Overview

Welcome!

If you’re curious about cryptocurrency but don’t know where to begin, you’re in the right place. This guide is especially written for beginners and anyone who feels unsure or overwhelmed by all the jargon and technical talk.

Inside, you’ll find simple, step-by-step explanations that walk you through how crypto works, how to buy and sell it, and what all those technical terms really mean. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to build a little more confidence, this guide is here to make the world of crypto feel friendly, clear and even a bit exciting!

Exactly what is crypto?

An easy way to understand crypto is as a comparison with mail. Crypto assets are digital money and they can be compared with email versus snail mail. Digital assets move at the speed of light(!) like email but ordinary currency (known as fiat currency) can take hours or even sometimes days to arrive.

In this course we will first base ourselves on the father of all cryptocurrencies…Bitcoin.

The first question to ask yourself is Why? Why would a seasoned being want to invest in Bitcoin? Well there are a few reasons that perhaps you have never considered.

1. Diversification

• You’ve probably heard the saying “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Bitcoin can be a new type of investment to add alongside stocks, bonds and savings. Also it’s like owning a little piece of the future of money and it rarely moves the same way as the stock market.

2. Protection Against Inflation

• Over time, the value of regular money (like dollars) can go down because of inflation. Bitcoin has a limited supply, only 21 million will ever exist, so most people see it as a hedge against inflation, like digital gold.

3. Staying Current and Engaged

• Learning about Bitcoin can be a fun way to stay sharp, engaged and up-to-date with the changing world. It’s also a great way to connect with younger generations. Bitcoin and crypto are things your kids or grandkids are probably already into.

4. Accessibility and Control

• With Bitcoin, you control your money directly. You can send it, hold it (HODL) or spend it, no bank needed. That kind of control can be appealing, especially if you’re looking for independence or want to experiment with digital tools (more about that in my next course!!)

A friendly word of caution:

Bitcoin can be volatile, meaning its price goes up and down. It’s not a guaranteed win and you should never invest more than you’re comfortable losing (as of course with any other investment).

Think of it as a tiny “what if?” investment, maybe 1% to 5% of your portfolio, something to watch and learn from, without risking your retirement nest egg. An initial small investment can be fun and it might turn out to be your real nest egg! Checking daily on such tools as Coin Gecko is an interesting talking point over breakfast.

Points to Note

Until you are familiar with crypto currencies the three safest assets to start with are Bitcoin, Ethereum and Stablecoins. To buy Crypto safely start with well known and established companies, such as Coinbase or Kraken. Once you have purchased a crypto currency the safest place to store it is known as a hardware wallet. Red Flags to avoid are common scams targeting older adults and especially seniors. These 4 above points are covered later in this manual.

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