How bitcoin works

When it comes to cryptocurrency, there are some advantages to it versus traditional currency. An advantage of cryptocurrency is privacy. When you make a purchase with cryptocurrency, you don’t need to provide any personal information. This protects you from potential identity theft and other fraudulent activities. And no matter what happens to the government, your investment is secure. Bitcoin as a means of exchange When a new digital currency is created, it is made publically available through a process called an initial coin offering or ICO. This is when all available coins are sold to investors. Additional coins can be created by those willing to work for the blockchain, however, via a process known as mining.

Like all investment decisions, how much you pour into crypto will depend on your risk tolerance. But investment professionals suggest that investors keep their exposure low, even for those who are all in on the technology. Anjali Jariwala, a certified financial planner and founder of Fit Advisors, recommends that clients allocate no more than 3% of their portfolio to crypto. Got a credit card? use our Credit Card & Finance Calculators To their proponents, cryptocurrencies are a democratizing force, wresting the power of money creation and control from central banks and Wall Street. Critics, however, say that cryptocurrencies empower criminal groups, terrorist organizations, and rogue states while stoking inequality, suffering from drastic market volatility, and consuming vast amounts of electricity. Regulations vary considerably around the world, with some governments embracing cryptocurrencies and others banning or limiting their use. As of January 2024, 130 countries, including the United States, are considering introducing their own central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) to compete with the cryptocurrency boom.