## The Zcash Proposition: Bitcoin with Privacy

What if someone created **Bitcoin** but with enhanced privacy features? That's essentially what **Zcash** aims to be, leading investors to wonder if it could become the next Bitcoin or even surpass the original cryptocurrency.

With a current market cap of $6.8 billion compared to Bitcoin's $1.9 trillion, Zcash represents a tiny fraction of Bitcoin's size today. However, if it were to match Bitcoin's market cap, early investors could see incredible returns.

![A lightning bolt cleaves a floating Bitcoin logo asunder.](https://g.foolcdn.com/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Feditorial%2Fimages%2F851347%2Fbitcoin-hit-by-lightning-crypto.jpg&w=700)

*Image source: Getty Images*

## Significant Similarities with Beneficial Differences

Like Bitcoin, Zcash is a **proof-of-work (PoW)** cryptocurrency with a maximum supply of 21 million coins and experiences a **halving** approximately every four years. This means the same supply dynamics that have made Bitcoin a strong long-term investment apply to Zcash as well.

However, Zcash introduces a crucial difference: **privacy features** that Bitcoin doesn't have. While Bitcoin operates on a public blockchain where every transaction is visible and verifiable by anyone, Zcash allows transactions to be protected from prying eyes using **zk-SNARKs** (zero-knowledge succinct non-interactive arguments of knowledge), a cryptographic technology that wasn't available when Bitcoin launched.

This privacy capability addresses a key concern for some users: the permanent visibility of all financial transactions on public blockchains.

## Self-Funding Development Mechanism

Zcash also differs from Bitcoin in how its **mining rewards** are distributed. Approximately 20% of each mined block goes to two funds dedicated to developing the chain and supporting community-led initiatives. This self-funding mechanism helps ensure ongoing development and a vibrant ecosystem of supporting software, though it makes mining Zcash somewhat less lucrative for miners than mining Bitcoin.

It's worth noting that Bitcoin has attracted plenty of engaged developers without such a feature, so while Zcash's funding mechanism is beneficial, it may not be essential.

## Can Zcash Really Challenge Bitcoin?

For Zcash to match Bitcoin's current market cap, its price would need to increase by a staggering amount. This would require Zcash to become one of the world's most valuable assets while Bitcoin either stagnates or declines—a scenario that would likely take many years to unfold.

Yet Bitcoin's own rise from financial novelty to major asset was largely unpredictable. Zcash's development has focused on addressing technical and governance issues that Bitcoin has faced, potentially positioning it for smoother growth.

While it's uncertain whether Zcash will become "the next Bitcoin," there's confidence that it can grow significantly in the coming years. The possibility exists, and that potential is why some investors are taking positions in Zcash today.

Key PointsZcash combines Bitcoin's supply policies with privacy features.

Zcash vs Bitcoin: Could This Privacy-Focused Crypto Be the Next Big Thing?

Financial expert Dave Ramsey is known for his ability to cut through the noise surrounding how ordinary, everyday people can build wealth.

On an episode from his "The Ramsey Show" podcast, Ramsey argues that the path to financial success isn't shrouded in mystery or complexity. He says too many people think the rich are wealthy because they have some secrets they use to get that way. But Ramsey says, "well let me tell you what the secrets of the rich are: they're not a secret." Rather, what they do is grounded in simple common sense because they focus on what they understand.

![Dave Ramsey's investment principles infographic](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/aS.WTo1mU3c6mBQBa7qWHg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE3MjA7Y2Y9d2VicA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/24_7_wall_st__718/c9695790faacad8ed81d07196ac59673)

*An infographic explaining Dave Ramsey's common-sense investment principles*

## The $200 Million Rancher Example

Ramsey uses the example of a rancher he knows who is worth **$200 million**. He doesn't do anything special. Instead he invests primarily in **farmland**, his area of expertise.

It illustrates that wealth building isn't about chasing the latest trends or complex financial instruments; it's about **investing in what you know and are comfortable with**.

## The Danger of "Cool" Investments

Ramsey emphasizes that investing in things you understand is paramount and cautions against chasing "cool" investment opportunities, especially those recommended by friends or acquaintances who may not have the expertise to guide you.

In particular, he noted the infamous **Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme** was able to draw in so many people because they thought they were getting in on a some super secret scheme only available to select individuals to make money, but it was just the same old fraud people have used forever.

It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of blindly following advice from someone who seems "sophisticated" but lacks transparency.

## Ramsey's Simple Investment Strategy

Ramsey advocates for a straightforward approach to investing. He says it is okay, even preferable, to use the **KISS principle** (Keep It Simple, Stupid). He uses this method himself.

The finance guru says he sticks to just **three core investments**:

1. **His business**
2. **Paid-for real estate**
3. **Mutual funds**

He **avoids single stocks, gold, Bitcoin, and other speculative investments**, emphasizing that "cool" doesn't equate to success.

## Key Investment Principles

- **Ramsey invests only in his business, paid-for real estate, and mutual funds** while avoiding single stocks and Bitcoin
- **Peter Lynch grew Fidelity Magellan from $20M to $14B AUM** with 29% annual returns from 1977 to 1990
- **A rancher Ramsey knows is worth $200M** primarily by investing in farmland within his area of expertise
- **A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans' retirement savings** and moved retirement from dream to reality

Financial expert Dave Ramsey is known for his ability to cut through the noise surrounding how ordinary, everyday people can build wealth. On an episode from his “The Ramsey Show” podcast, Ramsey argues that the path to financial success isn’t shrouded in mystery or complexity. He says too many people think the rich are wealthy ... Dave Ramsey spills the secrets of the rich starting with “they are not a secret”

Dave Ramsey's Wealth Secrets Exposed: Why He Avoids Bitcoin and What Really Makes the Rich Rich

The popular online brokerage **Robinhood** has become a go-to spot for retail investors to purchase cryptocurrencies. It was designed to democratize investing for **retail investors**, aligning with the decentralized ethos of cryptocurrencies as alternatives to the mainstream financial system.

Until recently, Robinhood offered only a handful of cryptocurrencies due to regulatory scrutiny from the **Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)**, which viewed many tokens as unregistered securities. However, with the implementation of pro-crypto regulations and legislation under the Trump administration, Robinhood has significantly expanded its offerings.

## All 50 Cryptocurrencies Available to U.S. Investors on Robinhood

According to Robinhood's website, there are now **50 cryptocurrencies** available to U.S. investors. In Europe, due to more lenient regulations, investors can access 69 cryptocurrencies. Some tokens may not be available in New York or Texas due to state-specific rules. Here is the full list of 50 tokens available in the U.S.:

- **Bitcoin** (BTC)
- **Ethereum** (ETH)
- **Dogecoin** (DOGE)
- **Litecoin** (LTC)
- **Shiba Inu** (SHIB)
- **Aave** (AAVE)
- **Aerodrome Finance** (AERO)
- **Arbitrum** (ARB)
- **Aster** (ASTER)
- **Avalanche** (AVAX)
- **Avantis** (AVNT)
- **Bitcoin Cash** (BCH)
- **BNB** (BNB)
- **BONK** (BONK)
- **Cardano** (ADA)
- **Cat in a dogs world** (MEW)
- **Chainlink** (LINK)
- **Compound** (COMP)
- **Curve DAO** (CRV)
- **Dogwifhat** (WIF)
- **Ethena** (ENA)
- **Ethereum Classic** (ETC)
- **Floki** (FLOKI)
- **Hedera** (HBAR)
- **Hyperliquid** (HYPE)
- **Lido DAO** (LDO)
- **Maple Finance** (SYRUP)
- **Moo Deng** (MOODENG)
- **OFFICIAL TRUMP** (TRUMP)
- **Ondo** (ONDO)
- **Onyxcoin** (XCN)
- **Optimism** (OP)
- **Peanut the Squirrel** (PNUT)
- **Pepecoin** (PEPE)
- **Plasma** (XPL)
- **Polkadot** (DOT)
- **Popcat** (POPCAT)
- **Pudgy Penguins** (PENGU)
- **SEI** (SEI)
- **Solana** (SOL)
- **SUI** (SUI)
- **Stellar Lumens** (XLM)
- **Tezos** (XTZ)
- **Toncoin** (TON)
- **Uniswap** (UNI)
- **USD Coin** (USDC)
- **Virtuals Protocol** (VIRTUAL)
- **World Liberty Financial** (WLFI)
- **XRP** (XRP)
- **Zora** (ZORA)

## The Best of the Bunch

While many tokens are available, I prefer investing in **larger, well-known cryptocurrencies** with legitimate investment cases. My top picks are **Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana**.

Given that cryptocurrencies don't generate earnings or free cash flow like traditional companies, I focus on tokens with unique investment theses, such as **Bitcoin**, and those running on robust **blockchain networks**.

![Bitcoin Stock Quote](https://g.foolcdn.com/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Fart%2Fcompanylogos%2Fmark%2FBTC.png&w=128&op=resize)

**Bitcoin** is my top choice due to the **digital gold narrative**. With a finite supply of 21 million tokens, most already mined, it benefits from favorable supply-and-demand dynamics. Although Bitcoin sometimes trades like a high-beta tech stock, its perception as a hedge against economic uncertainty makes it worth owning.

![Coin with Bitcoin logo on top of a wallet and phone.](https://g.foolcdn.com/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Feditorial%2Fimages%2F851010%2Fgettyimages-2192542048.jpg&w=3840&op=resize)

Mounting U.S. debt and the Federal Reserve's monetary policies could weaken the U.S. dollar, potentially making **Bitcoin** a form of portfolio diversification. It's also likely to see increased institutional adoption as Wall Street grows more comfortable with crypto.

The other two favorites are **Ethereum** and **Solana**. Both use the energy-efficient **proof-of-stake consensus mechanism**, where investors stake coins to validate transactions and earn rewards. **Solana** enhances this with the **proof-of-history mechanism**, applying timestamps to transactions to boost speed and scalability, potentially processing thousands of transactions per second.

In my view, **Ethereum** and **Solana** are prime for integrating **blockchain technology** and **smart contracts** into society, with use cases like issuing stablecoins or tokenizing assets. More network activity could drive token demand. While Solana has technical strengths, Ethereum benefits from first-mover advantage.

The popular online brokerage Robinhood has become a go-to spot for retail investors to purchase cryptocurrencies.

Robinhood's Crypto Expansion: 50 Tokens Now Available for U.S. Investors – Here Are the Top 3 Picks

**Vitalik Buterin has pledged that 2026 will be the year the Ethereum community begins to reverse the 'backsliding' of personal autonomy in crypto.**

In a recent X post, Buterin declared, **'2026 is the year that we take back lost ground in terms of self-sovereignty and trustlessness.'** This announcement signals a major shift for Ethereum, focusing on reclaiming core values that have eroded over time.

### Key Improvements on the Horizon

Buterin outlined several critical areas for enhancement:
- **Boosting onchain privacy** through initiatives like the **Kohaku effort** at the Ethereum Foundation.
- Making it easier to **run a full node**, **use dapps**, and **take control over personal data**.
- Implementing **social recovery wallets and timelocks** to prevent loss of funds from misplaced seed phrases, a feature that started gaining traction with **EIP-7702** during Ethereum's Pectra upgrade.
- Improving **privacy UX** to enable private payments with the same ease as public ones.

### Ongoing Efforts and Future Upgrades

Ethereum developers have been laying the groundwork for these improvements, targeting upcoming upgrades like **Glamsterdam**. The Ethereum Foundation has refocused its **Privacy Cluster** and is working on the **Kohaku wallet framework**. Other proposals, such as **ERC-4337 for account abstraction** and **FOCIL**, aim to enhance censorship resistance.

Buterin emphasized the importance of using **dapps from onchain UIs with IPFS** to avoid reliance on trusted servers, which could compromise asset recovery or security. He also highlighted tools like the **Helios client**, which allows trustless interaction with Ethereum without running a full node, and cryptographic techniques like **Oblivious RAM (ORAM)** and **Private Information Retrieval (PIR)** to prevent privacy leaks.

### Addressing Past Compromises

Buterin acknowledged that Ethereum has seen **serious backsliding** in recent years, with nodes becoming harder to run, dapps leaking data, and increased centralization in block building. He stated, **'In 2026, no longer. Every compromise of values that Ethereum has made up to this point... we are making that compromise no longer.'**

This vision aims to restore Ethereum's foundational principles, ensuring it remains a robust and user-centric ecosystem.

Buterin said major improvements are underway to make it easier to run a full node, use dapps, and take control over personal data.

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