Your Free Crypto Starter Guide: From Beginner to Guru
By Josh Nelson, Your Crypto Education Advocate
Disclaimer: is guide is not financial advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. Cryptocurrency investing and trading involve significant risks, and you should always conduct your own research and consult a financial professional before making any decisions.
e IRS, UBI, and the Wealth Transfer of a Lifetime
Introduction
Welcome to the greatest financial revolution of our time—cryptocurrency!
My mission is to arm you with the knowledge to not only understand this space but to thrive in it, positioning yourself as the crypto expert in your family. Whether you ’ re a complete beginner or ready to dive into advanced strategies, this guide will take you step-by-step from the basics to the secrets of the elite. We’re at a historic crossroads, and I’m here to ensure you don’t miss out. Let’s embark on this journey together!
CHAPTER 1
What Is Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is more than just “digital money ” it’s a radical reimagining of wealth, power, and freedom. At its core, it’s a form of currency that exists solely online, secured by cryptography and free from the control of banks or governments. But what makes it truly special is the technology behind it: blockchain. Blockchain is like a digital ledger a record of every transaction ever made that’s shared across millions of computers worldwide. No one can erase it, alter it, or shut it down. It’s transparency and security rolled into one.
Take Bitcoin (BTC), for example. Launched in 2009 by the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto, it was the world’s first cryptocurrency. Satoshi’s vision was to create a peer-to-peer system where people could send value directly to each other without banks skimming fees or governments meddling. Since then, the crypto universe has exploded. Coins like Ethereum (ETH) brought programmable “smart contracts,” XRP sped up global payments, Cardano (ADA) pioneered eco-friendly tech, and Solana (SOL) delivered lightning-fast transactions. Each one builds on the idea that money and power can belong to the people. Crypto isn’t just a tool; it’s a movement, and you ’ re about to join it!
CHAPTER 2
Why Crypto Matters
Cryptocurrency isn’t a passing fad it’s a tectonic shi in how we define wealth and opportunity. Let’s break down why it’s so critical for you and your family to pay attention.
First, there’s control. With traditional money, banks can freeze your account, charge you fees, or delay your transactions. Governments can print more dollars, devaluing what you hold. Crypto flips that script. When you own Bitcoin or Ethereum, it’s yours stored in a wallet only you access. No one can take it unless they steal your private key (more on that later). at’s freedom in a way fiat currency can’t match.
Second, there’s growth potential. Look at Bitcoin’s journey: from pennies in 2010 to $70,000 today (March 2025). Early adopters who bought $100 worth back then are millionaires now. Ethereum went from $10 to $3,000 in less than a decade. Yes, past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, but the pattern is clear: crypto rewards those who get in early. Imagine being the one in your family who saw this coming!
Finally, there’s innovation. Crypto isn’t just money it’s the foundation for a new digital world. Ethereum’s smart contracts power decentralized finance (DeFi), letting you lend, borrow, or earn interest without banks. Nonfungible tokens (NFTs) let artists sell digital art for millions. Solana’s speed supports massive gaming ecosystems. is isn’t a niche it’s the future, and understanding it now puts you ahead of 99% of the population. By learning crypto, you ’ re not just investing in coins you ’ re investing in your family’s place in tomorrow’s economy.
CHAPTER 3 Crypto 101:
Key Terms for Beginners
Crypto can feel like a foreign language at first, but once you grasp the basics, it’s smooth sailing. Let’s unpack the essentials so you ’ re speaking the lingo like a pro.
Wallet:
is is where you store your crypto. ink of it as your personal vault. A hot wallet is soware-based like an app on your phone (e.g., Coinbase Wallet or Trust Wallet). It’s convenient for quick trades or small amounts, but since it’s online, it’s more vulnerable to hacks. A cold wallet, like a hardware device (e.g., Ledger Nano S), is offline and ultra-secure perfect for longterm savings. I’ll never forget the story of a friend who lost $5,000 because he le it in a hot wallet and got phished. Lesson: match your wallet to your goals!
Public Key:
is is your wallet’s “address” a long string of letters and numbers you share so people can send you crypto. It’s like your email address for money. You can give it out freely without risk just don’t confuse it with the next term!
Private Key:
is is your secret password a unique code that unlocks your wallet. If someone gets it, they control your funds. If you lose it, your crypto’s gone forever. I recommend writing it down on paper (not your computer) and storing it in a safe. It’s your golden ticket treat it that way!
Exchange:
ese are the marketplaces where you buy, sell, or trade crypto like Coinbase, Binance, or Kraken. ey ’ re your on-ramp to the crypto highway. You’ll deposit dollars, swap them for Bitcoin, and start your journey. Each has its vibe Coinbase is simple, Binance has variety so pick one that fits you.
Blockchain:
e magic behind crypto. It’s a decentralized ledger, meaning every transaction (e.g., “John sent 0.1 BTC to Sarah”) is recorded on thousands of computers globally. No one owns it, so no one can manipulate it. It’s why crypto’s so secure and why it’s unstoppable.
HODL:
A funny term born from a typo (“hold” became “HODL” in a 2013 forum post). It means “Hold On for Dear Life” sticking with your crypto even when prices crash. HODLers who bought Bitcoin at $1,000 in 2017 laughed all the way to $60,000 in 2021. It’s a mindset: patience pays!
CHAPTER 4 Getting Started
(Step-by-Step)
Ready to dive in? Here’s your detailed roadmap to owning your first crypto no overwhelm, just action.
Step 1: Research the Basics
Start with Bitcoin (the pioneer) and Ethereum (the innovator). Why? They’re the biggest, most established coins your training wheels. Watch YouTube tutorials (search “Bitcoin for beginners”) for visuals. Follow me on X @trustyourassets I drop daily insights. Check CoinDesk.com for news and explainers. Spend a week soaking it in knowledge first, money second. I started this way and avoided rookie mistakes!
Step 2: Choose an Exchange
You need a platform to buy crypto. Coinbase is my top pick for newbies its interface is clean, and it holds your hand through the process. Setup takes 10 minutes: sign up, upload your ID (they all require this for legal reasons), and link your bank or card. Binance offers more coins like XRP or Solana and low fees, but it’s a bit busier. Kraken shines for security and customer support great if you ’ re nervous. Pick one, fund it with $20, and you ’ re set. I used Coinbase for my first buy smooth as butter!
Step 3: Buy Your First Crypto
Start small to build confidence say, $10 or $20. Log into your exchange, deposit funds (it might take a day from a bank), and search for “BTC” or “ETH.” Hit “Buy,” enter your amount, and confirm. Boom you own crypto! I remember my first $10 of Bitcoin in 2018; it felt surreal watching it grow to $50 in a month. Celebrate the win, no matter the size!
Step 4: Store It Safely
For tiny amounts, leaving it on the exchange is fine—it’s like keeping cash in your wallet. But for more, get a wallet. A soware wallet (e.g., Trust Walletor Phantom) is free and easy download it, set it up, and transfer your crypto there. For serious holdings, a hardware wallet like Ledger Nano S ($60-$100) is a must it’s offline, so hackers can’t touch it. Write your private key or recovery phrase (12-24 words) on paper, store it in a safe, and never share it. I lost $200 early on by being sloppy don’t repeat my mistake!
Step 5: Expand Your Horizons
Once you ’ re comfy, explore altcoins (e.g., ADA, SOL) or staking locking up crypto to earn rewards, like interest. But tread carefully: research every coin on X or CoinMarketCap. Scams promise “10x overnight” I’ve seen friends burned. Slow and steady wins here!
CHAPTER 5 Recommended Cryptos for Beginners
Picking the right coins can feel daunting, so here’s a curated list of five beginner-friendly cryptocurrencies, including the U.S. Crypto Reserve currencies Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Cardano (ADA), and Solana. Let’s dive into their stories and why they’re smart bets now.
1. Bitcoin (BTC):
e granddaddy of crypto, born in 2009 aer the 2008 financial crisis. Satoshi Nakamoto launched it to bypass banks, creating a “digital gold” that’s scarce (only 21 million will ever exist). It’s a store of value historically doubling yearly (e.g., $5K in 2017 to $60K in 2021). Today at $95K (March 2025), it’s the safest bet due to its global adoption companies like Tesla hold it! Get in now; it could hit $140K soon.
2. Ethereum (ETH):
Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, a 19-year-old visionary, Ethereum took crypto beyond money. Its “smart contracts” let developers build apps like DeFi platforms or NFT markets on its blockchain. It’s the tech backbone of crypto, with a price jump from $10 in 2016 to $2.8K now. As a U.S. Crypto Reserve, it’s stable and growing don’t sleep on this powerhouse!
3. XRP:
Created in 2012 by Ripple Labs, XRP solves a real problem: slow, costly international payments. Banks take days and charge $20+ per transfer; XRP does it in seconds for pennies. Ripple’s founders Chris Larsen and Jed McCaleb aimed to bridge fiat and crypto, and it’s now a U.S. Reserve pick. At under $3 today, it’s a steal with massive upside as adoption grows.
4. Cardano (ADA):
Founded by Charles Hoskinson (an Ethereum co-founder) in 2017, Cardano’s all about science peer-reviewed research drives its eco-friendly blockchain. It’s built for DeFi and scalability, with a mission to bank the unbanked (e.g., in Africa). Priced around $1 now, its U.S. Reserve status signals trust. It’s a sleeper hit poised to soar!
5. Solana (SOL):
Launched in 2020 by Anatoly Yakovenko, Solana’s a speed demon processing 65,000 transactions per second (Ethereum does 15). It’s the go-to for NFTs, gaming, and apps, exploding from $2 to $200 in a year. As a U.S. Reserve coin, it’s got legs buy at $175 today before it’s out of reach!
Why These Are Goldmines:
e U.S. Crypto Reserve tag means government backing less risk, more stability. ey ’ re less wild than tiny altcoins but still have explosive potential. Bitcoin’s scarcity, Ethereum’s tech, XRP’s utility, Cardano’s vision, and Solana’s speed make them must-owns. Prices are climbing act before they’re unaffordable!
CHAPTER 6
Avoiding Beginner Traps
Mistakes can cost you here’s how to dodge the big ones with real-world lessons.
Panic Selling:
Crypto’s volatile prices can drop 20% in a day. In 2022, Bitcoin fell from $60K to $20K, and newbies sold in fear. HODLers who waited saw it rebound to $70K. When it dips, zoom out check the yearly trend, not the hourly panic. Patience turns losses into wins!
Hype Chasing:
X is full of “is coin’s the next Bitcoin!” hype. In 2021, a friend sank $1,000 into a “guaranteed” coin it was a scam, gone in a week. If it sounds too good, it’s a trap. Research on CoinGecko or X verify every claim. DYOR isn’t just a slogan; it’s survival!
Security Slip-Ups:
Your private key is your lifeline. A guy I know stored his on his laptop hacked, $10K gone. Another lost his paper key in a move—$5K locked away forever. Use a safe for keys, a hardware wallet for crypto, and never screenshot your recovery phrase. Security’s not optional it’s everything!
CHAPTER 7
The Fiat-to-Digital Crossroads
We’re living through a once-in-history shi: fiat money (dollars, euros) is dying, and digital currency is rising. e U.S. naming Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, ADA, and Solana as Crypto Reserves proves it governments are on board. is isn’t a cycle; it’s a revolution.
Pricing Out:
Look at the math Bitcoin was $1 in 2011, now $70K+. Ethereum was $10, now $3K+. In five years, a whole Bitcoin could cost $500K. If you don’t buy now, you’ll be priced out forever fractional ownership won’t cut it for real wealth.
Wealth Divide:
History shows early adopters win. e internet made millionaires in the ‘90s; crypto’s doing it now. Wait too long, and you ’ re the one watching others cash out. My friends ignored me in 2017 they are kicking themselves today!
Once-in-a-Lifetime:
is isn’t like stocks or real estate this is a global reset. Crypto’s redefining money, and you ’ re here for it. Miss this, and your family could be locked out of the digital economy for generations. Act now it’s your legacy on the line!
CHAPTER 8
Reading Crypto Charts (The Basics)
Charts turn chaos into clarity here’s how to read them like a pro.
Chart Essentials:
Open TradingView or Binance. You’ll see candlesticks bars showing price over time (e.g., 1 hour, 1 day). A green candle means the price rose say, Bitcoin opened at $70K and closed at $71K. A red candle means it fell $70K to $69K. e wicks (thin lines) show the day’s high and low maybe it spiked to $72K or dipped to $68K. Watch these to spot trends!
Support/Resistance:
ese are price “walls.” Support is where buyers jump in Bitcoin might drop to $65K but bounce back because it’s a “floor. ” Resistance is where sellers push back $75K might hold it down. I once bought at support ($40K in 2022) and sold at resistance ($50K) easy profit!
Moving Averages:
ese smooth out noise. A 50-day MA averages the last 50 days ’prices. If Bitcoin’s above it (e.g., $70K vs. $68K MA), it’s bullish buyers rule. Below it? Bearish sellers dominate. I use the 200-day MA for big-picture moves it’s saved me from bad trades!
Get Started:
Try a Bitcoin 1-day chart. Did it break $85K resistance? Is it holding $90K support? Test a $10 trade learn by doing. Charts aren’t magic; they’re your edge!
CHAPTER 9
Staying Ahead with News
Crypto’s a speed game news drives prices. Here’s how to stay in the know.
X Alerts:
X is crypto’s heartbeat. Follow founders like @VitalikButerin (Ethereum) or @Ripple (XRP) their tweets move markets. Set notifications for @CoinDesk or @CryptoSlate for breaking news e.g., “U.S. adds Solana to Reserves.” Track #BTC or #ETH for buzz. I caught a 50% XRP spike in 2023 from an X tip timing is gold!
More Sources:
Websites like CoinTelegraph break down trends (e.g., “Why ADA’s surging”). Podcasts like “Unchained” dive deep listen while commuting. Newsletters like Messari Daily land insights in your inbox. I read CoinDesk daily it’s how I spotted Solana early!
Why It Matters:
Elon Musk tweets “Dogecoin to the moon, ” and it doubles. A regulatory rumor tanks Bitcoin 10%. News isn’t optional it’s your playbook. Check X every morning you’ll thank me when you ’ re ahead of the curve!
CHAPTER 10
Crypto Communities—
Your Edge
Charts and news are tools, but communities are your secret weapon. Here’s why and how to tap in. You can join my community discord from my socials.
Why It’s Key:
Communities give alpha insider info before it hits mainstream. In 2021, a Discord tipped me to Solana at $75 it’s $150 now. ey offer wisdom veterans share what works (e.g., “Stake ADA here”). And they bring energy crypto’s a movement, and enthusiasm fuels wins. I’ve made more from chats than charts!
Where to Plug In:
X is a goldmine follow #CryptoTwitter, reply to threads. Discord hosts project servers search “ADA Official” (e.g., Cardano’s is active). Reddit has r/CryptoCurrency 1M+ members debating daily. Telegram offers group chats join cautiously, scams lurk. I started on Reddit; now X is my go-to!
How to Engage:
Don’t just lurk ask “What’s hot?” or share a win. I once asked about XRP on X got a lead that doubled my $50. Build trust, and you’ll unlock doors. Community’s where the real money hides! Participate!
CHAPTER 11
Advanced Trading Tips
Ready to trade like a pro? Here’s how to level up safely.
DCA:
Dollar-Cost Averaging beats timing the market. Buy $20 of Bitcoin weekly when it’s $70K or $60K, you average out volatility. I’ve DCA’d ETH since 2020 my cost is $1,500, it’s $3K now!
Profit Taking:
Prices spike don’t get greedy. Bitcoin hit $150K? Sell 20% lock in gains. I sold half my Solana at $200 in 2021, kept the rest it’s paid off twice!
Stop Losses:
Protect yourself. Set a sell order at $80K if Bitcoin drops cuts losses if it crashes. I skipped this once, lost $300 never again!
Diversify:
Don’t bet all on one coin. Split $100 across BTC, ETH, and XRP balance risk and reward. My diversified bag survived the 2022 crash single-coin friends didn’t!
Start with $50, track every move in a notebook, and refine. Trading’s a skill build it brick by brick!
CHAPTER 12
The Elite’s Secret—
Non-Grantor Irrevocable
Spendthrift Trusts
The ultra-rich don’t just HODL they protect and multiply wealth with a non-grantor irrevocable spendthri trust. Here’s the elite’s playbook and how you can use it.
Lawsuit-Proof:
is trust owns your crypto, shielding it from lawsuits, judgments, or creditors. Divorce? Bankruptcy? Your Bitcoin’s untouchable no one can seize it. I’ve seen millionaires lose everything without this don’t be them!
Tax Elimination:
Sell $1M of Ethereum? Normally, you’d owe $200K+ in capital gains. is trust wipes that out even for non-U.S. cryptos. Zero tax, full profit. It’s like a cheat code the IRS can’t crack!
Business Ownership:
e trust can own your business, deferring taxes legally. Earn $100K? Instead of paying $30K to Uncle Sam, funnel it pre-tax into crypto. I’ve watched clients buy Bitcoin at $50K with “free” money it’s $70K now!
The Elite’s Edge:
e wealthy take it further pairing the trust with life insurance. ey earn 4-6% annually (beats banks!) while building a tax-free death benefit $5M+ for their kids. Dynasties do this; you can too! Read my book, the intelligent banker, and learn about vortex banking. Available on Amazon or free on my socials.
Why It’s Hidden:
e 1% keep this quiet it’s how they’ve stacked billions while we scramble. I’m spilling their secret because you deserve it and I’m tired of seeing the elite get over on all of us. If we become smart as a collective, we can take the power back.
Get It Done:
Contact me and my team via X @trustyourassets or Instagram @realintelligentbanker to book an appointment. We’ll set up your trust, slash taxes, and secure your legacy. Don’t wait the rich won’t! We have a law firm behind us as well as a group of Accountants ready to service you and your family’s needs.
CHAPTER 13
The IRS, UBI, and the Wealth Transfer of a Lifetime
Here’s my bold belief: the IRS is on its deathbed, and a universal basic income (UBI) is coming. AI’s taking jobs truck drivers, clerks, even lawyers. When work dries up, governments will roll out UBI maybe $1,000 a month to keep society afloat. I’m convinced this shi is near, and where you stand nancially when it hits is where you’ll stay. is is why crypto matters now more than ever.
The End of the IRS:
Taxes fund a dying system fiat’s fading, crypto’s rising. e U.S. Crypto Reserves signal it: governments are pivoting. I predict the IRS gets axed within a decade, replaced by blockchain-based revenue. If you ’ re not in crypto, you’ll miss the boat!
UBI Locks Your Fate:
Imagine UBI starts at $12K a year. If you ’ re broke when it hits, that’s your ceiling barely surviving. But if you ’ ve built wealth with Bitcoin or Ethereum, you ’ re free living off gains while others scrape by. I’ve seen this in micro friends who invested early travel the world; latecomers still grind 9-to-5s.
Wealth Transfer Now:
is is the only time in our lives wealth will shi this massively. Crypto’s the last frontier where a $100 bet can become $10M. e internet did it in the ‘90s; crypto’s doing it now. But the window’s slamming shut Bitcoin at $90K today could be $500K in five years. Miss it, and your family’s stuck forever on the outside looking in.
Fear the Fall:
Picture this: AI takes your job, UBI kicks in, and you ’ re begging for scraps while crypto HODLers sip cocktails on yachts. at’s not fearmongering that’s reality if you don’t act. Your kids could inherit nothing, watching others thrive, all because you hesitated. I’ve seen regret in friends ’ eyes don’t let it be yours!
Your Move—Now or Never:
is isn’t a drill. Buy $10 of BTC today start small, but start! Follow me on X @trustyourassets and Instagram @realintelligentbanker for daily guidance. Join a my crypto Discord from my social media accounts connect tonight! Share this guide—save your family. And book that trust appointment TODAY message me on X or Instagram to lock in your wealth. e clock’s ticking prices are soaring, AI’s advancing, and the elite are pulling ahead. Don’t get le behind in a world that won’t wait. I’m your Crypto guru let’s secure your future NOW!
Educational purposes only not nancial advice. Research wisely!
