Start Here
You found us — now here's the fastest path from “what is Bitcoin?” to holding your own keys. Five steps, curated by the Columbia Bitcoin community.
Learn the language
Start HereBitcoin Glossary
Bitcoin has its own vocabulary. Spend an hour with the Glossary and you'll understand every conversation at the meetup — blocks, UTXOs, Lightning, seed phrases, and 30 more terms defined in plain English.
Understand why Bitcoin matters
FoundationsBitcoin 101 Presentation
Bitcoin isn't just digital money. It's a fixed-supply, censorship-resistant, self-sovereign monetary network. This presentation covers the core properties, why people hold it, and how transactions actually work.
Start stacking
StrategyDollar Cost Averaging Guide
Nobody times the market perfectly — not even the experts. Dollar cost averaging removes the stress: buy a fixed amount on a regular schedule and stop worrying about the price. Learn the data, the psychology, and the best services to automate it.
Take custody of your Bitcoin
SovereigntySelf-Custody Guide
"Not your keys, not your coins." Keeping Bitcoin on an exchange means trusting someone else not to get hacked, freeze your account, or go bankrupt. This guide walks you through hardware wallets, seed phrases, and best practices for protecting what you've earned.
Come meet us
CommunityNext Meetup
The best way to learn Bitcoin is in community. Come to the next monthly meetup in Columbia, SC — ask questions, meet people at every level, and learn from those who've been on this path longer. It's free, open to everyone, and there's no pressure.
After these five steps
You'll have the fundamentals, a strategy, and your first real Bitcoin in self-custody. From there, explore what interests you most — running a node, Bitcoin privacy, mining economics, or helping a local business start accepting Bitcoin.
Browse all resourcesQuestions
Common questions from newcomers
Do I need to buy Bitcoin before coming to the meetup?
Not at all. Many of our best conversations happen with people who are still deciding. Come curious — leave informed.
How long does this learning path take?
At a relaxed pace, about 90 minutes of reading across all five steps. You can take them over days or weeks — there's no rush.
What if I have questions along the way?
Bring them to the meetup. Alternatively, reach out through the contact page — we're happy to answer questions directly.
I'm technical. Is there a faster track?
Skip steps 1–2 if you're already fluent. Head straight to Self-Custody or Run a Node, then explore the Privacy and Mining pages.