A crypto bull run feels like a gold rush. I’ve been there — watching my portfolio shoot up overnight because Elon Musk tweeted a Dogecoin meme, thinking I’ve cracked the code. But here’s the thing: without a plan, those gains can disappear just as fast. I’m no crypto geek or full-time trader. I’m just a college student who loves finance, investing, and the crazy opportunities crypto offers. Let me share six tips I’ve picked up (sometimes the hard way) to help you stay ahead.
1. Look Beyond Centralized Exchanges
When I started, I only used Coinbase and Binance. They’re easy to navigate but limited in what they offer. I didn’t even know there was a “primary market.” Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) like Uniswap or PancakeSwap have tokens you won’t find on big platforms yet. Once I made the switch, I started catching projects early — sometimes before they gained mainstream attention.
2. Avoid Collecting Coins Like Trophies
Early on, I bought every coin someone hyped online. My portfolio had 40+ coins, and I couldn’t keep up. Most didn’t even make sense to me. It felt exciting at first — like I was diversifying — but I was just spreading myself too thin.
Now, I stick to 15–20 coins tops. This way, I can actually follow updates, track prices, and understand the projects I’ve invested in. Trust me, fewer coins mean less stress and better results.
3. Learn to Take Profits (Even When It Hurts)
I’ll be honest — watching a coin double or triple in value is a rush. I’ve held onto coins thinking, “What if it goes higher?” Then, I’ve seen them crash back to my entry price (or lower). The worst feeling? Knowing I could’ve cashed out but didn’t.
Now, I sell a percentage of my holdings as prices rise. For example:
I take out 25% when the coin doubles.
Another 25% if it triples.
This way, I lock in gains while staying in the game. It’s not as thrilling as holding forever, but it’s a lot less painful when the market turns.
4. Don’t Chase Every Trend
When meme coins started pumping, I couldn’t resist. I bought into the hype without understanding anything about them. Some made quick gains, but most fizzled out. I learned to focus on projects with real potential.
Ask yourself: “If the hype dies, would I still believe in this?” If the answer is no, think twice before buying.
5. Remember the Last Bull Run
I still think about the 2021 bull run. My portfolio soared from $5,000 to $20,000, but I didn’t have a plan. I held on, thinking the gains would keep coming. When the crash hit, I lost most of it. That taught me a tough but valuable lesson: profits aren’t real until you take them.
Now, I aim to secure life-changing gains instead of chasing impossible highs. You can’t time the top, so take wins when you can.
6. Commit to Learning
I spend about an hour a day researching. It’s not glamorous, but staying informed helps me spot opportunities and avoid bad decisions. Even 30 minutes can make a difference. Follow updates on your coins, understand their use cases, and don’t rely on influencers alone. It’s your money — treat it like it matters.
Final Thoughts
Crypto is exciting, no doubt. But it’s also unpredictable. I’ve made mistakes and missed chances, but those experiences have shaped how I invest today. Stick to a plan, keep your portfolio manageable, and take profits while you can. The goal isn’t just to watch your portfolio grow — it’s to walk away with something real.
