Topic: Question regarding buying and storing Crypto - page 2. (Read 285 times)

I read through the pinned discussion regarding wallets but I have some questions. Really, I am looking for advice. It would be appreciated.
When I first started buying BTC I used Coinbase. I don't remember how I came about the site, probably from a google search. I have been using it for years. I have it setup so every Friday I purchase a certain amount of bitcoin.

After doing a little reading and talked to an old friend, I was told I should not use Coinbase especially to store my crypto since I don't have control over the keys.

I am just looking for clarification and recommendations on the following.
1) What would you recommend I use to store my BTC? I was thinking of looking for a program I can just run on my computer to store my crypto.
2) Do these wallet programs allow you to buy and sell BTC?
3) If I use a hardware wallet, cold wallet etc, how do I go about cashing out crypto? Do I have to use an Crypto Exchange? Are the fee's going to be similar no matter what I use?

I am just looking for a better place to park my BTC. Coinbase fees for sending to another wallet are crazy high. I am hoping to avoid this if possible along with having a wallet that I control the keys to.

I know this is probably asked a lot and I apologize. I just wanted to see what you may use and if you would recommend any specific setup?
I have the ability to backup anything on my PC to external hard drives and to cloud storage.

I don't think I need anything overly complicated. Just something I have control over and if it has features to buy/sell crypto.

Lastly, I was thinking of downloading the current BTC blockchain to an external drive. I had read that you get a wallet. I may be wrong. I am not certain how that all works. Any benefit of doing this other than mining?


Regards