crypto for dummies: how not to lose money and actually earn in 2025

To be honest, the crypto market looks like black magic to a newcomer. But in reality, it's simpler than it seems. Let's figure out what is actually happening with these digital currencies and, most importantly, how to not just speculate on them, but actually earn money.

First, about the basics: what is this cryptocurrency

Forget about complex definitions. Crypto is just digital money that works without banks and governments. Instead, everything is governed by mathematics and a network of computers. No one can simply freeze your account or transfer your money without permission.

The word “cryptocurrency” consists of two parts: cryptography ( is pro encryption and security) and currency ( money). Essentially, it's just secure digital money.

What types of crypto are there?

Coins are like independent states in the crypto world. Each operates on its own network (blockchain). Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana — they are all coins. Everything else besides Bitcoin is called altcoins.

Tokens are like stocks or coupons that are created within already existing blockchains. For example, all these DeFi projects issue their tokens. They can be used for anything: from voting to earning interest.

Stablecoins are a boring but useful thing. Their value is tied to regular money (USD, EUR), or even gold. If you are afraid of losing money due to volatility, stablecoins are your friend.

Is it really possible to earn money from this? Here are the numbers.

Bitcoin has come a long way from $0.01 in 2011 to $107 822 in 2024. In 13 years, the price has risen 10 million times. Even if you missed the first few years, here’s what happened next:

• 2013: rose to $1000 ( yet again by 200 times )
• 2017: reached $17 700
• 2021: peak at $69 000
• 2024: new pro $107 822

Ethereum: from $1.2 to $4600 (3800 times). Ripple: from $0.004 to $0.5 (1250 times). And these are real numbers, not fantasies. So yes, you can make money. The only question is — how to do it without draining the account.

Ways to Earn: From Simple to Complex

Staking is the laziest way. You buy crypto, freeze it in a wallet, for example, Trustee Wallet(, and it generates income. No equipment, no electricity. You just wait. For example, on TRX )Tron(, you can earn good interest.

Faucets and airdrops — free money if you don't mind spending the time. Subscribe to the channel, make a repost, and get a couple of satoshis. It may sound small, but it's suitable for beginners to start.

Trading is a high risk, potentially high reward. You buy crypto cheaper and sell it for more. It sounds simple, but in reality, it's like playing poker against people who have been playing for 10 years.

Arbitrage — you earn from the price difference on different exchanges. On Exchange A, Bitcoin is cheaper, on Exchange B — more expensive. You buy there, sell here. But this is already for advanced users, not for beginners.

Investments in DeFi and tokens — during a bull market, some tokens rise by over 10000%. Yearn.Finance once rose by 30000% and even outperformed Bitcoin in price. But remember: what rises by 30000% can also fall by 99%.

Meme coins are the most fun and dangerous way. These are crypto created based on memes ) remember Doge? (. In 2024, this was the main trend. You can earn insane amounts or lose everything in five minutes.

Mining is the good old way. You start the equipment, it solves mathematical problems, and you receive new coins. But it's expensive ) equipment + electricity( and not for beginners.

5 steps to start trading right now

Step 1: choose an exchange — you need a reliable platform with a good reputation. Gate is certainly a good choice, but there are others as well.

Step 2: register and complete KYC — the exchange will want to verify that you are not a robot and not a criminal. Confirm your identity, and you're done.

Step 3: fund your account — transfer regular money )rubles, dollars( to the exchange.

Step 4: buy crypto — select a coin, click the “buy” button, done.

Step 5: store securely — if this is a long-term investment, transfer crypto to a personal wallet ) like Trustee(, do not keep it on the exchange.

Top-3 crypto for beginners

Bitcoin )$BTC( — the first, the oldest, the most reliable. If you are a complete beginner and are scared, start here. It has high liquidity )easy to buy-sell(, and it is accepted everywhere. It is called “digital gold” for its stability.

Ethereum )$ETH( is not just a coin, it's a whole platform. 90% of all crypto projects operate on it. If you're interested not only in trading but also in understanding how everything works, Ethereum is your choice.

Solana )$SOL( — fast, cheap, and it has many fun projects )meme coins, NFT(. Fees are negligible, speed is high. For those who want to experiment.

How not to drain the entire account in a week: shield advice

Do not buy on news — if you have already heard the news that a coin will soar, then it's likely already too late. Smart money has already bought, waiting for newcomers )like you( to start buying, and then they sell you their old portfolios. They dumped you.

Use a stop-loss — if you bought a coin for $100 and it drops, set a stop at $80. When the price falls to $80, the coin will automatically sell. Losing ) is painful, but it's better than losing $100.

Don't give crypto to anyone for management — even if it promises you 300% a month. This is a 100% scam. Even a notarized contract won't save your money if it gets stolen.

Think with a clear head — 90% of newcomers lose money because they trade under emotions. Saw FOMO $20 fear of missing out( — dumped all the money. Saw the drop — panicked and sold everything. Don't be like that.

Trade only with spare money — do not take loans, do not trade your last money for food. The crypto market can wipe out your account in one day. If you are not ready for that, do not trade.

Record every trade — in a month you will understand that half of your trades are profitable and half are losing. And usually, the losing ones are those where you traded on emotions.

Keep learning constantly — crypto changes quickly. What was relevant yesterday may be dead today. Read, watch videos, engage in the community.

Result

Crypto is not magic and not a casino ) although it seems like it (. It is a new financial instrument, and like any tool, it needs to be studied. Start small: buy for ) Bitcoin or Ethereum, hold for a few months, learn how everything works.

The most important rule: do not risk money that you are afraid to lose. And remember that the crypto market is hell for the ignorant and paradise for those who have learned.

Good luck, and don't dump your account on the first pump-and-dump.