Okay, I understand Bitcoin is digital and people buy it, but like... why does it actually have value? It's not backed by gold or a government. What makes it different from something I just make up? Genuinely trying to understand before I put money in.

I had the exact same question when I started. This blog post breaks down why is bitcoin valuable really clearly. The short answer: scarcity (only 21 million will ever exist), decentralization (no single entity controls it), and network effects (millions of people and even companies like Microsoft and PayPal use it). It also works as a store of value because you can send it anywhere instantly with low fees, no bank needed. The blog goes into intrinsic vs extrinsic value too – basically, Bitcoin's worth comes from trust, utility, and demand, not from being physical. After reading it, I finally understood why people call it digital gold. Highly recommend giving it a read before you decide.