While cryptocurrency may seem mysterious and exotic, it’s gaining traction in the financial industry. A variety of companies now allow you to purchase goods and services with crypto, and many traditional investors have been adding it to their portfolios. But before you jump in, it’s important to understand what crypto is and how it works.

There are 20,000 types of crypto today, and not all are created equal. Some, like Bitcoin, were developed to serve a monetary function and to act as an investment. Other digital assets, such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and ethereum, were created to solve blockchain problems.

The NFTs are similar to trade cards, but instead of a player’s name and card number, they have a unique public key and private key, which allow them to use the assets on a given platform. This allows users to send them between accounts without revealing their personal information.

One of the most notable benefits of NFTs is that they can be used to buy goods and services at low cost, often without requiring a middleman. This is why they’re a popular choice for gamers who want to buy in-game items, but don’t want to pay real money. They also allow players to interact with games and each other more creatively.

A major drawback to NFTs is that they can be used for illegal activities, and some have been linked to criminal organizations. Another concern is the high energy use that comes with mining. This process uses powerful computers to verify transactions on the blockchain, and in return miners receive a certain amount of coins. Unfortunately, this process is a significant consumer of electricity and creates greenhouse gas emissions, leading to backlash from environmental activists.

Another drawback is that cryptocurrency can be very volatile, with prices changing dramatically from day to day and week to week. This volatility makes them unsuitable for those who need a stable currency to use daily, and it can also derail an investment portfolio.

Finally, there’s the potential for government regulation to limit the use of cryptocurrencies. While some people argue that this is a bad thing, others believe it can help level the playing field by preventing fraudulent activity and by giving users clearer legal recourse if something goes wrong.

What’s more, while crypto has become increasingly mainstream, it’s not yet accepted everywhere as a payment option. Some smaller businesses still don’t accept it, and even some large institutions are cautious about using it for the time being.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in crypto is one that each investor must make for themselves. If you’re considering it, talk to your advisor and do your research. And remember: just like investing in stocks, be sure to diversify your holdings by putting some money into different types of crypto.