Sort:  

Thanks, @lenadr. I appreciate it. When I make my first alt coin purchases later this week, maybe I'll do a little blog series on here where people can follow along with a total beginner as she educates herself about the world of crypto (and hopefully builds a tidy fortune along the way).

I'd definitely read that. Actually today I opened a Coinbase account - and tried to buy BTC but it wouldn't let me for some reason... working on it. But it's a good first step! :)

You typically have to have a verified bank account or credit card on file with them first. This means adding the account, then waiting a few days for CoinBase to make two small deposits to it, then coming back and telling CoinBase what the amounts were. THEN you can buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin on the site. :)

Patience, little grasshopper, patience. I am really bad at the whole waiting thing.