Course index:
- Basic Concepts of Money and Personal Finance
Introduction to the value of money, the importance of saving, and spending control. - Budgeting and Financial Planning
Create a personal budget, manage income and expenses, and set financial goals. - Inflation and Purchasing Power
Explanation of how inflation affects the value of money over time. - Interest Rates and Time in Finance
Differences between simple and compound interest rates and their importance in investments. - How to defend your savings
How to protect your money from the scams that abound today. - Basic Savings Instruments
Explanation of savings accounts, term deposits, and how they work. - Introduction to the Stock Market
Basic concepts of the stock market and its role in the global economy. - Actions: What They Are and How They Work
Explanation of stocks, types (common and preferred), and how to invest in them. - Bonds: What They Are and How They Work
Differences between corporate and government bonds, and their importance in diversification. - Risk vs. Return on Investments
Concept of risk and how it affects investment choices. - Diversification and Creating a Simple Investment Portfolio
Basic diversification principles to reduce risk in an investment portfolio. - What is an ETF and How Does it Work?
Introduction to ETFs (exchange-traded funds) and how they track market indices. - Introduction to Mutual Funds
An explanation of mutual funds and their benefits for beginners. - Financial education for the family.
Explanation of the economic principles that can help your family make ends meet. - Economic Cycle and its Impact on Investments
How the stages of expansion and contraction in the economy affect investments. - Growth Stocks vs. Value Stocks
Differences between these types of actions and when each is appropriate. - Fundamental Analysis of Stocks
Explanation of how to analyze a company's value based on its fundamentals. - Basic Technical Analysis: Charts and Patterns
Introduction to basic technical analysis tools, such as trend lines and candlestick patterns. - Options: What They Are and How They Work
Basic concepts of call and put options and their uses in investments. - Futures: What They Are and How They Work
Introduction to futures contracts and their application in investment and speculation. - Introduction to Cryptocurrencies
What is digital money, how it was created, and the characteristics of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. - Blockchain and its Importance in Finance
How the technology behind cryptocurrencies works and their applications in finance. - Risks in Cryptocurrency Trading
Volatility, fraud, and regulations in the cryptocurrency market. - Leverage Principles and its Risk
What it means to trade with leverage and the associated risks. - Investor Psychology and Emotion Management
How emotions influence investment decisions and tips for managing them. - What is Algorithmic Trading
Basic explanation of the use of algorithms to perform operations in the financial market. - Financial Analysis of Companies
Introduction to basic financial statements and their interpretation for valuing companies. - Investing in Commodities: Gold, Oil, and Other Goods
How commodity investments work and their role in diversification. - Advanced Investment Strategies: Hedging and Derivatives
Introduction to strategies for managing risks through financial derivatives. - Creating and Managing a Complete Portfolio
Practical application of prior knowledge to build and manage a diversified portfolio.
Cryptocurrencies are a topic everyone hears about these days, but if it sounds like gibberish to you, don't worry, I'll explain it to you simply. They are like a digital silver that you cannot hold with your hand., something that exists only on the internet and that you use to buy things, sell them, or store them as if they were savings. They're not made by a bank or controlled by the government, as is the case with pesos or dollars, but rather created by technology. The best-known is Bitcoin, but there are thousands more out there.
Think of cryptocurrencies as a kind of modern game. Instead of metal coins or bills, you have codes worth something that you store on your phone or computer. The cool thing is that there is no boss in the middle telling them what to do with them., like the Central Bank or a politician. That makes them different and, for many people, very attractive.
Where did cryptocurrencies come from?
To understand this, we have to go back a little. It all started in 2009 with Bitcoin. A guy, or perhaps a group (no one knows exactly who it was), using the name Satoshi Nakamoto, said: "What if we make a currency that doesn't depend on anyone?" The idea was to create something free, secure, and that banks and governments could not control.They didn't want money to be tied to the same old rules, the ones that sometimes complicate our lives.
Satoshi wrote a short text explaining how Bitcoin would work and released it to the world. No one thought it would catch on so much, but it exploded. Suddenly, people started using it, buying it, and storing it. Over time, other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Litecoin, and many more emerged. In Argentina, cryptocurrencies have arrived strongly because here we always look for ways to protect our money., especially with inflation continuing and the dollar rising like crazy.
How do cryptocurrencies work?
Here comes the interesting point: how do cryptocurrencies exist and function? It's not magic, right? They use a technology called blockchain, which is like a giant book where everything that happens with that currency is written down. But don't worry, we'll talk about blockchain in the next lesson. For now, just think of it as something that keeps everything organized and secure.
For now, think of it this way: cryptocurrencies are like digital bills that you keep in a virtual wallet. That wallet isn't made of leather, nor is it carried in your pocket; it's an app or program on your phone or computer. When you want to use a cryptocurrency, you send it to someone else over the internet, like a WhatsApp message, but with money.There are no banks in the middle, just you, the other person, and the technology.
What are cryptocurrencies used for?
Cryptocurrencies are used for a lot of things. The most basic is buying and sellingIn some countries, and even in cities like Buenos Aires or Córdoba, there are businesses that let you pay with Bitcoin or Ethereum. You can buy a coffee, a t-shirt, or even a car if the seller accepts crypto.
Another thing people do is save them as an investment. Many people think that cryptocurrencies will be worth more in the future., so they buy them now and leave them alone, waiting for the price to rise. It's like buying dollars, but with more risk and more technology involved.
There are also those who use them to send money to other countries. With cryptocurrencies, you can send money to a friend in Spain or a relative in Brazil without going through a bank that charges you a fortune.It's quick and, if you know how to do it, quite cheap.
How popular are they in Argentina?
In Argentina, cryptocurrencies are booming. Here people love them because they don't trust banks or the peso very much.With inflation making money worth less every day, many are looking for something that gives them security. And cryptocurrencies, although they have their risks (we'll talk about that later), seem like a great option.
For example, in 2021 and 2022, Argentina was among the countries that most used cryptocurrencies in the world. Platforms like Binance and Ripio were filled with Argentine users. They wanted to buy Bitcoin or stablecoins, which are cryptocurrencies worth the same as the dollar. Even young kids, who don't have much money, are getting involved with just a little bit.
How do I get cryptocurrency?
If you've caught the bug and want to own crypto, it's easier than it seems. First, you need a digital wallet, which is like a place where you store them. There are tons of options: you can use apps like Binance, Ripio, or Coinbase, which are well-known.
Then you have to buy them. In Argentina, you can use pesos to buy crypto on these platforms.It's like going to the market, but instead of tomatoes, you buy Bitcoin. You deposit money via wire transfer or card, choose how much crypto you want, and voila, you have something in your digital wallet.
Another way is for someone to send them to you. If you have a friend who already has cryptocurrencies, it can be a bit like giving you a bill. Everything is done online, quickly and without complications..
What are stablecoins?
Within the world of cryptocurrencies, there are some called stablecoins. They are cryptocurrencies that do not rise or fall much in price., because they're pegged to something like the dollar. For example, a popular stablecoin is USDT (Tether), which is always worth roughly one dollar.
In Argentina, stablecoins are a big hit. People use them to have digital dollars without going into a cave or fighting with the exchange rate controls.You buy USDT with pesos and rest easy knowing it won't lose value like the peso.
The most popular cryptocurrencies
There are thousands of cryptocurrencies, but some are the stars of the show. Bitcoin is the king, the first and most famousEveryone knows it, and although it's expensive (worth thousands of dollars per unit), you can buy small pieces.
Then there's Ethereum, which is not only a currency, but also a platform for making cool things (like apps or games). Ethereum is like Bitcoin's little brother, but with more tricks up its sleeve.There are also Litecoin, Ripple and Cardano, each with its own vibe.
Are cryptocurrencies legal?
A question many people are asking: Is this legal or am I up to something weird? In Argentina, cryptocurrencies are legal, but not fully regulated.. That is, you can buy, sell, and use them, but the government doesn't control them like the peso. That's good because it gives you freedom, but it also means you're a bit on your own if something goes wrong.
The Argentine government has begun to take a closer look at cryptocurrencies in recent years. They want to tax those who make money from them., so if you sell Bitcoin and make a difference, be careful, because the AFIP may ask you to declare it.
Advantages of cryptocurrencies
Why do people like crypto so much? Because they have good things going for them. They are fast and cheap to move moneySending pesos to another country via bank can be a headache, and they charge you a lot. With cryptocurrencies, you can do it in minutes and spend less.
Another advantage is that You don't depend on a bank or a governmentIf you don't like being told what to do with your money, crypto is for you. Plus, you can start with little money; you don't have to be a millionaire.
Disadvantages of cryptocurrencies
Not everything is perfect, eh. Cryptocurrencies can suddenly drop in priceAnd if you're not careful, you lose money. There's also the issue of security: if your wallet is hacked or you lose your password, you're out of luck. No bank will give you anything back.
Another con is that not everyone accepts themYou can have a ton of Bitcoin, but if the corner store doesn't take it, you can't use it to buy milanesas.
How to get started with crypto?
If you want to get into this world, start slowly. Look for information and try with little money at first.Download a wallet like Ripio or Binance, put in a few pesos, and buy something small, like 1,000 pesos worth of Bitcoin or USDT.
Do some reading online, watch some YouTube videos, or chat with someone who's already knowledgeable about the topic. Don't worry, because this has its risks., but if you get the hang of it, it can be really interesting.
Cryptocurrencies and everyday life
Today, cryptocurrencies are no longer just for nerds or the rich. In Argentina, even neighborhood kids use them to save or send money.There are crypto ATMs in some cities, and more and more businesses are accepting them.
For example, you can pay for a barbecue with friends using crypto if everyone agrees. It's like using Mercado Pago, but without the company getting in the way.. All direct, person to person.
The future of cryptocurrencies
What's going to happen with cryptocurrencies? No one has a crystal ball, but many believe they're going to grow even more. They could change how we use money in the worldSome say that in a few years we'll be paying for everything with crypto, from the bus to pizza.
In Argentina, with the economy we have, cryptocurrencies could be a lifesaver for many people. If the peso continues to lose value, cryptocurrencies and stablecoins will become increasingly popular.It's a matter of seeing how it goes.
Tips for beginners
To close, I leave you with some simple tips. Don't put all your money in cryptocurrencies, because you could lose it. Start small and learn how everything works. Use familiar platforms and keep your passwords safe.
Cryptocurrencies are an adventure, but you have to be careful. If you get the hang of it, you can take advantage of it and even have fun along the way.What do you think? Are you up for trying it?
Next course date
Questions for you to reflect on
What does it mean that cryptocurrencies are not regulated?
Why isn't it a good idea to put money I need into cryptocurrency?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of stable coins?
A brief overview of The Pocket Investor
The Pocket Investor is a project that combines experience and passion for financial education to help you transform your relationship with money. Through personalized mentoringWe help you design investment strategies tailored to your goals and needs, optimizing your portfolio to address challenges like inflation and the dollar.
The books on finance and investment, including the popular The Argentine Pocket Investor - El Inversor de Bolsillo argentino, are practical tools that explain complex concepts in a simple way, bringing the world of investments closer to anyone interested in financial growth.
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