I've searched the forums, and the variations of this question are not often specific enough to get a solid answer, so here's my situation and question;

If I have an older MacBook that I no longer use but that works great, and I have it reset to factory specs, then install a wallet on it, and use that computer as a "cold" wallet, with all wifi and wireless settings turned off, and only physically plug the laptop in when going online (20 minutes here and there) and unplugging it... could that be considered safe enough to be a secure place to store BTC or other crypto?

A MacBook and it's settings is something I'm familiar with, have an extra, and like being able to put different kinds of wallets on it.

I'm not talking about connecting to wifi now and then, I'm talking about ONLY plugging in the ethernet cable when going into the wallet and unplugging it when I'm finished.   If I have the spare laptop (can't sell it, it has sentimental value but I have a newer, faster one I use daily) would the experienced on here say that's a secure way to store coins?

But when I send the money to my cousin's wallet, can they follow it there, or can they just see how much I have at any given moment?

I got hooked and made some (a nice amount) of money when I put a few hundred dollars in Robinhood, the no-fees model makes buying and selling cheap and easy, so it was fun to use and cheap too.

Is there anything similar where I can do the same with my BTC?    I am fine with minimal fees, but is there a place or way where I can buy/sell from BTC to USD or something similar, where it doesn't become expensive if I use it a lot?   Are there any Robinhood-type exchanges or places to trade in the world of Crypto and take advantage of the market fluctuating?

I've been buying BTC from someone over a longer term (a year or so) as I can afford it, and the other day they said that I have $2,000 in my wallet (which was correct).   This shocked me, the only thing I ever gave him was an address to send it to, and he's been using the same one the whole time. 

Can he keep seeing my balance?

Can he (or anyone) see when I spend it? 

Can he (or anyone) here I spend it, as in who gets it from me...?

And when I'm ready, what can I do so that my balance and habits are no longer able to be tracked by him?

Thanks in advance for your time.

What an amazing forum!  This was my first question on here, and so many helpful replies.  Thanks so much everybody!   Having a forum like this is priceless when researching topics, especially ones like this.   So glad I joined!   

So that I can start researching in the right area, I plan to buy BitCoin here and there as I can afford it, and I do not plan to sell or use it.   Is there a way to move it offline, either by printing something, a card, or something else that would make it super super secure (provided the physical info is in a safe place).  I read so many posts about people having stuff stolen over the years, or exchanges getting hacked or going broke, and since I don't plan to use or sell it, what would be the uber-safest solution?  I don't mind if it's complicated, or a harder thing to do, once I know it's the right option, I will take the time to learn how to do it.


Thanks in advance!