Each step in the process can be tweaked to create a cup that’s perfect for you. The Hario Immersion Dripper Switch is your canvas, and with practice, you’ll be painting flavor masterpieces in no time.
A Note on Cleaning
All parts of the Switch can be removed for cleaning. They are heat resistant (Switch 100ºC, Server 120ºC, Silicone base 180ºC and Bowl 120ºC).
Lonvest’s New Mexico Launch: A Fresh Opportunity for High-Yield P2P Investing
Lonvest is shaking things up in the P2P lending space with its recent expansion into Mexico. For those of us who’ve been watching the P2P world closely, this is a significant development. Lonvest has consistently delivered strong returns, backed by solid security measures, making it an appealing choice for anyone serious about maximizing their passive income. Let’s dive into why this latest launch is worth your attention and how you can take advantage of what Lonvest has to offer.
Why You Should Pay Attention to Lonvest
If you’re not yet familiar with Lonvest, it’s time to take a closer look. The platform has been steadily gaining traction among P2P investors for its attractive returns and commitment to investor safety. Here’s what sets it apart:
1. Attractive Returns
Lonvest’s entry into the Mexican market brings some impressive numbers to the table. We’re talking annual returns between 12% and 13% on loans that come with a buyback guarantee. In today’s market, finding these kinds of returns with such a level of security is not easy. This new opportunity allows you to get in early and capture higher yields before the rest of the market catches on.
2. Strong Security Measures
One of the standout features of Lonvest is its focus on protecting investors. They offer a 60-day buyback guarantee, which means if there’s a hiccup in repayments, the loan originator steps in and buys the loan back. On top of that, the loans are covered by a group guarantee from Space Crew Finance, providing an added safety net. These guarantees are particularly reassuring for investors who might be cautious about the risks associated with new market entries.
3. Transparent Fee Structure
Let’s face it: hidden fees are a drag on your returns. Thankfully, Lonvest keeps things simple—no sneaky fees that eat into your returns. All fees are covered by the loan originators, so what you see is what you get. This level of transparency ensures that investors receive their full earnings without unexpected deductions, making the platform stand out in the competitive P2P space.
Mexico: A New Frontier for P2P Investors
The Mexican market is an exciting new addition to Lonvest’s portfolio, and it’s a market with plenty of potential. While investing in new markets always involves a bit more risk, Lonvest has put solid measures in place to mitigate these. The Mexican loan originator is new, but with robust buyback and group guarantees, this venture offers promising returns with added security, making it an attractive option for those looking to diversify their investment strategies.
The focus here is on short-term loans, which is great if you’re looking for frequent reinvestment opportunities or prefer to keep your investments flexible. The dynamic nature of these loans lets you respond to market shifts quickly, keeping your strategy agile and adaptable.
What Makes Lonvest Stand Out?
User-Friendly Platform and Advanced Tech
Investing with Lonvest is straightforward, and their platform is designed to be intuitive, even for newcomers. Their use of AI-powered identity verification keeps things secure, which is crucial when dealing with any kind of financial platform. Lonvest has put in the effort to make sure the user experience is smooth, from sign-up to investment. The platform’s clear interface and ease of use make managing investments a hassle-free experience.
Proven Track Record
Lonvest’s success in other regions, like Vietnam and Poland, shows that they know how to navigate different markets while keeping investor returns high. Their adaptability and focus on maintaining robust security measures make them a reliable choice for P2P investors looking to explore new opportunities without compromising on safety.
How to Get Started with Lonvest
Thinking about giving Lonvest a try? It’s a simple process to get up and running:
- Create Your Account: Registering is quick and painless. You’ll need to verify your identity, which is done efficiently with their AI-driven system.
- Fund Your Account: Add funds via their Revolut account in Euro, which keeps things efficient and straightforward.
- Start Earning: Use their easy-to-navigate dashboard to select your investments, adjust your settings, and set up auto-investment if that’s your style.
Final Thoughts: Seize the Opportunity with Lonvest
Lonvest’s move into Mexico is a strategic step that offers P2P investors a chance to tap into a new market with high returns and excellent security measures. If you’re looking to diversify your portfolio and take advantage of a unique opportunity, Lonvest should be on your radar. The combination of competitive returns, robust guarantees, and a user-friendly platform makes it a standout choice.
Don’t miss out—explore what Lonvest has to offer and see how this new venture could fit into your investment strategy. As always, do your due diligence, but from my perspective, this is one of the more promising opportunities in the P2P space right now.
Exploring Fractional Bonds on Mintos: A New Frontier in Fixed-Income Investing
Over the years, I’ve explored various investment platforms and strategies—from real estate crowdfunding to cryptocurrency. One platform that has consistently caught my attention is Mintos, a leading marketplace for investing in loans. Mintos has recently introduced a new investment product worth discussing: fractional bonds.
In this post, I’ll dive into what fractional bonds are, how they work specifically on Mintos, and why they might be a valuable addition to your investment portfolio.
What Is Mintos?
Before we delve into fractional bonds, let’s briefly talk about Mintos itself. Founded in 2015, Mintos is a European-based investment platform that connects investors with borrowers through loan originators. It has become one of the largest marketplaces for investing in loans, offering a wide range of loan types from various countries and industries. You can read my full review of Mintos here.
Introducing Fractional Bonds on Mintos
Traditionally, investing in bonds requires a substantial amount of capital, often making it inaccessible for the average investor. Mintos aims to democratize this asset class by offering fractional bonds, allowing investors to buy smaller portions of bonds rather than entire units.
How Does It Work?
- Loan Originators Issue Bonds: On Mintos, loan originators—companies that issue loans to borrowers—can raise capital by issuing bonds.
- Fractional Ownership: Instead of purchasing the entire bond, investors can buy fractions of these bonds, lowering the entry barrier.
- Platform Facilitation: Mintos facilitates the transaction, handling the administrative tasks and providing a user-friendly interface for investors.
The Mechanics of Fractional Bonds on Mintos
1. Investment Structure
When you invest in a fractional bond on Mintos, you’re essentially buying a piece of a bond issued by a loan originator. These bonds are often backed by the loan portfolios of the originators, providing an additional layer of security.
2. Returns and Payments
- Interest Payments: Investors receive periodic interest payments, typically on a quarterly basis.
- Principal Repayment: At the bond’s maturity, investors receive their initial investment back.
3. Accessibility
- Minimum Investment: Mintos allows you to start investing with as little as €50, making it accessible to a broad range of investors.
- Currency Options: Investments can be made in various currencies, although Euro is the most common.
Benefits of Investing in Fractional Bonds on Mintos
1. Diversification
Fractional bonds enable you to diversify your portfolio across different loan originators, industries, and countries. This can help mitigate risks associated with any single issuer or market.
2. Regular Income
With periodic interest payments, fractional bonds can provide a steady income stream, which is particularly appealing in low-interest-rate environments.
3. Lower Entry Barrier
The ability to invest small amounts means you don’t need significant capital to participate in the bond market.
4. Transparency
Mintos offers a transparent platform where you can access detailed information about each bond, including the loan originator’s financial health and bond terms.
Risks and Considerations
While fractional bonds on Mintos offer numerous benefits, it’s crucial to be aware of the associated risks.
1. Credit Risk
The primary risk is that the loan originator might default on its obligations, which could result in losing your invested capital.
2. Liquidity Risk
Bonds are typically long-term investments. While Mintos may offer a secondary market, selling your fractional bonds before maturity could be challenging.
3. Platform Risk
As with any investment platform, there’s a risk associated with the platform’s operational integrity. However, Mintos is a regulated entity under the Financial and Capital Market Commission (FCMC) of Latvia, which adds a layer of credibility.
4. Currency Risk
If you invest in bonds denominated in a currency different from your own, exchange rate fluctuations could impact your returns.
How to Get Started with Fractional Bonds on Mintos
Step 1: Sign Up
- Create an account on the Mintos platform.
- Complete the necessary verification processes, including KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements.
Step 2: Fund Your Account
- Deposit funds into your Mintos account using one of the available payment methods.
Step 3: Explore Bond Offerings
- Navigate to the “Invest” section and filter for “Bonds.”
- Review the available fractional bonds, paying close attention to the loan originator’s details and bond terms.
Step 4: Make an Investment
- Choose the amount you wish to invest.
- Confirm the transaction, and the fractional bond will be added to your portfolio.
Step 5: Monitor Your Investments
- Use Mintos’s dashboard to track interest payments, bond performance, and any updates from the loan originators.
Final Thoughts
Fractional bonds on Mintos represent an innovative way to access the bond market without the traditional high capital requirements. They offer an excellent opportunity for diversification and can provide a steady income stream.
In my experience, platforms like Mintos are democratizing investment opportunities, making it easier for everyday investors to participate in markets that were once out of reach. If you’re looking to diversify your portfolio with fixed-income assets, fractional bonds on Mintos might be worth exploring. Mintos, more than any other European platform, has continued to evolve its product beyond the traditional P2P loan sector, and has been obtaining the required licensing to provide products like fractional bonds. Given its track record, I feel very confident putting money into this platform, especially if it’s for a type of product like fractional bonds, which is not easily accessible through traditional platforms.
Why Joining Multiple Communities is Worth the Investment: Addressing Common Concerns
In today’s hyper-connected world, the idea of joining yet another community can feel overwhelming. Many of us already find ourselves juggling multiple chats, notifications, and groups, which can often feel like just another source of distraction. As the founder of the Good Life Collective, and a member of several communities myself, I frequently hear these concerns.
The hesitation is valid: Will this just add to the noise? Is it worth the financial investment? Will it truly add value to my life?
Let’s explore why joining multiple communities, when done intentionally, can be incredibly rewarding—and why it’s about much more than just adding another group to your phone.
It’s Not Just About the Chat—It’s About People
One of the biggest misconceptions is that every community is just another chat group with endless notifications. However, communities like the Good Life Collective are designed with purpose, offering diverse touchpoints that go beyond online conversations. Yes, there’s the Telegram chat, but that’s just one facet. We also have in-person dinners in Barcelona and other cities, insightful webinars, yearly retreats, smaller gatherings in idyllic places like monasteries, and soon, a monthly newsletter highlighting key takeaways from our community interactions.
These aren’t just events—they are opportunities to connect, learn, and grow alongside like-minded people. Being part of a community isn’t about filling up your schedule with more commitments; it’s about being intentional with your time and investing in the right spaces that align with your values and goals.
The Human Need for Connection: Why We Need People
As someone involved in multiple communities, I understand the hesitations. The thought of joining another group, especially one that comes with a financial commitment, can feel daunting. But it’s worth keeping in mind that this isn’t just about more chats or content; it’s about people.
Kurt Vonnegut once captured this sentiment perfectly, stating that many of our personal struggles stem from not having enough people in our lives. He explained that many of the conflicts in relationships, such as between spouses, are often a result of loneliness and unmet needs for broader connection. As he put it, “What they’re really saying is, ‘you’re not enough people.’”
Vonnegut suggested that to recreate the “like-minded, extended families of fifty people or more” that many of us are missing, we should “join all sorts of organizations, no matter how ridiculous, simply to get more people in his or her life.” The value isn’t just in the immediate connections you make but in the exposure to different perspectives, experiences, and support networks that enrich your life in ways you might not even expect.
Balancing Community Involvement and Avoiding Overwhelm
Being part of multiple communities doesn’t mean you need to engage deeply with all of them all the time. It’s okay to have a primary community where you invest more of your time and others where you’re more of a peripheral participant. Not every interaction will change your life, but sometimes, it takes just one valuable connection, one insightful piece of advice, or one event to make your involvement worthwhile.
I’m in 6-7 communities every year because I recognize the importance of mixing with different people. Of course, my family remains my core, and a smaller subset of community members will become true friends, but the broader exposure to different individuals keeps my perspective fresh and my network rich.
The Financial Side: Is It Worth the Investment?
One of the most common concerns is the financial aspect—whether spending $350 or more on a community membership is justified. My take? For a price point up to around $500, it’s usually worth giving a community a shot without overthinking. Sometimes, a single tip, a meaningful introduction, or one powerful event can make the entire investment worthwhile. When considering more expensive memberships, assessing if you have the time to benefit from and contribute to the community is essential.
Conclusion: Give It a Try—You Might Be Surprised
If you’ve been hesitant to join a new community, I encourage you to think about what you might gain rather than just what it might cost—whether in time, money, or attention. Joining the right communities, even just for a year, can open doors to experiences and relationships that make a lasting impact.
If the values and opportunities I’ve described resonate, I invite you to explore the Good Life Collective further. Visit our website to learn more about our mission, events, and how we’re building a community that goes beyond just another online group. And if you feel aligned, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d love to connect with you and see how we can support each other on this journey.
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