I just read on FB that the recent rise in price is due to the Western banking interest buying up shares to clear out competition for their own crypto-money due out sometime in 2014?
The price is rising because the "secret" of bitcoin is finally entering into the consciousness of the mainsteam.
The internet was around for many years before it became so popular. Now the next step is when people find out there's more than one currency, more than bitcoin. This might take a couple of more years or maybe just a few months.
So consider yourself lucky! You have found this forum and you have read this post. So now you can explore the future and invest in time to perhaps bring yourself abundance.
Just remember to always choose wisely: http://coinmarketcap.com/