thanks for the great comments/advice everyone. I think I'm gonna hold off and see where it goes in the next couple of weeks. Maybe buy 2 coins now around 420..... This is money set aside, def don't want to lose it, and it is either bitcoin or set something up with usaa for investment. I don't know much about investing so I would just get started with them working me up a portfolio. Might even be considering something around 10k. I just feel like my cash is losing value if you know what I mean
How does one go to cold storage when I am using something like coinbase?
1. Download the Bitcoin-QT wallet onto a virus-free updated (but unused) PC. Make sure it has at least Windows 7 and Microsoft Security Essentials (which is free).
2. Leave Bitcoin-QT running for about 5-7 days to download the blockchain (hope you don't have download caps).
3. Encrypt the wallet with something reasonably long (32 chars+) that you can easily remember, preferably something that isn't written that way online. (So add a password to your favorite passage, something like that.) Print this key and keep it somewhere safe. Or generate a very long password (64 chars+) in LastPass or KeePass if you use those. IF YOU FORGET THIS PASSWORD, YOUR BITCOINS ARE GONE FOREVER. IF SOMEONE ELSE GETS THIS PASSWORD AND A COPY OF YOUR WALLET, THEY CAN STEAL YOUR BITCOINS FROM ANYWHERE.
4. Generate a Receive address in Bitcoin-QT by going to File|Receiving Addresses.
5. Click New. (Use a new address every time you send coins for additional anonymity and security.)
6. Right-click the new address and select Copy Address.
7. Go to Coinbase.com.
8. Send Money to BTC address. Paste the address. DOUBLE CHECK THE ADDRESS BY EYE THAT IT MATCHES YOUR WALLET!
9. Wait up to 10 minutes for it to show up in your wallet.
10. Backup wallet to at least 3 places: CD, USB stick, backup drive, SD card, etc. BACK UP AGAIN ANY TIME YOU ADD COINS TO YOUR WALLET.
11. Turn off PC and don't turn it back on unless you want your money. When you turn it on, patch it fully and reboot first before accessing your wallet.
12. To move your bitcoins back to Coinbase, go to Coinbase.com, select Settings and Bitcoin Addresses and send from Bitcoin-QT to any address there (or make a new one for extra security).
I'm sure someone else can tell you about paper wallets and braindice and other stuff, but IMO this is the easiest way for an average person to have a reasonably strong security.