Jasmine Birtles
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Crypto Investing for Over 40s: Things To Know Before You Start
Ruby Layram
28th Oct 2025
So, you’ve watched Bitcoin go from digital pocket change to a global phenomenon, and you’re wondering, “Is it too late for me to get involved?”
If you’re over 40 and thinking about dipping your toe into crypto, you’re not alone. But before you dive headfirst into Bitcoin, Ethereum, or the latest meme coin making the rounds on X, there are a few very real things you should know.
Because, and let’s be honest, at this stage in life, your financial priorities probably look a bit different than they did in your 20s. But that doesn’t mean that crypto isn’t for you!
In this guide, we will take a look at how to invest in crypto in your 40s in a way that doesn’t make your head spin!
Also read: Getting started in crypto: Everything you should know
Why Some Over-40s Are Adding Crypto to Their Portfolio
Believe it or not, crypto isn’t just for Gen Z traders glued to their phones. Many investors over 40 are turning to crypto for diversification, a fancy way of saying “don’t keep all your eggs in one basket.”
Here’s why:
- Inflation hedge: Some see Bitcoin as a potential store of value when currencies lose purchasing power. Crypto is volatile, so it’s no guarantee that it will retain its value, but it is a way of spreading risk across investments.
- High growth potential: Crypto markets are still young in comparison to traditional assets and so people assume that potential for upwards growth might be there.
- Tech adoption: Blockchain technology is being increasingly adopted by traditional finance, supply chains, and even government systems. Getting exposure now could mean benefiting as the ecosystem matures.
The Risks You Can’t Ignore
Let’s not sugar-coat it, crypto is volatile. Prices can move wildly in a day. For investors over 40, that matters more than it might for someone in their 20s with decades to recover.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Shorter time horizon: If you’re planning to retire or use your savings in the next 10–15 years, you don’t have as much time to ride out big market swings.
- Financial responsibilities: Mortgage, kids, elderly parents, real-life commitments mean you might not want to “HODL” your way through a crash.
- Regulatory uncertainty: Governments are still figuring out how to regulate crypto. That can mean surprises in tax laws or even outright bans in certain regions.
Smart Crypto Investing Tips for Over-40s
Here’s how some investors might approach it.
- They start small. Some investors think of it as a “satellite” investment. They are adding variation, not replacing their main meal.
- They stick to the majors. Bitcoin and Ethereum are the most established cryptocurrencies. Some investors avoid obscure altcoins unless they have done deep research.
- They use reputable platforms. Many investors choose well-known exchanges with strong protection and customer service in case anything goes wrong, such as CoinJar.
- They stay calm. Crypto can feel like a rollercoaster. Set a limit on how much you’ll invest, and don’t chase the hype.
- They review their portfolio regularly. As investors get closer to retirement, they might consider scaling back riskier assets.
Crypto is still a very new and volatile industry in the scheme of things. Investors might want to follow a strategy and stick with it for the long-haul. Investing in crypto could be a way to make their money work harder for them.
Final Thoughts
Crypto can be part of a portfolio for investors in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. If you’re clear about your goals, understand the risks, and invest responsibly, you can benefit from crypto’s potential upside without betting your life savings on it. And remember, past performance isn’t a guarantee of future performance. Like traditional assets, crypto could go to zero overnight. No one investment is guaranteed to keep going up forever.
Wealth building in your 40s is about smart investing, and diversifying for an uncertain future.
| Disclosure |
| Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high‑risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 minutes to learn more: www.coinjar.com/uk/risk-summary. |
| Cryptoassets traded on CoinJar UK Limited are largely unregulated in the UK, and you are unable to access the Financial Service Compensation Scheme or the Financial Ombudsman Service. |
| We use third party banking, safekeeping and payment providers, and the failure of any of these providers could also lead to a loss of your assets. We recommend you obtain financial advice before making a decision to use your credit card to purchase cryptoassets or to invest in cryptoassets. Capital Gains Tax may be payable on profits. |
| CoinJar’s digital currency exchange services are operated in the UK by CoinJar UK Limited (company number 8905988), registered by the Financial Conduct Authority as a Cryptoasset Exchange Provider and Custodian Wallet Provider in the United Kingdom under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017, as amended (Firm Reference No. 928767). |
| Standard Risk Statement |
| The above article is not to be read as investment, legal or tax advice and it takes no account of particular personal or market circumstances; all readers should seek independent investment advice before investing in cryptocurrencies. The article is provided for general information and educational purposes only, no responsibility or liability is accepted for any errors of fact or omission expressed therein. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. |
| UK residents are required (in accordance with local legislation) to complete an appropriateness assessment to show they understand the risks associated with what crypto/investment they are about to buy and enabling CoinJar to categorize them as an investor. New customers are also required under local regulations to wait 24-hours as a “cooling off” period (from account creation), before their account is active (i.e. to deposit, trade, withdraw etc.). |
| Cryptocurrency is currently not regulated in the UK. It’s vital to understand that once your money is in the crypto ecosystem, there are no rules to protect it, unlike with regular investments. You should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. So, if you make any crypto-related investments, you’re unlikely to have recourse to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) or the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) if something goes wrong. |
| Remember: |
| Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high‑risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 minutes to learn more: www.coinjar.com/uk/risk-summary. |
| If you use a credit card to buy cryptocurrency, you would be putting borrowed money at a risk of loss. We recommend you obtain financial advice before making a decision to use your credit card to purchase cryptoassets or to invest in cryptoassets. |
| Note the standard risk warning from the CoinJar website. |
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