Crypto Deep Dive: Bitcoin, Stablecoins & Self-Custody
Protecting Value and Understanding the Pillars Behind Digital Money
Hello friends,
We talk a lot about consistency, income, and balance in every portfolio. But in today’s financial world, you can’t ignore the digital frontier — crypto.
In this issue, I’ll unpack Bitcoin, stablecoins, self-custody, and how they fit inside the 50/35/15 framework.
These aren’t get-rich-quick ideas — they’re evolving tools for long-term investors who want to stay ahead of change.
🪙 Bitcoin and Long-Term Returns
Bitcoin has been one of the most powerful (and volatile) assets in modern history.
If you invested $1,000 in 2015, it would be worth roughly $420,000+ today.
Bitcoin’s 10-year annualized return averages close to 49% per year.
Its strength lies in its limited supply (21 million coins) — no one can create more.
But volatility is real. Bitcoin can rise or fall 30% in a week, which is why it belongs in your 15% speculation bucket, not as your foundation.
💡 What Are “Sats” (Satoshis)?
A Satoshi, often called a Sat, is the smallest unit of Bitcoin.
1 Bitcoin = 100,000,000 Satoshis
Think of sats like pennies in the Bitcoin system.
This allows investors to accumulate fractions of Bitcoin without buying a whole coin.
💵 Stablecoins — The Calm Side of Crypto
Stablecoins are digital currencies pegged to the U.S. dollar (or other stable assets). They combine the flexibility of crypto with the stability of fiat.
Two leaders dominate the space:
Tether (USDT) — backed by cash and U.S. Treasuries
Circle (USDC) — U.S.-based and heavily regulated
Together, they make up over $220 billion in circulating value, powering trading, payments, and decentralized finance.
🔐 The GENIUS Act — Clarity for Stablecoins
The GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins) created clear standards:
Each coin must be backed 1:1 with liquid assets.
Issuers must disclose reserves and protect holders in insolvency.
Smaller issuers may remain state-regulated, larger ones face federal oversight.
This gives stablecoins legitimacy — and protects long-term investors.
🧭 Self-Custody and Cold Wallets
If you own crypto, you must control your private keys — that’s self-custody.
Use cold wallets (Ledger, Trezor) for long-term storage.
Keep only small balances on exchanges.
Back up recovery phrases offline, securely.
Crypto is digital — but real security is physical.
🏦 Who Holds the Most Bitcoin?
MicroStrategy — ≈ 226,000 BTC
U.S. Government — ≈ 198,000 BTC (strategic reserves)
Long-term holders control ≈ 70% of supply for a year or more — a sign of institutional maturity.
💼 Portfolio Snapshot
Recently, I added a position in iBIT — the BlackRock Bitcoin ETF.
It’s one of the first regulated Bitcoin ETFs for U.S. investors, offering exposure without private key management.
For me, iBIT fits perfectly in the 15% Speculation Bucket, alongside Bitcoin and Ethereum — capturing crypto upside through a traditional, brokerage-friendly vehicle.
💡 How This Fits the 50/35/15 Plan
50% Growth — tech, innovation, and long-term compounders
35% Income — dividends, distributions, and option premiums
15% Speculation — controlled upside like Bitcoin
The consistent investor doesn’t gamble — they adapt.
Crypto isn’t a replacement for income; it’s a modern layer of diversification and flexibility.
Consistency. Cash Flow. Growth.
— Samuel, The Consistent Investor™
🔜 Next Issue Preview
Next week, we’ll talk about variable yields — the hidden risk behind high yield promises, and how to avoid income traps.
📌 Disclaimer:
The information shared in The Consistent Investor™ is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.
© 2025 MoveOn LLC. The Consistent Investor™ — All rights reserved. Published by MoveOn LLC.