If you haven’t tried crypto yet, here’s why you should:
1) More private and secure than Zelle or Venmo
2) Option to hedge against inflation if you buy something like ETH or BTC (not financial advice)
3) Earn ~4%+ interest on USDC stablecoin balance in coinbase (as of September 2025)

Easy Mode: Centralized Exchange

The simplest way to start. Use a trusted exchange to buy and hold crypto.

  1. Create an account on a trusted exchange:
    • Coinbase (Get $30 after trading $20)
    • Robinhood (Get free stock worth $5+)
    • Gemini (Get $75 if you trade $100 within first 30 days)
  2. Buy USDC: Search “USDC” in the app. Deposit $20 from your bank—the app handles the conversion. USDC is a stablecoin pegged to $1 USD.
  3. Send money: Once funded, send a test transaction (even 5 cents!) to any crypto address for free.
  4. Receive money: Tap “receive” on the USDC page to get your wallet address. Share it to receive crypto (comment below with yours for a test transaction).
  5. Optional: Buy $10 of ETH or BTC to track price movements over time.

Intermediate Mode: Self-Custody Hot Wallet

Control your own crypto with a software wallet. Best for amounts under $100—use hardware wallets for larger sums.

  1. Prepare seed phrase storage: You’ll receive a 12-24 word recovery phrase. Never store this digitally or share it. Write it on paper or use a metal seed storage ($12 on Amazon).
  2. Install wallet: Download MetaMask or Rabby Wallet as a browser extension or mobile app. Select “Create new wallet.”
  3. Record seed phrase: Write down your seed phrase immediately when shown. This one-time display is your only backup if you lose access.
  4. Get your address: Click the copy icon near your wallet name to share your public address for receiving crypto.
  5. Explore Layer 2: Learn about Base chain and other Ethereum Layer 2 networks for lower fees.

Expert Mode: Hardware Wallet

Maximum security for significant holdings. Requires physical device confirmation for all transactions.

  1. Buy hardware wallet: Purchase directly from Trezor or Ledger (never from resellers). Start with models under $100.
  2. Get steel backup: Buy a steel seed phrase wallet for fire/water-resistant backup.
  3. Setup safely: Download wallet software only from the official manufacturer website. Follow setup to generate and record your seed phrase in steel.
  4. Secure storage: Keep hardware wallet and seed backup in separate secure locations.

Feel free to comment with questions.