Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are revolutionizing how we invest, bank, and use money. But they’re not without risk. These risks include:
Unstable value: Many cryptocurrencies are highly volatile, meaning they rise and fall in value rapidly. For investors without the skills or high-powered algorithms to make quick trades, this can spell big losses.
Regulatory uncertainty: The legal status of some cryptocurrencies is uncertain, with some governments seeking to regulate them as securities or currencies and others ignoring them entirely. A sudden regulatory crackdown could upend the market or cause a price drop. Counterparty risk: Investors and merchants often rely on exchanges or other custodians to store their cryptocurrency, making them vulnerable to theft or loss. And despite the proliferation of security measures, hackers continue to target these systems.
Lack of liquidity: Because cryptocurrencies are so new, it can be difficult to sell them for cash or other assets. This can limit investment options and hurt those who need to convert their holdings into fiat currency for daily spending.
Speculation: The popularity of certain cryptocurrencies can drive prices up or down on little more than a rumor that turns out to be false. This can hurt naive investors who get caught up in the hype and buy too much, or sell too soon, missing out on potential gains.
No insurance: Unlike traditional investments, which are backed by hard assets or cash flow, most cryptos are not backed by anything at all. This means they’re not insured by the FDIC or SIPC and can lose value quickly.
How to buy: Cryptocurrencies can be bought on centralized exchanges, peer-to-peer platforms, or wallets. A wallet is a piece of software that stores your private keys, the key to your crypto holdings. Using a wallet that is connected to an exchange or broker will let you easily buy and sell cryptos. It’s important to read the details of each cryptocurrency carefully before investing, and always research the companies behind them.
You should also consider your own financial situation before investing in crypto, including your emergency fund, debt levels, and a diversified portfolio of investments. Adding crypto to your portfolio can boost total returns, but it should be one part of a well-thought-out strategy.
Having your own wallet: Once you have your cryptos, it’s essential to protect them from hacking or theft. Cryptocurrency wallets are typically stored on physical devices or online software. Each wallet is protected by a private key and a password, which attackers need to have both of in order to access your funds. To protect yourself, avoid storing your private keys on public servers and ensure that you have backups of all your digital wallets in case something goes wrong with your computer or device.
You can use your cryptos to purchase goods and services from a growing list of vendors, from insurance policies to consumer staples and luxury watches. Some cryptocurrencies even have debit cards that allow you to withdraw cash from participating ATMs. But keep in mind that any time you turn a profit on your crypto holdings, you must report the gain to the IRS.
