I've lost count of how many times friends, family, and even strangers have pulled me aside with that classic question: "How do I actually buy Bitcoin? And where should I start?" It's a smart move to ask, because getting this right can set you up for real financial freedom. I'll keep this straightforward.

I'm sharing this based on years of my own experience buying, holding, and transacting large amounts of Bitcoin. I'm happy to try to help you become a sovereign individual who truly owns your wealth, not just bets on it.

Note: I am not a licensed financial advisor. Consider consulting one. This post and all others are not advice, they are for informational and educational purposes. You must do your own thorough research. Bitcoin requires you to be responsible for yourself and your money. Bitcoin is volatile and could be a total loss of your savings. I disclaim all liability if things don’t go the way you want them to.

Now let's get to the "How to".

Step 1: Buy Real Bitcoin. Not "Paper" Versions

First things first: Skip the Bitcoin ETFs (bitcoin you can buy in investment accounts, including your RRSP and TFSA). Sure, they're easy and let you ride Bitcoin's price waves without much hassle. But they're "paper Bitcoin." You're not holding the actual digital gold; you're just tracking its value through a financial product run by big institutions. You'll never get your hands on the real thing.

True Bitcoin ownership means self-custody: You must control it directly, like cash in your safe. This is how you ensure you have it tomorrow if things go sideways, this is how you have it with you no matter where you are in the world, and this is how you build generational wealth. I'll dive deeper into why ETFs fall short in a future post, but for now, trust me: Start with the real deal unless you're already sitting on a pile of bitcoin. Do not buy any other type of crypto, no matter what. BTC only.

Step 2: Pick a Trustworthy Canadian Exchange

To buy your first bitcoins (for example, 0.001 BTC, you don't have to buy an entire bitcoin), you need a reliable exchange. After testing plenty, my top pick for Canadians is Bull Bitcoin. It's a Quebec-based company, super user-friendly, and prioritizes your privacy and security. Their support team is responsive if you hit a snag. Just type your questions in the chat, they answer quickly and they're pros.

Get started here: Sign up with my referral link (it helps support my content, and gives you a bonus too). Pro tip: They guide you through verification with your ID, and you can buy with e-transfers or bank wires. Easy peasy.

If Bull Bitcoin doesn't click for you, NDAX.io is a solid runner-up. Sign up with my referral link. I've moved serious money through both platforms for years without a hitch. Avoid international exchanges.

Step 3: Self-Custody. Don't Leave Your Bitcoin on the Exchange

This is non-negotiable: Once you've bought your Bitcoin, get it off the exchange immediately. Leaving it there is like keeping cash under your mattress at a stranger's house. Hacks, bankruptcies, or rules changes could wipe you out. I've survived 12+ years of exchange fiascos doing this. Exchanges like Bull Bitcoin even prevent you from making this mistake by design. You're forced to withdraw right away. Good on them.

Step 4: Set Up a Simple Wallet

Your Bitcoin's new home? A wallet. A free app or a device you buy that lets you store, send, and receive it securely. For beginners, I recommend the BlueWallet app. It's intuitive, works on iOS and Android, and keeps things safe and dead simple.

Here's how to get rolling:

1. Download BlueWallet from your app store by Bluewallet Services S.R.L.
2. Open the app and tap Add Wallet > Bitcoin > Create.
3. Boom. You've got a wallet! Now, the app will show you 12 recovery words (your "seed phrase"). These are your master key: They let you access your Bitcoin from any compatible wallet, forever, even if your phone explodes.
4. Write them down, in order, on a piece of paper. Store that paper in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box. Never screenshot it, email it, or save it digitally. Hackers will find it and steal your bitcoin.
5. For extra security (especially as your stack grows), upgrade to a hardware wallet like the Trezor Safe 3. It's a tiny USB device that keeps your keys offline. A nearly impenetrable Bitcoin vault.

Step 5: Transfer Your Bitcoin (The Fun Part)

Wallet ready? Time to move your purchase:

1. In BlueWallet, tap Receive. You'll see a Bitcoin address (like a bank account number, but cooler—it starts with "bc1").
2. Copy that address.
3. Head back to your exchange, select Withdraw > paste the address > enter the amount > confirm. Note: This address is "deposit only" so it's safe to put on your computer or device, nobody can steal your bitcoin if they see this address.
4. Hit send. It'll take some time to arrive. Exchanges are careful when sending out bitcoin. On NDAX.IO you'll need to confirm by clicking a button in an email they send.

Start small to test the waters. Fees are tiny, and you'll feel that rush when it lands in your wallet. Log every purchase of Bitcoin so you can declare your capital gains later, and pay your income taxes. Log down the purchase amount, price, date, exchange used, and wallet name you put it in.

Wrapping Up: Your First Step to Bitcoin Freedom

There you have it: Buy real Bitcoin on Bull Bitcoin (or NDAX), self-custody in BlueWallet (or Trezor), and you're in business. It's not about getting rich quick, it's about preserving your savings for tomorrow (bonus: Bitcoin goes up forever, and it's still young, so it is growing fast). You've got this. Welcome to the revolution.

Stay sovereign.

ONE MORE THING:

Always buy bitcoin with money you won't need to spend in the next few years, and don’t sweat it if bitcoin price tanks hard in the meantime.

It is said, and I subscribe to it even if it is unsubstantiated, that “Bitcoin is going up forever”. I have also heard “Fiat is going down forever”. Me? A large chunk of my net worth is in Bitcoin. Real inflation often outpaces the official 2-3% (think housing, food, and energy). You need to grow your savings' value immensely, or your buying power erodes year over year. Think of bitcoin as a freezer for your "melting ice cube".

There is a saying, “Only invest what you can afford to lose.” Everyone says it. But nowadays, in my opinion, you have to take risks, or you are guaranteed to lose due to inflation. I’ve heard this one, which I find funny: “Only store value/money in Bitcoin that you CAN’T afford to lose.”. Just realize nothing is guaranteed. Anything can happen in this universe. Be ready to start over with nothing. Never quit. No risk, no reward. You’ve got this.