This page is a curated questions hub, not a real-time forum. There are no usernames, no post counts, no reply timestamps, and no user-generated discussions. Treat each entry as a frequently asked question on the topic in its section, answered with a short, careful pointer toward the right longer guide.
Beginner
I am completely new. Where do I start?
Read the page on what Bitcoin is first, then the New York-specific beginner guide, then wallet safety. The learn hub lays out the full reading order. There is no rush.
Do I need to buy Bitcoin to learn about it?
No. Reading is free. Most of the guides on this site work even if you never buy any bitcoin. Buying is a separate step that should come after the basics and the safety material.
Safety
Someone in a direct message offered to "help me get started" trading. What now?
Treat any unsolicited offer to "help" with crypto as a scam by default. Do not reply, do not click links, and do not install anything they suggest. The investor safety guide explains why this pattern is so common.
Is it safe to keep bitcoin on an exchange?
An exchange holds the keys for you. That is convenient and adds a single point of failure. The trade-offs are explained in the wallet safety guide. There is no single right answer; there is a right answer for your situation, comfort with responsibility, and amount.
I think I shared my seed phrase. What do I do?
Move funds out of that wallet immediately, ideally to a brand-new wallet whose seed you have just generated and written down. Do not reuse the compromised seed for anything ever again. Read the full advice in the wallet safety guide.
Events
How do I find a real Bitcoin meetup in New York?
Look for educational meetup groups with a public history of past sessions, named hosts, and an agenda focused on learning rather than "how to earn". The events guide and the meetup guide cover what to check.
Should I tell people at a meetup how much bitcoin I have?
It is wiser not to. Numbers shared casually become numbers remembered later. There is no upside to disclosure. The meetup guide covers polite ways to deflect the question.
Wallets
What is the difference between a hot wallet and cold storage?
A hot wallet runs on a device connected to the internet. Cold storage keeps keys offline, typically on a hardware device or a written backup. Hot is more convenient, cold is more defensible against malware. Most readers use both for different purposes.
Should I send all my bitcoin in one transaction?
Send a small test transaction first when sending to a new address. Wait for it to confirm. Then send the rest. The cost of a test transaction is small. The cost of sending an entire balance to the wrong address is total.
Regulation
Why are some crypto services not available to me in New York?
New York's Department of Financial Services regulates virtual currency businesses operating in or with New York through a framework commonly known as the BitLicense. Some services have not sought a licence and are therefore not legally available to New York residents.
How do I check whether a service is licensed in New York?
Look it up directly through the regulator's published materials rather than relying on the service's own marketing. The regulation guide links to the official source.
Tax
Do I have to report bitcoin transactions for tax?
In many cases, yes, depending on your jurisdiction and the kind of activity. The tax basics page is a general orientation. For advice that fits your specific situation, speak to a qualified tax professional.
Site
Does this site recommend specific exchanges or wallets?
Not at launch. Recommending specific products would create commercial dynamics this site avoids. The guides explain how to evaluate a service yourself.
Can I send a correction or report a broken link?
Yes, please. Use the contact page. Specific corrections to factual claims are especially welcome.