It seems Bitcoin is not going anywhere and will continue to be discussed as a future currency for us all. But if you're anything like me, you'll have no idea how it works and why it's so important.

Bitcoin has been spiking in value and popularity recently, with hype for it through the roof.

Since you'd have to have been living under a rock not to have heard all the hype surrounding Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, I think it's time we learned more about it. 

So why is Bitcoin -- and cryptocurrencies in general -- so popular?

The fact that these cryptocurrencies are 'decentralised' is a major selling point for them, in that governments and banks no longer control the flow of currency.

Perhaps cryptocurrencies are the future for us all. But whatever the outcome, they have potential to be an investment with astronomical returns, albeit a risky one.