Newbie here, help me understand…

I am late to the game primarily because it’s hard for me to comprehend crypto currencies. It seems like a financial system where if a person has enough resources, then they can “print” their own money. Is that right?

If so, I can’t understand how this is a safe investment. I know…I know, all investments can be viewed as risky. Help me out here. What is a good resource that explains crypto currency in simple terms? Also, can someone explain if and how investing in crypto is just as safe as the stock market?