*this is not financial advice and you should always check your local laws and not use Monero or other crypto currencies as a vehicle to avoid taxes ect, also i am not a layer. just some dude on the internet*

So you want privacy and financially freedom in the digital world?

Now, most people when they hear about digital currencies, they think of bitcoin. Now, contrary to popular belief, Bitcoin is NOT private and in the current year 2025, Bitcoin and monero are in my opinion a currency.

Before I explain why i think monero is the superior privacy respecting cryptocurrencies. How do I buy, store and use it? We must first understand these concepts:

1. What is the blockchain ?
2. The value of digital currencies like monero.
3. What is monero?
4. why should i care or trust?

What is the Blockchain?

First and foremost, the Blockchain is NOT mutually exclusive to crypto.
To explain very simplistically, the Blockchain is like a digital journal that everyone can write in or read in, but no one can erase.

The main purpose of the blockchain is to:

1. create transparency
2. No cnetreal authority (decentralized)
3. Consensus Mechanisms: To add a new block to the blockchain, the network must reach a consensus. This can be done through various methods, such as Proof of Work (used by Bitcoin) or Proof of Stake, which ensure that all participants agree on the validity of transactions.

key points on how it works:

4. Transaction Initiation: A user initiates a transaction (e.g., sending cryptocurrency to another user).

5. Broadcasting: The transaction is broadcast to the network of nodes.

6. Validation: Nodes validate the transaction using consensus mechanisms to ensure it is legitimate.

7. Block Creation: Once validated, the transaction is grouped with other transactions into a block.

8. Adding to the Chain: The new block is added to the existing blockchain, and all nodes update their copies of the ledger.

Now, as a quick disclaimer! You do not need to understand this at a deep levle. It's just advice.

Now that a base level, you somewhat understand how the blockchain works.
I, will briefly explain and point to good evidence on why Bitcoin is not private.

Bitcoin is not private because of the blockchain

Due to the nature of the public blockchain, it makes it transparent.
Now bitcoin is pusdoanonmyous, but not private, especially if you use a
kyc exchange which, in my opinion, is not advised in almost all cases. Not only do Kyc exchanges ask for too much information, it also links your wallet to your identity. Again, the blockchain is transparent and traceable.

There is a way to increase Bitcoin's privacy, transaction speed ect with the Lightning network
(which i might cover in a future post).

Kyc exchanges are also linked to handing out information to law enforcement whether it's catching "criminals" ect. coinbase.

OK, OK OK OK! We get it, Bitcoin is not private.

So, how do i get a privacy respecting cryptocurrency? That's where Monero comes in!

What is Monero?

To explain what Monero as easy as possiable, Think of it like digital cash! Monero is what Bitcoin was suppose to be.

1. private
2. fungable
3. secure
4. untracable

BUT wait! you said the blockchain is transparent!

if you want a quick detailed explination.

whatch this video below!

Now a lot of this is over simplified and I urged you to read the monero white paper . You can get a lot of Information there.

**How do I buy momero? **

Now I'll explain here how I buy monero. This isn't perfect and you have to adjust to your threat model.

The setup(Equitment)

The equipment needed to do this should only be done on a laptop.

1. Any laptop
2. USB drive
3. Pen, paper

The software

I would only use these 2 Operating systems

1. Tails with persistent storage
2. Whonix

Pick whatever you think is easier to setup and use.
I personally do this all on Tails. The next step is to exit your house and go to a coffee shop outside of your town. Look like a Gray man, try blending in with everyone.

The Wallet

The wallet is one of the most important pieces of this article. Picking a good wallet is important.

Now there are two types of wallets: Hot Wallets and Cold wallets.

Cold storage wallets - Cold storage wallets, also known as hardware wallets, are physical devices that store cryptocurrency private keys offline. There are also paper wallets you can store Monero on, completely offline.

Hot wallets - A hot wallet, known as a software wallet, is a digital wallet that is typically connected to the internet. It is a piece of software installed on devices like smartphones or laptops. The defining feature of a hot wallet is that it generates your seed phrase online and stores your private keys online too. This frequent online presence makes transacting straightforward and convenient.

Both wallets have their advantages and disadvantages. In this guide and my own personal use case, I use only two wallets.

The first wallet i use and pretty much only use paired with tailsOS is

featherwallet

The reasons i use feather wallet are for the following reasons:

1. ease to set up and use on tails

2. active dev team and community

3. extensive documentation

In short, it is my favorite wallet to pair with tails and I have had zero issues with it.

Opsec section

**Exclaimer!!!!! This all depends on your threat model and adjusts accordingly. There are tons of good opsec guids on the internet. **

Exchanges

I, would advise you to never buy monero from any KYC exchange (let alone store it there). Even with excellent built-in protection, I think this is De way 🌚.

This is the list of exchanges I use to buy/swap for Monero.

1. TradeOger

2. Fixedfloat

• There are some new peer 2-peer exchanges I would look into, such as Haveno but that will be outside the scope of this article.

1. TradeOger

2. Fixedfloat

• There is some new peer-2-peer exchanges I would look into, such as Haveno but that will be outside the scope of this article.

I usually buy Lightning and swap it on fixedFloat or trade BTC on tradeOger. I will not be putting other exchanges, due to the fact I have not used any other exchange to do this. This is not an endorsement or to say they are perfect, but I have not been exit scammed and I have not had any issues. I also do not keep any monero or crypto on any exchange at any time.

Rember DO NOT expose any personal details to you or your wallets. After you obtain your monero, you can safely transfer it to a mobile wallet (hot wallet) like monero wallet or stack wallet. Both are good options if you want the mobile conviance. Otherwise, Download the gui monero wallet.

RUN AND I CAN NOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH YOUR OWN NODE.

Running your own monero node is the best possible opsec to ensure you remain private.

sethforprivacy has a really detailed explanation and guide on how to guid.

TLDR - just do it.

okay, so now what?

In this order, i would first get my laptop and usb drive. Drive to a local coffee shop and fire-up tails! Set up persistent storage with a very strong password and ensure no one sees it. Next, after installing and verifying feather wallet is authentic, I will create my first wallet and then write down the seed phrase it makes, (NEVER LOSE OR DIGITALY STORE THIS), write it down and laminate it! Make multiple copies and store them in a safe, secure place away from cameras and prying eyes.

If you want a long-term storage solution, there is endless options.

Here's one superbacked

Next you want to get some bitcoin, or the preferred bitcoin lightning from any exchange that has zero kyc or, at best just needs email, and you can use virtual cards.

Finally, you will go to one of the exchanges i mentioned and swap it with Monero. I personally have good success with fixedfloat. Then i send it to my feather wallet address and wait for it to be fully synced.

After i receive my Sweet monero, I can either send it to one of the hot/ mobile wallets for ease of use or i can use it as it's intention, to spend!!!!

Here are some sites where i spend and or use or find places to spend!

monerica

NO KYC

If you took the time to read this or got any value, I, thank you!

Here is my linkTree
link

And if you wanna send me some monero :D

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