If you haven't listened to Planet Money yet you're missing out.  Start at the beginning, then finish with this one regarding Brexit.

Episode 707: Brexit

Blockchain Technology

Great video here regarding blockchain technology.  The tech behind bitcoin.  Also listen to the Planet Money podcast on this link.

Not Just Bitcoin: Why The Blockchain Is A Seductive Technology To Many Industries

If you've ever run a business, whether it's an ice cream shop or a Fortune 500 company, then you've probably kept a ledger. It's nothing fancy, just a list of transactions. It's also at the root of a transformative technology that institutions including the U.K. government, major banks and the state of Delaware are looking to leverage: the blockchain....

Bitcoin.org and exchanges

But how do I move money from, for example, my etrade account to bitcoin?

Bitcoin.org

Bitcoin uses peer-to-peer technology to operate with no central authority or banks; managing transactions and the issuing of bitcoins is carried out collectively by the network. Bitcoin is open-source; its design is public, nobody owns or controls Bitcoin and everyone can take part. Through many of its unique properties, Bitcoin allows exciting uses that could not be covered by any previous payment system.



Went to https://bitcoin.org/en/  Looked through all the steps.   Step two is to choose a wallet.  I have Blockchain Wallet and Bitcoin Wallet now.  Not sure of the differences between the two or even if they're for the same purpose.

Step 3 is to Get Bitcoins.   I choose Kraken and verified Tier 1.   "Your Kraken account is verified to Tier 1."     Still need to Deposit Bitcoins to Kraken I think.   Will look into that later. 


Anyone have any suggestions of what to do next? 

Coinbase

Tried to login to my Kraken account today and couldn't.  
Went ahead and signed up for another exchange.  "Coinbase"


Coinbase is the world’s most popular way to buy, sell, and use bitcoin....

Seems like this site is easier to navigate.  Already went ahead and did the phone and email verification.  Added my bank account.  Now just waiting for the two small deposits so I can sync with the bank with Coinbase. 

Blockchain Wallet

Trying to move some of my American dollars to Bitcoin.

Blockchain Wallet   

Signed up for Blockchain wallet.   Still trying to figure out why I did this.

My Wallet is the world's most popular Bitcoin wallet. It's free, open source, and trusted by more than 7 million users.
We are not a bank. We cannot view your balance, see your transactions or make payments on your behalf. You retain complete ownership of your money.