What is Cryptocurrency? How Does it Work?

Cryptocurrency is a type of money that only exists digitally. Even though it is still used for transactions, people now store their money in digital wallets and use exchange websites to buy and sell things.

What distinguishes cryptocurrencies from other types of digital currency is the “blockchain technology” that they rely on. In reality, this simply means that the system is built on a distributed network of numerous computers connected to the internet, making it very challenging to forge or double spend.

Additionally, this implies that neither governments nor central banks have any control over the preservation or value of the currency; rather, it is up to its users to maintain its value and usefulness.

Examples of Cryptocurrencies

Thousands of different cryptocurrencies exist today. Among the most well-known are:

Bitcoin

Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency, was created in 2009 and is still the most widely traded cryptocurrency today. The person or group whose precise identity is still unknown, widely regarded as pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, is credited with creating the currency.

Ethereum

Ethereum, a blockchain platform created in 2015, has its own digital currency called Ether (ETH), also known as Ethereum. After Bitcoin, it’s the most widely used cryptocurrency in circulation today.

Litecoin

The most comparable currency to bitcoin is this one, but it has advanced more quickly in terms of new technologies, such as faster payments and procedures to support more transactions.

Ripple

Established in 2012, Ripple is a decentralized blockchain platform. Ripple isn’t limited to just cryptocurrency tracking either; it can be used to keep tabs on all sorts of financial dealings. Several financial institutions have collaborated with the company behind it.

The term “altcoins” is used to distinguish non-Bitcoin cryptocurrencies from the original.

The Pros and Cons of Cryptocurrency

All types of investors have strong opinions about cryptocurrency. Here are a few justifications why some think it’s a transformative technology and others think it’s just a gimmick.

Pros

• Supporters are rushing to purchase cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin before their value increases because they believe they will be the future of money.
• Some cryptocurrency specialists appreciate that central banks are no longer in charge of controlling the money supply because, over time, these institutions have a tendency to cause inflation, which lowers the purchasing power of the currency.
• Some individuals view cryptocurrencies as a promising entry point into underserved communities in the traditional financial system. 
• Because it is a decentralized system for processing and recording information and has the potential to be more secure than conventional payment systems, other cryptocurrency supporters favor the blockchain technology that sustains them.
• Some investors favor cryptocurrencies because they are increasing in value and have no desire for the tokens to become widely used as a medium of exchange in the future.
• A process known as staking allows the owners of some cryptocurrencies to generate passive income. By participating in blockchain transaction verification through crypto staking, you can put your cryptocurrency holdings to good use. Despite the risks involved, staking can help you increase the amount of cryptocurrency you own without having to buy more.

Cons

• Numerous cryptocurrency projects are still in their infancy, and widespread adoption of blockchain technology is still a long way off. Long-term cryptocurrency investors may never receive the returns they anticipated if the underlying concept does not succeed.
• There are additional risks for investors in cryptocurrencies over a shorter period of time. Since its prices fluctuate so frequently, some investors have made quick gains by buying at favorable times, while others have suffered devastating losses by getting in right before a crypto market crash.
• Those erratic price swings might also go against the fundamental principles governing the proposals that cryptocurrencies were designed to support. For instance, if people are uncertain of what Bitcoin would be worth the following day, they might less likely to use it as a payment method.
• Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies that employ similar mining protocols have a sizable negative impact on the environment. 
• Because governments all over the world are still trying to figure out what to do with cryptocurrencies, any regulatory changes or crackdowns could have unanticipated consequences for the market.

Legal and Tax Issues with Cryptocurrency

The issue of legality is more complex than just whether or not cryptocurrencies are permitted. The taxation of cryptocurrency and the things you can purchase with it are other factors to think about.

Legal Tender

Different nations are approaching cryptocurrencies in different ways. Bitcoin was officially recognized as currency for the first time in El Salvador in 2021. China is currently working on its own digital currency. So far, in the United States, accepting cryptocurrency for payment is up to the discretion of individual retailers.

Crypto Taxes

Rather than being taxed as money, cryptocurrencies are treated as property. Therefore, any profits made from selling them will be considered capital gains and subject to taxation. And if you are paid in cryptocurrency or given cryptocurrency as a bonus for doing something like mining, you will be subject to taxes based on the worth at the period you obtained the cryptocurrency.

Is Investing in Cryptocurrency a Good Idea?

Whether investing in cryptocurrencies is a good idea for you really depends on your goals. Give it a shot if you want to take a little risk and aren’t too concerned about getting your money back.

But if you’re like the rest of us and can’t afford to lose money, you probably shouldn’t start investing in cryptocurrencies just yet. Although it may seem like a surefire way to make a lot of money quickly, it’s actually more akin to gambling than anything else. Instead, it’s recommended that you consult a financial advisor to assess your current financial situation and help you select an investment strategy that is more in line with your risk tolerance.