A few of your friends invest in bitcoin. Or maybe it’s crossed your mind to fold it into your investing goals and portfolio. After all, there are some major benefits to being part of the crypto-investing world.

Investing in cryptocurrency like bitcoin offers a great way to make transactions without having to wait for banks to intervene, explains Dr. Joe Duarte, author of “Cryptocurrency 101” and the voice behind Smart Money Passport. “It’s also a great way to add some diversification to long-term portfolios,” he says.

Curious about buying bitcoin and how to get started? Let’s jump in:

What is bitcoin, and how does it work?

Formally launched in 2009, bitcoin is the first widely accepted…