60,000 Reasons to Stay Crypto

Did You Know? In the Philippines, $60,000 is enough to place someone in the top 1% of society. Yet, in wealthier nations, this same amount might only secure a spot in the middle class.

To those familiar with my journey—welcome back. To the newcomers, let me introduce myself. I'm the guy who turned $3,000 into $230,000 by trading ALPH and Alephium Ecosystem Tokens. These amounts are still in ALPH and are only considered paper gains for now. However, 70% will be unlocked and vested monthly over the next 11 months, allowing for more ALPH-denominated exposure. Yes, those are my ABX tokens from seed funding. I understand the risks involved, so you don't need to worry about my portfolio for now. Moving on.

As I reflect on my journey, it brings up an existential question: How did I reach the top 1%? Or rather, WHY did I get here? Before we dive into the details, let me share three key insights.

#1 Social Disparities, The Elites, and Global Inequalities

The entry point to the "top 1%" of income earners varies dramatically across the globe. In affluent countries, it might require millions of dollars, whereas in countries like the Philippines, it might be just tens of thousands.

Traditional finance exacerbates these disparities. Think about it: can someone with little money easily access loans? No. But billionaires, already wealthy, can secure billions in financing with ease. This system inherently favors those who already hold wealth.

These wealth gaps are also perpetuated through inheritance, where the rich pass on not only money but also financial literacy, networks, and opportunities that are less accessible to others. The broke people? They inherit all the problems their parents created! Enter- the rat race. The relentless and often futile struggle many experience when caught in these cycles of economic disadvantage.

And politics? Don’t get me started. The top 1% wield disproportionate influence over policymaking, often shaping regulations that protect or expand their wealth. Tax laws favoring capital gains over labor income, and lax financial regulations, are just a few examples. This scenario epitomizes "The Elites."

Satoshi Nakamoto understood this. He wanted to bank the unbanked. Cheng followed through.

Chart Interpretation: Global wealth distribution has become somewhat more equitable between nations. However, the internal economic gaps within countries have widened or become more impactful on global inequality metrics. This could be due to various factors such as globalization, technology, policy changes, or economic development patterns that have not uniformly benefited all citizens within a country. This is INDEED linked to the ELITES.

#2 Crypto as the Great Equalizer

Traditional finance (TradFi) is riddled with barriers: geography, documentation, credit scores, skewed verification, and wealth requirements. Even with a stable income, I once faced these obstacles firsthand. For instance, GCash, a leading Philippine payment platform, offered me a $100 loan with an interest rate of 35.9% over nine months—nearly 4% per month or 48% annually. This is an outrageous cost for accessing fiat liquidity, yet it’s the reality for many.

Blockchain and DeFi tear down these barriers, enabling global financial inclusion. A person in a remote region without access to traditional banking infrastructure can still participate in global financial markets, secure loans, or even act as their own bank.

Take Alephium, for example. Its DeFi protocols provide secure yield farming and staking opportunities, empowering users to earn by providing liquidity or securing the network. Lending protocols like AlphBanX allow users to borrow against their assets, enabling them to increase exposure or mobilize liquidity without having to sell their holdings.

While the crypto space is not without risks—regulatory uncertainty, market volatility, and occasional exploits—Alephium has maintained a flawless security record with zero hacks to date, thanks to its robust design.

For most people, cryptocurrency is a movement, but for someone living in a third world country, it can be much more—it might be our only chance to break free from systemic barriers and build a better future.

#3 Potential for Wealth Redistribution

Where do profits in crypto come from? Where does the money go when you lose? The answers vary, but one truth remains: wealth often flows from the uninformed to the informed. This is why I’m passionate about sharing insights—to help others gain the knowledge they need to succeed.

Cryptocurrencies with strong foundations have provided life-changing returns. They have given individuals with limited resources a real chance to grow their wealth, especially when combined with financial education. This potential to reduce wealth gaps is one of the most revolutionary promises of crypto.

This is why I love Alephium. It is DeFi that actually works! It's not just a speculative fast TPS chain with fancy features but no usable smart contracts.

The true promise of blockchain lies in creating a financial system where participation depends on access to technology, not pre-existing wealth or geography.

Redistribution is almost inevitable in this new financial ecosystem because we are all learning and growing together. Some may progress faster, driven by enthusiasm and curiosity, but the opportunity is open to everyone, nonetheless.

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Why do I need to stay in crypto, and what are these 60,000 reasons?

Crypto has transformed my life, propelling me from the depths of financial struggle into the top 1% of earners. It has opened the doors to financial tools once reserved for the elite, empowering me to not only change my fate but also to influence the future. This is not just my story; it's yours too.

I firmly believe Alephium is the cornerstone of DeFi's future. It has given me secure access to financial tools that were previously unavailable. These tools weren't even accessible in any crypto market. BTC doesn't have smart contracts, ETH is very expensive to interact with, and SOL casually goes offline.

Initially, I thought my engagement with crypto was merely a hobby, a passion. But after experiencing its profound impact on my life, I've come to realize - this is my MISSION. Crypto symbolizes freedom, and I am committed to fighting for it.

The 60,000 reasons? It’s obvious, it is the $60,000 to stay at the upper 1% to get me out of the rat race.

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Sources:

1. How Much Money Do You Need to Be Part of the 1% in the PH?

2. Global income inequality: How big is gap between richest and poorest? | World Economic Forum

3. Nine Charts about Wealth Inequality in America

4. Trends in U.S. income and wealth inequality | Pew Research Center

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***Disclaimer:***The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered financial advice. You should consult with a financial advisor or other professional to determine what may be best for your individual needs. We do not make any guarantee or other promise as to any results that may be obtained from using our content. No one should make any investment decision without first conducting their own research and due diligence. To the maximum extent permitted by law, we disclaim any and all liability in the event any information, commentary, analysis, opinions, advice and/or recommendations prove to be inaccurate, incomplete or unreliable, or result in any investment or other losses. Remember that investing in crypto involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results.