You are in the right place to learn about crypto-currency. I spent several months reading and researching, most of it on Steemit. Now I am doing quite well with my crypto holdings and also with trading on the #bitshares exchange.
Once you start getting payouts in Steem Backed Dollars, you will have a crypto currency that you can trade for other crypto coins or that you could sell to a friend of family member for cash.
I wish you success here on Steemit!