The Basics On NFTs: The Newest Cryptoverse Craze

Posted on

Feb 14, 2022

NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are the latest sensation in the cryptocurrency universe, or as we like to call it the Cryptoverse. And if you havent heard about NFTs yet, now is a great time to learn because they are likely to be a big part of our collective future.
So what is an NFT?
In the most basic terms, an NFT is a cryptographic token that exists on a blockchain and is used to establish proof of ownership of digital artwork, videos, GIFs, collectibles, and other digital assets. While NFTs use the same blockchain technology that underpins cryptocurrency, NFTs themselves are not a traditional currency, though they can operate similarly to currency. Some people call them JPGs because they are literally graphic images, but they represent much more than just a simple JPG file.
NFTs have been generating a major buzz in the tech and art sectors for years now, but after Christies auction house sold a single NFT collage from the digital artist Beeple for a staggering $69.3 million this March, NFTs have begun making mainstream headlines. Since then, a number of other big-money NFT sales have made the news, including Twitter co-founder Jack Dorseys first-ever tweet made into an NFT, which sold for $2.9 million; a video clip of a LeBron James slam dunk sold for more than $200,000; and a GIF of Nyan Cat (a flying cat with a Pop Tart for a body) went for $600,000.
At this point, you might be wondering why anyone would spend such vast sums on digital images that you can download from the Internet for free. Here, well answer that question and explain the basics of what you need to know about NFTs, including how they work; what makes them so valuable; where you can get them; and why they have the potential to revolutionize the way in which we own, exchange, and consume both digital and real-world assetsalong with how to ensure your estate plan covers them if you happen to own one.
Whats the Difference Between Cryptocurrency and NFTs?
While NFTs and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are all part of the Cryptoverse, cryptocurrency is a fungible asset, meaning it can be traded or exchanged with another identical unit of the same value. For example, one Bitcoin is equal in value and can be exchanged for another Bitcoin, just like one dollar is always worth the same as another dollar.
However, NFTs are non-fungible, meaning each NFT is totally unique and not mutually interchangeable. Given this, no two NFTs are ever the same, and they cannot be replicated. Think of it in terms of traditional artwork: anyone can buy a Mona Lisa print, but only one person can own the original artwork.

How Did NFTs Get Started?
Although primitive versions of NFTs, such as Colored Coins, have existed since 2012, the first NFTs to really become popular were CryptoKitties. Launched in 2017, CryptoKitties is a virtual game that allows players to adopt, raise, and trade virtual cats on the Ethereum blockchain.
Each CryptoKitty has unique attributes, and they can even reproduce to generate entirely new offspring, which have different attributes and valuations compared to their parent kitties. CryptoKitties became immensely popular, and within a few weeks, fans of the virtual cats had spent $20 million worth of ETH (Ethereum token) on the game, with some virtual cats selling for over $100,000.
How Do NFTs Work?
As with cryptocurrency, a record of who owns each NFT is stored on a blockchain ledger. The vast majority of NFTs reside on the Ethereum blockchain, though other blockchains like Bitcoin Cash and FLOW also support them. Whenever a new NFT transaction is verified, its added to the blockchain, where it cannot be changed, replicated, or forged.
The code embedded in NFTs can include specific information about the asset and its creator. For example, an artist can sign their digital artwork by including their signature in the NFTs metadata. The unique information related to an NFT is stored in whats known as a smart contract, which is one of the most unique and powerful features underpinning NFT technology.
A smart contract is a digital contract in which the terms of the agreement are set in code. A smart contract can be programmed to execute a specific action when a set of predefined conditions are fulfilled. For example, a smart contact can be programmed to make royalty payments to an NFTs creator whenever their digital art is sold to a new owner.
Why Do NFTs Have Value?
Traditional pieces of art like paintings are valuable precisely because they are one of a kind, yet digital art can be easily duplicated an infinite number of times. With NFTs, digital art and other assets can be tokenized, which creates a digital certificate of ownership that allows the buyer to own the original item.
The value comes from both the scarcity and collectibility of the asset, as well as its potential for future sale. NFTs work like any other speculative asset, in that you buy it and hope that the assets value increases over time, so you can sell it for a profit.
NFTs typically increase in value for three reasons: 1) they are part of a series that gives you access to an exclusive club or community, 2) if they include licensable or brandable content that could be used to increase the value of the intellectual property, and 3) they can be used to flex or signal for status purposes (aka bragging rights).
Essentially, NFTs transform, or tokenize, digital art, videos, and other collectibles into one-of-a-kind, verifiable assets, which allows them to be easily bought, sold, or traded on the blockchain. NFTs are basically like any other collector's item, such as a painting or a vintage baseball trading card, but instead of buying a physical item, you're instead paying for a digital file and proof that you own the original copy.
Yet its the intellectual property (IP) aspect of NFTs that make them most interesting. Once you own an NFT, you have ownership of the IP representing the content of the NFT. As the owner of this now licensable content, you can use the content for branding, or you can even develop an entire persona or creative pursuit around your NFT.
You can see this in action with some of the owners of NFTs from the Bored Ape Yacht Club (#BAYC) NFT Collection. Universal Music Group bought 4 Bored Apes, and has begun branding them as the newest band theyll promote, called KINGSHIP. KINGSHIP will release music and products, building a fan base around this collection of four digital apes.
Building upon the success of the BAYC series of NFTs (a collection of 107 Bored Apes recently sold for $24.4M in a Sothebys auction), other creators have begun to release sets of 10,000 NFTs with hopes of mimicking the success of the BAYC series.
What Else Are NFTs Being Used For?
Currently, the majority of the NFT market is focused on collectibles, such as digital artwork, GIFs, virtual trading cards, videos of sports highlights, digital music, virtual avatars, and video game skins. However, NFTs are now even attracting the attention of major brands, and were seeing a number of big-name companies capitalizing on the trend.
For example, Nike has patented its own blockchain-based NFT sneakers, which it calls CryptoKicks. Marvel Comics has released its own NFT collectibles based on Spider Man and Captain America. Even Taco Bell has jumped on the NFT bandwagon with a collection of taco-themed images and GIFs. In collaboration with the NFT marketplace VeVe, Disney released its Golden Moments NFT collection, which features digital statues inspired by some of the most beloved characters and moments from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and other Disney franchises. And in September 2021, Hollywood got in on the action, when the film Zero Contact became the first feature-length movie to be released as an NFT.
Musicians have also been releasing NFT-based songs, albums, and other music-related items with major success. For example, pop stars like Kings of Leon, Grimes, and Steve Aoki have all created NFTs. Moreover, Rolling Stone reports that NFTs could revolutionize how musicians connect and market their music to fans by including not only songs and albums as NFTs, but also videos, artwork, 3D avatars, wearable accessories, and even tickets that give fans a chance to have a virtual meet-and-greet with the artist.
How Can You Buy An NFT?
If you are looking to get in on the NFT Cryptoverse, youll need to access the proper technologyand load up on cryptocurrency to fund your purchase.
First, youll need to get a digital wallet that allows you to store your crypto and NFTs. Metamask is a popular option because it connects directly to marketplace platforms, such as OpenSea, where you can buy and display your NFTs.
Then youll need to purchase cryptocurrency to make the purchase, and since the most popular blockchain for NFTs is currently Ethereum, your best bet is to get their version of digital coins, which are called ether (ETH).
From there, youll want to visit the NFT marketplace where the NFTs are sold. Some of the most popular NFT marketplaces include OpenSea, Mintable, Nifty Gateway, Axie Marketplace, and Rarible.
Additionally, there are also niche marketplaces for more specific types of NFTs, including NBA Top Shot for basketball video highlights; Valuables auctions off famous autographed Tweets like Dorsey's; and Autograph, which is a platform launched by NFL superstar Tom Brady that offers a variety of NFT collectibles from sports icons like Tiger Woods, Simone Biles, Wayne Gretzky, and Tony Hawk. Due to the high demand for certain NFTs, the tokens are often released in batches, known as drops, much like when batches of concert tickets are released at specific times. As with any other popular event, theres often a rush of fans eager to snatch up the most in-demand NFTs when the drop starts, so youll need to pre-register and have your wallet full of crypto and ready to buy.
What Are the Future Potential For NFTs?
While buying a virtual cat may sound like an extremely trivial venture, the future potential for NFTs and how they can be used has more serious implications, especially in business and finance. For example, NFTs have already been used in a real estate transaction, in which a millennial from Silicon Valley purchased an NFT that gave him ownership of a studio apartment and a piece of art by the famous local street artist Chizz.
By allowing for the digital representation of physical assets, NFTs offer the potential to reinvent the way we own, exchange, and consume just about any asset. Perhaps the most obvious benefit of NFTs is increased market efficiency. The conversion of a physical asset into a digital asset streamlines the process of identifying IP, removes intermediaries, and creates entirely new markets.
Obviously, the digital representation of physical assets is not exactly new or novel. However, when you combine this concept with the benefits of the trustworthy and tamper-proof nature of blockchain-powered smart contracts, NFTs stand to become a potent force for change. While many see NFTs as merely another passing fad and expect the NFT bubble to burst any day now, skeptics said exactly the same thing about Bitcoin. With this in mind, we remain cautiously optimistic about the future of NFTs, and only time will tell how this new technology pans out as the future unfolds.
Safeguard Your Digital Assets
As with cryptocurrency, if you currently own or plan to acquire NFTs, the first and most important step in securing these assets is to let your family, trusted partners, and of course, your lawyer, know you own it. If no one knows you own these assets, they will be lost forever when you die. You can document ownership of these assets by including your NFTs and cryptocurrency in your Family Wealth Inventory (a key component of our Life & Legacy Planning Process) listing all of your assets and liabilities. Along with the amount of cryptocurrency and number of NFTs you own, you should also include detailed instructions about where these assets are located and how to find the instructions to access them, including the encrypted passcodes needed to unlock your account. Just make sure to keep these instructions in an absolutely secure location because anyone who has them can take your crypto and NFTs. As part of our Life & Legacy Planning Process, well work with you to ensure that your cryptocurrency and NFTs are properly documented, as well as secure.
As technology continues to evolve and our lives become increasingly digitized, its vital that you adapt your estate planning strategies to keep pace with these changes. As your Personal Family Lawyer, we can assist you in updating your estate plan to include not only your traditional wealth and property but all of your digital assets, as well. Contact us today to learn more.
This article is a service of Sharek Law Office, LLC. We dont just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life and Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than youve ever been before, and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge.

Other Articles You May Like

I'm a Survivor... And Now I have my Own Trust?

Many married couples share almost everything, including finances. This may be reflected in their estate plan by using one joint living trust instead of two separate trusts. Separate trusts can provide greater flexibility, but a joint trust can be structured so that when one spouse passes away, the trust is split into two sub-trusts: a survivors trust and a decedents trust. This arrangement provides the surviving spouse with the same versatility that separate trusts offer. The surviving spouse has full control over their survivors trust, but may have limited control over the deceased spouses accounts and property that make up the decedents trust. Decedents Trust and a Survivors Trust A survivors trust is a middle ground between a joint trust and separate trusts. If a couple chooses to combine their assets (accounts and property) into a joint revocable living trust, both spouses will usually be named as trustees and beneficiaries. The joint trust can further stipulate that when one spouse passes away, the trust divides into subtrusts. One of those subtrusts can be a survivors trust. A second subtrust, the decedents trust, will also be created to hold and manage assets owned by the decedent. How a Survivors Trust Works A typical joint trust arrangement lists four types of property, depending on the state in which you live: Joint assets Community property First spouses separate property Second spouses separate property When the first spouse dies, the survivors trust receives one-half of the community property, one-half of the joint property, and all property identified as the separate property of the surviving spouse. The deceased spouses half of the community property and joint property, along with their separate property, may be funded into the decedents trust with its own set of instructions. The trust agreement could also state that all of the deceased spouses property will go into the survivors trust instead of going into a separate subtrust. Reasons to Have a Survivors Trust Regardless of exactly how the joint trust assets are allocated, a crucial distinction is that a survivors trust is revocable, while the decedents sub-trust is irrevocable. This means that the surviving spouse retains full control over the survivors trust. They can alter the terms of the trust however they want. For example, they can add and remove assets, change beneficiaries, appoint new trustees, or terminate the trust. The surviving spouse can also completely change the terms of the survivors trust in its entirety. While the surviving spouse may be the beneficiary of the decedents trust, the surviving spouse will likely have less control over the management of assets in the decedents trust. This allows the deceased spouse to put protective measures in place while they are alive to make sure that their assets are managed the way they want and that someone cannot change the rules after they pass away. This can be helpful for clients who are worried about their spouse remarrying after their death and to ensure that assets that remain at the surviving spouses death go to a predetermined person. The purpose of any trust is to take care of loved ones and protect assets from costly probate and taxes. To discuss an estate plan that meets your goals, please schedule your appointment with our Estate Planning attorneys - 724-375-4005.

Navigating Medicare with Confidence

Becoming eligible for Medicare is a significant milestone in your life. Whether you are newly turning 65 or approaching eligibility due to disability, understanding your Medicare options can feel overwhelming. With multiple parts, plans, and enrollment periods, making the right choice is essential to protect your health and finances.Thats where Inman Medical Insurance Services steps in helping Medicare-eligible individuals and their families navigate the complex landscape of Medicare insurance with clarity, confidence, and care.Understanding Medicare: A Quick OverviewMedicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, younger individuals with certain disabilities, and those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). It consists of several parts: Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers outpatient services like doctor visits, preventive care, and some home health services. Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans are offered by private companies approved by Medicare and include Part A and B benefits, often with added perks. Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) helps cover the cost of medications through private plans. Choosing the right combination of these parts depends on your health needs, budget, and preferences.Why Professional Guidance Matters When Choosing Medicare PlansMedicare is not a one-size-fits-all program. With dozens of Medicare Advantage and Part D plans available in many areas, it can be challenging to understand differences in coverage, premiums, deductibles, copays, and provider networks. Making an uninformed decision could mean paying more than necessary or missing coverage for services you need.Inman Medical Insurance Services offers personalized Medicare consulting to ensure you: Understand your Medicare benefits and options Identify plans that best fit your health needs and financial situation Avoid costly penalties by enrolling during the correct periods Navigate changes to your Medicare coverage over time This professional guidance saves time, reduces confusion, and empowers you to make decisions with peace of mind.Services Offered by Inman Medical Insurance ServicesAt Inman Medical Insurance Services, youll find a trusted partner with a deep knowledge of Medicare plans and regulations. Their services include:1. Medicare Eligibility CounselingIf youre turning 65 or recently became eligible due to disability, the team helps you understand when and how to enroll in Medicare, including your initial enrollment period and special circumstances.2. Medicare Plan Comparison and EnrollmentThey analyze available Medicare Advantage, Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance), and Part D prescription drug plans in your area. By comparing costs, coverage, and provider networks, they help you select a plan that fits your unique needs.3. Annual Medicare Review and Plan OptimizationMedicare plans can change year to year. Inman Medical Insurance Services offers yearly reviews during the open enrollment period (October 15 December 7) to ensure your plan remains the best option, or help you switch plans if needed.4. Assistance with Medicare Appeals and ClaimsIf you encounter coverage denials or billing issues, their experts assist with navigating appeals and resolving Medicare claims, reducing stress and ensuring your rights are protected.5. Education on Medicare Savings Programs and Financial AssistanceMany Medicare-eligible individuals qualify for programs that reduce costs, such as Medicaid, Extra Help, or state pharmaceutical assistance programs. The team helps you identify and apply for these valuable benefits.Who Can Benefit Most from Inman Medical Insurance Services? Newly Medicare-eligible individuals who want to start their coverage on the right foot. Current Medicare beneficiaries seeking to optimize their plan or save money. Caregivers or family members assisting loved ones with Medicare decisions. Anyone feeling overwhelmed by Medicare's complexity and needing personalized support. Why Choose Inman Medical Insurance Services? Experienced Medicare Specialists: Knowledgeable in local and national Medicare regulations. Personalized Service: Tailored recommendations based on your health, budget, and goals. Trusted Advisor: Committed to education, transparency, and ethical guidance. Local Presence: Familiar with regional plan options and resources in Pennsylvania. Ongoing Support: Available year-round for questions, enrollment, and plan changes. Medicare FAQs Answered by Inman Medical Insurance ServicesQ: When should I sign up for Medicare? A: Your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes the month you turn 65, and ends three months after. Signing up during this window avoids late enrollment penalties.Q: Whats the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap? A: Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are all-in-one coverage offered by private companies and often include extra benefits like vision or dental. Medigap plans supplement Original Medicare by covering out-of-pocket costs.Q: Can I change my Medicare plan every year? A: Yes. During the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 Dec 7), you can switch Medicare Advantage plans or Part D prescription drug plans.Q: How can I reduce my Medicare costs? A: Programs like Medicaid, Extra Help for prescription drugs, and Medicare Savings Programs can lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Inman Medical Insurance Services helps you find and apply for these.Take the Next Step Toward Medicare ConfidenceNavigating Medicare can be complicated, but you dont have to do it alone. Let Inman Medical Insurance Services guide you through the process with clarity and confidence. Their expert support ensures you select the right plan for your needs and budget, now and in the years ahead. For personalized Medicare help and a no-obligation consultation, call us today at 724-306- 8802.  6-8802

Aging in Place with Dignity: How Homecare Services Empower Independence for Seniors in Pittsburgh

As more older adults express a strong desire to age in place, families across Pittsburgh are seeking solutions that allow their loved ones to remain in the comfort of their own homes while still receiving the care and companionship they need. Aging in place means staying in ones own residence as one grows older, rather than moving into assisted living or a nursing facility. For many seniors, this choice represents independence, familiarity, and dignity. But aging in place doesnt mean aging alone. Thats where Seniors Helping Seniors in Pittsburgh is making a meaningful difference. This unique in-home senior care provider offers a compassionate and innovative model: pairing older adults who need assistance with other active, caring seniors who can provide that help. Meeting the Real Needs of Seniors The challenges of growing older can feel overwhelmingespecially when tasks that were once routine become more difficult. From help with grocery shopping and meal preparation to medication reminders and transportation to doctors appointments, the day-to-day needs of aging adults can pile up quickly. Many family caregivers try to manage it all, often at the expense of their own health and peace of mind. In-home senior care in Pittsburgh through organizations like Seniors Helping Seniors provides crucial support that eases this burden. But what makes this service truly unique is its peer-based approach. By matching older adults with other compassionate seniors, care feels less like a transaction and more like a trusted friendship. According to numerous studies, social interaction and companionship play a critical role in senior mental health, often improving mood, reducing isolation, and even slowing cognitive decline. Seniors Helping Seniors doesnt just provide helpit brings real human connection into the home. The Benefits of Aging in Place with Homecare Support 1. Safety and Comfort in Familiar Surroundings Home is more than just four walls. It holds memories, routines, and a deep sense of identity. Homecare services allow seniors to stay in this familiar environment, reducing stress and anxiety often associated with relocation. With the help of a caregiver, even small modifications and daily assistance can dramatically improve safety, especially for those with mobility issues or chronic health conditions. 2. Personalized, One-on-One Attention Unlike institutional settings, in-home care is tailored to the individual. Seniors Helping Seniors Pittsburgh creates personalized care plans based on each persons unique needs, routines, and preferences. Whether its light housekeeping, help with errands, or simply a daily check-in, every service is delivered with a level of attentiveness and compassion that is hard to match in larger care facilities. 3. Maintaining Independence and Self-Worth One of the hardest parts of aging for many seniors is the loss of independence. With in-home elder care, seniors maintain a greater level of autonomy. Rather than having tasks done for them, care providers often assist with tasks alongside themencouraging participation and preserving dignity. 4. Companionship and Emotional Support Aging in place can sometimes feel isolating, especially for seniors who live alone or have lost a spouse. But Seniors Helping Seniors understands that emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. Their caregiversmany of whom are also retireesoffer heartfelt companionship. Theyre there to chat, play cards, take a walk, or just be present. This kind of peer support builds trust and fosters a sense of community within the home. 5. Peace of Mind for Families For family caregivers, knowing their loved one is not just cared for, but truly seen, is priceless. Many adult children struggle with guilt or burnout trying to juggle caregiving with their own work and family responsibilities. Having a reliable, trustworthy in-home care partner can ease that stress and ensure consistent, compassionate care. Seniors Helping Seniors: A Neighborly Approach to Senior Care What sets Seniors Helping Seniors Pittsburgh apart is its community-based model. By employing active seniors to care for other seniors, the organization fosters a deep sense of empathy and mutual understanding. Caregivers arent just service providerstheyre peers who can relate to the experience of aging. Many clients find this not only reassuring, but genuinely uplifting. Founded on the belief that seniors can help each other age gracefully and joyfully, the organization provides flexible, affordable homecare services throughout the Pittsburgh area, including non-medical support, companionship care, light housekeeping, transportation, and respite care for family members. And because all caregivers are carefully vetted and trained, families can feel confident their loved ones are in good hands. A Growing Demand for In-Home Senior Care in Pittsburgh As Pittsburghs population ages, demand for reliable senior homecare services continues to grow. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, more than 1 in 5 Americans will be over 65. For many, the goal is clear: stay at home, stay safe, and stay connected. Affordable homecare for seniors is no longer a luxuryits a critical component of healthy aging. And thanks to organizations like Seniors Helping Seniors Pittsburgh, more families than ever can make that vision a reality. Final Thoughts: Supporting Independence, One Home at a Time Aging in place is about more than avoiding a moveit's about preserving quality of life. It's about honoring a lifetime of independence while recognizing the very real need for help. With thoughtful, respectful in-home care, seniors can continue to live on their own terms, surrounded by their memories, their community, and the comforts of home. For family caregivers, the peace of mind that comes from partnering with a trusted provider like Seniors Helping Seniors is immeasurable. If you're caring for an aging loved oneor planning your own path forwardconsider how homecare might be the key to aging in place with dignity, support, and joy.