Crypto
Bitcoin, DeFi, stablecoins, regulation, and the digital asset landscape — explained for investors, not evangelists.
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Click a category to see every guide available.
Crypto Fundamentals12 guides
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Crypto Investing9 guides
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DeFi (Decentralized Finance)9 guides
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Web3 & Infrastructure5 guides
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Regulation & Taxes5 guides
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Key Comparisons5 comparisons
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New to Crypto? Start Here
Five guides that take you from zero to informed. Read them in order.
Related Sections
Crypto doesn’t exist in isolation. These sections provide the broader context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common crypto questions answered from an investor’s perspective.
Is crypto a good investment?
It depends on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and portfolio size. Bitcoin and Ethereum have generated massive returns over long periods, but with extreme volatility — 50–80% drawdowns are normal. Most financial advisors suggest limiting crypto to 1–5% of a diversified portfolio if you invest at all. The key is understanding the risks before you allocate. Our crypto allocation guide breaks down the frameworks.
What’s the difference between Bitcoin and Ethereum?
Bitcoin is primarily a store of value and payment network with a fixed supply of 21 million coins. Ethereum is a programmable platform that runs smart contracts and powers DeFi, NFTs, and decentralized apps. Bitcoin is often compared to digital gold; Ethereum is more like a decentralized computing platform. They serve different purposes and aren’t directly competing. See our full Bitcoin vs. Ethereum comparison.
Should I buy Bitcoin directly or through an ETF?
Bitcoin ETFs are simpler — they trade in a standard brokerage account, require no wallet setup, and handle custody for you. Direct purchase gives you full control and ownership of the actual asset, but you’re responsible for security. ETFs charge an expense ratio (typically 0.2–0.5%) that direct ownership avoids. For most investors, an ETF in a brokerage or retirement account is the easier path.
How is crypto taxed in the U.S.?
The IRS treats crypto as property, not currency. Every sale, trade, or exchange is a taxable event subject to capital gains tax. Held over a year? Long-term rates (0–20%). Sold within a year? Short-term rates (taxed as ordinary income). Staking rewards and airdrops are taxed as income when received. Our crypto tax guide covers all the specifics and common mistakes.
What is DeFi and is it safe?
DeFi (Decentralized Finance) refers to financial services — lending, borrowing, trading — built on blockchain without traditional intermediaries. It offers higher yields but carries real risks: smart contract bugs, protocol hacks, impermanent loss, and regulatory uncertainty. It’s not inherently unsafe, but it requires significantly more technical knowledge than buying crypto on an exchange. Start with our DeFi risks guide before committing any capital.