Invest in the future
Cryptocurrency for Beginners: A Quick Guide to the Future of Currency & Value Management
In recent years, you’ve likely heard terms like Bitcoin, crypto-mining, and cryptocurrency.
What do they mean, and how might cryptocurrency impact our society?
Are you ready to expand your thinking?
Considerations start here
Cryptocurrency for beginners
New to the world of digital currencies? You’re not alone! Cryptocurrency is a revolutionary form of digital money that’s transforming finance. This cryptocurency for beginners guide will teach you the basics, show you how it works, and help you invest safely.
By the end, you’ll be ready to take your first confident steps into the exciting world of crypto.
The basics of cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency comes under many names. You have probably read about some of the most popular types of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum.
Cryptocurrencies are increasingly popular alternatives for online payments.
Before converting real dollars, euros, pounds, or other traditional currencies into ₿ (the symbol for Bitcoin, the most popular cryptocurrency), you should understand what cryptocurrencies are, the risks of using cryptocurrencies, and how to protect your investment.
What is cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is a form of digital currency that serves as an alternative means of payment, developed through the use of encryption algorithms.
The implementation of these encryption technologies allows cryptocurrencies to function both as a medium of exchange and as a virtual accounting system.
In order to utilize cryptocurrencies, it is necessary to possess a digital wallet.
Tip: Use free resources like CoinMarketCap or an educational YouTube channel to get you started, but remember to separate learning and promotion.
What are the risks of using cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrencies are new, and their market can change rapidly.
Since these digital currencies do not rely on banks, they are usually not insured and can be hard to exchange for regular money like US dollars or euros.
They can also be hacked because they are technology-based assets. Additionally, if you store your cryptocurrencies in a digital wallet and lose access to it or its backups, you could lose your entire investment in cryptocurrency.
Follow these tips to protect your cryptocurrencies:
Understand how it works
Always think carefully before making any investment! Before investing in cryptocurrency, make sure you understand how it operates, where you can use it, and how to exchange it.
Take the time to read the official websites for currencies such as Ethereum, Bitcoin, or Litecoin to gain a comprehensive understanding.
Additionally, review independent articles about the cryptocurrencies you are considering to gather more insights.
View A Beginner’s Guide to Cryptocurrencies infographic.
A reliable crypto wallet
Choose a reliable wallet. Selecting the right cryptocurrency wallet requires some research on your part.
If you decide to manage your wallet using a local application on your computer or mobile device, it’s essential to secure this wallet according to the value of your investment.
Just as you wouldn’t carry a million dollars in a paper bag, avoid using unknown or lesser-known wallets for your cryptocurrency.
Ensure that you opt for a trustworthy wallet.
Backup strategy
Have a backup strategy for your cryptocurrency.
If your computer or mobile device is lost or stolen, you risk losing access to your wallet and potentially your entire investment.
Secure your assets with a solid backup plan to avoid this risk.
Crypto wallets
A crypto wallet is essential for you to store cryptocurrency. They exist as “hot wallet” and “cold wallet.”.
Hot wallets are cryptocurrency wallets that have an internet connection and are stored in the cloud, while cold wallets do not, such as Trezor Ledger Nano X.
They act as essential tools for securely storing encryption keys, which authenticate the user’s identity and establish a connection to their cryptocurrency holdings. Understanding the functionalities and management of cryptocurrencies and wallets is imperative for effectively navigating this emerging sector of finance.
Remember: The right wallet depends on your individual needs. Always research thoroughly to choose the wallet that best suits you on the market.
Crypto.com
Coinbase
EXODUS
Trezor Ledger
-
Compare wallets
Try to compare your own listed wallets, and do some deep research before you act on it.
A reliable trading platform
You need a crypto exchange to buy and sell.
Tip: Always choose an exchange with a good reputation and security features like 2FA.
Crypto.com
Coinbase
Binance
Compare exchanges
Two-factor authentication (2FA)
Always use 2FA on your account for extra security. Apps like Google Authenticator or Authy are essential.
Warning: Avoid SMS-based 2FA as it can be hacked through SIM swapping.
Remember your key
Your private key gives access to your wallet.
If you lose it, you lose your funds. Save it in a safe place—for example, offline in a notebook or in a password manager such as Proton Pass.
Start small & diversify
Invest only money you can afford to lose. To lower risk, start with modest sums and distribute your investments among several cryptocurrencies.
For instance, invest 30% in smaller, potentially valuable coins and 70% in Bitcoin or Ethereum.
To the moon
Crypto & trend news
The crypto market is influenced by news. Stay updated via:
Tip: Avoid acting out of fear, greed, or FOMO; the market is often unpredictable.