Wait, what is Bitcoin again?
Bitcoin is the first cryptocurrency — this is, essentially, money that allows people to send and receive payments directly to each other without relying on banks or governments.
Created in 2009 by an unknown person or group using the name Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin introduced a new way to handle transactions online. It operates on a technology called blockchain, which is a public ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers. This system ensures that transactions are secure and transparent.
Initially, Bitcoin (BTC) had no market value, and its first notable transaction occurred in 2010 when 10,000 BTC was exchanged for two pizzas, valuing each Bitcoin at a fraction of a cent.
However, as of February 2025, a single Bitcoin would set you back a number just shy of $100,000 dollars.
This represents the astronomical increase of almost 190,000,000% since 2009.
Several factors have contributed to this dramatic rise:
Increased adoption: Over the years, Bitcoin has gained acceptance from both individuals and institutions as a legitimate form of digital currency and investment.Scarcity: Bitcoin’s supply is capped at 21 million coins, with the number of new coins released into the system halving every four years, creating a sense of digital scarcity that has driven demand.Regulatory developments: Favorable regulatory changes, such as the approval of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States, have enhanced accessibility and legitimacy, attracting more investors.Macroeconomic factors: Economic uncertainties and inflation concerns have led investors to view Bitcoin as a hedge, further boosting its appeal.
However, Bitcoin isn’t a safe bet, according to some critics. For instance, in the words of Warren Buffett: “Unlike buying stocks, bonds or real estate, buying Bitcoin is not an investment. That’s because it lacks intrinsic value.”
Indeed, Bitcoin doesn’t really have a competitive use case for transactions anymore. Transactions can take around an hour to process with exorbitant fees, while newer, faster cryptocurrencies with instant finality, such as Tether’s USDt (USDT), are far more popular among those who “use” their cryptocurrencies as intended.
Aside from scalability issues and competition from other currencies, quantum computers using Shor’s algorithm, which could arrive in as little as five years, may potentially derive private keys from public keys, allowing unauthorized access to Bitcoin funds and reducing community faith in the chain.
All it takes is for the five top holders to sell their assets in such an event, and a flood of almost 1 million Bitcoin could trigger a fire sale.
Indeed, investing in Bitcoin in any case, whether for retirement or not, is a risky game to play.
Did you know? Bitcoin is often called “digital gold” because, like gold, it has a limited supply, cannot be easily manipulated by governments, and is seen as a store of value.
Timeline of Bitcoin’s volatility
As of August 2024, Bitcoin was approximately 4.5 times more volatile than the S&P 500 and four times more volatile than gold. This heightened volatility can pose significant risks for retirement portfolios, which typically prioritize stability and predictable growth.
June 2011: The Mt. Gox hack
Event: Bitcoin suffers its first major crash due to a security breach at the Mt. Gox exchange.Price change: Falls from approximately $32 to $0.01, a 99.9% drop.
April 2013: Market overheating
Event: Bitcoin surges to $260, attracting speculative interest and overwhelming the Mt. Gox exchange.Price change: Drops from $260 to $50, an 83% decline.
December 2017–December 2018: The crypto winter
Event: After reaching an all-time high of $19,497 in December 2017, Bitcoin enters a prolonged bear market.Price change: Falls by 83%, hitting a low of $3,300 in December 2018.
March 2020: COVID-19 crash
Event: Global economic panic from the COVID-19 pandemic triggers a mass sell-off in all markets, including Bitcoin.Price change: Drops from $7,900 to below $4,000, losing over 50% in a single day.
May 2021: Market overheating and regulatory concerns
Event: Bitcoin hits $64,800 in April 2021 but faces a sharp correction in May due to market overheating and regulatory concerns.Price change: Falls to $30,000 on May 19, a 50% drop.
November 2022: FTX exchange collapse
Event: The collapse of FTX, one of the largest crypto exchanges, causes widespread panic and liquidity issues across the market.Price change: Bitcoin plunges to a two-year low below $16,000.
Bitcoin vs. gold for retirement investing
Retirement investing is about balancing risk and stability. Traditional portfolios often include assets like gold, prized for its reliability. Bitcoin, on the other hand, is relatively new but has gained traction as a so-called “digital gold.” The question is: Does it belong in a retirement portfolio?
Historical performance and volatility
Gold has been a store of value for thousands of years, maintaining purchasing power through wars, recessions and inflation. Its price tends to move gradually, making it a predictable asset. In 2024, gold saw a nearly 30% increase, reaching record highs.
Bitcoin, in contrast, is defined by extreme volatility. While its long-term trajectory has been positive, short-term price swings can be drastic. Aside from the examples explored above, in 2024 alone, Bitcoin’s value surged by 120%. While this certainly outperforms gold, combined with its history, it only reinforces its high-risk nature.
Liquidity and accessibility
Both gold and Bitcoin are highly liquid. Gold is traded globally in physical form, ETFs and futures contracts, with a well-established market. Bitcoin’s liquidity has improved with the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs in 2024, allowing more investors to access it through regulated financial products. However, Bitcoin is still subject to exchange failures, hacks and unpredictable liquidity squeezes.
Gold is the winner here, too.
Inflation hedge potential
Gold has long been considered a hedge against inflation, preserving wealth during economic downturns. Central banks hold gold as a reserve asset, reinforcing its role as a safe haven.
Bitcoin’s capped supply of 21 million coins theoretically makes it resistant to inflation. However, its short history and extreme volatility make it less reliable than gold in this regard. While some investors view Bitcoin as a hedge, its price movements often correlate more with speculative assets than traditional stores of value.
Another point to gold.
Which one belongs in a retirement portfolio?
Gold is the safer bet — historically stable, widely accepted and relatively immune to technological threats. Bitcoin, on the other hand, offers high growth potential but comes with significant risks. It lacks intrinsic value, faces regulatory uncertainty, and could be disrupted by advancements like quantum computing.
However, for a balanced retirement portfolio, financial advisers typically recommend diversification. Some high-net-worth investors allocate small portions to Bitcoin alongside traditional assets such as stocks, bonds and gold.
While Bitcoin may not be a guaranteed store of value, some investors see it as a potential high-reward asset in a diversified portfolio.
Bitcoin IRAs vs. traditional IRAs
Bitcoin IRAs allow you to invest in cryptocurrency, while traditional IRAs focus on stocks, bonds and other conventional assets.
Traditional individual retirement accounts (IRAs) allow people to invest in assets like stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Contributions are often tax-deductible, reducing taxable income in the contribution year. However, withdrawals during retirement are taxed as ordinary income. These accounts are typically managed by custodians or financial institutions, providing a range of investment options within regulated markets.
Bitcoin IRAs, on the other hand, are self-directed IRAs that enable you to include cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, in your retirement portfolio.
Unlike traditional IRAs, these accounts allow for alternative investments beyond standard assets. Contributions can be made with pre-tax dollars in a traditional Bitcoin IRA or with after-tax dollars in a Roth Bitcoin IRA, each offering distinct tax advantages. It’s important to note that not all custodians offer cryptocurrency investment options, so selecting a provider that supports digital assets is crucial.
Potential benefits of Bitcoin IRAs
Diversification: Including cryptocurrencies can diversify your retirement portfolio, potentially reducing overall risk.High return potential: Cryptocurrencies have experienced significant growth, offering the possibility of substantial returns. However, it’s important to highlight the term “possibility.”
Risks and considerations
Regulatory uncertainty: The regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies is still evolving, which could impact the value and legality of digital assets.Custodial challenges: Storing cryptocurrencies securely requires careful consideration, as digital assets are susceptible to hacking and theft.Volatility: As discussed, cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile, which can lead to significant fluctuations in retirement savings.
When choosing between a Bitcoin IRA and a traditional IRA, assess your comfort with market volatility, ensure you understand cryptocurrency complexities, evaluate the tax benefits of each account type, and align your choice with your long-term financial goals.
Can Bitcoin be part of a 401(k)?
In the US, a 401(k) plan is a retirement savings account offered by employers, allowing employees to invest a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out. These plans traditionally include investment options such as mutual funds, stocks and bonds.
In recent years, there has been a trend toward including Bitcoin in 401(k) offerings. In April 2022, Fidelity Investments announced it would allow employees to add Bitcoin to their 401(k) accounts, making it the first major provider to do so.
Similarly, platforms like ForUsAll have integrated cryptocurrency options into their retirement plans, enabling participants to allocate a portion of their savings to digital assets.
From the employer’s perspective, offering Bitcoin in 401(k) plans can attract tech-savvy employees interested in diversifying their retirement portfolios. However, it also introduces the concerns highlighted earlier in this article. Employees may appreciate the opportunity to invest in emerging assets but must weigh the potential for high returns against significant risks.
Did you know? Regulatory bodies have expressed caution regarding cryptocurrencies in retirement plans. In March 2022, the US Department of Labor advised plan fiduciaries to exercise extreme care before adding cryptocurrency options to 401(k) plans, citing concerns over fraud, theft and loss.
Tax implications of Bitcoin in retirement accounts
Investing in Bitcoin through retirement accounts can offer significant tax advantages, but it’s essential to understand the specific implications based on the type of account you choose.
There are two IRA varieties to be aware of:
Traditional IRAs
Contributions: Often tax-deductible, reducing taxable income for the contribution year.Growth: Investments, including those in Bitcoin, grow tax-deferred.Withdrawals: Distributions during retirement are taxed as ordinary income.
Roth IRAs
Contributions: Made with after-tax dollars, providing no immediate tax deduction.Growth: Investments grow tax-free.Withdrawals: Qualified distributions in retirement are tax-free, including any gains from Bitcoin investments.
It’s important to note that while these accounts offer tax benefits, they also come with specific rules and potential penalties for early withdrawals. Additionally, not all custodians support cryptocurrency investments, so selecting a provider experienced with digital assets is crucial.
Accurate record-keeping is essential
Transaction records: Maintain detailed records of all Bitcoin transactions within your retirement accounts to ensure compliance and accurate reporting.Tax reporting: While transactions within tax-advantaged accounts aren’t immediately taxable, distributions must be reported appropriately on your tax return.
Did you know? Traditional IRAs and 401(k)s require minimum distributions starting at age 73, which could impact your investment strategy.
Best practices for holding Bitcoin for retirement
Incorporating Bitcoin into your retirement portfolio requires careful consideration, especially regarding secure storage, diversification and ongoing portfolio management.
Let’s understand in a bit more detail.
Secure storage solutions
Ensuring the safety of your Bitcoin holdings is paramount:
Cold storage: While utilizing cold hardware wallets is typically feasible only within self-directed retirement accounts, such as self-directed IRAs or solo 401(k) plans, use them if you can. These are physical devices that store your private keys offline to protect against online threats.Risks of custodial services and exchanges: Storing Bitcoin on exchanges or with third-party custodial services can expose you to risks such as hacks or insolvency. Maintaining control of your private keys is essential to ensuring full ownership and security of your assets.
Diversification strategies
To mitigate the inherent volatility of Bitcoin:
Asset diversification: Balance your retirement portfolio by allocating funds across various asset classes, including traditional investments like stocks and bonds, alongside Bitcoin. This approach can help spread risk and reduce the impact of any single asset’s performance.Cryptocurrency diversification: Consider investing in a mix of different cryptocurrencies to avoid overexposure to a single digital asset. Diversifying within the crypto space can provide exposure to various technologies and use cases.
If you do decide to invest in Bitcoin for your retirement, make sure that you are periodically assessing your portfolio’s performance to ensure that it aligns with your retirement goals and risk tolerance. Moreover, adjust asset allocations as needed, maintaining your desired investment mix — especially after significant market shifts.
This practice helps manage risk and secure profits, preventing overexposure to volatile assets like Bitcoin.
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