Interested in Cryptocurrency? Read this first.

So you want to learn about crypto?

Read this first.

Lately, I've been getting a ton of messages asking, "Can you teach me how to invest in cryptocurrency?"

This happens every time Bitcoin hits a new high. And while I can teach you the basics of buying crypto, let's get real for a second…

Jumping into investments just because they're at an all-time high is like waiting for housing prices to double before you decide to buy a home. Not exactly the smartest move.

Before you even think about buying crypto, ask yourself these three questions:

Do you have a retirement account (401K, Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, etc.) and are you investing in something tracking the S&P 500?

Do you have an emergency fund with at least 3-6 months of expenses saved?

Are you free of credit card debt?

If you answered NO to any of these or are unsure of your answer (FYI, that is the same as NO), you should NOT be buying cryptocurrency right now!

Crypto is NOT a shortcut to wealth—it's a high-risk investment. Prices can swing wildly, often rising or falling 10% or more in a single day. It feels great when you're making money, but most people panic when their account drops, selling at a loss that's hard to recover from.

Take Bitcoin's recent movement—on January 30th, it hit a high of $105,403.10, only to drop $12,519.89 per coin (13.48%) in just four days. This is the reality of crypto volatility.

The problem? Many people jump in at the peak because "everyone is talking about it"—without truly understanding what they're buying or why. Then, when prices fall, fear takes over. They see their account dropping, panic, and sell at a loss, crushing their long-term wealth potential.

Smart investing isn't about chasing hype—it's about strategy, patience, and understanding risk. 

In contrast, the S&P 500 has a long history of steady, reliable growth, averaging 10% per year, with daily fluctuations rarely exceeding 2%. It provides a proven and accessible way to build long-term wealth—without the extreme volatility and emotional rollercoaster of crypto. By consistently investing in broad, time-tested assets like the S&P 500, you can grow your wealth with far less risk, allowing compounding to work in your favor over time.

Disclaimer: The investment account type you use and the amount of money you need to invest each month to hit your retirement numbers are different for each person depending on age, income, job, current lifestyle, lifestyle in retirement, etc. FYI, this is all covered in my class. 

Before you think about buying cryptocurrency, make sure you are already standing on a strong financial foundation:

Dump high-interest debt—it's keeping you broke and stressed.
Stack up an emergency fund—because unexpected expenses will happen.
Invest in the S&P 500—it averages 10% annual returns, making it a proven way to grow wealth.

For most people, Social Security won't be enough to support your lifestyle in retirement. You must use the stock market to your advantage.

Disclaimer: I am an educator, not your personal financial advisor. Please make sure to do your own research before moving forward with any actions discussed in this blog post. 

Know that all investments involve some form of risk and there is no guarantee that you will be successful in making, saving, or investing money; nor is there any guarantee that you won't experience any loss when investing. Always remember to make smart decisions and do your own research!