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“The real risk isn’t volatility. The real risk is selling during a dip and locking in a permanent loss.” — John S. Rhodes, Rhodes Brothers
Most people run from volatility like it’s a plague. But what if I told you that the very thing everyone fears about Bitcoin — its wild price swings — is actually the key to building life-changing wealth?
Bitcoin’s price can shoot up 200% in a year… or crash 80% in a month. Sounds terrifying, right? But if you understand how to ride the waves — and more importantly, when not to jump ship — you can turn volatility into your greatest financial ally.
In this post, we’ll break down the truth behind Bitcoin’s volatility and why it’s not the real danger. We’ll explore:
- How to leverage volatility to build wealth
- Why buying and holding Bitcoin (a.k.a. “HODLing”) is still one of the most powerful strategies
- What common mistakes people make that cost them everything
- Step-by-step tips for beginners, millennials, and even retirees who want to benefit from Bitcoin
- Tools and strategies to stay sane in insane markets
Did you know that there has never been a 5-year period in Bitcoin’s history where holding resulted in a loss?
That’s not a fluke — it’s a pattern. And once you understand it, you’ll never look at Bitcoin the same again.
TL;DR
- Volatility isn’t the enemy — poor timing is.
- HODLing works: No 5-year holder of Bitcoin has ever lost money.
- Buy and hold is a powerful, low-stress wealth-building strategy.
- The worst move? Selling in a panic during a dip.
- You need a clear Bitcoin selling plan before emotions take over.
- Tools like CoinMarketCap, Glassnode, and Swan Bitcoin can help you stay informed and disciplined.
- Whether you’re 25 or 65, it’s not too late to benefit from smart Bitcoin strategies.
Why Bitcoin’s Volatility Is Actually a Gift
Bitcoin’s reputation for being volatile is infamous. One day it’s up 20%, the next it tumbles just as hard. Most investors see this as a red flag. But here’s the twist — that volatility is exactly what creates the massive upside potential.
Volatility isn’t a flaw in Bitcoin. It’s a feature. It opens the door to explosive growth — if you know how to handle it.
Volatility ≠ Risk
Let’s get this clear: Volatility and risk aren’t the same thing.
Volatility is movement, not danger. Bitcoin goes up and down — sometimes violently. But unless you sell during a drop, you haven’t lost anything.
“In the short run, the market is a voting machine. In the long run, it is a weighing machine.” — Benjamin Graham
This quote fits perfectly here. In the short term, emotions drive prices. Over time, value wins.
The Real Risk? Selling at the Wrong Time
John S. Rhodes nails it in the video: “The selling during the big dips is where you’re facing risk.”
If you bought Bitcoin at $60,000 and sold at $30,000, yes — you lost half your investment. But if you held on? It could soar again. History shows it has… repeatedly.
Bitcoin has recovered from:
- The 2013 crash (down 85%)
- The 2017 bubble pop (down 84%)
- The 2022 bear market (down 76%)
And each time, it came back stronger.
How to Turn Bitcoin Volatility Into Wealth
If you’re constantly stressed about Bitcoin’s price movements, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: volatility is only scary if you don’t have a plan. When you approach it with the right mindset and strategy, those wild swings can become your greatest advantage.
Let’s explore how to turn Bitcoin’s chaos into your personal wealth-building machine.
Step 1: Shift Your Mindset
Stop thinking like a trader. Think like an investor.
Volatility isn’t scary when you zoom out. Bitcoin rewards those with patience, not those who try to time the market.
Step 2: Embrace the HODL Strategy
HODLing (holding on for dear life) works. If you had bought Bitcoin at almost any point and held for 5+ years, you’d be in profit.
Example:
- Bought in 2017 at $19,000 (peak)
- Held through the crash to $3,000
- Still profitable in 2021 when it hit $69,000
Step 3: Have a Selling Plan in Advance
Don’t let emotions make decisions. Set price targets.
Example Selling Plan:
- Sell 10% at $80,000
- Sell 10% at $120,000
- Sell 10% at $200,000
- Hold the rest long-term
Use tools like:
- CoinMarketCap Alerts – to track price targets
- Swan Bitcoin – for automated buying and selling
- BlockFi or Unchained Capital – for borrowing against BTC (not financial advice, do your own research)
Actionable Steps for Different Types of Bitcoin Investors
Bitcoin isn’t a one-size-fits-all investment. Depending on your age, goals, and risk tolerance, your approach should vary — and that’s perfectly okay. Whether you’re just getting started, building wealth in your prime, or looking to preserve capital as retirement approaches, here’s a breakdown of how to make Bitcoin work for you no matter where you are in life.
For Beginners: Learn, Start Small & Stay Consistent
If you’re new to Bitcoin, the most important thing is to start slow and build confidence. You don’t need to be a tech wizard or financial expert to get started.
Actionable Steps:
- Start with small amounts: $10–$50/week is enough to begin. Use Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA) to reduce risk — buying a fixed amount regularly regardless of price.
- Use beginner-friendly platforms: Apps like Cash App, Strike, or Swan Bitcoin are easy to use and have intuitive interfaces.
- Automate your buys: Set it and forget it. DCA removes emotion from the equation.
- Secure your Bitcoin: Start by storing in-app, then transition to a hardware wallet like Trezor Model One or Ledger Nano S Plus once you’ve accumulated more.
- Learn as you go: Follow trusted voices on YouTube (like Rhodes Brothers) and Twitter, and read beginner books like “Bitcoin for Beginners” or “The Little Bitcoin Book.”
Goal: Build a habit. Don’t chase trends — just stack sats slowly and consistently.
For Millennials: Focus on Freedom, Security & Future Wealth
Millennials are in a sweet spot — they’re tech-savvy, understand inflation, and have time on their side. Bitcoin isn’t just an investment — it’s a freedom technology.
Actionable Steps:
- Set a long-term goal: Are you buying Bitcoin as a retirement asset, a safety net, or a bet on the future?
- Portfolio allocation: 1–5% of your total net worth is a solid starting point. If you’re more risk-tolerant and well-informed, some go up to 10%.
- Self-custody matters: Use a hardware wallet (e.g., Ledger Nano X, Trezor Model T) to hold your Bitcoin — “Not your keys, not your coins.”
- Automate your buys and savings using platforms like Swan Bitcoin or River Financial, which offer recurring buys and auto-withdrawals to your wallet.
- Stay educated: Listen to podcasts like What Bitcoin Did, Bitcoin Audible, or TFTC to stay sharp.
Goal: Accumulate Bitcoin with a long-term horizon and stay in control of your own wealth.
For People Nearing Retirement: Preserve Wealth & Hedge Against Inflation
You don’t need to be a techie to benefit from Bitcoin. Even those nearing or in retirement can use it strategically — not recklessly.
Actionable Steps:
- Be cautious, but don’t ignore it: Bitcoin can act as a hedge against fiat currency debasement and inflation.
- Small allocation, big impact: Even a 0.5–2% allocation in your retirement portfolio can have an outsized impact if Bitcoin performs over time.
- Explore Bitcoin IRAs: Platforms like iTrustCapital, BitIRA, and Choice by Kingdom Trust allow you to buy and hold Bitcoin tax-advantaged in retirement accounts.
- Use trusted custodians: If self-custody feels too complex, consider secure custodial services while you learn more.
- Avoid leverage and trading: This is not the time for high-risk speculation. Stick to buy and hold.
Goal: Add Bitcoin as a small, strategic piece of a diversified portfolio to preserve purchasing power and protect against systemic risk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Bitcoin — And How to Fix Them
Bitcoin has a steep learning curve, and while it can be incredibly rewarding, missteps — especially emotional or uninformed ones — can be costly. Whether you’re new or experienced, here are the top mistakes people make with Bitcoin and how to avoid them with smart, practical strategies.
1. Panic Selling During Dips
The Mistake:
You buy Bitcoin at $40,000. It drops to $28,000. Fear kicks in. You sell to “cut losses” — but the price rebounds weeks later. You’re out, and you missed the recovery.
Why It Happens:
Fear of losing everything. Lack of a long-term perspective. Media hype amplifies fear.
Solution:
- Zoom out: Look at Bitcoin’s 10+ year history. It has crashed many times and recovered each time.
- Have a plan: Set your investment horizon (e.g., 4–5 years minimum).
- Use DCA: Regular investing helps you stay calm during volatility.
- Turn off the noise: Stop watching the price every hour. Avoid panic-driven media headlines.
2. Overexposure — Going All-In
The Mistake:
Putting your rent money or entire savings into Bitcoin expecting quick returns.
Why It Happens:
Fear of missing out (FOMO). People hear success stories and want fast gains.
Solution:
- Only invest what you can afford to lose — especially in the beginning.
- Start with a small percentage: 1–5% of your total portfolio is a smart range for most.
- Diversify: Don’t bet everything on one asset, even one as promising as Bitcoin.
3. Not Using Cold Storage (Self-Custody)
The Mistake:
Leaving your Bitcoin on exchanges like Coinbase, Binance, or Cash App, thinking it’s “safe enough.”
Why It Happens:
Convenience. Fear of messing up with wallets. Lack of understanding about risks.
Solution:
- “Not your keys, not your coins.” Learn this early.
- Buy a hardware wallet like Ledger Nano S Plus or Trezor Model T.
- Follow beginner-friendly guides to safely transfer Bitcoin from the exchange to your wallet.
- Use multi-signature wallets (e.g., Unchained Capital) for added security if you’re holding significant value.
4. Chasing Hype and FOMO Buying
The Mistake:
You see a TikTok video or a tweet claiming Bitcoin is going to $100k “next week” — so you jump in at a high, only to watch it dip.
Why It Happens:
Social media creates urgency. Influencers hype it up without nuance.
Solution:
- Do your own research (DYOR). Study Bitcoin’s fundamentals, not hype.
- Stick to your buying strategy — don’t deviate based on internet noise.
- Avoid buying because of emotional triggers. Buy based on your plan.
5. No Exit Plan
The Mistake:
You never think about when you’ll take profits. You ride it all the way up — and then all the way down again.
Why It Happens:
Greed. Unclear goals. No framework for selling.
Solution:
- Create a sell plan in advance:
- Sell 10% at $80K
- Sell another 10% at $120K
- Keep the rest for long-term
- Use portfolio balance rules: Rebalance when Bitcoin becomes too large a percentage of your holdings.
- Use tools like CoinMarketCap Alerts or Swan Bitcoin’s auto-withdrawals to help automate the process.
6. Leverage Trading
The Mistake:
You borrow money or use margin to buy more Bitcoin, thinking you’ll double your gains. Instead, the price drops and you’re liquidated. You lose it all.
Why It Happens:
Greed. Overconfidence. Misunderstanding risk.
Solution:
- Never use leverage unless you’re a professional — and even then, it’s risky.
- Bitcoin is volatile enough without leverage.
- If you want to increase exposure, do it slowly over time with cash, not debt.
7. Impatience
The Mistake:
You expect results in weeks or months. When Bitcoin doesn’t move fast enough, you get discouraged and exit too early.
Why It Happens:
We live in a world of instant gratification. Bitcoin doesn’t always move on your schedule.
Solution:
- Set a long-term horizon (at least 4 years).
- Track your progress yearly, not daily.
- Remember: Bitcoin rewards patience, not speed.
8. Ignoring Taxes
The Mistake:
Selling Bitcoin and not realizing you owe capital gains tax — or worse, trading frequently without tracking gains/losses.
Why It Happens:
Crypto feels “outside the system,” but it’s still subject to regulation.
Solution:
- Use tax tracking tools like CoinTracker, Koinly, or Accointing.
- Keep records of buys, sells, and transfers.
- Consult a crypto tax advisor if you’re making frequent trades or large gains.
9. Trusting the Wrong People
The Mistake:
Following influencers with no real experience. Falling for scams or “guaranteed” return schemes.
Why It Happens:
Crypto is full of noise and opportunists. Newbies are easy targets.
Solution:
- Stick to reputable educators like Andreas Antonopoulos, Rhodes Brothers, or Preston Pysh.
- Avoid anyone offering guaranteed returns, trading bots, or private “signals” groups.
- If it sounds too good to be true — it is.
10. Forgetting Recovery Options
The Mistake:
You lose access to your wallet and have no backup. Your Bitcoin is gone forever.
Why It Happens:
Improper storage of seed phrases. No redundancy.
Solution:
- Back up your seed phrase on paper or steel (never in the cloud).
- Store it in a secure, fireproof, waterproof location.
- Consider multi-sig wallets where losing one key doesn’t mean losing it all.
Avoiding these mistakes doesn’t just protect your investment — it sets you up for long-term success. Bitcoin is powerful, but only if you respect the rules of the game. Stay calm, stay informed, and stay in control.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started with Bitcoin?
Download an app like Cash App, Strike, or Swan Bitcoin. Connect your bank, set up automatic purchases, and start with small amounts.
Is Bitcoin too late to invest in?
No. Bitcoin is still early in adoption globally. Even at current prices, many believe it has room to grow as digital gold.
Should I sell when it crashes?
No. Selling during dips locks in losses. History shows Bitcoin often recovers.
How do I keep my Bitcoin safe?
Use cold wallets like Ledger Nano X or Trezor. Never store large amounts on exchanges.
What’s a Bitcoin selling plan?
A set of rules for when and how much Bitcoin to sell, based on price milestones or portfolio percentages.
Can I retire with Bitcoin?
Potentially — if you invest wisely, hold long-term, and treat it like a serious asset class.
How volatile is Bitcoin really?
Extremely. It can move 10–20% in a day. But long-term, it’s been one of the best-performing assets.
Can I use Bitcoin like cash?
Technically yes, but most people treat it as a store of value. Apps like Strike and Fold make spending easier.
What’s the safest way to buy Bitcoin?
Use reputable platforms: Swan, Coinbase, Cash App, or Strike. Avoid sketchy exchanges.
What if Bitcoin goes to zero?
That’s the risk. Never invest more than you can afford to lose. But Bitcoin has survived dozens of “deaths” before.
Volatility is Your Superpower
Bitcoin isn’t broken — the mindset around it is. The price swings that scare most people away are the very things that create once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
If you can stay calm, stay the course, and stick to your plan, Bitcoin won’t just be another investment — it could be your ticket to financial freedom.
Get started today by setting your first automatic Bitcoin buy. Just $10 a week can change the game.
Thanks for joining us in this deep dive. For more tips, strategies, and powerful tools to help you master Bitcoin, subscribe to the Rhodes Brothers YouTube Channel.
Resource List
Books
- The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous
- Layered Money by Nik Bhatia
- The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth
Videos
Tools
- Swan Bitcoin – Automated DCA investing
- Strike – Easy Bitcoin payments and low-fee purchases
- Glassnode – On-chain analytics
- CoinMarketCap – Price tracking and alerts
- Ledger Nano X / Trezor Model T – Secure hardware wallets
- Unchained Capital – Multi-sig custody and BTC-backed loans
Courses & Podcasts
- What Bitcoin Did podcast by Peter McCormack
- Bitcoin Audible by Guy Swann
- Crypto Casey – Beginner-friendly video guides
